U.S. patent application number 10/778940 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-25 for moveable toy.
Invention is credited to Padilla, Ronald G..
Application Number | 20040235388 10/778940 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33456668 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040235388 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Padilla, Ronald G. |
November 25, 2004 |
Moveable toy
Abstract
A toy is provided with a platform adapted to move along a
playing surface, a bumper supported thereby and projecting beyond
the peripheral edge, and a target disposed thereon. The platform
may be adapted to float or slide across a game playing surface, or
include wheels or casters disposed thereon to engage and roll about
the playing surface. The platform may be made of wood, plastic, or
a combination thereof, and could be a floor scooter. The bumper is
supported by the platform and may be an inflatable tube or a piece
of foam, both of which are impact absorbing and capable of reducing
risk of injury either to the toy's users or to the surrounding game
area. The target may be posts, buckets, hoops, or domes for playing
a variety of hand-toss games or be used as the object of the game
such as hockey puck.
Inventors: |
Padilla, Ronald G.;
(Lakewood, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TIMOTHY J MARTIN, PC
9250 W 5TH AVENUE
SUITE 200
LAKEWOOD
CO
80226
US
|
Family ID: |
33456668 |
Appl. No.: |
10/778940 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60447199 |
Feb 12, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/269 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/269 |
International
Class: |
A63H 007/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A toy, comprising: (A) a platform adapted for movement along a
playing surface, said platform having an upper surface, a lower
surface opposite the upper surface, and a peripheral edge; (B) a
bumper supported by said platform and projecting outwardly beyond
at least a portion of the peripheral edge; and (C) a target
disposed on and projecting upwardly of the upper surface of said
platform.
2. A toy according to claim 1 wherein said platform is adapted to
float on water.
3. A toy according to claim 1 including wheels supported by said
platform and oriented below the lower surface of said platform,
said wheels operative to engage the playing surface.
4. A toy according to claim 3 wherein said wheels are casters.
5. A toy according to claim 1 wherein said platform is formed of a
material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, and a
combination thereof.
6. A toy according to claim 1 wherein said bumper is an inflatable
tube.
7. A toy according to claim 1 wherein said bumper is formed of foam
having a selected size and configuration.
8. A toy according to claim 1 wherein said target is selected from
the group consisting of posts, receptacles, pylons, hoops, and
domes.
9. A toy according to claim 1 including a post supported by said
platform.
10. A toy according to claim 9 wherein said post is formed of a
flexible material.
11. A toy according to claim 9 wherein said post is a coil.
12. A toy according to claim 9 wherein said post is sized and
adapted to restrain movement of said bumper relative to said
platform.
13. A toy according to claim 9 wherein said post is sized and
adapted to restrain movement of said target relative to said
platform.
14. A toy according to claim 9 wherein said platform includes an
aperture formed therethrough wherein the aperture is sized and
adapted to receive said post.
15. A toy, comprising: (A) a wheeled platform adapted for rolling
movement along a playing surface, said wheeled platform having an
upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface and a
peripheral edge; (B) a bumper supported by said platform and
projecting outwardly beyond at least a portion of the peripheral
edge; and (C) a post supported by said wheeled platform and
projecting upwardly of the upper surface thereof.
16. A toy according to claim 15 wherein said post is formed of a
flexible material.
17. A toy according to claim 15 wherein said post is a spring
coil.
18. A toy according to claim 15 including a target supported by
said wheeled platform.
19. A toy according to claim 18 wherein said target is selected
from the group consisting of receptacles, pylons, hoops, and
domes.
20. A toy according to claim 18 wherein said target is disposed on
the upper surface of said platform and adapted to be received by
said post such that said post restrains the movement of said target
relative to the upper surface of said platform.
21. A toy according to claim 15 wherein said bumper is disposed on
the upper surface of said platform and includes an opening
therethorugh adapted to receive said post.
22. A toy according to claim 15 wherein said bumper is an
inflatable tube.
23. A toy according to claim 15 wherein said bumper is formed of
foam having a selected size and configuration.
