Abstract:
An improved toy vehicle transfer station playset is disclosed herein. The playset includes a support frame that extends upwardly from a support surface. Coupled to the support frame is a slide rail having a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed higher than the second end with respect to the support surface. A carrier is movably coupled to the slide rail, and is configured to move along the slide rail from a first position proximate the first end to a second position proximate the second end of the slide rail via gravity. The carrier includes a track section for receiving a toy vehicle. The playset also includes a retaining mechanism disposed on the slide rail and configured to retain the carrier in the first position. However, when a toy vehicle is disposed on the track section of the carrier, the retaining mechanism releases the carrier to move along the slide rail to the second position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a toy vehicle track playset. More specifically, the invention relates to a transfer station that may form part of the toy vehicle track playset, where the transfer station transfers a toy vehicle from a first track portion to a second track portion when the transfer station receives the toy vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Current toy vehicle track playsets often include a continuous single track, where the toy vehicle is configured to travel along the track without being diverted. In other toy vehicle track sets, the track sets may have several different track portions that a toy vehicle may travel along, where the track portions are configured to intersect one another. These track portions often include track diverters that enable the user to divert the toy vehicle down one track portion or another track portion. However, over time, the entertainment value of these conventional track playsets and diverters decreases. In addition, toy vehicles are limited to transferring from one track portion to another track portion only when the track portions are configured to intersect one another. This limits the number of configurations of the track playset. 
         [0003]    It would be desirable to provide toy vehicle track transfer station that enables a toy vehicle to transfer from one track portion to another track portion when the two track portions are substantially parallel to one another and/or do not intersect one another at the transfer location. Moreover, it would be desirable for a toy vehicle transfer station to dynamically transfer a toy vehicle from one track portion to another track portion so that the transfer station provides additional entertainment value to the toy vehicle track playset. It would also be desirable to provide a toy vehicle transfer station that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    An improved toy vehicle track playset configured to transfer a toy vehicle from one track to another according to the present invention includes a support frame, a rail, a carrier, and a retaining mechanism. The support frame extends substantially upward from a support surface. The rail may include a first end and a second end, and may be coupled to the support frame such that the first end is disposed at a first height and the second end is disposed at a second height. The carrier may be translatably coupled to the rail to move between a first position and a second position via the force of gravity. The carrier, in the first position, is disposed on the rail proximate to the first end, while the carrier, in the second position, is disposed on the rail proximate to the second end. The carrier further includes a track section that hangs below the rail. The retaining mechanism may be disposed on the rail such that the retaining mechanism retains the carrier in the first position. However, when a toy vehicle is disposed on the track section of the carrier, the retaining mechanism releases the carrier from the first position, enabling the carrier to travel along the rail to the second position. 
         [0005]    In addition, this embodiment of the present invention may further include the support frame being disposed proximate to a first track and a second track. Moreover, the carrier may be disposed proximate to the first track when in the first position, and may be disposed proximate to the second track when in the second position. The track section of the carrier may be configured to receive a toy vehicle from the first track when the carrier is in the first position. The track section may also be configured to release the toy vehicle to the second track when the carrier is in the second position. The track section of the carrier may be configured to retain a toy vehicle thereon via at least one opening sized and shaped to receive and retain a wheel of the toy vehicle. Thus, the opening prevents the wheel of the toy vehicle from rotating along the track section of the carrier to stop the movement of the toy vehicle along the track section of the carrier. 
         [0006]    The track section of the carrier may further comprise an engagement member that is movably coupled to the track section. The engagement member including at least one protrusion aligned with the at least one opening of the track section such that the engagement member may move with respect to the track section to move the protrusion into the opening of the track section. At the same time, the protrusion pushes the wheel of the toy vehicle out of the opening to enable the toy vehicle to continue traveling along the track section of the carrier. The protrusion of the engagement member is disposed into the at least one opening of the track section of the carrier when the carrier is in the second position, and the at least one protrusion of the engagement member is not disposed in the at least one opening of the track section of the carrier when the carrier is in the first position. 
