U.S. patent application number 14/018694 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-05 for activity center toy.
This patent application is currently assigned to TARGET BRANDS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is TARGET BRANDS, INC.. Invention is credited to Joel T. BODKIN, Mark CHASE, Daniel J. HOYORD, Christopher T. SODT.
Application Number | 20150065009 14/018694 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49577980 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150065009 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHASE; Mark ; et
al. |
March 5, 2015 |
ACTIVITY CENTER TOY
Abstract
An activity center toy comprises a base, a housing structure,
and a ball track. The housing structure extends above the base and
includes a first sidewall extending upwardly from the base and
defining an entry opening extending through the first sidewall, and
a second sidewall extending upwardly from the base in a different
plane than the first sidewall. The second sidewall defines an exit
opening extending through the second sidewall. The exit opening is
positioned closer to the base than the entrance opening is
positioned relative to the base. The ball track downwardly extends
from the entry opening to the exit opening and includes a first
rail and a second rail being spaced from one another and extending
substantially in parallel with one another. A ball placed on the
ball track adjacent the entry opening will contact and roll along
each of the first rail and the second rail substantially
simultaneously for at least a portion of the distance between the
entry opening and the exit opening to and through the exit opening
of the second sidewall.
Inventors: |
CHASE; Mark; (Minneapolis,
MN) ; SODT; Christopher T.; (Plymouth, MN) ;
BODKIN; Joel T.; (Minneapolis, MN) ; HOYORD; Daniel
J.; (St. Paul, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TARGET BRANDS, INC. |
Minneapolis |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TARGET BRANDS, INC.
Minneapolis
MN
|
Family ID: |
49577980 |
Appl. No.: |
14/018694 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/444 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 3/52 20130101; A63H
33/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/444 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/30 20060101
A63H033/30; A63H 18/02 20060101 A63H018/02 |
Claims
1. An activity center toy comprising: a base; a housing structure
extending above the base and including: a first sidewall extending
upwardly from the base and defining an entry opening extending
through the first sidewall, and a second sidewall extending
upwardly from the base in a different plane than the first
sidewall, the second sidewall defining an exit opening extending
through the second sidewall, wherein the exit opening is positioned
closer to the base than the entrance opening is positioned relative
to the base; and a ball track downwardly extending from the entry
opening to the exit opening, the ball track includes a first rail
and a second rail being spaced from one another and extending
substantially in parallel with one another such that a ball placed
on the ball track adjacent the entry opening will contact and roll
along each of the first rail and the second rail substantially
simultaneously for at least a portion of the distance between the
entry opening and the exit opening to and through the exit opening
of the second sidewall.
2. The activity center toy of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall
and the second sidewall are substantially opaque and each defines
two opposite and substantially planar surfaces.
3. The activity center toy of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall
extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the second
sidewall.
4. The activity center toy of claim 1, further comprising a third
sidewall coupled to the second sidewall opposite the first sidewall
to define an open cavity between the first sidewall, the second
sidewall, and the third sidewall, wherein the ball track is
positioned within the open cavity.
5. The activity center toy of claim 1, further comprising a third
sidewall coupled to the second sidewall opposite the first sidewall
to define an open cavity between the first sidewall, the second
sidewall, and the third sidewall, and the ball track is positioned
substantially entirely within the open cavity.
6. The activity center toy of claim 1, wherein: the ball track
includes a spacer section extending from the first sidewall,
adjacent the entry opening and away from the first sidewall, the
spacer section extends from the first sidewall to a remainder of
the ball track, and the spacer section extends substantially
perpendicularly relative to the remainder of the ball track.
7. The activity center toy of claim 1, wherein: the ball track
includes a ball drop portion and a downwardly extending section,
the ball drop portion is spaced from the entry opening and extends
above the downwardly extending section, the first rail and the
second rail bow outwardly relative to one another at the ball drop
portion as compared to a remainder of the ball track, and during
use, a ball, initially supported between the first rail and the
second rail, drops through the ball drop portion to the downwardly
extending section before continuing to the exit opening.
8. The activity center toy of claim 7, further comprising: the
ball, wherein the ball is sized to fit through each of the entry
opening, the ball drop section of the ball track, and the exit
opening and has a diameter greater than a spacing of the first rail
and the second rail of the ball track at positions adjacent each of
the entry opening and the exit opening.
9. The activity center toy of claim 1, wherein: the ball track
includes a rearwardly extending section that extends away from the
entry opening in a direction opposite the second sidewall.
10. The activity center toy of claim 1, wherein: the ball track
includes a spacer section, a rearwardly extending section, and a
downwardly extending section, the spacer section extends from the
first sidewall, adjacent the entry opening, and away from the first
sidewall, the rearwardly extending section extends away from an end
of the spacer section opposite the spacer section in a direction
away from the second sidewall, and the downwardly extending section
extends from an end of the rearwardly extending portion opposite
the spacer section and sloped toward the exit opening.
11. The activity center toy of claim 10, wherein: the rearwardly
extending section includes a ball drop portion above the downwardly
extending section, the first rail and the second rail bow outwardly
relative to one another at the ball drop portion as compared to a
remainder of the ball track, and during use, the ball, initially
supported between the first rail and the second rail, drops through
the ball drop portion to the downwardly extending section before
continuing to the exit opening.
12. The activity center toy of claim 10, wherein the rearwardly
extending section extends upwardly between the ball drop portion
and an intersection with the downwardly extending section to define
a ball stop adjacent the ball drop portion.
13. The activity center toy of claim 1, further comprising: a first
coupling block secured to the first sidewall adjacent the entry
opening, wherein each of the first rail and the second rail are
coupled to the first sidewall via the first coupling block.
14. The activity center toy of claim 13, further comprising: a
second coupling block secured adjacent to the exit opening, wherein
each of the first rail and the second rail are coupled to the
second coupling block.
15. The activity center toy of claim 1, further comprising the ball
being sized to fit through each of the entry opening and the exit
opening and having a diameter greater than a spacing of the first
rail and the second rail of the ball track at positions adjacent
each of the entry opening and the exit opening.