24. A toy, comprising: (A) a scooter for rolling movement along a
playing surface, including (1) a platform in the form of a plate of
selected size and configuration, said platform having an upper
surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and a
peripheral edge; (2) a plurality of wheels disposed on the lower
surface of said platform and operative to engage the playing
surface; and (3) a centrally located aperture; and (B) a bumper
supported by scooter and projecting outwardly beyond at least a
portion of the peripheral edge.
25. A toy according to claim 24 wherein said bumper is an
inflatable tube.
26. A toy according to claim 24 wherein said bumper is formed of
foam having a selected size and configuration.
27. A toy according to claim 24 including a target supported by
said scooter.
28. A toy according to claim 27 wherein said target is selected
from the group consisting of posts, receptacles, pylons, hoops, and
domes.
29. A toy according to claim 24 including a post supported by said
scooter.
30. A toy according to claim 29 wherein said post is sized and
adapted to be received by the aperture in said scooter.
31. A toy according to claim 29 wherein said post restrains the
movement of said bumper relative to the platform.
32. A toy according to claim 24 including, (A) a target supported
by said scooter; and (B) a post supported by said scooter, said
post adapted to restrain the movement of both said target and said
bumper relative to the upper surface of said platform.
33. A toy according to claim 32 wherein said post projects upwardly
of the upper surface of said platform.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to toys and games
that are both educational and recreational. More particularly, the
present invention is directed to a toy movable about a playing
surface adapted for use in a variety of individual or group
oriented games. Specifically, the present invention is a wheeled
toy that incorporates various interchangeable components that can
be used to assist in the development of a child's hand-eye
coordination, depth perception, aim, accuracy, and interaction with
other children.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is a simple fact that children love toys. Most toys are
designed to be suited for particular age groups while others
incorporate various design elements that enable the toy to become
more challenging as the child develops. Perhaps more important than
their entertainment value, toys assist in the development of a
child's coordination skills, such as vision, depth perception, aim,
and hand/eye coordination. For example, usually by the time an
infant is between four and six months of age, he/she has already
learned to push himself/herself up, roll over, sit, and reach for
objects. Many toys designed for an infant at this age provide
sensory stimulation in the form of sound, light, bright colors, or
fascinating frameworks with dangling objects. These types of toys
intrigue the infant, encouraging him/her to reach for the toy,
press buttons, or bat at the dangling objects and in so doing, help
the development of the infant's coordination skills.
[0003] As children become older, they are introduced to more
complex toys that reinforce the development of their maturing
coordination skills and entail matching, stacking, inserting, or
lacing, for instance. Such toys include stacking blocks, rings, and
the like. The child grows more accurate as his/her skills develop
with the toy while at the same time encourage the child's
imagination.
[0004] As the child matures, his/her skills continue to develop and
are expanded with more complex games and the interaction with other
children. For example, children may be divided into teams to play
basketball, hockey, and soccer, to name a few. These types of
activities not only reinforce the developing coordination skills,
but also teach the child to follow directions and cooperate with
others.
[0005] Although there are a large variety of both toys and games
that are educational and recreational, repetitive play with the
same toys or the same games may become monotonous and no longer
challenging so as to slow the growth of the child's developmental
skills. Accordingly, there is always a need for a new and unique
toy or game that provides a different method of enhancing the
child's skills. The present invention is directed to meeting these
needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a new and
useful toy for that is both educational and recreational.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a toy
that is movable along a surface of play.
[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
new and useful wheeled toy with interchangeable components that
both enhances and reinforces the development of a child's hand-eye
coordination, depth perception, aim, accuracy, and interaction with
other children.
[0009] Still a further object of the present invention is to
provide a toy that can be used in elementary school physical
education programs either indoors or outdoors.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
wheeled toy that includes an impact resistant bumper to reduce the
risk of injury to the children as well as damage to an indoor
playing area.
[0011] According to the present invention, then, a movable toy is
provided that is adapted for movement along a surface of play. The
movable toy may be in the form of a platform that may incorporate a
bumper and optionally a target. The platform employed may be one
that is adapted to float or be a wheeled platform made of wood,
plastic, or a combination thereof. The platform has an upper
surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and a
peripheral edge. In a wheeled platform construction, wheels or
casters may be supported by the platform and oriented below the
lower surface of the platform and operative to engage the playing
surface. In one construction, the wheeled platform may be in the
form of a scooter having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite
the upper surface and a peripheral edge, a plurality of wheels
disposed on the lower surface and operative to engage the playing
surface and a centrally located aperture.