         [0007]    Another embodiment of an improved toy vehicle playset configured to transfer a toy vehicle from one track to another includes a support frame, a rail, a carrier, and a retaining mechanism. The support frame may be configured to extend upwardly from a support surface. The rail may include a first end and a second end. The rail may also be disposed on the support frame such that the first end is disposed at a first height and the second end is disposed at a second height, where the first height is greater than the second height. Thus, the first end of the rail is disposed higher with respect to a support surface than the second end of the rail. The carrier may be movably coupled to the rail, where the carrier is configured to translate between a first position and a second position. The carrier, in the first position, is disposed proximate to the first end and the carrier, in the second position, is disposed proximate to the second end. The carrier is configured to move from the first position to the second position along the rail via the force of gravity. Moreover, the retaining mechanism is disposed on the rail. The retaining mechanism is configured to prevent the carrier from moving out of the first position. However, when the carrier receives a toy vehicle on the track section of the carrier, the weight of the carrier combined with the weight of the toy vehicle causes the retaining mechanism to release the carrier from the first position, enabling it to translate along the rail to the second position. 
         [0008]    In addition, in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, the retaining mechanism may include a movable member with a protrusion. The movable member being configured to move between a retaining position and an open position, where the protrusion of the movable member prevents the carrier from translating along the rail when the movable member is in the retaining position. In addition, retaining mechanism may further includes a resilient member coupled to the movable member, the resilient member being configured to impart a biasing force onto the movable member to bias the movable member into the retaining position. The biasing force is tuned so that the weight of the carrier combined with weight of the toy vehicle overcomes the biasing force of the resilient member. Once the biasing force has been overcome, the movable member may be repositioned from the retaining position to the open position. 
         [0009]    Furthermore, the rail includes a track that extends from the first end to the second end. The protrusion of the movable member may be configured to extend into the track of the rail proximate to the first end when the movable member is in the retaining position. The carrier may further include a wheel, sized and shaped to be received by the track of the rail, wherein rotation of the wheel along the track of the rail translates the carrier along the rail. Moreover, the track of the rail includes a cavity disposed on the track proximate to the second end of the rail. The cavity is sized and shaped to receive the wheel of the carrier, which stops the movement of the carrier along the rail at the second position. 
         [0010]    A third embodiment of an improved toy vehicle playset configured to transfer a toy vehicle from one track to another includes a support frame, a rail, a carrier, and a retaining mechanism. The support frame may extend substantially upwardly from a support surface. Moreover, the rail may include a first end and a second end. The rail may be disposed on the support frame at an angle offset from a horizontal axis such that the first end is oriented higher than the second end. In other words, the first end is oriented higher above, or farther away, from the support surface than the second end of the rail. The carrier, which may include a platform coupled to the bottom of the carrier, may be movably coupled to the rail. The carrier may be configured to translate between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the carrier may be disposed on the rail proximate the first end. Conversely, in the second position, the carrier may be disposed on the rail proximate to the second end. The retaining mechanism may include a retaining arm and a resilient member. The retaining mechanism may be coupled to the rail proximate to the first end of the rail. The retaining arm may be repositionable between a retaining position and an open position. When the retaining arm is in the retaining position, the retaining arm retains the carrier in the first position. The retaining mechanism may further include a resilient member that is coupled to the retaining arm. The resilient member may impart a biasing force on the retaining arm, where the biasing force biases the retaining arm to the retaining position. Furthermore, once the carrier receives a toy vehicle on the platform, the weight of the carrier combined with weight of the toy vehicle is able to overcome the biasing force of the resilient member. Thus, the carrier with a toy vehicle is configured to move the retaining arm to the open position, enabling the carrier to translate down the rail from the first position to the second position. 
         [0011]    In addition, in accordance with this third embodiment, the rail includes a track that extends from the first end to the second end. The retaining arm of the retaining mechanism includes a protrusion that is configured to extend into the track of the rail when the retaining arm is in the retaining position. Furthermore, the carrier may include a wheel, sized and shaped to rotate along the track of the rail. Moreover, when the retaining arm is in the retaining position, the protrusion of the retaining arm engages the wheel of the carrier to prevent the wheel from rotating along the track. 