16. The activity center toy of claim 15, wherein: the housing
structure includes a door coupled to a surface of the second
sidewall opposite the ball track, the door is rotatable between a
closed position covering the exit opening and an open position at
least partially revealing the exit opening, and during use the ball
rolls from the ball track through the exit opening and contacts the
door with sufficient force to rotate the door into the open
position such that the ball is expelled from the housing structure
through the exit opening and past the door.
17. The activity center toy of claim 16, wherein the ball track is
substantially hidden when the activity center toy is viewed from a
side of the second sidewall opposite the ball track.
18. The activity center toy of claim 1, further comprising: a roof
extending over the first sidewall and the second sidewall such that
an open cavity is formed below the roof between the first sidewall
and the second sidewall; wherein the ball track is substantially
entirely maintained in the open cavity.
19. The activity center toy of claim 18, wherein: the roof includes
an elongated opening extending through the roof providing visual
access to the open cavity through the roof, and the activity center
toy further comprises: a serpentine wire extending from one end of
the elongated opening to an opposing end of the elongated opening,
and a wire follower extending around the serpentine wire and
configured to readily slide along the length of the wire when a
user applies an appropriate force to the wire follower.
20. An interactive toy comprising: means for defining an internal
cavity, the means for defining the internal cavity including two
panels, each of the two panels defining a different one of means
for entering the internal cavity and means for exiting the internal
cavity; and means for directing a spherical object under
gravitational forces to move from the means for entering the
internal cavity to the means for exiting the internal cavity,
wherein the means for entering the internal cavity and the means
for exiting the internal cavity are provided on two different and
non-parallel planes.
21. The interactive toy of claim 20 further comprising: means for
selectively opening and closing the means for exiting the internal
cavity.
22. The interactive toy of claim 20, wherein the means for defining
the internal cavity includes an open side opposite the means for
exiting the internal cavity.
23. The interactive toy of claim 20, wherein the means for
directing includes two substantially parallel means for contacting
the spherical object.
24. A method of assembling a toy, the method comprising
constructing a housing structure defining an open cavity therein,
wherein the housing structure includes a first window and a second
window, the first window is defined on a different plane of the
housing structure than the second window, and the first window is
positioned higher on the housing structure than the second window;
coupling a first end of a ball track to the housing structure
adjacent the first window; and coupling a second end of a ball
track adjacent the second window such that the ball track has a
downwardly angled orientation as it extends from the first end of
the ball track to the second end of the ball track and such that a
ball placed on the ball track through the first window will move
from the first end of the ball track to the second end of the ball
track and out the second window due to gravitational forces;
wherein the ball track includes a first rail and a second rail
extending substantially parallel to one another such that the ball
is supported between the first rail and the second rail as the ball
moves along the ball track.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: providing a ball
with the toy; wherein coupling the first end of the ball track to
the housing structure includes positioning the ball track such that
a ball drop portion of the ball track is positioned directly above
the downwardly extending section of the ball track, the ball track
having a distance between the first rail and the second rail that
is smaller than a diameter of the ball everywhere along the ball
track other than along the ball drop portion, and first rail and
second rail are spaced apart a distance greater than the diameter
of the ball at the ball drop portion of the ball track.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Sensory play is an important part of early childhood
development. Such play stimulates children's senses, develops fine
motor skills, and helps children engage and understand basic cause
and effect in learning how their senses work and how objects
interact with one another. Sensory play also enhances children's
data collection and processing functions, increases body awareness,
and offers many other advantages. Sensory play can be stimulated
through the use of toys and imaginative play. Many types of sensory
and activity toys are found in the marketplace. Toys incorporating
multiple sensory play items and doing so in an imaginative and
encouraging aesthetic manner further inspire children to engage in
sensory activities to bolster their development. New means of
inspiring sensory play continue to evolve as children's interests
and attention spans change as they grow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] One aspect of the present invention relates to an activity
center toy comprises a base, a housing structure, and a ball track.
The housing structure extends above the base and includes a first
sidewall extending upwardly from the base and defining an entry
opening extending through the first sidewall, and a second sidewall
extending upwardly from the base in a different plane than the
first sidewall. The second sidewall defines an exit opening
extending through the second sidewall. The exit opening is
positioned closer to the base than the entrance opening is
positioned relative to the base. The ball track downwardly extends
from the entry opening to the exit opening and includes a first
rail and a second rail being spaced from one another and extending
substantially in parallel with one another. A ball placed on the
ball track adjacent the entry opening will contact and roll along
each of the first rail and the second rail substantially
simultaneously for at least a portion of the distance between the
entry opening and the exit opening to and through the exit opening
of the second sidewall. Other apparatus, assemblies, and associated
methods are also disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect
to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote like
elements, and in which:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a top, front perspective view illustration of an
activity center toy, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a bottom, rear perspective view illustration of
the activity center toy of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a front view illustration of the activity center
toy of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a rear view illustration of the activity center
toy of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a right side view illustration of the activity
center toy of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a left side view illustration of the activity
center toy of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a top view illustration of the activity center toy
of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustration of the activity center
toy of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a front view of a door assembly of the activity
center toy of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a partial top, rear perspective view illustration
of the activity center toy of FIG. 1 with a roof removed, according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view illustration taken
along the line X1-X1 in FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a rear view illustration of a spinning member of
the activity center toy of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 13 is a right side view illustration of a spinning
member of the activity center toy of FIG. 1, according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view illustration taken
along the line X2-X2 in FIG. 6, according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 15 is a top view illustration of a ball track and
mounting blocks of the activity center toy of FIG. 10, according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 16 is the partial top, rear perspective view
illustration of the activity center toy of FIG. 10 without a roof
and showing a ball in various positions along the ball track of the
activity center toy, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 17 is a front view illustration of a path-traveling
member of the activity center toy of FIG. 1, according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the activity
center toy taken along the line X3-X3 of FIG. 7, according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the activity
center toy taken along the line X4-X4 of FIG. 7, according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The present invention relates to an activity center toy
providing a variety of interactive elements for entertaining and
educating children. In one embodiment, the activity center toy
includes a housing structure having various interactive elements
positioned to allow interaction from both outside the housing
structure and inside the housing structure. The housing structure,
in one example, is configured to extend upwardly from a support
surface and with an open side, such as an open back, allowing
access to an open internal chamber of the housing structure. In one
example, a bead maze item is provided to extend between opposing
ends of an opening in a roof of the housing structure such that the
bead maze can be interacted with both from above the roof external
to the housing structure and from below the roof via the inside of
the housing structure. In one example, the activity center toy
includes a ball track within the housing structure to align with an
entry opening extending through the housing structure and an exit
opening extending through the housing structure, for example, via a
different side of the housing structure than the entry opening. In
this manner, a ball dropped through the entry opening is placed on
the ball track, slides down the ball track, and exits the housing
structure via the exit opening via gravitational and velocity
forces. In one embodiment, the ball contacts a door selectively
covering the exit causing the door to move away from the exit
opening and allowing the ball to exit the housing structure. All of
the above described interactive components and others described
below are designed to hold the attention of a child through various
stages of growth and learning providing a toy a child desires to
play with and learn from for an extended period of time.