[0012] The moveable toy incorporates a bumper supported by the
platform and projecting outwardly beyond at least a portion of the
peripheral edge thereof. The bumper may be an inflatable tube or a
foam piece of selected size and configuration. The toy may further
include a target disposed on and projecting upwardly of the upper
surface of the platform. The target may be selected from the group
consisting of posts, receptacles, pylons, hoops, and domes.
[0013] In addition, the movable toy of the present invention may
also include a post supported by the platform or disposed on the
upper surface thereof. In one construction, the post may be
received within an aperture formed in the platform. The post could
project upwardly of the upper surface of the platform, but is not
limited to this construction. The post may be formed of a flexible
material or could be a spring coil. Further, as is contemplated,
the post may be sized and adapted to restrain movement of the
bumper, the target, or both against movement relative to the upper
surface of the platform.
[0014] These and other objects of the present invention will become
more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the
following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the
present invention when taken together with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wooden scooter according
to the prior art;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plastic scooter according
to the prior art;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a scooter toy with a dish,
with a major portion of the scooter shown in phantom, according to
a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the scooter toy shown in
FIG. 3 taken about lines 4-4;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded view in perspective of the scooter toy
shown in FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the scooter toy shown in
FIGS. 3 through 5 with a bucket centered within an inflatable tube,
such as a floatation tube;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a scooter toy according to a
second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is an exploded view in perspective of the scooter toy
shown in FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a scooter toy according to a
third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the scooter toy shown
in FIG. 9 taken about lines 10-10;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a scooter toy with an
alternative rod assembly;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a scooter toy according to
a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a scooter toy according to
a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0028] The present invention relates to a new and useful toy that
is both educational and recreational, and that is constructed to
enhance the developmental skills of elementary school-aged
children. Generally, the toy of the present invention includes a
platform that is movable along a surface of play. Accordingly, the
present invention contemplates the use of a wheeled platform, such
as a floor or gym scooter, that is adapted for rolling movement
along a playing surface. Alternatively, as contemplated, the
platform may be movable along a water surface such that it is
adapted to float. In this construction, the platform could be a
piece of foam or could be associated with a floatation device that
permits the platform to float on the surface of the water. Further,
if desired, the platform may have a smooth surface that enables it
to be pushed in the snow, or include blades similar to those
incorporated by ice skates that allow it to slide on ice.
[0029] As contemplated, the movable toy incorporates an
impact-absorbing bumper supported by the platform, which can be any
type of structure that is capable of absorbing shocks so that when
the toy is being moved along the surface of play, the bumper will
reduce the risk of injury to its users as well as the risk of
damage to the surrounding game area. The bumper is preferably sized
and adapted so that it extends outwardly beyond the peripheral edge
of the platform and can be either original equipment or a retrofit
structure. For example, as shown and described herein, the
impact-absorbing bumper can be an inflatable floatation tube or a
foam piece of selected size and configuration. However, the
ordinarily skilled artisan would understand that the
impact-resistant bumper is not limited to these forms and could be
formed of any shock absorbent material, including, for example,
rubber.
[0030] Also, as contemplated, the toy may further be associated
with a variety of targets supported by the platform including, for
example, receptacles such as buckets or dishes, basketball hoops,
pylons, and hockey sticks, just to name a few. These targets offer
the child with a toy that incorporates either a stationary or
moving target for a variety of hand-toss oriented activities,
including beanbag toss, basketball, horseshoes, flying discs or
rings, and the like. Alternatively, the toy of the present
invention may be pushed, pulled, kicked, hit, ridden or otherwise
used as a component of a team oriented game.
[0031] To better understand the construction of the present
invention, and for the sake of clarity, the components of the
movable toy contemplated by the present invention to be used in
conjunction with a desired platform will be described below in more
detail with reference to FIGS. 1-13, which shows a wheeled
platform. However, as should be understood, the other platforms
contemplated could also incorporate these components.
