Abstract:
A thematic play set that in one example is in the form of a castle includes a plurality of turrets. Some turrets have end caps that may be removed to allow fiber optic bundles to be exposed that simulate a fireworks bloom. Another turret includes a launcher that launches a winged figurine into the air to simulate flight. The play set includes a number of accessories and features that add to the theme established.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority from Provisional Application No. 60/237,478, dated Oct. 2, 2000. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to amusement devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to thematic play sets. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Children enjoying playing with toys that facilitate their creativity and imagination. One such toy that has commonly used by children for some time is a thematic play set. For example, a doll house is a type of thematic play set wherein a child may fantasize with dolls or other characters who inhabit or utilize the doll house. 
     Sometimes these play sets serve certain utilitarian purposes. For example, the above doll house may serve as a storage container for the dolls or other play elements when not in use. Thematic play sets can be quite ornate and may include decorative elements to define a given theme. For example, the doll house may be crafted to look like an elegant home having components simulating their real-life counterparts. Thus, various designs exist for such play sets that revolve around their utilitarian and decorative aspects. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides for a thematic play set having one or more functional characteristics to enhance the visual appearance of the play set, the functional options provided to the user may allow specific actions to occur, and/or provide additional whimsical or fanciful roles for the user to engage in. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention includes a castle play set. The castle includes one or more turrets that are removable to reveal functional accessories. One accessory is a launcher to which a doll or other character or toy may be affixed. The launcher is then capable of launching the doll or toy into the air to simulate the character flying. Another accessory may be a plurality of fiber optic strands that can be illuminated and extended through the exposed turret to simulate a bloom of fireworks. Additionally, various trinkets, toys or accessories may be provided within the castle to correspond with the theme provided. The trinkets, toys or accessories may be provided with or within the castle. In addition, various “secret” or hidden compartments can be provided to contained trinkets, toys or accessories. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is a play set having a thematic structure with a fireworks simulation and a launcher. In one embodiment, the thematic structure is a castle and the castle has a turret having a removable cap and a shaft. A fiber optic bundle is located within the shaft and is moveable so that at least a portion of the fiber optic bundle is external to the shaft. The play set may further include a light source coupled with the fiber optic bundle. A contact switch may be positioned within the shaft and may be engageable through movement of the fiber optic bundle to engage the light source. 
     In one embodiment, the play set may further include a lever coupled with the fiber optic bundle and external to the shaft so that movement of the lever causes movement of the fiber optic bundle. 
     In one embodiment, the play set includes a turret and the launcher forms a portion of the turret. The launcher may include a wind up mechanism for storing energy to launch an object away from the play set. The launcher may also include a foot peg holder for receiving the object. In one embodiment, the wind up mechanism includes at least one spring to cause the wind up mechanism to spin or rotate the object. 
     In one embodiment, the play set includes a gravity pin located within the turret which prevents the foot peg holder from receiving the object if the turret is not approximately vertically aligned. 
     In one embodiment, the launcher includes an activation mechanism. The activation mechanism may include an IR transmitter and an IR receiver, wherein the IR receiver is coupled with the launcher. The play set may also include a wand wherein the wand houses the IR transmitter. 
     In one embodiment the present invention is a play set having a thematic structure and a tubular shaft coupled with the structure and integrated with the theme. The play set also includes a fiber optic bundle, including flexible fibers, moveable from a first position wherein the fiber optic bundle is substantially contained within the tubular shaft to a second position wherein a substantial portion of the fiber optic bundle is outside of the tubular shaft. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is a play set having a thematic structure and a launching mechanism coupled with the thematic structure. The launching mechanism includes a receiving slot for receiving a launchable object; a wind up mechanism for storing energy to launch the object; and an activation mechanism for causing the wind up mechanism to launch the object. 
     While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein is shown and described only the embodiments of the invention, by way of illustration, of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a thematic play set consistent with the principals of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a thematic play set having extended side panels, consistent with the principals of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of a thematic play set illustrating a floor portion moveable between an upper and a lower position, consistent with the principals of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a turret and extendable fiber optic bundle. consistent with the principals of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a partially sectional view illustrating the retention of an extendable fiber optic bundle, consistent with the principals of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a partially sectional view illustrating the retention of an extendable fiber optic bundle, consistent with the principals of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a partially sectional view illustrating the retention of an extendable fiber optic bundle, consistent with the principals of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a front elevational view illustrating a thematic play set having a doll coupled with an integrated launcher, consistent with the principals of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a front, partially sectional view of a thematic play set illustrating a launching mechanism, consistent with the principals of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate the launching of a doll from the thematic play set, in accordance with the principals of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is front, partially sectional view illustrating a launching mechanism and gravity pin, consistent with the principals of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 12-13 illustrate the coupling of a launchable doll while cooperating with the gravity pin of FIG.  11 . 
     FIGS. 14-15 illustrate the proper and improper alignment of the gravity pin of FIG.  11 . 
