U.S. patent application number 15/450368 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-07 for children's toy playset.
This patent application is currently assigned to KIDS II, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is KIDS II, INC.. Invention is credited to Tim EFFLER, Nicholas HANSEN, Igan JUNGCO.
Application Number | 20170252660 15/450368 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58266393 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170252660 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JUNGCO; Igan ; et
al. |
September 7, 2017 |
CHILDREN'S TOY PLAYSET
Abstract
A children's toy playset generally comprising a series of
interlocking track pieces coupled to form a modular track structure
and one or more ancillary toy components configured for play
interaction with the track structure. The track pieces can include
various interactive play elements. The ancillary toy components can
include a mesh portion and a non-mesh portion.
Inventors: |
JUNGCO; Igan; (Hong Kong,
CN) ; EFFLER; Tim; (Marietta, GA) ; HANSEN;
Nicholas; (Fayetteville, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KIDS II, INC. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KIDS II, INC.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
58266393 |
Appl. No.: |
15/450368 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62304627 |
Mar 7, 2016 |
|
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|
62395131 |
Sep 15, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 19/30 20130101;
A63H 19/34 20130101; A63H 18/023 20130101; A63H 19/36 20130101;
A63H 18/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 18/02 20060101
A63H018/02; A63H 18/04 20060101 A63H018/04; A63H 19/36 20060101
A63H019/36 |
Claims
1. A children's toy playset comprising: a modular track including a
plurality of track pieces, at least two of the track pieces have
first and second opposite ends and wherein each end has both male
and female coupling parts for engaging with female and male
coupling parts of an adjacent track piece; and at least one
ancillary toy component configured for play interaction with the
track.
2. The children's toy playset of claim 1, wherein the modular track
includes at least a first track piece and a second track piece.
3. The children's toy playset of claim 2, wherein the male coupling
part of the first track piece is configured to engage with the
female coupling part of the second track piece and the female
coupling part of the first track piece is configured to engage with
the male coupling part of the second track piece.
4. The children's toy playset of claim 1, wherein a portion of the
modular track is configured to rest on a support surface.
5. The children's toy playset of claim 1, wherein a portion of the
modular track is elevated above the track surface.
6. The children's toy playset of claim 1, wherein the track
includes a pivotal ramp configured to be a bridge in a first
position and an inclined ramp in a second position.
7. The children's toy playset of claim 1, wherein the track
includes a crane and wherein the crane is configured to engage and
lift the at least one ancillary toy component.
8. The children's toy playset of claim 1, wherein the playset
includes a plurality of ancillary toy components.
9. The children's toy playset of claim 8, wherein the ancillary toy
components include at least one coupling mechanism for coupling to
at least one other ancillary toy component.
10. The children's toy playset of claim 1, wherein the modular
track includes at least one pivotal gate.
11. A children's toy playset comprising: a modular track including
plurality of track pieces; and at least one ancillary toy component
configured for play interaction with the track; wherein at least
one track piece includes a sloped track portion, a rotational
handle and at least one gripping arm; wherein the at least one
gripping arm is configured engage and move the at least one
ancillary toy component up the sloped track portion when the
rotational handle is turned.
12. The children's toy playset of claim 11, the at least one
gripping arm is slidingly coupled to the sloped track portion.
13. The children's toy playset of claim 12, wherein the sloped
track portion includes a slot configured to guide the motion of the
at least one gripping arm.
14. The children's toy playset of claim 13, wherein the slot
includes a tab configured to engage the at least on gripping arm,
wherein the engagement of the tab and the at least one gripping arm
causes the at least one gripping arm to disengage the ancillary toy
component.
15. The children's toy playset of claim 11, wherein at least one
track piece includes a pivotal gate.
16. The children's toy playset of claim 11, wherein the at least
one ancillary toy component includes a mesh portion, and wherein
the at least one gripping arm is configured to engage the mesh
portion of ancillary toy component.
17. A children's toy playset comprising: a modular track including
at least one track piece; and at least one ancillary toy component
configured for play interaction with the track; wherein the at
least one ancillary toy component includes at least one mesh
portion and at least one non-mesh portion.
18. The children's toy playset of claim 17, wherein the mesh
portion is formed of one or more loop structure assemblies.
19. The children's toy playset of claim 17, wherein the one or more
loop structure assemblies comprise a plurality of loop structures,
the loop structure assemblies having cooperative mating surfaces
disposed at least partially around an outer perimeter.
20. The children's toy playset of claim 17, wherein the mesh
portion is formed of a substantially pliable material.
21. The children's toy playset of claim 17, wherein the playset
includes a plurality of ancillary toy components.