[0032] Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 2 that show two
different types of wheeled platforms in the form of floor scooters,
both of which have been offered for sale by Gopher Sport located in
Owatonna, Minn., and Wolverine Sports located in Ann Arbor Mich. As
shown in FIG. 1, a wooden scooter 10 includes platform 12 having an
upper surface 19, a lower surface 18 and a peripheral edge 11. In
addition, as shown, platform 12 further includes four swivel
casters 14 supported by platform 12 and oriented below the lower
surface 18 and operative to engage the playing surface. Children
typically sit on the upper surface 19 of platform 12 and "scoot"
themselves about the game area with their hands or feet.
Oftentimes, the child may sit cross-legged on the platform and be
pushed by his/her playmate.
[0033] With continued reference to FIG. 1, platform 12, which is in
the form of a plate, having a planar upper surface 19 that is
square in shape and which may range in size depending upon the size
and age of the child. Commonly, platform 12 has a 12".times.12"
dimension or a 16".times.16" dimension. Platform 12 may be made of
any type of wood suitable to support a child riding thereon
including hardwoods such as maple, oak, and the like. The platform
may be prepared and treated so as to provide a surface that stays
smooth and protects against splinters. Swivel casters 14 are
preferably made a non-marring material, such as rubber or nylon for
indoor use, but can also be formed of a material that is more
suitable for outdoor surfaces such as cement, asphalt, or even a
grassy terrain. Casters 14 are typically suitably sized in diameter
to provide platform 12 with a low clearance above the support
surface, and are typically about 4" in diameter.
[0034] In addition, wooden scooter 10 has a centrally located
aperture 16 that is formed through platform 12. Aperture 16
provides storage capabilities for the scooter as well as ease in
transporting several scooters at one time. More specifically,
aperture 16 allows for these types of scooters to be stacked on top
of each other and stored on support rods.
[0035] Turning now to FIG. 2, an alternative wheeled platform, in
the form of a scooter according to the prior art is shown. Here,
plastic scooter 20 also includes a platform 22, swivel casters 24,
and a central aperture 26. Unlike the platform of wooden scooter 10
described above, platform 22 is constructed of a suitable plastic
material and may be sold in a variety of different colors including
blue, orange, yellow, and red. Platform 22 further includes a
matrix of diamond-shaped holes 23 formed therethrough both to
provide a decorative appearance as well as to reduce the weight of
the scooter. Further, scooter 20 includes handles 28 that may be
used to shield a child's hands during use.
[0036] Wheeled platforms employed by the present invention are not
limited to those described in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 above. The
present invention contemplates incorporating floor scooter
constructions formed of wood, plastic, or a composite thereof that
may or may not include handles. Also, as should be understood, the
scooter construction is not limited to a square shape, but may be
round, oblong, any rectangular parallelpided or other desired
geometric shape.
[0037] As mentioned above, the present invention contemplates
combining a platform, such as those shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2,
with an impact resistant bumper to provide a new and useful toy. A
first exemplary embodiment of the movable toy according to the
present invention is shown in FIGS. 3-5. As shown, movable toy 30
incorporates wooden scooter 10 shown and described with reference
to FIG. 1 above, an annular, inflatable tube 32 supported by
platform 12 and particularly disposed on upper surface 19 of
platform 12. Dish 34 is also supported by platform 12 and centered
within floatation tube 32. Tube 32 may be of the inflatable type
that is manufactured for use in swimming pools as a floatation
device or toy, but further includes a floor or bottom panel 31, as
shown in FIG. 4 not normally present in such floatation tubes.
Bottom panel 31 is typically formed during the manufacturing
process of floatation tubes, but is typically removed before the
floatation device is placed on the market. Alternatively, as
mentioned above, tube 32 may also be a retrofit structure
constructed specifically for the purpose of forming an
impact-absorbing bumper for the scooter.