[0024] Turning to the figures, FIGS. 1-8 illustrate various views
of one example of an activity center toy 10. Activity center toy 10
includes a base 12, a primary or housing structure 14, and a
plurality of interactive elements or activity components 16. For
example, activity components 16 may include one or more of movable
doors 20, rotating blocks 22, rotating blocks 24, spinning members
26, wire bead mazes 28 and 30, path-traveling members 32, and a
spherical object or ball 36 (see FIG. 16), as will be described in
further detail below, all configured for repeated user interaction.
Other combinations or individual activity components can be
substituted for or added to those specifically described
herein.
[0025] Base 12 is formed of a single piece of wood, plastic, or
other suitable material and defines a bottom surface 38 and a top
surface 39 (see FIGS. 10 and 16) opposite bottom surface 38 that
are both substantially planar. Bottom surface 38 is configured to
rest on a support surface (e.g., table or floor) and the remainder
of activity center toy 10 extends upwardly from top surface 39. In
one embodiment, base 12 is eliminated.
[0026] Housing structure 14 is formed, in one example, in the shape
of a house, garage, or barn as illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. In one
example, housing structure 14 includes a front wall 40, a right or
first sidewall 42, a left or second sidewall 44, and an open back.
Each of front wall 40, first sidewall 42, and second sidewall 44
abut and extend upwardly from, for example, substantially
perpendicularly to, top surface 39 of base 12 and are coupled
thereto with suitable fasteners 46 (e.g., screws, bolts, glue,
staples, nails, or a combination thereof). An open cavity 48 (see
FIG. 2) is formed within housing structure 14 bordering base 12 and
is primarily accessible via an open back of housing structure 14.
In one example, open cavity 48 is additionally accessible but on a
smaller scale via various openings and windows of housing structure
14 and/or other portions of activity center toy 10 as will be
further described below. According to at least the above
description, housing structure 14 is one example of means for
defining internal cavity 48.
[0027] Front wall 40 is, in one example, formed of a single piece
of wood, plastic, or other suitable material and defines an
exterior surface 50 and an interior surface 52 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2,
4, 10, and 16) opposite exterior surface 50. In one embodiment,
both of exterior surface 50 and interior surface 52 are
substantially planar and are positioned substantially parallel to
one another. Front wall 40 is illustrated as being substantially
rectangular, however, other shapes are also contemplated. Referring
to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, front wall 40 defines a bottom edge
54, a top edge 56 (see, e.g., FIGS. 10 and 16) opposite and
substantially parallel to bottom edge 54, a first side edge 58
extending between bottom edge 54 and top edge 56, and a second side
edge 60 extending between bottom edge 54 and top edge 56 opposite
and substantially parallel to first side edge 58.
[0028] In one embodiment, doors 20 are coupled to exterior surface
50 of front wall 40 and can be opened and closed by a user,
thereby, providing activity and enjoyment to the user, who most
typically is an infant or toddler. Each door 20 is coupled to front
wall 40 via a first coupling member or header 62 and a second
coupling member or sill 64, according to one example. As
illustrated, each of header 62 and sill 64 are elongated members,
having, for example, a rectangular cross-section. Additionally
referring to FIG. 9, each door 20 is configured to be received
between each of header 62 and sill 64 by way of an axle 66 either
extending entirely through an edge of door 20 or via a two piece of
axle (not shown) with each piece thereof extending linearly and
aligned with one another outwardly from two opposing edges of door
20, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is substantially
rectangular. Doors of other shapes and/or coupling mechanisms are
additionally or alternatively contemplated.
[0029] Header 62 and sill 64 include opposing cavities 67 extending
away from an edge of header 62 and sill 64, respectively, each
facing the other of header 62 and sill 64. Each cavity 67 is sized
to receive opposing end portions of axle 66. More specifically,
each header 62 and sill 64 are placed relative to door 20 to align
opposing ends of axle 66 with cavities 67; subsequently, header 62
and axle 66 are pushed toward each other, as shown with arrows in
FIG. 9, such that each end of axle 66 is received within a
different one of cavities 67. Header 62 and sill 64 are then
coupled to exterior surface 50 of front wall 40, for example, via
adhesive, screws, rivets, or any other suitable coupling means. In
other examples, one of header 62 and sill 64 may be coupled to
exterior surface 50 prior to placement of a corresponding end of
axle 66 being received in cavity 67 thereof, as will be apparent to
those of skill in the art upon reading this application.
[0030] Once assembled and coupled to front wall 40, doors 20 are
each able to rotate about a corresponding axle 66 to open and close
as shown for example, in broken lines for doors 20 in FIG. 1,
thereby, amusing a child interacting with activity center toy 10.
In one example, doors 20 are provided in at least one of a
horizontal orientation as door 20a, in which header 62 and sill 64
extend substantially horizontally and axle 66 extends substantially
vertically, and a vertical orientation as door 20b, in which header
62 and sill 64 extend substantially vertically and axle 66 extends
substantially horizontally allowing door 20b to flip up and down
about axle 66.
[0031] In one embodiment, indicia 106 on exterior surface 50 of
front wall 40 includes depictions, such as a farm animal, window,
shape, etc. that are selectively covered and uncovered as one or
more of doors 20 are opened and closed. Indicia 106 of a common
theme may be disposed on various surfaces of housing structure 14
and/or doors 20 adding to an aesthetic appeal of activity center
toy 10 and encouraging children to interact and use their
imagination with activity center toy 10. In one example, front wall
40 defines a window or exit opening 68 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4, 10, and
16) extending entirely therethrough and positioned behind one of
doors 20, e.g., door 20b. As such, when door 20b is opened, exit
opening 68 is exposed to a front of activity center toy 10.