22. The children's toy playset of claim 21, wherein at least one of
the ancillary toy components includes at least one coupling
mechanism for coupling to at least one other ancillary toy
component.
23. A children's toy playset comprising: at least a first track
piece and a second track piece, wherein the first and second track
pieces each include a first end and an opposite second end; wherein
the first end and second end of the first and second track pieces
each include a coupling feature; and wherein the coupling feature
allows the first end of the first track piece to couple with either
the first or second end of the second track piece.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/304,627 filed Mar. 7, 2016 and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/395,131 filed Sep. 15,
2016, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
children's toys and more particularly to toy playsets.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Continuing developments and improvements are sought in the
field of children's toys. It is to the provisions of an improved
children's toy playset that the present invention is primarily
directed.
SUMMARY
[0004] In example embodiments, the present invention provides an
improved children's toy playset having a modular track and one or
more ancillary toy components configured for play interaction with
the track.
[0005] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a children's
toy playset comprising a modular track including a plurality of
track pieces and at least one ancillary toy component configured
for play interaction with the track. At least two of the track
pieces have first and second opposite ends and each end has both
male and female snap-together parts for engaging with female and
male snap-together parts of an adjacent track piece.
[0006] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a
children's toy playset including a modular track including
plurality of track pieces and at least one ancillary toy component
configured for play interaction with the track. At least one track
piece includes a sloped track portion, a rotational handle and at
least one gripping arm. The at least one gripping arm is configured
to engage and move the at least one ancillary toy component up the
sloped track portion when the rotational handle is turned.
[0007] In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a
children's toy playset including a modular track having at least
one track piece and at least one ancillary toy component configured
for play interaction with the track. The at least one ancillary toy
component includes at least one mesh portion and at least one
non-mesh portion.
[0008] In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a
children's toy playset including at least a first track piece and a
second track piece, each with a first end and opposite second end.
The first and second end of both track pieces includes a coupling
feature. The coupling feature allows the first end of the first
track piece to couple with either the first or second end of the
second track piece.
[0009] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures
and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of
the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in
the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
general description and the following brief description of the
drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are
explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not
restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a children's toy playset
according to an example embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ancillary toy component
for use with the children's toy playset of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the coupling of the
ancillary toy component of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the coupling of the ancillary
toy component of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of an ancillary toy component for
use with a children's toy playset according to an example
embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a detailed top view of the coupling between track
pieces of a children's toy playset according to an example
embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an exploded back view of the track pieces of FIG.
6.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a back view of the track pieces of FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a top view of track pieces of a children's toy
playset according to an example embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternate configuration of the
track pieces of FIG. 9.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a curved track piece for a
children's toy playset according to an example embodiment of the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view a mechanical hill lift for a
children's toy playset according to an example embodiment of the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a detailed view top of the mechanical hill lift
of FIG. 12.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a detailed view top of the mechanical hill lift
of FIG. 12.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a side view of a toy car at a point in motion
along the mechanical hill lift of FIG. 12.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a side view of a toy car at another point in
motion along the mechanical hill lift of FIG. 12.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a side view of a toy car at another point in
motion along the mechanical hill lift of FIG. 12.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a detailed top view of the mechanical hill lift
of FIG. 12.
[0028] FIG. 19A is a detailed side view of the gripping arms and
slot of the mechanical hill lift of FIG. 12.
[0029] FIG. 19B is a detailed top view of the gripping arms of FIG.
19A.
[0030] FIG. 20A is a detailed side view of the gripping arms and
slot of the mechanical hill lift of FIG. 12.
[0031] FIG. 20B is a detailed top view of the gripping arms of FIG.
20A.
[0032] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a bridge ramp of a
children's toy playset according to an example embodiment of the
invention.
[0033] FIG. 22 is an alternate perspective view of the bridge ramp
of FIG. 21.
[0034] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a toy car interacting with
the bridge ramp of FIG. 21 in a first position.
[0035] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a toy car interacting with
the bridge ramp of FIG. 21 in a second position.
[0036] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a toy car interacting with
the bridge ramp of FIG. 21 in a second position.
[0037] FIG. 26 is a front view of a gate of a children's toy
playset in a first position according to an example embodiment of
the invention.
[0038] FIG. 27 is a front view of the gate of FIG. 26 in a second
position.
[0039] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a gate of a children's toy
playset in a first position according to an example embodiment of
the invention.
[0040] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the gate of FIG. 28 in a
second position.
[0041] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a crane of a children's toy
playset according to an example embodiment of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the crane of FIG. 30 in an
alternate position.