     FIG. 16 illustrates a wand consistent with the principals of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 17-18 illustrate a secret compartment containable within the thematic play set, consistent with the principals of the present invention. 
     FIG. 19 is a side elevational view illustrating a turret consistent with the principals of the present invention. 
     FIG. 20 is a side, partially sectional view illustrating a turret consistent with the principals of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a thematic play set  10  is illustrated having the theme and form of castle  12 . Thematic play set  10  includes a structure such as castle  12  that has a shape and various decorative elements such as doors, windows and textures to define it, for example, as a medieval type castle. The particular theme selected can vary and it is to be understood that the castle theme is for illustrative purposes only. Castle  12  includes a plurality of turrets  14 . Turrets  14 , in this theme, serve a dual purpose of decoratively fitting into the theme, and as will be explained in greater detail, also provide for certain of the functional features of play set  10 . 
     As illustrated in FIG. 1, play set  10  is a three dimensional structure that may include accessible interior portions. FIG. 2 illustrates how play set  10  can be expanded by introducing one or more side panels  16 A,  16 B (collectively  16 ). Side panels  16  can be relatively thin elements that attach to castle  12  to increase the overall size of play set  10 . Alternatively, side panels  16  could be more elaborate three dimensional structures. 
     FIG. 3 is a rear schematic illustration showing panel  16  coupled with castle  12 . In addition, castle floor  18  is illustrated in both an upright and a schematically lowered position. Castle floor  18 , when lowered provides a surface area for play and may also provide access to the interior of castle  12 . 
     One feature of play set  10  is the ability to simulate a fireworks display or bloom. FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate the simulation of fireworks. Turret cap  22  is originally positioned to form a portion of turret  20 . The operator removes turret cap  22 , revealing a portion of a fiber optic bundle  24  protruding from turret  20 . To simulate the fireworks bloom, the operator raises fiber optic bundle  24  thus exposing more of fiber optic bundle  24 . Fiber optic bundle  24 , either through a natural flexibility or due to a pre-bending of the fibers, bend or flex away from vertical alignment (as illustrated) to effectively “bloom”. Fiber optic bundle  24  is coupled with a light source and the exposed ends of fiber optic bundle  24  emit light. When positioned as illustrated in FIG. 4C, this arrangement simulates fireworks. Alternatively, reflective, colored, or otherwise decorative fibers could be used with or without a light source. When completed, the operator reinserts fiber optic bundle  24  into turret  20  and replaces turret cap  22  on turret  20 . Any number of turrets can be provided with the simulated fireworks feature. 
     FIG. 5 is a side partially sectional view illustrating the stored position of fiber optic bundle  24  within a shaft  26  that is aligned with turret  20 . Referring to FIG. 6, the operator removes turret cap  22 . The operator then engages lever  30  which is coupled with fiber optic bundle  24 . As lever  30  is raised, fiber optic bundle  24  is likewise raised, as illustrated in FIG.  7 . As this occurs, contact switch  32  is caused to close thus allowing power to be delivered from an appropriate power source to light source  28  which is coupled to a lower portion of fiber optic bundle  28 . Conversely, as lever  30  is lowered contact switch  32  is opened and fiber optic bundle  24  is retracted. 
     FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of play set  10  having a removable figurine  42  attached thereto. Figurine  42  can take any appropriate shape such as a person, animal, fictional or whimsical character, or any other object. As illustrated, figurine  42  is a “princess” that is consistent with the overall exemplary castle theme. Figurine  42  may be launched into the air from a launch turret  40  coupled with play set  10 . Launch turret  40  can either be integral with play set  10  or may be removable component allowing figurine  42  to be launched from anywhere. 
     FIG. 9 is a side, partially sectional elevational view illustrating launch turret  40 . A removable launch turret cap  44  conceals a foot peg holder  50  configured to receive and engage a portion of figurine  42 . A wind up mechanism  46  is provided to impart rotational an/or vertical force to figurine  42  to simulate flight. Wind up mechanism  46  includes a wind up shaft  48  and spring  52 . An optional motor  54  and transfer gear  56  may be provided to engage wind up mechanism  46 . If no motor is provided, the operator manually compresses spring  52  and/or rotates shaft  48 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the operator couples figurine  42  to wind up mechanism  46 . After releasing wind up mechanism  46 , figurine  42  is propelled upwards as indicated by Arrow A and rotates as indicated by Arrow B. Wings  58  may be provided on figurine  42  and may move from the position illustrated in FIG. 10A to that of FIG. 10B to further simulate flight. That is, figurine  42  is caused to rotate with wings  58  extended in a “helicopter” fashion. The distance flown or thrusted will depend upon the characteristics of wind up mechanism  46 . In one embodiment, figurine  42  is launched between 2 to 8 inches in the direction of arrow A. In another embodiment, figurine  42  is launched between 3 to 6 inches in the direction of arrow A. 