         [0012]    In addition, the support frame may be disposed proximate to a first track and a second track so that the platform of the carrier is disposed over and in alignment with the first track when the carrier is in the first position. Furthermore, the platform of the carrier is disposed in alignment with the second track when in the second position. The carrier may be configured to receive the toy vehicle from the first track when the carrier is in the first position and then release the toy vehicle onto the second track when the carrier is in the second position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of toy vehicle track playset that includes a track transfer station according to the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment of the track transfer station as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the track transfer station as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the base the embodiment of the track transfer station illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a rear view of the support structure of the embodiment of the track transfer station illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the slide rail of the embodiment of the track transfer station illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the slide rail illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a carrier of the embodiment of the track transfer station illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of the carrier illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the inner components of the sliding carrier being exposed. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of the top of the track portion of the sliding carrier illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the track portion including the engagement member. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of the track portion illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of the track portion illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the track portion including the engagement member. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sliding carrier illustrated in  FIG. 8  being disposed along the slide rail illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sliding carrier illustrated in  FIG. 8  being disposed on the slide rail illustrated in  FIG. 6  and over a portion of the base illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
       [0027]    Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    The present invention disclosed herein is a transfer station for a toy vehicle track playset. The transfer station is configured to be coupled to track portions of the toy vehicle track playset, where a toy vehicle either passes through the transfer station or is transferred from one track portion to another track portion. More specifically, the transfer station includes a carrier that is slidably coupled to a slide rail between an outer position and an inner position. The transfer station may be coupled to an outer track portion and an inner track portion, where the inner track portion may or may not merge into the outer track portion at a location on the outer track portion that is disposed away from the transfer station. When the carrier is in the inner position, a toy vehicle may travel unimpeded along the outer track portion and through the transfer station to continue along the outer track portion. However, when the carrier is in the outer position, a toy vehicle traveling along the outer track portion will enter the carrier, where the combination of the carrier and the toy vehicle will cause the carrier to be dislodged from its outer position. The carrier may then slide down and along the slide rail to its inner position, where the toy vehicle will be permitted to exit the carrier onto the inner track portion. 
         [0029]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is a perspective view of a toy vehicle track playset  10 . The toy vehicle track playset  10  includes a transfer station  100 , a first outer track  300 , a second outer track  400 , and an inner track  500 . As illustrated, the first outer track  300  includes a proximal end  310  and a distal end  320 . Similarly, the second outer track  400  includes a proximal end  410  and a distal end  420 , while the inner track  500  also includes a proximal end  510  and a distal end  520 . The transfer station  100  includes a front side  102  and a rear side  104 . As illustrated, the proximal end  310  of the first outer track  300  and the proximal end  510  of the inner track  500  are coupled to and extend substantially outwardly from the front side  102  of the transfer station  100 . Moreover, the distal end  320  of the first outer track  300  is coupled to the distal end  520  of the inner track  500 . As further illustrated, the proximal end  410  of the second outer track  400  is coupled to the coupling of the distal ends  520 ,  320  of the inner and first outer tracks  500 ,  300 . Thus, the first outer track  300  and the inner track  500  merge together into the second outer track  400 . The distal end  420  of the second outer track  400  is coupled to the rear side  104  of transfer station  100 . The first outer track  300 , second outer track  400 , and inner track  500  are substantially curved so that when coupled to one another, the tracks  300 ,  400 ,  500  and the transfer station  100  form a substantially circular track playset  10 . 
         [0030]    Turning to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , illustrated is the transfer station  100 .  FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the front side  102  of the transfer station  100 , while  FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the rear side  104  of the transfer station  100 . The transfer station  100  includes a first base member  110 , a second base member  130 , and a support structure  140  disposed on the first base member  110  and the second base member  130 . Moreover, as best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the transfer station  100  further includes a slide rail  160  that is disposed on the support structure  140 . Slidably disposed on the slide rail  160  is a carrier  200  that contains a floating track portion  222 . 
