U.S. patent application number 13/934279 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-09 for infant's interactive track play set.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mattel, Inc.. Invention is credited to Karl Christopherson, Gary E. Weber.
Application Number | 20140011425 13/934279 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49878866 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140011425 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Christopherson; Karl ; et
al. |
January 9, 2014 |
Infant's Interactive Track Play Set
Abstract
A child's interactive track play set includes a tower having a
first track portion and a second track portion. The first track
portion and the second track portion are separate from each other.
The track play set includes a platform with elastic member located
below the first track portion. Objects are transferred off of the
first track portion and onto the platform, which redirects the
objects onto the second track portion. Furthermore, the first and
second track portions may contain a plurality of switches that
actuate a plurality of lights and sounds located throughout the
track play set.
Inventors: |
Christopherson; Karl;
(Orchard Park, NY) ; Weber; Gary E.; (Buffalo,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mattel, Inc. |
El Segundo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49878866 |
Appl. No.: |
13/934279 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61668158 |
Jul 5, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/227 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 18/02 20130101;
A63H 33/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/227 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00 |
Claims
1. A track play set, comprising: a tower with a top end and a
bottom end; a first track portion attached to the tower, the first
track portion including an outlet; a platform mounted to the tower
at a location lower than the outlet; and an elastic member coupled
to the platform and configured to redirect an object from the
outlet onto a second track portion.
2. The track play set of claim 1, wherein the platform includes a
centrally positioned aperture, and the elastic member covers the
aperture.
3. The track play set of claim 1, wherein the first track portion
includes a spout defining the outlet.
4. The track play set of claim 3, wherein the spout includes an
inlet, the inlet and the outlet are configured for receiving and
disbursing the object.
5. The track play set of claim 5, wherein the outlet of the spout
is oriented to direct an object from the first track portion toward
the elastic member.
6. The track play set of claim 1, wherein the tower comprises a
base at the bottom end, the base being configured to engage a
support surface.
7. The track play set of claim 1, wherein the tower further
comprises an arm positioned between the top end and the bottom end,
and the arm supports the platform.
8. A track play set, comprising: a support member including a
laterally extending arm; a first track portion coupled to the
support member; and a trampoline mounted onto the arm, wherein the
trampoline is configured to be engaged by an object from the first
track portion and redirect the object off of the trampoline and
onto a second track portion.
9. The track play set of claim 8, wherein the second track portion
is separate from the first track portion.
10. The track play set of claim 8, wherein the trampoline includes
a support with an aperture and an elastic member coupled to the
support proximate to the aperture.
11. The track play set of claim 8, wherein the first track portion
includes a spout defining an inlet and an outlet.
12. The track play set of claim 11, wherein the inlet and the
outlet are configured for receiving and disbursing the object.
13. The track play set of claim 12, wherein the outlet of the spout
is oriented to direct an object from the first track portion
towards the trampoline.
14. The track play set of 13, wherein the support member comprises
a base, the base being configured to engage a support surface.
15. A track play set, comprising: a tower with a top end and a
bottom end; a first track portion attached to the tower; a support
arm mounted to the tower, the support arm laterally extending from
the tower; and a platform disposed on the support arm, the platform
comprising a centrally positioned aperture, and an elastic member
coupled to the platform and covering the aperture, the elastic
member configured to redirect an object from the first track
portion onto a second track portion.
16. The track play set of claim 15, wherein the second track
portion is separate from the first track portion.
17. The track play set of claim 15, wherein the platform is located
below the first track portion and above the second track
portion.
18. The track play set of claim 15, wherein the first track portion
includes a spout defining an inlet and an outlet.
19. The track play set of claim 18, wherein the inlet and the
outlet are configured for receiving and disbursing the object.
20. The track play set of claim 19, wherein the outlet of the spout
is oriented to direct an object from the first track portion toward
the elastic member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/668,158, entitled
"Infant's Interactive Track Play Set", filed Jul. 5, 2012, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to toy entertainment devices,
and in particular, to a free standing interactive track play
set.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Infants develop by interacting with their surrounding
environment. Sensory stimuli are an infant's first sources of
learning. For example, seeing moving elements fosters development
of motor and visual tracking skills, and listening to music and
sounds stimulates auditory skills.
[0004] Consequently, toys are often developed to create an
interactive, sensory stimulating experience for an infant. For
example, mobiles aid the development of an infant by improving
vision and eye-tracking skills, while infant gyms improve the
infant's coordination, balance, strength, and flexibility.