[0038] Movable toy 30 may further include post 40 supported by the
platform. As shown in FIG. 5, post 40 may have threaded portions 42
to mate with a respective nut 44 and washer 46. In this embodiment,
post 40 is sized and adapted to be received by aperture 16 as well
as by aperture 38 formed in dish 34 (Shown in FIG. 4). As perhaps
best shown in FIG. 4, apertures 16 and 38 are aligned to permit
post 40 to restrain movement of both tube 32 and dish 34 relative
to the upper surface 19 of platform 12. It should be readily
apparent, however, that there are alternative ways in which tube 32
may be secured to platform 12, such as by glue or other suitable
adhesive. It should also be readily apparent that dish 34 need not
be secured to platform 12 or even included in order to enjoy
scooter 30.
[0039] Securing bottom panel 31 of tube 32 helps maintain the
proper position of tube 32 on platform 12 so that a margin thereof
projects past the periphery of platform 12 so as to reduce the risk
of damage to indoor areas as well as to the children who play with
the movable toy. Tube 32 may be simply seated on platform 12, or
may include ropes, ties, or other structures to help maintain its
proper position on platform 12.
[0040] Dish 34, if included, may act as a target for any number of
hand toss games. For example, children may toss beanbags, balls, or
other objects into the dish. The dish may be either original
equipment or a retrofit structure and is preferably formed of a
flexible, lightweight material such as plastic, cardboard, or the
like, so as to reduce the risk of injury to a child playing with
the movable toy. If desired, dish 34 may be secured to the platform
to help maintain its proper position within the tube 32. Securing
dish 34 may also serve to maintain the proper positioning of the
tube 32 itself, especially if the tube does not have a bottom panel
securable to the platform.
[0041] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, dish 34 may also act as a
receiving component for bucket 50. Here, bucket 50 becomes a target
for any number of hand toss games. In addition, as contemplated by
the present invention, such hand toss games where either dish 34 or
bucket 50 are used as a target, may be further complicated or
presented as a unique or different challenge by rolling toy 30
across a play area such that dish 34 or bucket 50 now becomes a
moving target in order to further assist in the development of
child's timing and coordination skills.
[0042] A second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Here, movable toy 130 includes plastic
scooter 120 shown in FIG. 2. Foam piece 132, shown in the form of a
disc is supported by upper surface 129 of platform 122 and is an
alternative impact resistant bumper. Similar to tube 32 described
above, disc 132 is a round piece that is sized so as to extend
beyond the peripheral edge 111 of platform 122. Disc 132 may be
constructed of a closed-cell foam weighing approximately 1.7 to 2
pounds and may vary in thickness, but is preferably at least one
(1) inch thick.
[0043] As should be understood, disc 132 is not limited to a round
shape, but may be a rectangular parallelpided or other desired
geometric shape. Whatever desired shape is chosen, however, it is
preferable that at least a portion thereof extends past the
peripheral edge 111 of platform 122 so as to properly perform as an
impact resistant bumper. Disc 132 provides a surface for the
placement of other targets, such as bucket 50 (shown in FIG. 6), or
pylon 250, described below with reference to FIG. 9. Accordingly,
multiple targets may be placed on disc 132 to provide a variety of
targets.
[0044] Disc 132 is interposed between platform 122 and dome 150.
Similar to dish 34 and bucket 50 described above, dome 150 provides
a target for a hand toss oriented game. However, dome 150 may also
function to maintain disc 132 in proper position on platform 122 by
means of post 140. With continued reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, post
140 is similar in construction to post 40 as described above with
reference to FIGS. 3-5 in that post 140 has threaded portions 142
adapted to mate with a respective nut 144 and washer 146. However,
here, once supported by platform 122, post 140 projects upwardly of
upper surface 129 of platform 122. Here, post 140 extends through
aperture 126 of platform 122 and aligned apertures 134 of foam
piece 132 and aperture 152 of dome piece 150. As should be
understood, when assembled, post 140 releasably secures dome 150
thereby to keep foam piece 132 in proper position on scooter
120.
[0045] Optionally, cap 156 may be fitted over nut 144 and washer
146 on dome 150 by means of an interior threaded portion that is
adapted to mate with threaded portion 142 of registration rod 140.
When secured thereon, cap 156 may act to conceal both nut 144 and
washer 146 to provide a more aesthetic appearance to scooter 130.
In addition, cap 156 provides a convenient hand-hold for picking up
scooter 120.