         [0031]    Illustrated in  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the first and second base members  110 ,  130 . As illustrated, the first base member  110  contains a front side  121 , a rear side  122  opposite the front side  121 , a first side  123  that spans the distance between the front side  121  and the rear side  122 , and a second side  124  disposed opposite the first side  123 . Extending outwardly from the second side  124  is a connector  125 . Moreover, the first base member  110  includes a top surface  120  and a bottom surface (not illustrated). A track portion  112  may be integrally formed within the first base member  110  and configured to extend through the front side  121  and the rear side  122  of the first base member  110 . The track portion  112  includes a first end  114  that extends outwardly from the rear side  122  of the first base member  110 . The track portion  112  further includes a second end  118  that extends outwardly from the front side  121  of the first base member  110 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 4 , disposed in the track portion  112  proximate to the first end  114  is a ramp  116 . The first end  114  of the track portion  112  is configured to be coupled to the second end  420  of the second outer track  400  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In addition, the second end  118  of the track portion  112  is configured to be coupled to the first end  310  of the first outer track portion  300  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, the first and second ends  114 ,  118  of the track portion  112  may be configured to be coupled to any end of other tracks. 
         [0032]    The second base member  130  contains a front side  132 , a rear side  133  opposite the front side  132 , a first side  134  that spans the distance between the front side  132  and the rear side  133 , and a second side  135  disposed opposite the first side  134 . The second base member  130  further includes a top surface  131  and a bottom surface (not illustrated). Moreover, extending outwardly from the first side  134  is a connector  137  that is configured to be coupled to the connector  125  of the first base member  110 . Thus, when the connector  125  of the first base member  110  is coupled to the connector  137  of the second base member  130 , the first base member  110  is coupled to the second base member  130 . The second base member  130  further includes a track end  136  that extends outwardly from the front side  132  of the second base member  130 , the track end  136  being integrally formed in the second base member  130 . The track end  136  is configured to be coupled to the first end  510  of the inner track  500 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, the track end  136  may be configured to be coupled to any end of other tracks. 
         [0033]    Turning to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , illustrated is a support structure  140 . The front side  141  of the support structure  140  is illustrated in  FIG. 2 , while the rear side  142  of the support structure  140  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The support structure  140  includes a first support member  143 , a second support member  148 , and a cross support member  153 . The first and second support members  143 ,  148  are disposed substantially vertically, while the cross support member  153  is disposed substantially horizontally. Moreover, the first support member  143  contains a first end  144 , and a second end  145 , while the second support member  148  also contains a first end  149  and a second end  150 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the second end  145  of the first support member  143  is disposed on and coupled to the top surface  120  of the first base member  110 . Similarly, the second end  150  of the second support member  148  is disposed on and coupled to the top surface  131  of the second base member  130 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the cross support member  153  includes a proximal end  154  and a distal end  155  opposite the proximal end  154 . The proximal end  154  of the cross support member  153  may be coupled to the first end  144  of the first support member  143 , while the distal end  155  of the cross support member  153  may be coupled to the first end  149  of the second support member  148 . 
         [0034]    Further illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the first support member  143  contains a cavity  146  disposed proximate to the first end  144 . The first support member  143  also contains a platform  147  that is disposed below the cavity  146 . In addition, the second support member  148  contains a cavity  151  that is disposed proximate to the first end  149 . Similar to the first support member  143 , the second support member  148  also contains a platform  152  that is disposed directly below the cavity  151 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , illustrated is the slide rail  160  of the transfer station  100 . The slide rail  160  includes a front side  161  (see reference number in  FIG. 2 ), a first end  162 , a second end  166  disposed opposite the first end  162 , and a rear side  169  disposed opposite of the front side  161 . The slide rail  160  further includes a track  170  that spans from the first end  162  to the second end  166 . The first end  162  contains a protrusion  164 , where the protrusion  164  extends outwardly from the front side  161  of the slide rail  160 . Similarly, the second end  166  also contains a protrusion  168  that extends outwardly from the front side  161  of the slide rail  160 . The protrusions  164 ,  168  are configured to fit within the cavities  146 ,  151  of the support structure  140 . Moreover, in one embodiment the protrusions  164 ,  168  may be configured to frictionally fit within the cavities  146 ,  151  of the support structure  140 , while in another embodiment, the protrusions  164 ,  168  may be configured to snap into the cavities  146 ,  151  of the support structure  140 . 