[0032] In one example, front wall 40 includes an opening 70 spaced
from exit opening 68 and extending from exterior surface 50 to
interior surface 52 of front wall 40. As shown in the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 11 taken about lines X1-X1 in FIG. 3,
a recess 71 is formed on each of two opposing sides of opening 70
open toward the other recess 71 and open to interior surface 52 of
front wall 40. Each recess 71 is sized and shaped to partially
receive an opposing end of an axle 72 (see, e.g., FIG. 11)
extending between recesses 71 across opening 70. In one example, a
front surface 75 of a coupling block 76 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4, 10,
11, and 16) is coupled to interior surface 52 of front wall 40 and
also includes a recess 77 aligning with a recess 71 such that a
pair of recess 71 and recess 77 entirely receives and extends
around one end of axle 72. A separate coupling block 76 is included
at each opposing side of opening 70, as shown, for example, in
FIGS. 10 and 16.
[0033] Prior to securing each opposing end of axle 72 to front wall
40 in recesses 71 and 77, one, two, or more rotating blocks 22 are
placed around axle 72, e.g., via a linear chamber or bore (not
shown) extending through each rotating block 22 such that rotating
blocks 22 can relatively easily rotate about axle 72. In one
example, spacer disks 74 also extend around axle 72 and maintain
spacing of rotating blocks 22 from opposing edges of opening 70.
Each rotating block 22 includes a substantially planar or
substantially curvilinear surface with indicia 78, such as indicia
corresponding with an overall theme established by indicia 106 on
housing structure 14. In this manner, when a user spins rotating
blocks 22 about axle 72, the portions of indicia 78 is viewable at
a given time on blocks 22 through opening 70 is changed, thereby,
further amusing children and other interacting with activity center
toy 10.
[0034] In one embodiment, one or more spinning members 26 are
additionally or alternatively coupled with front wall 40. Referring
to FIGS. 1, 2, 12, and 13, in one example, each spinning member 26
is formed of two parts including an exterior component 82 and an
interior or coupling component 84. Exterior component 82 includes
an exterior surface 86 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 3), and an interior
surface 88 (see FIG. 12) opposite exterior surface 86. Exterior
component 82 further includes a perimeter edge 90, which extends,
for example, substantially perpendicularly from exterior surface 86
and/or interior surface 88. In one embodiment, perimeter edge 90
forms a plurality of gear teeth 91 extending radially outwardly
from a remainder of spinning member 26 and circumferentially spaced
from each other about spinning member 26.
[0035] Exterior component 82 further includes an interior rim 92,
such as a substantially circular interior rim 92 extending from
interior surface 88 away from exterior surface 86. In one example,
interior rim 92 defines registration notches 94 extending radially
outwardly from a remainder of interior rim 92, for instance, at
each of two or more, e.g., four or more, positions equally spaced
circumferentially around interior rim 92. Alternatively, in one
example, registration notches 94 are breaks or gaps along interior
rim 92 without any radially outward extension thereof.
[0036] Coupling component 84 is generally sized smaller than
exterior component 82 and defines an outermost perimeter edge 96
with registration protrusions 98, an annular ring 100, and a hub
102. Perimeter edge 96 is generally circular in shape or otherwise
shaped substantially identically to, but sized just smaller than,
interior rim 92 of exterior component 82. Outermost perimeter edge
96 defines registration protrusions 98 equally spaced
circumferentially about perimeter edge 96 such that each
registration protrusion 98 aligns with and will fit within a
different one of registration notches 94 of exterior component 82.
In one example, an annular ring 100 is centered and inset relative
to perimeter edge 96, but also extends rearwardly from a
substantially planar, interior surface 101 of coupling component
84. Annular ring 100 extends further away from interior surface 101
than perimeter edge 96, in one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG.
13.
[0037] Hub 102 is centered on coupling component 84, and therefore,
is centered relative to perimeter edge 96 and annular ring 100, in
one example, and extends further away from interior surface 101
than either perimeter edge 96 or annular ring 100. Hub 102 is
configured to fit in a corresponding aperture 81 (generally
indicated in FIG. 4) in front wall 40 through most if not all of a
thickness thereof. Hub 102 includes a cavity 104, e.g., a threaded
cavity) extending from a rearmost portion thereof forwardly and
configured to receive a fastener 108 (see FIG. 4) rotatably
securing coupling component 84 to front wall 40 such that coupling
component 84 is readily rotatable about hub 102 when spun.
[0038] In one embodiment, exterior component 82 is coupled to
coupling component 84 by placing interior rim 92 of exterior
component 82 to fit tightly around perimeter edge 96 of coupling
component 84 such that each registration protrusion 98 is
positioned in a different one of registration notches 94. In one
example, interior surface 88 of exterior component 82 is positioned
just inside interior rim 92 and is friction fit thereto and/or is
adhered or otherwise coupled to coupling component 84. Accordingly,
when a user contacts exterior component 82 to induce rotation or
spinning thereof, exterior component 82 rotates together with
coupling component 84 about hub 102 in aperture 81 of front wall
40. In one example, annular ring 100 contacts exterior surface 50
of front wall 40 such that spinning member 26 maintains consistent
spacing from exterior surface and spinning thereof is not impeded
by uneven contact of spinning member 26 with front wall 40. In one
embodiment, exterior component 82 remains spaced from and does not
generally directly contact exterior surface 50 of front wall 40. In
one embodiment, each of exterior component 82 and coupling
component 84 are formed of molded plastic and, in one example,
coupling component 84 is formed to be more rigid than exterior
component 82.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, as described with primary
reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, first sidewall 42 is formed of a single
piece of wood, plastic, or other suitable material and defines an
exterior surface 110 and an interior surface 112 (see, e.g., FIGS.
