U.S. patent application number 11/857901 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-20 for toy vehicle and launch platform.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mattel, Inc.. Invention is credited to Fraser Campbell.
Application Number | 20080070472 11/857901 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39189187 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080070472 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campbell; Fraser |
March 20, 2008 |
TOY VEHICLE AND LAUNCH PLATFORM
Abstract
A toy vehicle system. The toy vehicle system includes a vehicle
having a least one wheel. The vehicle is configured to generate at
least one play effect via an effect apparatus of the vehicle
responsive to spinning of the at least one wheel. The toy vehicle
system includes a launch platform including a wheel spinning
mechanism and a launch mechanism. The launch mechanism is
configured to propel the vehicle from the launch platform in
response to a launch event, and the wheel spinning mechanism
configured to spin the at least one wheel of the vehicle prior to
the launch event, thereby causing the vehicle to generate the play
effect prior to being propelled from the launch platform.
Inventors: |
Campbell; Fraser; (Hong
Kong, HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALLEMAN HALL MCCOY RUSSELL & TUTTLE LLP
806 SW BROADWAY, SUITE 600
PORTLAND
OR
97205-3335
US
|
Assignee: |
Mattel, Inc.
El Segundo
CA
|
Family ID: |
39189187 |
Appl. No.: |
11/857901 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60846211 |
Sep 20, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/430 ;
446/429 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 17/28 20130101;
A63H 17/32 20130101; A63H 17/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/430 ;
446/429 |
International
Class: |
A63H 17/00 20060101
A63H017/00; A63H 17/28 20060101 A63H017/28; A63H 17/32 20060101
A63H017/32; A63H 29/00 20060101 A63H029/00 |
Claims
1. A toy vehicle system, comprising: a vehicle having a least one
wheel, the vehicle configured to generate at least one play effect
via an effect apparatus of the vehicle responsive to spinning of
the at least one wheel; and a launch platform including a wheel
spinning mechanism and a launch mechanism, the launch mechanism
configured to propel the vehicle from the launch platform in
response to a launch event, and the wheel spinning mechanism
configured to spin the at least one wheel of the vehicle prior to
the launch event, thereby causing the vehicle to generate the play
effect prior to being propelled from the launch platform.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle being propelled from
the launch platform via the launch mechanism causes spinning of the
at least one wheel thereby causing the vehicle to generate the play
effect during travel of the vehicle away from the launch
platform.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the toy vehicle includes a light
and the at least one play effect includes illuminating the
light.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the toy vehicle includes a sound
generator, and the at least one play effect includes generating
sounds with the sound generator.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the toy vehicle includes at least
one moveable piston, and the at least one play effect includes
reciprocating the piston.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the effect apparatus is
electrically powered.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the effect apparatus is cam
actuated.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the launch mechanism includes a
spring and the vehicle is propelled via spring force generated from
release of the spring.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the launch platform further
includes a ramp portion configured to position the vehicle at an
angle with a rear portion of the vehicle above a front portion of
the vehicle.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the launch mechanism is
configured to retain the vehicle on the ramp portion prior to the
launch event.
11. A launch platform for a toy vehicle having at least one wheel,
the launch platform comprising: an inclined ramp surface for
supporting the toy vehicle; a stop to selectively restrict movement
of the toy vehicle down the inclined ramp surface; a roller
assembly to spin the at least one wheel of the toy vehicle while
the toy vehicle remains stationary on the inclined ramp surface; a
launch arm to selectively exert a launching force to the toy
vehicle; a launch trigger to activate the launch arm to exert a
launching force to the toy vehicle, the launch trigger also
releasing the stop to allow the toy vehicle to move down the
inclined ramp surface.
12. The launch platform of claim 11, further comprising: a spin
trigger to activate the roller assembly to spin the at least one
wheel of the toy vehicle.
13. The launch platform of claim 12, wherein the spin trigger
includes a lever in operative communication with a gear set to spin
the roller assembly, the gear set being wound in response to the
lever traveling in a first direction, and the gear set unwinding
and spinning the roller assembly in response to the lever traveling
in a second direction.
14. The launch platform of claim 11, further comprising a launch
safety having a first orientation and a second orientation, in the
first orientation the launch safety inhibiting the launch arm from
exerting a launching force to the toy vehicle, and in the second
orientation the launch safety allowing the launch arm to exert a
launching force to the toy vehicle.