         [0036]    As further illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the slide rail  160  includes a retaining mechanism  172  disposed within the slide rail  160  proximate to the first end  162 . The retaining mechanism  172  is disposed within the slide rail  160  and under the track  170 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , disposed within the track  170  proximate to the first end  162  of the slide rail  160  is an opening  186 , and the retaining mechanism  172  is disposed proximate to the opening  186  such that at least a portion of the retaining mechanism extends through the opening  186 . As further illustrated, the retaining mechanism  172  includes a retaining arm or movable member  174 , a resilient member  182 , and a cover  184 . The cover  184  is coupled to the underside of the track  170  of the slide rail  160 , and is configured to cover the movable member  174  and the resilient member  182 , encasing them against the bottom side of the track  170 . The movable member  174  includes a first end  176  and a second end  178 . The second end  178  of the movable member includes a protrusion  180  that may extend through the opening  186  in the track  170 . Moreover, the movable member  174  is configured to rotate about its first end  176 , within the cover  184  and underneath the track  170 , between a retaining position C (illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ), and an open position (not illustrated). When the movable member  174  is in the retaining position C, the protrusion  180  extends through the opening  186  in the track  170 . Conversely, when the movable member  174  is in the open position, the protrusion  180  does not extend through the opening  186  because the movable member  174  has been pivoted downward until the protrusion  180  is disposed beneath the track  170 . The resilient member  182  may be configured to impart a biasing force onto the movable member  174  to bias the movable member  174  into the retaining position C. 
         [0037]    As further illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the track  170  also includes a cavity  188 . The cavity  188  is disposed within the track  170  proximate to the second end  166 . Thus, the cavity  188  is disposed in the track  170  proximate to the end of the track  170  that is opposite of the location of the retaining mechanism  172 . As further illustrated, the cavity  188  is formed as a dip, indent, or depression in the track  170 . The cavity  188  may also be formed as a break in the track  170 . The cavity  188  is formed, shaped, and sized to stop the movement of an item traveling down on the track  170  from the retaining mechanism  172  toward end  166 . 
         [0038]    Returning to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the slide rail  160  is configured to be coupled to the support structure  140 . As previously explained, the protrusion  164  of the first end  162  of the slide rail  160  is configured to fit within the cavity  146  of the first support member  143  of the support structure  140 . Moreover, the protrusion  168  of the second end  166  of the slide rail  160  is configured to fit within the cavity  151  of the second support member  148  of the support structure  140 . When the protrusions  164 ,  168  of the slide rail  160  are disposed within the cavities  146 ,  151  of the support structure  140 , the first end  162  of the slide rail  160  may rest on the platform  147  of the first support member  143 , while the second end  166  of the slide rail  160  may rest on the platform  152  of the second support member  148 . Furthermore, when the slide rail  160  is coupled to the support structure  140 , the front side  161  of the slide rail  160  is disposed proximate to the rear side  142  of the support structure  140 . 
         [0039]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 7 , the first end  162  and the second end  166  are disposed at different heights. The first end  162  is disposed at a first height H 1 , and the second end  166  is disposed at a second height H 2 , where the first height H 1  is larger than the second height H 2 . Thus, the track  170  of the slide rail  160  is at an angle offset from a horizontal plane. In addition, the first end  162  is disposed higher above, and farther from the support surface than the second end  166 . It then follows that objects placed on the track  170  slide or travel down the track  170  toward the second end  166  of the slide rail  160  via the force of gravity. Furthermore, the retaining mechanism  172 , when in the retaining position C, retains object placed on the track  170  in proximity to the first end  162  of the slide rail  160 . When in the retaining position C, the protrusion  180  on the movable member  174  of the retaining mechanism  172  extends through the opening  186  in the track  170  to engage and impede objects from sliding or traveling down the track  170  towards the second end  166  of the slide rail  160 . 