2, 10, and 16) opposite exterior surface 110. First sidewall 42
extends rearwardly from and in a different plane than front wall
40. In one example, first sidewall 42 extends substantially
perpendicularly to front wall 40. In one embodiment, both of
exterior surface 110 and interior surface 112 are substantially
planar. First sidewall 42 defines a bottom edge 114, a top edge 116
(see, e.g., FIGS. 10 and 16) opposite bottom edge 114, a front side
edge 118 extending between bottom edge 114 and top edge 116, and a
rear edge 120 extending between bottom edge 114 and top edge 116
opposite and substantially parallel to first side edge 118.
[0040] In one example, top edge 116 is further divided into
segments each configured to receive a different portion of roof 230
of housing structure 14 as will be further described below. For
example, top edge 116 includes first top edge segment 122, second
top edge segment 124, third top edge segment 126, and fourth top
edge segment 128. First top edge segment 122 extends upwardly and
rearwardly from front side edge 118. Second top edge segment 124
extends upwardly and rearwardly from an edge of first top edge
segment 122 opposite front side edge 118. Third top edge segment
126 extends downwardly and rearwardly from second top edge segment
124 opposite first top edge segment 122. Fourth top edge segment
128 extends downwardly and rearwardly from third top edge segment
126 opposite second top edge segment 124 and to rear edge 120. In
one example, each of first top edge segment 122, second top edge
segment 124, third top edge segment 126, and fourth top edge
segment 128 are substantially linear.
[0041] In one example, first sidewall 42 includes a top or entry
opening 130 sized and shaped to receive a ball 36 (see, e.g., FIG.
16) and/or a side opening or window 132 allowing viewing into an
interior of housing structure 14. Entry opening 130 is spaced
further from base 12 and bottom edge 114 of first sidewall 42 than
exit opening 68 is spaced from base 12 and bottom edge 54 of front
wall 40. In one example, additional spinning members 26 include
spinning members 26a, 26b, and 26c coupled with first sidewall 42
via corresponding hubs 102 thereof and corresponding apertures 134
extending through first sidewall 42. Gear teeth 80 (see, e.g.,
FIGS. 12 and 13) of each of spinning members 26a, 26b, and 26c are
configured to interact with gear teeth 80 of one more other ones of
spinning members 26a, 26b, and 26c, in one embodiment, such that
rotation of one of spinning members 26a, 26b, and 26c induces
rotation of the others of spinning members 26a, 26b, and 26c. In
one example, one or more of spinning members 26 include indicia 138
linking each spinning member 26 to the overall theme established by
indicia 106 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 3) of housing structure 14.
[0042] In the illustrated embodiment as described with primary
reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, second sidewall 44 is formed of a
single piece of wood, plastic, or other suitable material and
defines an exterior surface 150 and an interior surface 152 as
generally indicated in FIGS. 4 and 14) opposite exterior surface
150. In one example, second sidewall 44 extends rearwardly from and
in a different plane than front wall 40. In one example, second
sidewall 44 extends substantially perpendicularly to front wall 40.
In one embodiment, both of exterior surface 150 and interior
surface 152 are substantially planar. Second sidewall 44 defines a
bottom edge 154, a top edge 156 opposite and substantially parallel
to bottom edge 154, a front side edge 158 extending between bottom
edge 154 and top edge 156, and a rear side edge 160 extending
between bottom edge 154 and top edge 156 opposite and substantially
parallel to front side edge 158.
[0043] In one example, top edge 156 is further divided into
segments each configured to receive a different portion of roof 230
of housing structure 14 as will be further described below. Top
edge 156, as illustrated, includes a first top edge segment 162, a
second top edge segment 164, a third top edge segment 166, and a
fourth top edge segment 168. First top edge segment 162 extends
upwardly and rearwardly from front side edge 158. Second top edge
segment 164 extends upwardly and rearwardly from first top edge
segment 162 opposite front side edge 158. Third top edge segment
166 extends downwardly and rearwardly from second top edge segment
164 opposite first top edge segment 162. Fourth top edge segment
168 extends downwardly and rearwardly from third top edge segment
166 opposite second top edge segment 164 and to rear side edge 160.
In one example, each of first top edge segment 162, second top edge
segment 164, third top edge segment 166, and fourth segment 168 are
substantially linear.
[0044] Second sidewall 44 includes a window 170 extending, in one
embodiment, over more than about 30% of the surface area of second
sidewall 44, for example, over more than about 45% of the surface
area of second sidewall 44. Referring to the cross-sectional view
of FIG. 14, recesses or indentations 174 extend from interior
surface 152 adjacent each of opposing side edges of window 170 in a
size and shape to receive an axle 172, such as an elongated metal
rod or other suitable elongated member. In one example, each axle
172 that extends from within one of indentations 174 to another
indentation 174 on an opposite side of window 170 such that axle
172 extends substantially horizontally or as otherwise desired.
[0045] Prior to being placed in two corresponding indentations 174,
in one example, one, two, or more rotating blocks 24 are placed on
axle 172 via bore holes (not shown) through each of rotating blocks
24. Each rotating block 24 includes at least two opposing surfaces
180 each having different indicia 182 included thereon such that
rotation of one or more of rotating blocks 24 changes the overall
visual presentation provided by second sidewall 44 and rotating
blocks 24, thereby, amusing users of activity center toy 10. When
rotating blocks 24 are positioned on a corresponding one of the one
or more axles 172, each end of axle 172 is placed in two opposing
indentations 174. In one example, elongated coupling blocks 176 are
placed adjacent interior surface 152 on either side of window 170
such that coupling blocks 176 collectively cover all indentations
174, thereby, securing axles 172 in indentations 174 such that
rotating blocks 24 are hung to extend over a portion of window 170.
In one example, two, three, four, or more axles 172 are provided
and each includes two or more of rotating blocks 24 thereon. In one
embodiment, rotating blocks 24 cover more than 75% of window 170
when broad sides of each rotatable block 24 extends substantially
parallel to exterior surface 150 of second sidewall 44.