15. The launch platform of claim 14, wherein the launch safety is
located on the underside of the launch platform, wherein, in the
first orientation, the launch safety protrudes from the underside
of the launch platform, and wherein, in the second orientation, the
launch safety is retracted from the underside of the launch
platform.
16. The launch platform of claim 11, wherein the launch arm is
spring biased and activation of the launch arm by the launch
trigger exerts spring force to the toy vehicle.
17. The launch platform of claim 11, wherein the stop is configured
to retract below the inclined ramp surface in response to
activation of the launch trigger.
18. A toy vehicle system, comprising: a toy vehicle having at least
one wheel and an engine with a plurality of pistons, the vehicle
configured to reciprocate the plurality of pistons and generate
light from the engine and the at least one wheel responsive to
spinning of the at least one wheel; and a launch platform including
an inclined ramp surface for supporting the toy vehicle, a stop to
selectively restrict movement of the toy vehicle down the inclined
ramp surface, a roller assembly to spin the at least one wheel of
the toy vehicle while the toy vehicle remains stationary on the
inclined ramp surface, a spin trigger to activate the roller
assembly to spin the at least one wheel of the toy vehicle, a
launch arm to selectively exert a launching force to the toy
vehicle, a launch trigger to activate the launch arm to exert a
launching force to the toy vehicle, the launch trigger also
releasing the stop to allow the toy vehicle to move down the
inclined ramp surface.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the toy vehicle is further
configured to generate sound in response to spinning of the at
least one wheel.
20. The system of claim 18 wherein the plurality of pistons
reciprocate via cam actuation.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/846,211, filed on Sep. 20, 2006, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Toy vehicles have been popular play items for many years.
Scaled toy vehicles remain engaging toys for children and have
found value as collector items for children and adults. Children
enjoy a variety of different toy vehicles and continually seek new
toy vehicles with which to play. Also, children enjoy finding new
ways to play with toy vehicles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary toy vehicle in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0004] FIG. 2 shows the toy vehicle of FIG. 1 with spinning rear
wheels, thereby generating play effects.
[0005] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary launch platform spinning the rear
wheels of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1.
[0006] FIG. 4 shows the toy vehicle of FIG. 1 being launched from
the launch platform of FIG. 3.
[0007] FIG. 5 shows the toy vehicle and launcher of FIGS. 3 and 4
with associated packaging.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] The present disclosure is directed to a toy vehicle that
includes one or more exciting features that are activated by the
spinning of one or more of the vehicle's wheels. The spinning
wheels can activate engine vibrations, vehicle lighting, sounds,
and/or other features. In order to showcase the exciting features
of the toy vehicle, a vehicle launcher can be configured to spin
the vehicle's wheels while the vehicle remains in a stationary
position, thus allowing the exciting vehicle features to be
appreciated before the vehicle races away.
[0009] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary model vehicle 10, which in one
example, may be a 1/64 scale toy vehicle. However, various other
scales may be used, such as 1/10, 1/50, 1/100, 1/120, 1/200, and
others. The model vehicle can be a collectible item, and/or may be
a performance vehicle that can be configured to be used on
associated tracks and/or other equipment. While FIG. 1 shows an
example toy car, the vehicle may be of various types, such as a
truck, a station wagon, a sport utility vehicle, a dune buggy, a
motorcycle, an 18-wheeler, a dump truck, a bicycle, or any other
suitable vehicle.
[0010] Toy vehicle 10 is shown in FIG. 1 having spinable front
wheels 12 and rear wheels 14. While two sets of wheels (with two
wheels each) are shown for an example toy car, the toy vehicle may
have more or fewer wheels, which may or may not be in sets.
Further, the sets may have more than two wheels, such as, for
example, three, four, etc. For example, the toy vehicle may be a
motorcycle with a front wheel and a rear wheel. Alternatively, it
may be a vehicle having three sets of two wheels.