Interactive track play sets allow an infant to focus on an object
moving along a predetermined path, stimulating motor and visual
tracking skills. In addition, it is believed that music and sounds
generated by the toys enhance listening skills and inspire creative
thinking.
[0005] Some toy track play sets include rotatable elements to
enhance sensory stimulation. Movement of the rotatable elements may
be activated by an object passing by or through a mechanism.
However, such track play sets only provide for movement of an
object about a single track, where the moving object is placed by
the user onto the track and does not leave the predetermined path
of the track until removed by the user. It would be desirable to
provide a track play set that increases the developmental potential
of an infant by providing an additional level of visual tracking
stimulation. Therefore, there is a need for an interactive track
play set where the moving object is launched out of a chute to a
platform that redirects the moving object onto a track.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed an interactive track play
set that contains a central tower with a plurality of extending
support arms. At the top of the tower is a first track portion that
contains a spout. Below the spout, located on one of the support
arms, is a platform with an elastic member. Positioned about the
central tower and plurality of support arms is a second track
portion. The second track portion is positioned below the first
track portion and the platform. Furthermore, the platform is
configured to redirect and object from the first track portion and
the spout onto the second track portion. Moreover, the first and
second track portions may contain a plurality of switches that
actuate a plurality of lights and sounds located throughout the
track play set. Finally, one of the support arms may contain an
infrared beam and sensor, that when the beam is interrupted,
actuates sound effects from the track play set.
[0007] The present invention is directed to a track play set that
includes a tower with a top end and a bottom end, a first track
portion that is attached to the tower and includes an outlet, a
platform mounted to the tower at a location lower than the outlet,
and an elastic member coupled to the platform and configured to
redirect an object from the outlet onto a second track portion.
[0008] In one embodiment, the platform includes a centrally
positioned aperture with the elastic member covering the aperture.
Furthermore, the first track portion includes a spout that defines
the outlet. The spout also includes an inlet, and the inlet and
outlet are, respectively, configured for receiving and disbursing
an object. Moreover, the outlet of the spout is oriented to direct
an object from the first track portion toward the elastic
member.
[0009] In another embodiment, at the bottom end of the tower is a
base that is configured to engage a supporting surface.
Additionally, the tower has an arm positioned between the top end
and the bottom end that supports the platform.
[0010] The present invention is directed to a track play set
containing a support member that includes a laterally extending
arm, a first track portion coupled to the support member, and a
trampoline mounted onto the arm, where the trampoline is configured
to be engaged by an object from the first track portion and
redirect the object off of the trampoline and onto a second track
portion.
[0011] In another embodiment, the second track portion is separate
from the first track portion. Additionally, the trampoline includes
a support with an aperture and an elastic member coupled to the
support proximate to the aperture. Moreover, the support member
comprises a base, the base being configured to engage a supporting
surface.
[0012] In one embodiment, the first track portion includes a spout
that defines an inlet and an outlet that are configured for
receiving and disbursing the object respectively. Furthermore, the
outlet of the spout is oriented to direct an object from the first
track portion towards the trampoline.
[0013] The present invention is directed to a track play set
including a tower with a top end and a bottom end, a first track
portion attached to the tower, a support arm mounted to and
laterally extending from the tower, and a platform disposed on the
support arm that contains a centrally positioned aperture and an
elastic member coupled to the platform and covering the aperture,
the elastic member configured to redirect an object from the first
track portion onto a second track portion.
[0014] In one embodiment, the second track portion is separate from
the first track portion. Moreover, the platform is located below
the first track portion and above the second track portion.
[0015] In another embodiment, the first track portion includes a
spout defining an inlet and an outlet that are configured for
receiving and disbursing the object. Furthermore, the outlet of the
spout is oriented to direct an object from the first track portion
toward the elastic member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a child's track
play set according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the track play
set of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a spout and
trampoline of the track play set of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the spout of
the track play set of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4a illustrates an internal view of one side of the
spout of FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 4b illustrates an internal view of a second side of the
spout of FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the trampoline of
the track play set of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 5a illustrates a cross sectional view of the trampoline
of FIG. 5.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of a track portion
of the track play set of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of a track
connection member of the track play set of FIG. 1;
[0026] Like reference numerals have been used to identify like
elements throughout this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] It is to be understood that terms such as "left," "right,"
"top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "side," "height," "length,"
"width," "upper," "lower," "interior," "exterior," "inner," "outer"
and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or
portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any
particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as
"first," "second," "third," etc., merely identify one of a number
of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed
herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular
configuration or orientation.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a top perspective view
of the child's track play set. The track play set 100 includes a
base 200 with a central region 202. In one embodiment, the central
region 202 may contain a first extension 204 and a second extension
206 that extend from the central region 202 in a substantially
horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the first extension 204
and the second extension 206 extend from the central region 202 in
a manner that, when viewed from above, the combination of the
central region 202, first extension 204 and second extension 206
form a V-shape. In other embodiments, the central region 202 may
contain more or less than two extensions. Furthermore, in this
embodiment, the base 200 contains one satellite base portion 208.