[0046] While specific activity components 16 are described as being
included one ones of front wall 40, first sidewall 42, and second
sidewall 44, each of activity components 16 can be included on any
of front wall 40, first sidewall 42, and second sidewall 44 and/or
may be eliminated or at least duplicated other ones of front wall
40, first sidewall 42, and second sidewall 44. The addition or
substitution of other activity components, which are not
specifically disclosed herein, to activity components 16 is also
contemplated.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2, 15, and 16, in one example, activity
center toy 10 includes a ball track 34 mounted inside housing
structure 14 to receive ball 36 (see FIG. 16) when ball 36 is
inserted into housing structure 14 via entry opening 130 of first
sidewall 42. Ball track 34 directs ball 36 from an entry point
downwardly along ball track 34, and finally expelling ball 36 out
exit opening 68 in front wall 40, which may also be referred to as
another sidewall, in one embodiment. More specifically, ball track
34 includes a first rail 190 and a second rail 192 spaced from each
other a distance less than a diameter of ball track 34 and
extending in a substantially parallel manner. As such, a ball 36 is
placed to be supported between each of first rail 190 and second
rail 192 in a manner allowing ball 36 to freely roll along ball
track 34. In view of at least the above description, first sidewall
42 with entry opening 130 is one example of means for entering the
internal cavity 48, and front wall 40 with exit opening 68 is one
example of means for exiting the internal cavity 48.
[0048] In one example, first and second rails 190 and 192 each are
coupled to a top portion of first sidewall 42 at one end thereof
and to front wall 40 or to base 12 near front wall 40. More
specifically, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, first ends of
first and second rails 190 and 192 are coupled to first sidewall 42
via a first or top coupling block 194, such as a wooden block,
having a width that is larger than an overall width of side window
132. Coupling block 194 has a top surface 198 that is curved or
otherwise formed to follow along and align with a bottom portion of
side window 132. Top coupling block 194 is coupled to first
sidewall 42 in any suitable manner such as glue, other adhesive,
screws, nails, rivets, staples, etc. and is positioned to align top
surface 198 with a bottom portion of side window 132. Each first
end of first and second rails 190 and 192 is inserted into
corresponding holes (not shown) in top coupling block 194 and
secured with fasteners 196 such as fastening disks, adhesive,
and/or other suitable coupling mechanism(s).
[0049] Ball track 34 defines a spacer section 199, a rearwardly
extending section 200, and a downwardly extending section 202, in
one embodiment. Each of spacer section 199, rearwardly extending
section 200, and downwardly extending section 202 have at least
some downward tilt, with downwardly extending section 202 having
the most downward tilt or slope, such that ball 36 placed thereon
will roll from spacer section 199 to rearwardly extending section
200 and finally to and down downwardly extending section 202 due to
gravitational forces. Spacer section 199 of ball track 34 extends
from top coupling block 194 toward second sidewall 44 (i.e., away
from side window 132) to move ball 36 away from first sidewall 42.
In one example, the portion of first rail 190 included in spacer
section 199 is shorter than a portion of section rail 192 included
in spacer section 199 such that a remainder of second rail 192 is
spaced further away from first sidewall 42 than first rail 190. A
remainder of each of first and second rails 190 and 192 extends
substantially in parallel other than ball drop portion 216, which
will be described in additional detail below. In one example,
spacer section 199 extends substantially perpendicularly relative
to a remainder of ball track 24 including rearwardly extending
section 200 and downwardly extending section 202.
[0050] Rearwardly extending section 200 extends from ends of spacer
section 199 opposite side window 132 and extends substantially
rearwardly therefrom. In one example, rearwardly extending section
200 extends rearwardly from spacer section 199, for instance, with
a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to spacer
section 199. Rearwardly extending section 200 includes a ball drop
portion 216 in which first and second rails 190 and 192 bow away
from each other such that a width between first and second rails
190 and 192 becomes larger than the diameter of ball 36. In one
example, first and second rails 190 and 192 bow away from each
other in a curvilinear manner as best illustrated in the top view
of FIG. 15 to form an opening therebetween shaped similar to and
sized at least slightly larger than ball 36. In this manner, when
ball 36 travels to ball drop portion 216, ball 36 drops through
ball drop portion 216 of ball track 34 down to another portion of
ball track 34 as illustrated in FIG. 16. In one example, rearwardly
extending section 200 includes first and second rails 190 and 192
extending back toward one another, after ball drop portion 216, to
a spacing similar to the spacing between first and second rails 190
and 92 along rearwardly extending section 200 just before ball drop
portion 216. As illustrated, in one embodiment, rearwardly
extending section 20 terminates with an upwardly protruding end
portion 218 to both provide additional rigidity to ball track 34
and/or to provide stops along each of first and second rails 190
and 192 to any ball 36 that may enter ball track 34 with enough
speed to travel over ball drop portion 216. The upward extension
218 stops and redirects any such ball 36 back to and through ball
drop portion 216.
[0051] Downwardly extending section 202 extends from an end of
rearwardly extending section 200 opposite spacer section 199, that
is, an intersection 219 of rearwardly extending section 200 and
downwardly extending section 202. Downwardly extending section 202
extends from intersection 219 with a slope, for example, a curved
slope to a lowermost end of ball track 34. The curvature of the
slope is selected in combination with the particular
characteristics (e.g., weight, friction, and material composition)
of ball 36 to adjust the speed of ball 36 traveling along
downwardly extending section 202 due to gravitational forces.
[0052] In one example, lower most end of ball track 34 is secured
to one or both of front wall 40 and base 12 via a lower coupling
block 204, such as a wood block. In one embodiment, lower coupling
block 204 defines a bottom surface 208 and a top surface 210
opposite bottom surface 208 that are each substantially planar.
Bottom surface 208 is placed adjacent and coupled to top surface 39
of base 12 near or directly adjacent to interior surface 52. More
specifically, lower coupling block 204 is positioned such that top
surface 210 thereof is placed adjacent to or just below a
bottommost edge of exit opening 68 extending through front wall 40.
Ends of each of first rail 190 and second rail 192 extend into
cavities (not shown) in lower coupling block 204 and are
additionally secured by fastener(s) 206 such as one or more of
adhesive, coupling disk, and/or other suitable coupling
mechanism.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 16, which shows ball 36 in various
positions along an installed ball track 34, when ball 36 is
inserted into housing structure 14 via entry opening 130, ball 36
initially sits on spacer section 199, which is slightly downwardly
tilted such the ball 36 moves along spacer section 199 to
rearwardly extending section 200 via gravitational forces. Ball 36
then moves onto rearwardly extending section 200, which, in one
embodiment, extends substantially perpendicularly to spacer section
199 with a downwardly tilt to intersection 219. Accordingly, ball
36 continues to roll from spacer section 199 down rearwardly
extending section 200 toward intersection 219. As ball 36 rolls
over ball drop portion 216, ball 36 drops through the space between
first and second rails 190 and 192 onto a point of downwardly
extending section 202 directly below.