[0011] Furthermore, toy vehicle 10 may include engine 16 having
pistons 18. In the illustrated embodiment, engine 16 and pistons 18
are oversized and protrude from a rear portion of vehicle 10 to
highlight various engine components. It should be appreciated that
the engine may simulate any suitable engine type (e.g., V-6, V-8,
V-12, I-6, I-4, etc.). In some embodiments, the engine further may
include a supercharger or turbocharger to indicate that the car is
fast and/or powerful. Furthermore, the engine may be fantastically
oversized beyond an authentic scale compared to the rest of the toy
vehicle in order to emphasize the potential power of the engine
such that it may elicit excitement in a child.
[0012] Toy vehicle 10 may include various other components found on
an authentic car. For example, toy vehicle 10 may include various
windows, such as a front windshield, side windows, and a rear
windshield. Toy vehicle 10 may include different lights, such as
brake lights which may be disposed in a rear bumper of vehicle 10,
and front head lights disposed in a front bumper of vehicle 10. In
some embodiments, the toy vehicle may include an oversized exhaust
pipe similar to the oversized engine to emphasize the power of the
engine.
[0013] Furthermore, toy vehicle 10 may include other authentic
automobile exterior components, for example, doors, roof, trunk,
side panels, front and rear fenders, gas cap, etc. Also, various
aspects of these and other components may be designed to be
oversized or extreme to draw a child to play with the toy
vehicle.
[0014] Note that in some embodiments, the toy vehicle may be
painted with bright colors and complex color schemes. Further, the
toy vehicle may have various radical exterior decals such as
flames, dragons, company logos, or the like. Additionally, the toy
vehicle may include highly polished chrome-looking exterior
components, such as the engine, fenders, exhaust pipe, wheels,
etc.
[0015] Note that FIG. 1 shows toy vehicle 10 in an inert state
without any of its components moving or operating.
[0016] Now turning to FIG. 2, toy vehicle 10 is shown with rear
wheels 14 spinning. The spinning of the wheels may cause toy
vehicle 10 to produce various play effects. In particular, one or
more play effects may be generated via an effect apparatus of toy
vehicle 10. The effect apparatus may generate the play effect(s)
responsive to spinning of the wheels. For example, the toy vehicle
may include an effect apparatus to produce lights, actions, and/or
sounds. In the illustrated embodiment, spinning of rear wheels 14
causes several different play effects to be generated. In
particular, light is emitted from rear wheels 14 and engine 16. The
light may be generated by an effect apparatus within the vehicle.
Further, sound is generated by the same (or different) effects
apparatus, and pistons 18 pump up and down alternatively. In
another example, spinning of the rear wheels may cause an effect
apparatus to generate vibrations which may make one or more
components of the toy vehicle rumble.
[0017] In some embodiments, one or more of the effect apparatuses
may be energized from the kinetic energy of the vehicle via the
spinning wheels. In some embodiments, one or more of the components
can be energized from another source, such as a battery, a
photocell, or a charged capacitor. Alternatively, or additionally,
an effect apparatus may be in operative communication with the
wheels and spinning of the wheels may generate mechanical actuation
of the effect apparatus.
[0018] Further, as another non-limiting example, a toy vehicle may
generate a rumbling play effect that may be cam actuated. In
particular, one or more of the vehicle wheels may be linked to an
axle. The axle may include one or more cam lobes configured to
interact with one or more different mechanical components or
systems. The axle may rotate causing the cam lobe to directly
interact with the engine component causing the engine to move
responsive to the slope of the cam lobe, thus creating a rumble
effect. As an example, the cam may be mechanically linked to the
engine, and cam motion may be translated into vertical motion at
the engine pistons. In another example, the cam lobe may indirectly
interact with the engine components via one or more intermediate
components. Such intermediate components can translate cam motion
to lateral, rocking, and/or tilting engine motion. In some
embodiments, the engine may include one or more ramped surfaces to
engage the cams and/or intermediate components, so that vertical
forces can be translated into forces with horizontal elements.
[0019] In some embodiments, a plurality of cam lobes with different
shape profiles may be disposed on the axle. The different cam
profiles may provide a varied rumble or vibration sequence that may
be repeated as the wheels spin. Furthermore, in some embodiments
the mechanical rumble action of the engine component may be gear
driven where different sized gears may transmit motion to create
lift and/or lateral motion to the engine component during wheel
spin. Note that in some embodiments other vehicle components may
rumble or vibrate due to cam actuation. For example, the exhaust
pipe, hood, trunk, and/or roof, among others.