[0046] With respect to both scooter constructions described above,
it should be understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art
that these movable toys are not limited to being used to provide
movable targets for hand toss games. Rather, the movable toys may
take the form of an object ball for a variety of other games such
as bowling, hockey, and soccer, just to name a few. For example,
the movable toy may take the form of an attack puck and be pushed
or otherwise directed toward a target ensemble of pins. Also, the
movable toys may take the form of a puck where children equipped
with hockey sticks may strike the movable toy and direct it to a
respective hockey goal. Alternatively, the movable toy could be
kicked just like a ball is kicked to provide various other games
for children, such as soccer.
[0047] FIG. 9 shows the movable toy described above with reference
to FIGS. 7 and 8 except that the dome has been removed and replaced
with a target in the form of pylon 250. As shown, pylon 250 may
provide a target for ring or Frisbee 254 for a ring-toss game. As
perhaps best shown in FIG. 10, post 240 does not releasably secure
pylon 250 to disc 232 as shown with dome 150 described above.
Rather, pylon 250 is simply placed over that portion of the rod
assembly that exposed. Accordingly, as mentioned above, and now
shown here, it is not necessary that disc 232 be secured to the
platform of the scooter by a dome piece in order to be used.
[0048] As best shown in FIG. 10, a portion of post 240 extends up
through foam piece 232 and is concealed by pylon 250. The
protruding portion of post 240 may be wrapped or otherwise covered
with foam or other suitable material, or even a plastic casing, to
reduce the risk of injury. Alternatively, it may be more desirable
to construct post 240 out of a flexible or resilient plastic
material, a closed-cell foam material, or other material that is
capable of bending or otherwise deforming upon impact such as
spring coil 340, shown in FIG. 1. Coil 340 may be made of rubber,
plastic, metal, or any suitable material that will permit the coil
to stay upright while in use, but deform on impact. Coil 340 may be
supported by platform 320 by any suitable means known in the art.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an elongated wing nut 344 may be
threaded through the spring coil so as to clamp a lower portion of
the spring to platform 320. Wing nut 344, also mates with bolt 346
to releasably secure both bolt 346 and spring coil 340 to the
scooter.
[0049] Turning now to FIG. 12, movable toy 430 is shown with an
alternative target in the form of vertical hoop 450 that may be
constructed of any material suitable for maintaining net 462 in
proper configuration. Preferably, hoop 450 is constructed of a
lightweight material such as polyvinyl chloride. As shown, hoop 450
may be inserted into post 460. Post 460 is adapted to mate with
post 440 and may be made of any suitable material capable of
holding hoop 450 upright, such as polyvinyl chloride.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13 with respect to movable toy 530,
hoop 550 may be interconnected to post 540 by means of post 560
such that hoop 550 is horizontally aligned with respect to the
support surface.
[0050] It should be appreciated from the foregoing that variations
of the movable toy constructions described may be made by the
ordinarily skilled artisan in this field without departing from the
inventive concepts herein. Accordingly, impact resistant bumpers of
various geometries are contemplated as well as bumpers formed of
various materials that offer different rebound characteristics.
These alternative bumper constructions allow the movable toy to
stay new and fresh to the child and may enhance the child's
understanding of different rebound characteristics. The
impact-resistant bumpers may also provide various game components
to enhance the games that may be played. For example, the bumpers
may have cavities of varying depths formed therein or poles,
protruding therefrom, at varying heights and angles.
[0051] Also, from the foregoing, it should be appreciated that any
impact resistant bumper may be employed by any platform and that
alternative posts may be utilized to accomplish the movable toy
construction for the purpose of the game. Moreover, it should be
appreciated that any target may be employed with any movable toy.
For example, the pylon shown in FIG. 9 may be disposed within the
center of the inflatable tube in place of the dish shown in FIG. 3.
Also, more than one target may be employed at one time. For
example, several buckets may be placed on the foam piece, or a
bucket and a pylon may be placed on the foam piece to offer
multiple targets.
[0052] Accordingly, the present invention has been described with
some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments
of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that
the present invention is defined by the following claims construed
in light of the prior art so that modifications or changes may be
made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without
departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.
* * * * *