         [0040]    Turning to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , illustrated is the carrier  200 . The carrier  200  includes a hanger  201 , which contains a top end  202 , a bottom end  203  opposite the top end  202 , a first side  204  spanning the distance between the top end  202  and the bottom end  203 , and a second side  205  opposite the first side  204 . The hanger  201  includes a first hanger arm  206  and a second hanger arm  210 . The first hanger arm  206  extends substantially downwardly from the first side  204  and beyond the bottom end  203  of the hanger  201 . Similarly, the second hanger arm  210  extends substantially downwardly from the second side  205  and beyond the bottom end  203  of the hanger  201 . Thus, the hanger  201  with the two hanger arms  206 ,  210  may have the general shape that is similar to that of an inverted Y. Moreover, the first hanger arm  206  contains an end  207  and the second hanger arm  210  contains an end  211 . 
         [0041]      FIGS. 8 and 9  further illustrate that the hanger  201  of the carrier  200  includes a cover  220  proximate to the top end  202  of the hanger  201 . Moreover, as best illustrated in  FIG. 9 , disposed under the cover  202  and coupled to the hanger  201  proximate to the top end  202  is an axle  218 . Rotatably coupled to the axle  218  is a wheel  216 . When the cover  220  is coupled to the hanger  201 , a portion of the wheel  216  may be exposed and configured to contact the track  170  of the slide rail  160 . Moreover, the wheel  216  is of a size and shape that enables the wheel  216  to rotate about its axle  218  along the track  170  of the slide rail  160 . 
         [0042]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 10-12 , the carrier  200  includes a floating track  222  that is coupled to the hanger arms  206 ,  210 . The floating track  222  contains a first end  224  and a second end  226  disposed opposite of the first end  224 . The floating track further includes a top surface  242 , best illustrated in  FIG. 10 , and a bottom surface  244 , best illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Disposed on the top surface  242  of the floating track  222  are a first track depression  234  and a second track depression  238 . The first and second track depressions  234 ,  238  are spaced from one another and are parallel to one another. The first and second track depressions  234 ,  238  extend from the first end  224  to the second end  226  of the floating track  222 . Moreover, the first and second track depressions  234 ,  238  are configured to receive the wheels of the toy vehicle  600 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 11 , disposed in the first track depression  234  between the first end  224  and the second end  226  of the floating track  222  is an opening  236 . Similarly, disposed in the second track depression  238  between the first end  224  and the second end  226  of the floating track  222  is an opening  240 . The openings  236 ,  240  extend from the top surface  242  through the floating track  222  to the bottom surface  244 . The openings  236 ,  240  are sized and shaped to receive and retain a wheel of the toy vehicle  600 . 
         [0043]    Further disposed on the top surface  242  of the floating track  222  and extending substantially vertically are sidewalls  228  that are disposed substantially along the sides of the floating track  222  between the first end  224  and the second end  226 . The sidewalls  228  contain two connector slots  230  on each side of the floating track  222 , the connector slots  230  being disposed between the first end  224  and the second end  226 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the connector slots  230  are configured to receive the ends of the hanger arms  206 ,  210 . The ends of the hanger arms  206 ,  210  are received in the connector slots  230  via a friction fit, snap fit, or any other conventional means. Moreover, the sidewalls  228  contain flared ends proximate to the second end of the  226  of the floating track  222 . The flared ends are flared outwardly to enable the floating track  222  to receive a toy vehicle  600  via the second end  226  of the floating track  222 . 
         [0044]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the floating track  222  further includes a pair of slits  246 ,  248 . The first slit  246  is disposed proximate to the first track depression  234 , and is located between the first track depression  234  and one of the connectors slots  230 . Moreover, the second slit  248  is disposed proximate to the second track depression  238 , and is located between the second track depression  238  and one of the connector slots  230 . The slits  246 ,  248  are configured to extend through the floating track  222  from the top surface  242  to the bottom surface  244 . 