[0020] In another non-limiting example, a toy vehicle may generate
play effects via electronic effect apparatuses and/or other
electronic components, which may optionally be cam driven and/or
cam initiated. Further, the toy vehicle may include one or more cam
lobes disposed on an axle, where the cam lobes may be configured to
interact with one or more different electronic effect
apparatuses.
[0021] For example, during wheel spin the axle may rotate causing
the cam lobes to repeatedly come into contact with one or more
electrical contact pad(s) of an effect apparatus. When the cam
lobes make contact with the contact pad(s), an electric circuit may
be completed which in turn may activate lights, actions, and/or
sounds. In some embodiments, the repeated contact pattern of the
cam lobe(s) with the contact pad(s) may create an operational
sequence, such as flashing lights for example. The speed of the
sequence may be dictated by the rate of rotation of the axle (i.e.
wheel spin speed). Further, in some embodiments, the electrical
components may be non-operational when the cam lobes do not
interact with the contact pads.
[0022] In another example, the cam may interact with an electrical
component (e.g. complete an electrical circuit) or toggle a switch
to activate one or more electronic effect apparatuses. In
particular, the cam may trigger a sequence of different flashing
lights for a period of time. Also, the cam may trigger a sound box
to play a sound clip for a period of time. Further, the cam may
trigger an electronic vibration mechanism to operate for a period
of time. Note that in some embodiments one or more of the play
effects may be linked to the same trigger. Further, in some
embodiments, two or more different electronic effect apparatuses
may be triggered independently.
[0023] Further, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments a
toy vehicle may include both electronic and mechanical effect
apparatuses that may be actuated and/or initiated by a cam. Also,
mechanical and/or electrical systems can be actuated by a mechanism
that does not utilize a cam.
[0024] Note that in the illustrated embodiment, the direction that
the wheels spin does not dictate the output or operation of
different components. However, in some embodiments, spinning the
wheels in a forward direction may initiate one set of play effects
to be generated, and spinning the wheels in rearward direction may
initiate a second set of play effects to be generated. In some
embodiments, spinning the wheels in a particular direction, for
example, a reverse direction may not activate any play effects.
[0025] In some embodiments, different vehicle components may emit
light at various levels or may have a particular level of
translucency to emit light. For example, the side windows and rear
windshield may be slightly tinted or toned a particular color,
while the front windshield may be substantially translucent to
simulate the window configuration of an authentic car with tinted
windows. As another example, the windows may be tinted different
colors or the same color. Furthermore, the windows may be tinted
bright colors such that light projected through the windows may be
brightly colored. Additionally, other automobile light components
may have different color tints. For example, brake lights may be
colored red while head lights may be colored clear, yellow, or
blue, for example. It should be appreciated that in some
embodiments the toy vehicle may include lights throughout the
vehicle. For example, lights may be located within the cabin of the
vehicle, in the front bumper, in the engine, on an exterior light
rack, in side panels, in the wheels, etc. Further, light may be
emitted from different areas of the vehicle at different times to
create light patterns, such as a flashing light pattern, for
example.
[0026] In some embodiments, the light emitting components may be
substantially clear in order to accurately emit colored lights
within the toy vehicle during operation. Any suitable light
producing unit, may be used, for example light emitting diodes may
be used because they may be produced in various sizes and colors
and have a long operational life span and relatively low energy
requirements. However, other light sources may additionally or
alternatively be used.
[0027] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to utilize
translucent or transparent wheels so that light can shine through
the wheels. For example, one or more of the front and/or rear
wheels may have certain translucent or transparent aspects. Light
may be applied to all wheels at the same time, to one wheel at a
time, to only the front wheels, to only the back wheels, to only
the left wheels, to only the right wheels, or in a predetermined or
random order to various individual wheels or combinations of
wheels.
[0028] In some embodiments, an entire tire portion of the wheel may
be translucent, and light may be applied to the entire translucent
portion. In other embodiments, light may be applied to only
portions of the wheels. For example, a wheel may include one or
more light emitting diodes. Furthermore, the toy vehicle may
include different light configurations that may produce different
lighting effects.
[0029] As discussed above, spinning the wheels of toy vehicle 10
may produce play effects such as causing various portions of the
vehicle to light up. As another example, spinning the wheels may
cause selected vehicle components to vibrate or rumble. More
particularly, engine 16 may vibrate and/or pistons 18 may pump up
and down to simulate that the engine is running and/or revving.