Extending substantially vertically from the satellite base portion
208 is a side pillar 250. In other embodiments, the central region
202 may contain more or less than one satellite base portion.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a central pillar 230 extends in
a substantially vertical direction from the central region 202 of
the base 200. Extending in a substantially vertical direction from
the first base extension 204 and arching to the central pillar 230
is upper archway 210. Upper archway 210 includes a first end 212
that connects to the central pillar 230 proximate to the top 232 of
the central pillar 230. Upper archway 210 further includes a second
end 214 that connects to the first base extension 204. Proximate to
the second end 214 is a paddle member 216 that is configured to be
batted by a child or infant and rotate about the upper archway 210.
Moreover, the upper archway 210 is shaped to create an archway over
the first base extension 204, where an infant or small child can
crawl or walk under the upper archway 210.
[0030] Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 2, a lower archway 220 extends
in a substantially vertical direction from second base member 206
and arches to connect to the central pillar 230. Lower archway 220
includes a first end 222 that connects to the central pillar 230 at
a point between the top 232 and bottom 234 of the central pillar
230. Furthermore, the lower archway 220 includes a second end 224
that connects to the second base extension 206. Proximate to the
second end 224 is gate member 226 that is configured to rotate
about the lower archway 220 when pushed or pulled by a child or
infant. The lower archway 220 is configured for a child or infant
to crawl underneath. Moreover, the lower archway 220 includes a
horizontal top support portion 228. As illustrated, positioned
along the top support portion 228 of the lower archway 220 is a
trampoline 400.
[0031] Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 2, the central pillar 230
includes a speaker 238 mounted near the bottom 234. The speaker 238
is configured to deliver sound when the track play set 100 is
turned on and various devices are activated. Furthermore, in one
embodiment, the speaker 238 may be a 57 mm sized speaker, while in
other embodiments, the speaker 238 may be larger or smaller.
Moreover, the bottom 234 of the central pillar 230 contains an IR
motion detecting mechanism 236 that is directed toward the second
end 214 of the upper archway 210. The IR Motion detecting mechanism
236 is designed to detect a child's crawling/walking motion inside
the upper archway 210. This IR motion detecting mechanism 236 is an
IR retro-reflective setup, where an IR LED located in the central
pillar 230 will project light into the upper archway 210. When
there is an infant or child underneath the upper archway 210, the
child breaks a beam of IR light or redirects the IR light back to
the IR receiver in the central pillar 230, registering as an
activation with the IR motion detecting mechanism 236. In one
embodiment, both the IR LED and IR Receiver sensor must be designed
to prevent any IR light from coupling directly between the LED and
Receiver. It is important that the emitting IR LED is angled such
that it will not be reflecting any light off of the opposite side
of the second end 214 of the upper archway 210 and must be placed
so that objects 1000 rolling down the various track portions 500,
600, 700, 800 cannot activate it. For best performance, the angle
between the LED and IR Receiver should be such that they cross
midway through the upper archway 210.
[0032] Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 2, various track portions are
illustrated, including a top track portion 500, a first middle
track portion 600, a second middle track portion 700 and a bottom
track portion 800. In one embodiment, the top track portion 500 is
positioned above the first middle track portion 600, second middle
track portion 700, and bottom track portion 800, and is rotated or
wound around the central pillar 230. The top track portion 500
includes a first end 502 and a second end 504. The top track
portion 500 is configured to receive an object 1000 and transport
the object from the first end 502 to the second end 504.
Furthermore, the second end 504 is positioned above the first end
602 of the first middle track portion 600, to enable an object 1000
traveling along the top track portion 500 and subsequently onto the
first middle track portion 600. In one embodiment, the object 1000
configured to travel along the track portions 500, 600, 700, 800 is
a ball.