         [0045]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 12 , coupled to the floating track  222  is an engagement member  250 . The engagement member includes a top surface  252 , best illustrated in  FIG. 10 , and a bottom surface  254 , best illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The engagement member  250  includes a pair of protuberances  256  and a pair of tabs  258  that extend substantially vertically from the top surface  252  of the engagement member  250 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the protuberances  256  are spaced from one another and are aligned with the openings  236 ,  240  of the first and second track depressions  234 ,  238 . The protuberances  256  are configured to be substantially the same shape and size as the openings  236 ,  240 . The tabs  258  are also spaced from one another such that the pair of tabs  258  are disposed on the top surface  252  of the engagement member  250  outside of the pair of protuberances  256 . The tabs  258  are aligned with the slits  246 ,  248  of the floating track  222 . The engagement member  250  is slidably coupled to the floating track  222  such that the top surface  252  of the engagement member  250  is disposed proximate to the bottom surface  244  of the floating track  222 . The engagement member  250  is configured to slide toward and away from the bottom surface  244  of the floating track  222  along the length of the tabs  258 . When the top surface  252  of the engagement member  250  is in abutment with the bottom surface  244  of the floating track  222 , the protuberances  256  are disposed within the openings  236 ,  240  of the floating track  222  to fill the openings  236 ,  240 . When the top surface  252  of the engagement member  250  is not in abutment with the bottom surface  244  of the floating track  222 , the protuberances  256  are not disposed within the openings  236 ,  240  of the floating track  222 . Moreover, when the top surface  252  of the engagement member  250  is in abutment with the bottom surface  244  of the floating track  222 , the tabs  258  extend farther through the slits  246 ,  248  than when the top surface  252  of the engagement member  250  is not in abutment with the bottom surface  244  of the floating track  222 . 
         [0046]    Turning to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , illustrated are views of the carrier  200  being disposed on the slide rail  160  proximate to the second end  166  of the slide rail  160 . As previously explained, the carrier  200  is configured to slide along the track  170  by the wheel  216  of the carrier  200  rotating along the track  170 . Furthermore, as best illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the wheel  216  is disposed within the cavity  188  of the track  170 . The carrier  200  is configured to travel down the slide rail  160  from a first position A, as best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , to a second position B, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3, 13, and 14 . When the carrier  200  is in first position A, the carrier  200  is positioned proximate to the first end  162 , where the retaining mechanism  172  retains the carrier  200  proximate to the first end  162 . When the protrusion  180  of movable member  174  of the retaining mechanism  172  extends out of the opening  186 , the protrusion  180  engages the wheel  216  of the carrier  200  to retain the carrier  200  in the first position A. Once a toy vehicle  600  travels onto the floating track  222 , the combined weight of the toy vehicle  600  with the carrier  200  overcomes the biasing force of the resilient member  182 , and the combined weight of the toy vehicle  600  with the carrier  200  pushes movable member  174  and the protrusion  180  down into and below the opening  186  in the track  170 . Thus, once combination of the toy vehicle  600  and the carrier  200  overcomes the force of the resilient member  182 , the carrier  200 , with the toy vehicle  600  is able to travel along the track  170  of the slide rail  160  from the first end  162  towards the second end  166  via the force of gravity. As previously explained, the carrier  200  travels from the first end  162  of the slide rail  160  to the second end  166  of the slide rail  160  because the first end  162  is disposed at a first height H 1  and the second end  166  is disposed at a second height H 2 , where the first height H 1  is farther from the support surface than the second height H 2 . Because of the size of the cavity  188  of the track  170 , once the wheel  216  of the carrier  200  reaches the cavity  188 , the wheel  216  falls into the cavity  188 . This stops the carrier  200  from traveling any farther along the track  170 . 