Furthermore, the engine vibrations may cause the rest of the toy
vehicle to rumble. In some embodiments, vibration may be generated
by other vehicle components besides the engine, such as the exhaust
tailpipe for example. Vibration or rumbling may be produced at
various rates to simulate various engine speeds. Further, a
vibration routine or looped rumble sequence may be carried out to
indicate idling, revving, and/or opening the throttle wide
open.
[0030] As discussed above, spinning the wheels of toy vehicle 10
may also produce sounds. The sounds emitted from toy vehicle 10 may
include automobile related sounds, nonlimiting examples of which
include engine noise, horns, screeching or skidding tires, etc.
Furthermore, the sounds may include music, such as popular songs
and/or race themed songs. Songs may relate to a theme of a toy
vehicle. For example, a motorcycle vehicle may play the song "Bad
to the Bone" when its wheels spin. As another example, a toy
vehicle fashioned after the "Batmobile" may play the "Batman" theme
song. Additionally, sounds may be voices speaking different
phrases. For example, when the toy vehicle's wheels spin, a voice
may say "Start your engines!!!" In some embodiments, the voice that
speaks the phrase may correspond to a fictional character or actual
person that is associated with a theme of the toy vehicle. In still
other embodiments, cross advertising may be used to promote various
other toy related products. For example, a toy vehicle may be used
in an associated television show, and the toy vehicle may play the
theme song of the television show.
[0031] Note that in some embodiments the emitted sounds may be
synchronized or timed to correspond with the flashing of the lights
and/or vibrations of toy vehicle 10. It should be appreciated that
in some embodiments one or more of the lights, actions, or sounds
may be non-operational during wheel spin or omitted from toy
vehicle 10 all together. In one particular example, the toy vehicle
may include a selector that is configured to switch the
configuration of the play effects produced responsive to spinning
of the wheels of the vehicle. For example, the selector may switch
between two modes. The first mode may generate lights and sound and
the second mode may generate lights, sounds, and vibrations. As
another example, the selector may switch toggle between a mode
where play effects are generated and a mode where no play effects
are generated. It should be appreciated that the toy vehicle may
have any suitable number of play effect configurations and that the
selector may select between the different play effect
configurations.
[0032] FIGS. 3 and 4 somewhat schematically show toy vehicle 10
interacting with an exemplary launcher or launch platform.
Referring to FIG. 3, toy vehicle 10 may be positioned on launch
platform 30. Launch platform 30 may include wheel spin mechanism 32
that may be configured to spin at least one wheel of toy vehicle 10
while retaining toy vehicle 10 on launch platform 30. Wheel spin
mechanism 32 may include rollers 34 that may be partially disposed
in the surface of launch platform 30, such that toy vehicle 10 may
be positioned on roller 34 and orientated in a position where toy
vehicle 10 may be launched from the launch platform 30. Rollers 34
may be spinable such that the wheels on toy vehicle 10 may spin in
a particular direction, thus causing toy vehicle 10 to generate
play effects. Rollers 34 may spin in response to actuation of spin
trigger 36. In the illustrated embodiment, spin trigger 36 is a
lever that may be pulled downward to wind a set of internal gears
in operative communication with rollers 34. Upon release of the
lever, the wound gears may unwind causing the rollers to spin. In
particular, when the wheels of the toy vehicle contact the spinning
roller, friction between the wheels and the rollers may cause the
wheels to start spinning. Furthermore, directional force produced
by the rollers may be transferred to the wheels causing the wheels
to keep spinning. The rollers may include material or texture to
increase friction between the wheels and the rollers. For example,
the rollers may be rubberized and may be textured with ridges to
grip the wheels of the toy vehicle.
[0033] In some embodiments, the wheel spin mechanism may be
electrically actuated. For example, the rollers may be connected to
an electric motor that upon excitation may spin the rollers. In
such a configuration, the wheel spin mechanism may be activated by
any suitable type of selector, for example a radio button, toggle
switch, dial, etc.
[0034] Toy vehicle 10 may be retained on launch platform 30 by
wheel retainers 38 during actuation of wheel spin mechanism 32.