     To launch figurine  42 , the operator may use wand  70 . Wand  70  may be configured to transmit an IR signal that is received by play set  10  so as to trigger the launch of figurine  42 . Alternatively, wand  70  may serve as a key that is physically coupled with a trigger mechanism  41  on play set  10  (or on launch turret  40  if separated from play set  10 ) to launch figurine  42 . Alternatively, a button or other mechanism  41  can simply be provided on play set  10  to initiate the launch. 
     Referring to FIGS. 11-15 it may be desirable to prevent the premature launch of figurine  42  when play set  10  is tilted or angled by the operator. To prevent a premature launch from occurring, gravity pin  60  is provided. Gravity pin  60  is an elongated shaft having a weighted portion  64  at one end and a medially disposed pivot point  66 . Only when vertically aligned can gravity pint  60  pass through pin slot  62  and allow figurine  42  to couple with foot peg holder  50  to begin the loading process. When angled, as in FIG. 14, gravity pin  60  is tilted and unable to pass through pivot slot  62  thus preventing movement relative to base  63 . As illustrated in FIG. 13, when gravity pin  60  aligns with slot  62  and passes therethrough, base  63  and turret  40  move relative to one another, compressing secondary spring  65 . 
     FIG. 16 is a top planar view of one embodiment of a wand  70 . Wand  70  can serve a variety of functions. For example, wand  70  can be designed to correlate to the overall theme of play set  10 . Additionally, wand  70  can serve as a triggering device to initiate the launch of figurine  42 . In one embodiment, wand  70  acts as a key that is received within play set  10  to physically trigger the launch. Various mechanisms can be employed to facilitate the use of wand  70  as a key. For example, a magnet  71  could be utilized to activate a switch. Alternatively, a portion  73  of wand  70  could be shaped to be received by a corresponding “key hole”  41  on play set  10 . Once so received any type of switch or activation can be employed to initiate the launch. In another embodiment, wand  70  acts as a triggering device by including an IR (infrared) transmitter  75 . Play set  10  is provided with an IR receiver  41 . When an appropriate signal is received by play set  10 , the launch is initiated. An appropriate circuit and switching mechanism is provided within play set  10 . As illustrated, wand  70  may include controls  74  that can either be decorative in nature, or when used as an IR transmitter  75  serve to transmit an appropriate signal. In addition, wand  70  may include further decorative elements such as fiber optics  72  that may optionally be illuminated. An appropriate power source, such as one or more batteries may be provided within wand  70  when acting as an IR transmitter  75  and/or to power a light source (not shown) to illuminate fiber optics  72  and/or controls  74 . 
     FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a compartment  80  that can be provided on or within play set  10 . Compartment  80  includes a metal locking tab  82  that restrains compartment  80  from opening. A spring  86  is provided that biases compartment  80  towards the open position (FIG.  18 ). Thus, when locking tab  82  is lifted (as illustrated), compartment  80  opens. Compartment  80  may be readily visible or it may be a “secret” compartment designed to blend into play set  10 . 
     To open play set  10 , locking tab  82  can be externally accessible or can be coupled with a switch or lever that is externally accessible. Alternatively, locking tab  82  may not be externally accessible and a magnetic key may be provided to lift locking tab  82 . The magnetic key can be incorporated into wand  70  and in fact the same type of magnetic key can be utilized to launch figurine  42 . Alternatively, a magnetic key can be provided in another accessory that is consistent with the theme established by play set  10 . Compartment  80  can be used for any number of purposes and an additional accessory or prize may be placed within compartment  80  for discovery by the user. 
     Compartment  80  also includes a contact switch  84  that is closed when compartment  80  is opened. Contact switch  80  can trigger various events such as the illumination of various lights or the actuation of a sound recording. 
     Play set  10  can be formed with any type of theme. As illustrated play set  10  has a castle theme. A wide variety of accessories can be provided consistent with a given them. For example, play set  10  can include a “pool” that may be filled with water; a container for bubble making solution; a bubble maker; chalk; jewelry or other props; various creatures or animal characters such as butterflies; nets or other props to play with the creatures or characters; a tea set including a teapot, cups and plates that can be stacked to blend with or form a portion of play set  10 ; or various other objects. 
     FIG. 19 is a partial side elevational view of a turret  200 . Adjacent turret  200  are a pair of tea cups  210  and a teapot  220  that stack together to form a portion of castle  12 . FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of turret  200 . Turret  200  includes a funnel  230  operatively coupled to bladder  240 . Bladder  240  is a compressible element made from a suitable material, such as PVC. A pull cord  250  runs proximate bladder  240  between a pull handle  250  and a cantilever  260 . Thus, as pull cord  250  is pulled, cantilever  260  is caused to compress bladder  240 . The compression of bladder  240  causes a rush of air out through funnel  230 . Thus, for amusement purposes, various items can be placed within funnel  230  and blasted out by pulling on pull cord  250 . For example, butterflies or other representative or whimsical creatures, objects or characters can be launched out of funnel  230  to stimulate flight. These creatures, objects or characters can be formed from cloth or other suitable lightweight material to facilitate their launch. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.