[0043] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the crane of FIG. 30 in an
alternate position.
[0044] FIG. 33 shows a detailed perspective view of the crane of
FIG. 30.
[0045] FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the crane of FIG. 30.
[0046] FIG. 35 is a bottom view of the crane of FIG. 30.
[0047] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a carousel of a children's
toy playset according to an example embodiment of the
invention.
[0048] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a diverter feature of a
children's toy playset according to an example embodiment of the
invention.
[0049] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the diverter feature of
FIG. 37 in an alternate position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0050] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description of example
embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing
figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be
understood that this invention is not limited to the specific
devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown
herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not
intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all
patents and other publications identified in this specification are
incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
[0051] Also, as used in the specification including the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural,
and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least
that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or
"approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or
"approximately" another particular value. When such a range is
expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular
value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values
are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about,"
it will be understood that the particular value forms another
embodiment.
[0052] With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like
reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the
several views, FIGS. 1-38 show various aspects, components and
modes of use of children's toy playset 10 according to example
embodiments of the invention. The playset 10, shown in FIG. 1,
generally comprises a series of interlocking track pieces 20
coupled to form a modular track structure and one or more ancillary
toy components 100 configured for play interaction with the track
structure. The track pieces 20 can include various interactive play
elements.
[0053] In example embodiments, the ancillary toy components 100,
shown in FIG. 2, include a first mesh component 102 and a second
non-mesh component 104. The first and second components 102, 104
are connected or are configured to be connected to each other to
form a toy which a small child is able to grasp with ease. The
components 102, 104 may be made in color combinations and tactile
combinations that are aesthetically pleasing and stimulating, for
example in the form of an automobile, helicopter, other vehicle,
character, animal or the like. The mesh 102 and non-mesh 104
components can optionally combine to at least partially enclose or
surround a void or open space into which a child may grasp for
play. In example embodiments, the first component 102 is a mesh
including a plurality of loop structures coupled together. The loop
structures can have a smoothly curved or polygonal inside
perimeter. Some example embodiments of the loop structures can
include cooperative mating surfaces disposed at least partially
around an outer perimeter. The cooperative mating surfaces of
adjacent loop structures/loop structure assemblies can be
configured to couple together for a distance along their lengths.
Example embodiments of the mesh can be formed from a substantially
pliable or resilient material.
[0054] The second component 104 can be formed as a non-mesh
structure and can be coupled to the first component 102. The second
component 104 can be formed from a substantially rigid material or
a substantially pliable material, for example a molded plastic. The
mesh component 102 may be formed of a substantially pliable
material and may include a plurality of loop structures. The loop
structures may include individual loop structures and/or assemblies
of interconnected loop structures. Some or all of the loop
structures may form substantially circular or otherwise configured
finger-receiving open spaces which may be used to grip, stretch,
throw or catch the toy. Also, some or all of the loop structures
and/or assemblies of loop structures are of a size and
configuration that allow a child's finger to at least partially
extend within the void so that the child is able to grasp the toy
apparatus.
[0055] The loop structures (and/or loop structure assemblies) can
include mating surfaces, at least partially along an outside
perimeter. These surfaces may be arranged around the perimeter of
at least some of the loop structures/loop structure assemblies to
facilitate coupling of the loop structures/loop structure
assemblies. The cooperative mating surfaces of adjacent loop
structures/loop structure assemblies may be configured to couple
together for a distance along their lengths. Although not shown,
some loop structure assemblies may include interior loop structures
that do not have cooperative mating surfaces. Further details of
example mesh structures adaptable for use in connection with the
children's toy playset disclosed herein may be found in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,729,984 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,518, which are incorporated
herein by reference. In addition to having curved inside
perimeters, some of the loop structures (and/or loop structure
assemblies) may have an inner perimeter defined by one or more
geometrically shaped openings, such as a circle, square, and
polygon (e.g., rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, etc.). These
geometrically shaped openings optionally include no sharp corners,
to avoid injury to a child. In some aspects, the mesh component may
be formed in the shape of a generally or partially spherical,
hemispherical or ovoid configuration or other three-dimensional
shape such that, when coupled to the component, the components
substantially enclose a void.
[0056] The non-mesh component may be formed of one or more
substantially pliable or substantially rigid materials. For
example, the non-mesh component 104 may include a structure
including subcomponents, such as wheels, wings, helicopter blades,
etc., connected via a chassis formed, for example of one or more
hard or soft plastic moldings. The non-mesh component(s) 104 may be
formed separately from the mesh component 102, or can be co-molded
or otherwise integrally formed therewith. Within the wheels, small
balls or similar toy accessories may be contained. Instead of
wheels, other components, tracks, rollers, or other suitable
components may be used which would make the toy rollable or
otherwise mobile.