Wheel retainers 38 may protrude from the surface of launch platform
30 and may be shaped to fit the contour of the front wheels 12 of
toy vehicle 10. Thus, even if the rear wheels of the toy vehicle
spin via the wheel spin mechanism, forward motion of the vehicle
may be inhibited by the wheel retainers and the toy vehicle may be
retained on the launch platform. By retaining the toy vehicle in
the launch platform while spinning the wheels of the toy vehicle,
the play effects can be easily viewed, thus increasing the
enjoyment of a child.
[0035] Note that although the rollers are not described as spinning
in a particular direction, it should be appreciated that in some
embodiments the rollers may spin in a counter clockwise direction
or a clockwise direction. Furthermore, the wheel spin mechanism may
be configured to spin the rollers in a first direction and then in
a second direction in the case where a toy vehicle is configured to
perform different sets of play effects based on the direction that
the wheels spin.
[0036] In an alternative embodiment, the launch platform may
include a launch surface with slots for each wheel of the toy
vehicle. The slots may provide access points for the wheels to
contact an internal belt drive which may spin the wheels of toy
vehicle 10 in order to generate play effects while maintaining the
toy vehicle in a stationary position.
[0037] Launch platform 30 may include safety 46 disposed on the
underside of launch platform 30. Safety 46 may be in operative
communication with launch mechanism 40 (shown in FIG. 4). Safety 46
may be configured to move between a first position where safety 46
protrudes from the underside of launch platform 30 and a second
position where safety 46 retracts into the underside of launch
platform 30. Safety 46 may be moved from the first position to the
second position upon launch platform 30 being placed on a surface.
Upon safety 46 being in the first position, safety 46 may prevent
launch mechanism 40 from actuating and thus prevent toy vehicle 10
from being launched from launch platform 30. Upon safety 46 being
in the second position, safety 46 may not inhibit launch mechanism
40 from actuating and thus permits toy vehicle 10 to be launched
from launch platform 30. In one example, safety 46 may include a
two stage catch connected to launch arm 42. The two stage catch may
permit launch arm 42 to actuate partially when safety 46 is in the
first position and may permit launch arm 42 to actuate fully when
safety 46 is in the second position. Safety 46 may prevent
actuation of launch mechanism 40 and the launch of toy vehicle 10
from launch platform 30 when launch platform 30 is not placed on a
surface. In this way, unintentional launch of toy vehicle 10 from
launch platform 30 may be inhibited.
[0038] FIG. 4 shows toy vehicle 10 being launched from launch
platform 30. Toy vehicle 10 may be launched from launch platform 30
via a launch mechanism 40 that may provide lateral force to propel
toy vehicle 10 forward off of the launch platform. Launch mechanism
40 may include launch arm 42 that may be spring biased and may
generate lateral force to propel toy vehicle 10 via release of the
spring force. Furthermore, launch mechanism 40 may be activated by
launch trigger 44 which may be any suitable selector, such as for
example, a toggle switch, ripcord, trigger, radio button, dial,
etc. In particular, launch arm 42 may be retracted and held in a
spring loaded position, and upon depression of launch trigger 44,
launch arm 42 may be released and the spring force may cause launch
arm 42 to move forward and apply a launching force the rear of toy
vehicle 10. Launch arm 42 may contact toy vehicle 10 with enough
force to thrust toy vehicle 10 forward off of rollers 34. Launch
trigger 44 may be in operative communication with wheel retainers
38, such that depressing launch trigger 42 causes wheel retainers
38 to lower below the surface of launch platform 30. By lowering
the wheel retainers when the launch trigger is depressed, the wheel
retainers may not inhibit the toy vehicle from being propelled from
the launch platform, thus improving the launch of the toy vehicle
from the platform.
[0039] As discussed above, safety 46 may be configured to enable
launch arm 42 to fully extend to apply a launching force to toy
vehicle 10 when the safety is in a retracted position within the
launch platform. In the illustrated embodiment, launch platform 30
is shown placed on a surface with safety 46 retracted into launch
platform 30. Thus, the launch arm may not be inhibited and may
extend to launch the toy vehicle from the launch platform.
[0040] In some embodiments, the launch mechanism may generate an
alternative type of propulsion to launch the toy vehicle from the
launch platform. For example, the launch mechanism may generate air
pressure to propel the toy vehicle from the launch platform.