         [0047]    As best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , when the carrier  200  is in the first position A, the floating track  222  is disposed over the track portion  112  in the first base member  110 . Furthermore, the second end of the floating track  222 , which contains the flared ends  232 , is positioned proximate to the ramp  116  of the track portion  112 . Moreover, because of the height difference between the first end  162  and the second end  166  of the slide rail  160 , the floating track  222  is disposed over the track portion  112  such that the engagement member  250  hangs below the bottom surface  244  of the floating track  222  without the top surface  252  of the engagement member  250  being in abutment with the bottom surface  244  of the floating track  222 . Thus, the protuberances  256  in the engagement member  250  are not disposed in the openings  236 ,  240  of the floating track  222 . Therefore, when the carrier  200  is in the first position A, a toy vehicle  600  traveling along the second outer track  400  will travel onto the track portion  112 , up the ramp  116  and onto the floating track  222  of the carrier  200 . Because the protuberances  256  of the engagement member  250  are not disposed in the openings  236 ,  240  of the floating track  222 , the openings  236 ,  240  capture the wheels of the toy vehicle  600  to retain the toy vehicle on the floating track  222 . 
         [0048]    Once the toy vehicle  600  is stopped on the floating track  222 , as previously explained, the combined weight of the toy vehicle  600  and the carrier  200  overcomes the biasing force of the resilient member  182 , releasing the carrier  200  from the retaining mechanism  172  to travel down the slide rail  160  towards the second end  166 . Once the wheel  216  of the carrier  200  has reached the cavity  188  in the track  170 , the carrier  200  is stopped traveling along the slide rail  160  and is in the second position B. In repositioning from the first position A to the second position B, the carrier  200  has gone from being disposed over the first base member  110  to being disposed over the second base member  130 . Moreover, the carrier  200  is positioned lower in height in the second position B than in the first position A because in the second position B, the carrier  200  is disposed proximate to the second end  166  of the slide rail  160 . As previously explained, the second end  166  of the slide rail  160  is lower in height than the first end  162  of the slide rail  160 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 2 , when the carrier  200  is in the second position B, the first end  224  of the floating track  222  is aligned with the track end  136  of the second base member  130 . 
         [0049]    As best illustrated in  FIG. 14 , when the carrier  200  is in the second position B, and is lower in height above the support surface, the top surface  131  of the second base member  130  is in abutment with the lower surface  254  of the engagement member  250 . This causes the engagement member  250  to be pushed substantially upwardly so that the top surface  252  of the engagement member  250  is in engagement with the bottom surface  244  of the floating track  222 . As previously explained, when the top surface  252  of the engagement member  250  is in engagement with the bottom surface  244  of the floating track  222 , the protuberances  256  of the engagement member  250  are moved upwardly into the openings  236 ,  240  of the floating track  222  so that the protuberances  256  substantially fill the openings  236 ,  240  of the floating track  222 . It then follows that when the carrier  200  is moved into the second position B, the protuberances  256  are moved into the openings  236 ,  240  by the top surface  131  of the second base member  130 , which pushes the wheels of the toy vehicle  600  out of the openings  236 ,  240 . The toy vehicle  600  is then able to resume traveling over the floating track  222  (via manual interaction with a user or via a drive mechanism housed within the vehicle). Because the inner track  500  is coupled to the track end  136  of the second base member  130 , and because in the second position B the floating track  222  is aligned with the track end  136 , the protuberances  256  pushing the wheels of the toy vehicle  600  out of the openings  236 ,  240  enables the toy vehicle  600  to travel off of the floating track  222  and onto the inner track  500 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the toy vehicle  600  traveling along the inner track  500  will eventually merge onto the second outer track portion  400  and continue along the second outer track portion  400  to return to the transfer station  100 . 
         [0050]    The carrier  200  must be manually returned to the first position A in order to transfer the toy vehicle again from the outer tracks  300 ,  400  to the inner track  500 . If the carrier  200  remains in the second position B, then a toy vehicle  600  traveling on the second outer track  400  will travel onto the track portion  112 , through the transfer station  100 , and continue onto the first outer track portion  300 . Only if the carrier  200  is in the first position A will a toy vehicle  600  traveling onto the track portion  112  of the first base member  110  from the second outer track  400  be transferred to the inner track  500 . 
         [0051]    As mentioned above, although the phrases “positive contact” and “negative contact” are used throughout this disclosure, the invention disclosed herein may be applied to either the positive contact or the negative contact without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
         [0052]    It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention. 
         [0053]    Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.