[0057] In the example embodiment, the ancillary toy components 100
are configured to represent elements or cars of a train including a
train engine 106 and a basket 108, as shown in FIG. 2. The toy cars
100 can include couplings 110 allowing a plurality of train cars to
be decoupled and recoupled in different combinations as desired by
a child during play. FIGS. 3-5 show an example toy car coupling 110
according to an example embodiment of the invention. Each toy car
100 includes at least one coupling loop-shaped hook 112 positioned
on the front end and/or back end of the car. The coupling hook 112
of one car 100 is configured to engage with the coupling hook of a
second car, as shown in FIG. 3. In the depicted embodiment, the
hooks 112 each include a slit 114 that allows the loop-shaped hooks
to be fitted together, as shown in FIG. 4. In other embodiments,
alternate coupling mechanisms can be used. The toy cars 100 are
configured to roll or otherwise travel along the track 20 and
engage with different interactive elements.
[0058] In example embodiments, the playset 10 is constructed of a
series of track pieces 20 that can be arranged in different
combinations as desired by the child during play. The track pieces
20 are configured to rest on a support surface. The track pieces 20
can rest directly on the support surface or can include supports
configured to support the track a distance above the support
surface. The track pieces 20 include at least one coupling feature
22 configured to allow the track pieces to be detachably coupled to
each other. The coupling feature 22 is generally positioned at the
front end and/or back end of the track piece 20. In the example
embodiment, each coupling feature includes both a male part 24 and
a female part 26.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, the end of each track piece 20 includes
a male tab 24 protruding from the end of the track piece and a
female receiver 26 extending into the track piece. The male tab 24
of a first track piece 20 is positioned to align with the female
receiver 26 of a second track piece. Likewise, the female receiver
26 of the first track piece 20 is configured to align with the male
tab 24 of the second track piece. The male tabs 24 are configure to
be push or fitted into the female receivers 26. In example
embodiments, the male tabs 24 and female receivers 26 are
configured to snap together. Having both a male part 24 and female
part 26 on the same end of the track piece 20 increases the number
of combinations of track pieces that can be constructed by allowing
the front end of a first track piece to couple with either the
front or back end of a second track piece. Likewise the back end of
a first track piece can couple with either the front or back end of
a second track piece. For example, in the track pieces depicted in
FIGS. 9 and 10, either end of the straight track piece 30 can be
coupled to the curved track piece 32. Further, either end of the
curved track piece 32 can be coupled to the straight track piece
30. Therefore, a single curved track 32 piece can function as both
a right hand turn, shown in FIG. 9, and a left hand turn, shown in
FIG. 10. In other embodiments, different coupling mechanisms and
methods can be used to detachably couple the track pieces 20. In
example embodiments, the track pieces 20 of a playset 10 generally
all use the same coupling mechanism so that all track pieces in
that set can be coupled to one another.
[0060] The playset 10 can include a variety of track pieces 20,
including straight track pieces 30, curved track pieces 32,
elevated track pieces 34 and ramps 38. In example embodiments, the
curved track pieces 32 can include a guard wall 28, as shown in
FIG. 11. The guard wall 26 extends upward from the curved track
piece 32 and is configured to help prevent a train car 100 from
falling or rolling off the track. The playset 10 can also include a
variety of track pieces 10 with interactive features. These
interactive features can include a mechanical hill lift 40, a drop
bridge 60, a stop gate 70, a crane 80, and a track diverter 94. For
ease of explanation, the interactive track pieces are described as
interacting with a single toy car 100. It should be appreciated
that the interactive elements can interact with a string of cars as
described above or other ancillary toy component.
[0061] Example interactive elements include a mechanical hill lift
40, depicted in FIGS. 12-20. The mechanical hill lift 40 generally
includes gripping arms 42 configured to engage with a toy car 100,
a rotational handle 44 and a hill-shaped or sloped track portion
46. The gripping arms 42 are slidingly coupled to track portion 46
through a slot 48. The slot 48 is positioned on the side of the
track portion 46 and the slot generally follows the contours of the
track.