[0041] In some embodiments, the launch platform may be configured
such that depressing the launch trigger may start a launch sequence
where the wheel spin mechanism is activated to demonstrate the play
effects (e.g. lights, actions, and sounds) produced by the toy
vehicle based on wheel spin prior to launch of the toy vehicle from
the launch platform. This demonstration may be automatically
followed by triggering of the launch arm causing the toy vehicle to
be thrust forward off of the launch platform.
[0042] In some embodiments, the launch platform may generate
lights, actions, and sounds or other play effects similar to the
toy vehicle during activation of the wheel spin mechanism, the
launch mechanism, and/or a launch sequence. For example, the launch
platform may generate a countdown sequence with lights and/or
sound. Further, the launch mechanism may rumble prior to
launch.
[0043] In still other embodiments, the launch mechanism may include
a plurality of buttons to trigger different sequences and/or
generate different lights, actions, and sounds or other play
effects.
[0044] It should be appreciated that the combination of toy vehicle
10 and launch mechanism 40 may substantially improve the play value
of the toy vehicle 10 by providing a launch mechanism that
highlights the exciting aspects of toy vehicle 10, namely, the
lights, actions, sounds, and/or additional or alternative play
effects, that come to life when the vehicle wheels spin. The launch
platform also provides a mechanism for launching the toy vehicle at
exciting speeds. While launch mechanism 40 is provided as a
nonlimiting example, it should be understood that other mechanisms
may be used to launch the vehicle after a spinning mechanism has
spun up the vehicle's wheels and caused the dynamic features of the
vehicle to come to life.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows toy vehicle 10 and launch platform 30 in an
example package 50. Package 50 is shown as it might appear to a
consumer at a retail store. For display purposes at a point of
sale, package 50 may be configured to stand on a shelf, hang from a
rack or be stacked. Package 50 may be shaped and
positioned/orientated to facilitate access to launch platform 30,
and more specifically to spin trigger 36. The access portion
generally referenced at 52 may be large enough for a consumer to
actuate spin trigger 36 in order to demonstrate the play effects of
toy vehicle 10.
[0046] The design of package 50 may potentially improve the
marketing and profitability of toy vehicle 10 and launch platform
30 by allowing a consumer to demonstrate or test the playable
aspects of toy vehicle 10 and launch platform 30 before purchase.
Specifically, access portion 52 may enable a consumer to trigger
wheel spin of toy vehicle 10 in order to demonstrate the lights,
actions, and sounds generated by toy vehicle 10. Furthermore,
package 50 may include instructions that direct a consumer to test
the playable aspects of toy vehicle 10. In the illustrated
embodiment, package 50 may include the phrase "TRY ME" presented in
bold letters and bright colors located in proximity to access
portion 52 in order to draw the attention of a consumer to
demonstrate the play effect of toy vehicle 10 and/or launch
platform 30. In some embodiments, the package may further include
product features that correspond to the playable aspects of the toy
vehicle and further may communicate them to a consumer.
[0047] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the shape of the package
may correspond to playable aspects or significant features of the
toy vehicle. For example, the package may be shaped like an
oversized engine that may be graphically displayed on the package.
The graphical design and corresponding package cutouts may draw
attentions to the playable aspects of the toy vehicle. In this
example, the oversized engine may be associated with the lights,
actions, and sounds that may be produced by the oversized engine in
the toy vehicle.
[0048] In this way, marketing of the toy vehicle and launch
platform may be improved by providing access to demonstrate or test
the playable aspects of the toy vehicle and the launch platform,
namely, spinning the wheels to produce lights, actions and sounds.
In addition, the shape of the package and corresponding graphics
may further highlight the playable aspects of the toy vehicle, thus
potentially persuading a consumer to purchase the toy vehicle.
[0049] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will,
however, be evident that various modifications and changes can be
made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of
the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to
be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
[0050] The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple
distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these
inventions has been disclosed in its example form, the specific
embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to
be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are
possible. The subject matter includes all novel and non-obvious
combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features,
functions and/or properties disclosed herein.
[0051] Inventions embodied in various combinations and
subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties
may be claimed. Such claims, whether they are directed to a
different invention or directed to the same invention, whether
different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to any original
claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of
the inventions of the present disclosure.
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