[0054] Upon contacting downwardly extending section 202, ball 36
continues down downwardly extending section 202 to and out exit
opening 68 in front wall 40. In one example, where closed door 20b
extends over front exit opening 68, ball 36 moves through front
exit opening 68 contacting door 20b and inducing rotation of door
20b about its corresponding axle 66 to open door 20b (i.e., to move
door 20b from a closed position to an open position). When door 20b
is open, ball 36 can be expelled from housing structure 14 via
front exit opening 68. In one embodiment, the curvature of the
slope of the downwardly extending section 202 is selected such that
ball 36 will hit door 20b with sufficient speed to force door 20b
to flip at least partially open. In view of at least the
above-description, ball track 34 is one example of means for
directing ball 36 under gravitation forces to move from entry
opening 130 to exit opening 68, and door 20b is one example of
means for selectively opening and closing exit opening 68.
[0055] In one embodiment, roof 230 is placed over and substantially
entirely covers housing structure 14 creating cavity 48 (see FIG.
2) therein, which is open to a back of housing structure 14
opposite front wall 40. In addition to containing ball track 34 and
providing internal access to rotating blocks 22 and 24, cavity 48
is sized to house other toys or items. For example, blocks or other
items may be stored therein as desired by a child and/or activity
center toy 10 can be used as a barn, garage, or other item for
temporarily housing trucks, tractors, or other toy automobiles for
storage or during a child's play with activity center toy 10.
[0056] Roof 230 includes a first roof panel 232, a second roof
panel 234, a third roof panel 236, and a fourth roof panel 238 to
correspond with top edges 116 and 156 of first sidewall 42 and
second sidewall 44, in one example. Each of first, second, third,
and fourth panels 232, 234, 236, and 238 are substantially
rectangular and/or substantially planar planks or wooden boards
having a width sufficient to extend between and, in one example,
slightly beyond each of first sidewall 42 and second sidewall 44.
More particularly, first roof panel 232 longitudinally extends over
each of and between first top edge segment 122 of first sidewall 42
and first top edge segment 162 of second sidewall 44 and along and
covering top edge 56 of front wall 40. First roof panel laterally
extends from a frontmost edge 242 to second roof panel 234. Second
roof panel 234 longitudinally extends over each of and between
second top edge segments 124 and 164 of first sidewall 42 and
second sidewall 44, respectively. Third roof panel 236
longitudinally extends over each of and between third top edge
segments 126 and 166 of first sidewall 42 and second sidewall 44,
respectively. Fourth roof panel 238 longitudinally extends over
each of and between fourth top edge segments 128 and 168 of first
sidewall 42 and second sidewall 44, respectively, and laterally
from third roof panel 236 to rearmost edge 244.
[0057] In one embodiment, activity components 16 are incorporated
into roof 230 in addition to housing structure 14. For example,
wire bead maze 28 extends from and above first roof panel 232. Wire
bead maze 28 includes a wire 252 and wire followers 258 configured
to selectively slide along wire 252. Wire 252 used for wire bead
maze 28 is substantially rigid such that wire 252 holds it shape as
wire followers 258 move back and forth over wire 252. For example,
wire 252 is that commonly referred to as "roller coaster wire" in
the toy art. In one example, wire 296 includes a first end 298 and
a second end 300 each coupled to roof 230 in a stable and secure
manner. Wire 252 defines a first end 254 and a second end 256
opposite first end 254 each coupled to a top of first roof panel
232 via bores or cavities (not shown) in first roof panel 232
and/or coupling disks 264 or other suitable fastener(s). To provide
additional stability to wire bead maze 28, in one example, coupling
blocks 262 are coupled to an interior of first roof panel 232 (see
FIG. 2) such that first end 254 and second end 256 of wire 252
extend through first roof panel 232 and slightly into a
corresponding coupling block 262 in a manner decreasing rotation or
tilt of wire 252 relative to first roof panel 232. Wire followers
258, for example, in the form of balls, cubes, stars, animals, or
any other suitable shape, are provided with a through cavity or
bore 260 extending therethrough and placed around wire 252 such
that wire followers 258 slide along wire 252 as desired by a user.
In one example, wire 252 defines arches, curves, spirals, or other
features making movement of wire followers 258 along wire 252 more
complex and, therefore, more interesting and stimulating to a child
playing with activity center toy 10.
[0058] Second roof panel 234 includes an elongated slot 270
extending longitudinally therethrough in a meandering pattern such
as in a zigzag line, a serpentine line, etc. A path-traveling
member 32 is configured to move back and forth along elongated
slots 270 such that elongated slot 270 functions as a track for
path-traveling member 32. One example of path-traveling member 32
is more particularly illustrated in FIG. 17. Such a path-traveling
member 32 includes a top member 272, a bottom member 274, and an
intermediate dowel 276. Top member 272 is configured to travel
above second roof panel 234 and is shaped in a manner allowing a
youngster playing with activity center toy 10 to easily grasp top
member 272 causing top member 272 to travel along elongated slot
270. In the illustrated embodiment, top member 272 is shaped like
an egg and a nest in a manner configured to correspond with the
overall farm theme of activity center toy 10 as illustrated in the
examples of FIGS. 1-8. At least a bottom portion of top member 272
has a diameter or width that is larger than a width of elongated
slot 270 in all directions such that top member 272 is not
generally able to move through elongated slot 270.