[0033] First middle track portion 600 includes a first end 602 and
a second end 606. First middle track portion 600 is positioned with
the first end 602 is attached to the central pillar 230, below the
second end 504 of the top track portion 500. The first middle track
portion 600 extends from the central pillar 230 to the side pillar
250, where the first middle track portion 600 spirals or is wound
around the side pillar 250. The first middle track portion 600
contains a second end 606 that attaches to a track connection
member 900, which is located between the central pillar 230 and the
side pillar 250. At the first end 602 of the first middle track
portion 600 is a spinner 604 that is configured to spin in place
when contacted by a child or by an object 1000.
[0034] Additionally, a second middle track portion 700 is
positioned on the track play set 100 below the first middle track
portion 600. Similar to the top track portion 500, the second
middle track portion 700 spirals, or is wound around, the central
pillar 230. The second middle track portion 700 includes a first
end 702 and a second end 704, the second end 704 that is attached
to the track connection member 900. Furthermore, a bottom track
portion 800 is positioned beneath the top track portion 500, the
first middle track portion 600, and the second middle track portion
700. The bottom track portion 800 includes a first end 802 and a
second end 804. The first end 802 of the bottom track portion 800
is connected to one side of the track connection member 900, and
the second end 804 of the bottom track portion is connected to the
opposite side of the track connection member 900. As illustrated in
FIG. 2, the bottom track portion 800 is positioned to wrap around
both the central pillar 230 and the side pillar 250.
[0035] Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 2, as illustrated, attached to
the top 232 of the central pillar 230 is spout 300. Furthermore,
attached proximate to the bottom 234 of the central pillar 230 is
an activation member 240. The activation member 240, as illustrated
in FIG. 2, extends horizontally from the bottom 234 of the central
pillar 230 and positioned directly above the bottom track portion
800. The activation member 240 is configured to rotate about a
horizontal axis when spun or batted by a child or infant, or when
contacted by an object 1000 traveling along the bottom track
portion 800.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a perspective view of
the spout 300, the trampoline 400, and the top track portion 500.
As stated previously, the spout 300 is positioned on the top 232 of
the central pillar 230. As illustrated, the spout 300 includes an
outlet 308 that is configured to output an object 1000.
Furthermore, the spout 300 is configured to output an object 1000
out of the outlet 308, where the object 1000 falls along direction
A to the trampoline 400. The trampoline 400 is positioned on the
top support portion 228 of the lower archway 220. Moreover, the
trampoline 400 includes an elastic/resilient cover 408 (illustrated
as transparent) that is configured to receive the object 1000 that
left the outlet 308 along path A, and redirect the object 1000
along direction B onto the top track portion 500. The
elastic/resilient cover 408 of the trampoline 400 is constructed of
a material that will slightly deform and stretch when contacted by
an object 1000 falling along direction A, and then quickly return
to its original unstretched state, launching the object 1000 in
direction B, onto the top track portion 500. Furthermore, the
trampoline 400 may be slidably engaged with the top support portion
228 of the lower archway 220, enabling the trampoline 400 to be
configured into an optimum position to receive objects 1000
traveling falling along direction A, and direct objects 1000
properly in direction B and onto the top track portion 500. It
should be noted that although elastic/resilient cover 408 is
described above as being made of a material that will slightly
deform and stretch when contacted by a falling object 1000, the
elastic/resilient cover 408 could be made from a more rigid plastic
material that also works with the elasticity of the falling object
1000 itself to receive objects 1000 falling along direction A, and
direct objects 1000 properly in direction B and onto the top track
portion 500.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 4, 4a, and 4b, illustrated are various
views of the spout 300. The spout 300 includes a first side 302,
illustrated in FIG. 4b, and a second side 304, illustrated in FIG.
4a. The first side 302 contains an inlet 306, in the shape of a
circle on the side of the first side 302. The inlet 306 is
configured to receive an object 1000. When the second side 304 and
the first side 302 are connected together, the two sides 302, 304
form an outlet 308 that is configured to direct an object 1000
towards the trampoline 400, as stated previously. Moreover, the
first side 302 and the second side 304 form a connection member 310
on the bottom of the spout 300. As illustrated, the connection
member 310 has an outer diameter smaller than that of the body of
the spout 300 directly above the connection member 310, enabling
the connection member 310 to slidably engage the top 232 of the
central pillar 230, positioning the spout 300 on the central pillar
230. Additionally, the spout 300 contains a trigger mechanism 312
placed partially within the inlet 306. The trigger mechanism 312 is
configured to be depressed when an object 1000 passes through the
inlet 306, actuating the trigger mechanism 312. In one embodiment,
the trigger mechanism 312 is connected to electronic components
within the track play set 100 that output a sound on a time delay.