[0062] To use the mechanical hill lift 40, the toy car 100 is
configured to engage the gripping arms 42 at their starting
position at the bottom of the sloped track 46, as shown in FIGS. 13
and 14. In the depicted embodiment, the gripping arms 42 are
configured to engage the mesh portion 102 of the toy car 100. Once
the toy car 100 is engaged by the gripping arms 42, the rotational
lever 44 is rotated as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 15. The
gripping arms 42 are coupled to the rotational lever 44, such that
when the lever is rotated, the gripping arms slide along the slot
48 propelling the toy car 80 up the hill shaped track portion 46,
as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. When the gripping arms 42 reach the
end of the hill shaped track 46, as shown in FIG. 18, the toy car
100 is released, allowing the toy car to continue along the track
20. The gripping arms 42 are generally spaced a distance apart such
that they stay engaged with the toy car 10, as shown in FIG. 19B.
When the gripping arms 42 reach the end of the track portion 46, as
shown in FIG. 20A, the distance between the gripping arms widens,
as shown in FIG. 20B, causing the gripping arms to release the toy
car 100. The slot 48 includes a tab 50 positioned at the end of the
slot, shown in FIG. 19A. The tab 50 is configured to force the
gripping arms into a wider position when the gripping arms reach
the end of the slot 48. In example embodiments, the gripping arms
42 and rotational lever 44 are biased towards the start position,
causing the gripping arms and rotation lever to return to the start
position when released by the user or child. In alternate
embodiments, the user can manually rotate the lever 44 and thereby
move the gripping arms 42 back to the start position.
[0063] Example interactive elements can also include a pivotal
bridge ramp 60, as shown in FIGS. 21-25. The bridge ramp 60
includes an elevated track portion 62, a pivotal ramp 64 and a
control handle 66. When the control handle 66 is in a first
position, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the pivotal ramp 64 is held
flush with the elevated track 62, and the toy car 100 is allowed to
continue along the elevated track, as shown in FIG. 23. When the
control handle 66 is pivoted to a second position, as shown in
FIGS. 24 and 25, the pivotal ramp 64 is pivoted to incline downward
towards the support surface. In this configuration, the toy car 100
can travel down the ramp 64 to a track piece 20 at a lower
elevation, as shown in FIG. 25. In the example embodiments, the
control handle 66 and pivotal ramp 46 are biased toward the first
or second position. In alternate embodiments, the pivotal bridge
ramp 60 does not include a biasing element.
[0064] Example interactive elements can also include a gate element
70 as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. The gate element 70 includes a gate
arm 72 and a push tab 74, the gate element being pivotally mounted
to a hub 76. The gate arm 72 is configured to block the passage of
the toy car 100 along the track 20, as shown in FIG. 26. When the
push tab 74 is pushed as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 27, the
gate arm 72 is pivoted away from the track 20, allowing the toy car
100 to pass. In alternate embodiments, the gate element 70 can be
positioned on a t-shaped track piece 20, as shown in FIGS. 28 and
29.
[0065] Example interactive elements can also include a crane
element 80 as shown in FIGS. 30-35. The crane 80 includes a track
base 81 configure to rest on a support surface, a cylindrical crane
base 82 extending upward from the track base, a first arm 84
pivotally coupled to the base, a second arm 86 pivotally coupled to
the first arm, and a hook 88 attached to the distal end of the
second arm. The crane base 82 is pivotally coupled to the track
base 81 such that the crane 80 can pivot relative to the track
base. In the depicted embodiment, the crane 80 can pivot
360.degree. about the midpoint of the crane base 82. The hook 88 is
configured to engage the toy car 100, for example by hooking a
portion of the mesh component 102 of the toy car 100 with the hook
88. In the example embodiment, the crane hook 88 engages the toy
car at a location on the playset, as shown in FIG. 14. The crane
can 80 lift and rotate the car 100, as shown in FIG. 32, and
deposit the car at a second location on the playset. The track base
81 of the crane element 80 can include a coupling feature 22 as
described above so that the crane can be attached to other track
pieces 20. The crane 80 can also include a tab 90 attached to the
track base 81 configured to engage with an indention 92 on the
bottom of an adjacent track piece, as shown in FIGS. 33-35.
[0066] Example interactive element can also include a carousel 180,
as shown in FIG. 36. The carousel generally includes a fixed
cylindrical base 182 and a rotating top 184. The rotating top
includes hooks 186 for engaging the mesh portion 102 of the toy
cars 100.
[0067] Example embodiments include a diverter 94 interactive
feature, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38. The diverter 94 includes a
branched track 96 that can allow the toy car 100 to travel on
either a first or second travel path, and a diverter arm 98
configured to divert the toy car to one of the first or second
travel path. The diverter arm 98 is pivotally mounted to the
branched track 96 and can be pivoted between the first and second
diverter positions. In alternate embodiments, the diverter 94 can
include a button or switch to the move the diverter arm 98 between
guide positions.
[0068] While the invention has been described with reference to
example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are
within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following
claims.
* * * * *