[0059] Bottom member 274 is spaced below top member 272 and has any
suitable shape sized with a width or diameter larger than the width
of elongated slot 270 such that bottom member 274 is not generally
able to move through elongated slot 270. Intermediate dowel 276 is
coupled to each of top member 272 and bottom member 274, e.g., via
fasteners such as screw 278, adhesive, other coupling mechanisms,
and/or combinations thereof. More specifically, bottom member 272
is coupled to top member 272 via intermediate dowel 276 after
placement of intermediate dowel 276 through elongated slot 270
resulting in top member 272 being positioned above second roof
panel 234 and bottom member 274 being positioned below second roof
panel 234. In this manner, intermediate dowel 276 extends between a
bottom surface 280 of top member 272 and a top surface 282 of
bottom member 274 to define gaps 284 between top member 272 and
bottom member 274 around intermediate dowel 276. Gaps 284 receive
edges of second roof panel 234 on opposing sides of elongated slot
270. In one example, Intermediate dowel 276 is cylindrical, in one
example, and has a diameter that is less than a width of elongated
slot 270 such that intermediate dowel 276 is relatively easily
moved longitudinally along elongated slot 270. Top member 272 and
bottom member 274 substantially prevent any significant movement of
path-traveling member 32 in a direction transverse to the
longitudinal extension of elongated slot 270. Path-traveling member
32 helps develop small motor skills and cause-and-effect analysis
of children playing therewith.
[0060] In one example, third roof panel 236 includes a frontmost
roof cutout 290 extending from an edge of third roof panel 236
adjacent fourth roof panel 238 and sized, in one embodiment, to
extend over a majority of a length of third roof panel 236, for
example more than about 65% of the length of third roof panel 236.
Fourth roof panel 236 includes a rearmost roof cutout 292, in one
example, extending from an edge of fourth roof panel 236 adjacent
third roof panel 236. As such, frontmost roof cutout 290 and
rearmost roof cutout 292 are placed in communication with one
another to collectively form a larger opening 294 through roof 230.
In one embodiment, rearmost roof cutout 292 is sized to extend over
a majority of a length of fourth roof panel 238, such as more than
about 65% of the length of fourth roof panel 238.
[0061] According to one embodiment, an activity component 16 is
positioned within opening 294, such as wire bead maze 30. More
particularly, wire bead maze 30 includes a wire 296 extending
longitudinally across opening 294 with spirals or other serpentine
and three-dimensional variations making movement of wire followers
302 thereon less linear and generally more interesting and
stimulating to child users. Wire 296 used for wire bead maze 30 is
rigid such that wire 296 holds it shape as wire followers 302 move
back and forth over wire 296. For example, wire 296 is that
commonly referred to as "roller coaster wire" in the toy art. In
one example, wire 296 includes a first end 298 and a second end 300
each coupled to roof 230 in a stable and secure manner. For
instance, first end 298 is coupled to third roof panel 236 via a
coupling block 306 having a substantially rectangular
cross-sectional shape. More particularly, a side surface of
coupling block 306 facing second end 300 as illustrated in the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 18. First end 298 extends into
coupling block 306 and is further secured thereto via adhesive,
coupling disks, other coupling mechanism, or combination thereof as
a fastener 308. In one example, second end 300 is coupled to third
roof panel 236 via a rectangular cross-section coupling block 310,
more particularly, a bottom surface thereof as illustrated in the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 19. Second end 300 extends into
coupling block 310 and is further secured thereto via adhesive,
coupling disks, other coupling mechanism, or combination thereof as
a fastener 312.
[0062] One or more, for example, a plurality, of wire followers 302
are secured to wire 296 in a manner allowing wire followers 302 to
be readily slid along a length of wire 296. In one embodiment, each
wire follower 302 is formed of any suitable shape and includes an
open cavity or bore 304 extending entirely through the respective
wire follower 302. Wire follower 302 is secured to wire 296 by
threading wire 296 through bore 304 of wire follower 302. Each bore
304 has a greater diameter than a diameter of wire 296 to allow
movement of wire follower 302 along wire 296. Use of other wire
followers that clip or otherwise attached to wire 296 is also
contemplated for use with activity center toy 10.
[0063] While particular activity components 16 are described with
respect to first, second, third, and fourth roof panels 232, 234,
236, and 238 as examples, in other embodiments, different activity
components 16 are included on first, second, third, and fourth roof
panels 232, 234, 236, and 238 and/or wire bead maze 28, wire bead
maze 30, and path-traveling members 32 may be located on
alternative portions of activity center toy 10 and/or eliminated.
In one example, substantially all components of activity center toy
10 other than the various fasteners and wires 252 and 296 are
formed of wood. In another embodiment, substantially all components
of activity center toy 10 other than the various fasteners, wires
252 and 296, and spinning members 26 are formed of wood. Use of
formed plastics and other suitable materials are also contemplated
for each of the components of activity center toy 10.
[0064] In one example, rotating members 22 and 24, spinning members
26, and wire bead mazes 28 and 30 are configured to appeal to a
younger audience such as babies and toddlers, while ball track 34
and cavity 48 allow older users to still use and be entertained by
activity center toy 10, e.g., by using activity center toy as a
barn, garage, or similar and interacting with ball track 34.
Accordingly, activity center toy 10 provides for evolving purpose
and entertainment as children grow and their learning and skill
sets progress.
[0065] Various methods of constructing activity center toy 10 are
contemplated. In one example, activity center toy 10 is assembled
by constructing primary structure 14 with suitably fasteners,
attaching primary structure 14 to base 12 with suitable fasteners,
coupling roof 230 to primary structure 14 with suitable fasteners,
and finally coupling activity components 16 to various portions of
primary structure 14 and roof 230, for example, as described above.
In another example, activity components 16, other than ball track
34 are coupled to respective ones of walls 40, 42, and 44 of
primary structure 14 and ones of roof panels 232, 234, 236, and 238
first, followed by coupling walls 40, 42, and 44 together to form
primary structure 14 and/or coupling primary structure 14 to base
12 and roof 230. In one embodiment, once primary structure 14 is
coupled to base 12, but in one example, before roof 230 is coupled
with primary structure 14, ball track 34 is coupled to primary
structure and/or base 12. Coupling blocks 306 and 310 may be
coupled with corresponding portions of primary structure 14 and
base 12 prior to coupling walls 40, 42, and 44 together and/or
prior to coupling housing structure 14 to base 12, with first and
second rails 190 and 192 being coupled therewith after housing
structure 14 has been assembled and coupled to base 12. Other
methods and sequences of assembling activity center toy 10 are
contemplated and will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon
reading this application.
[0066] Although the invention has been described with respect to
particular embodiments, such embodiments are meant for the purposes
of illustrating examples only and should not be considered to limit
the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Various
alternatives, modifications, and changes will be apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory
presented in the preceding background of the invention or the above
detailed description.
* * * * *