The sound will be output by the speaker 238 approximately at the
time the object 1000 contacts the trampoline 400 positioned below
the spout 300.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 5a, illustrated are various views
of the trampoline 400. Similar to the spout 300, the trampoline 400
contains a first side 402 and a second side 404. When the first
side 402 and the second side 404 of the trampoline 400 are
connected together, an aperture 406 is formed in the top surface,
or face, of the trampoline 400. Furthermore, approximate to the
bottom of the trampoline 400 is a connection opening 412, which is
configured to slideably engage the top support portion 228 of the
lower archway 220, as illustrated in FIG. 3. As stated previously,
the trampoline 400 is able to slide along the top support portion
228 of the lower archway 220 (illustrated in FIG. 3) to properly
position the trampoline 400 underneath the spout 300. When sliding
the trampoline 400 along the top support portion 228 (illustrated
in FIG. 3), the top support portion 228 slides through the
connection opening 412. As illustrated in FIG. 5a, a cross
sectional view of the second side 404 of the trampoline 400,
numerous retaining members 410 are positioned within the second
side 404, below the aperture 406. As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the
retaining members 410 support the resilient cover 408 below the
aperture 406 in the trampoline 400. Additionally, first side 402 is
a mirror image of the second side 404, including retaining members
410 positioned below the aperture 406. As stated previously, the
resilient cover 408 is constructed of a material that will slightly
deform and stretch when contacted by an object 1000. The resilient
cover 408 then immediately returns to its original unstretched
state, which launches the object 1000 onto the top track portion
500 (shown in FIG. 3).
[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated is a cross sectional view
of the central pillar 230, the top track portion 500, the first
middle track portion 600, and the spinner 604. As illustrated, the
spinner 604 is positioned within the first end 602 of the first
middle track portion 600. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the
spinner 604 includes three fins 610. Positioned within the central
pillar 230, and protruding outwardly from the central pillar 230,
is spinner trigger 608. Spinner trigger 608 is shaped and
configured to protrude from the central pillar 230 and into the
first end 602 of the first middle track portion 230, where the fins
610 of the spinner 604 are able to contact the spinner trigger 608.
As the spinner 604 is rotated, either by a child or from an object
1000 passing through the first end 602 of the first middle track
portion 230, the fins 610 contact the spinner trigger 608 causing
the speaker 238 (illustrated in FIG. 1) to output a sound.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 7, illustrated is a cross sectional view
of the track connection member 900. In one embodiment, the track
connection member 900 is of a substantially circular shape. The
track connection member 900 includes a first inlet 902 on the top
left portion of the track connection member 900. Furthermore, a
second inlet 904 is configured on the top right portion of the
track connection member 900. Moreover, the track connection member
900 includes a first outlet 906 positioned below the first inlet
902, and a second outlet 908 positioned below the second inlet 904.
The second end 704 of the second middle track portion 700 is
connected to the first inlet 902 of the track connection member
900. The second end 606 of the first middle track portion 600 is
connected to the second inlet 904 of the track connection member
900. Additionally, the first end 802 of the bottom track portion
800 is connected to the first outlet 906 of the track connection
member 900, while the second end 804 of the bottom track portion
800 is connected to the second outlet 908 of the track connection
member 900.
[0041] The track connection member 900 also includes a divider tab
910 positioned substantially vertically inside the track connection
member 900. As objects 1000 roll into the first inlet 902 of track
connection member 900, the divider tab 910 directs the object 1000
out of the first outlet 906 of the track connection member 900. In
addition, as objects 1000 roll into the second inlet 904 of track
connection member 900, the divider tab 910 directs the object 1000
out of the second outlet 908 of the track connection member 900.
Referring to FIG. 1, the front of the track connection member 900
includes a viewing aperture 912 and a tray 914. The viewing
aperture 912 is configured to allow a child to view the object 100
entering the inlets 902, 904 to be redirected via the divider tab
910 to the outlets 906, 908. Furthermore, the tray 914 is
configured to retain objects 1000.
* * * * *