Abstract:
A developmental toy for infants including an infant support surface having an open and a folded operative orientation, a first pair of circumferential elements associated therewith and having an open and a folded operative orientation and a second pair of elements, generally similar in configuration to the first pair of circumferential elements, arranged to support toy objects above the infant support surface and having an open and a folded operative orientation and a locking assembly for selectably locking the first and second pairs of circumferential elements in their respective open operative orientations, the open operative orientation of the infant support surface being an angular separation of 180 degrees, the open operative orientation of the first pair of circumferential elements being an angular separation of 180 degrees and the open operative orientation of the first pair of circumferential elements being an angular separation of substantially less than 180 degrees.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to toys generally and more particularly to activity centers for young children. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various types of activity centers for young children are known. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention seeks to provide an improved activity center for young children. 
     There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a developmental toy for infants including an infant support surface having an open operative orientation and a folded operative orientation, a first pair of circumferential elements associated with the infant support surface and having an open operative orientation and a folded operative orientation and a second pair of elements, generally similar in configuration to the first pair of circumferential elements, arranged to support toy objects above the infant support surface and having an open operative orientation and a folded operative orientation and a locking assembly for selectably locking the first and second pairs of circumferential elements in their respective open operative orientations, the open operative orientation of the infant support surface being an angular separation of 180 degrees, the open operative orientation of the first pair of circumferential elements being an angular separation of 180 degrees and the open operative orientation of the first pair of circumferential elements being an angular separation of substantially less than 180 degrees. 
     Preferably, the developmental toy for infants also includes a track assembly including an upper track portion and a lower track portion which are fixed together to define a top track lying above the upper track portion, an intermediate track lying between the top track portion and the lower track portion and a bottom track lying below the lower track portion and a locomotive assembly including a top portion which moves along the top track. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the developmental toy for infants also includes at least one removably mounting element operative for removably mounting the track assembly on the second pair of elements. Additionally or alternatively, the developmental toy for infants also includes at least one removably mounting element operative for removably mounting the track assembly on the infant support surface. 
     Preferably, the locomotive assembly also includes an intermediate portion which is decouplably connected to the top portion for travel along the intermediate track along with the top portion and a bottom portion which is fixed to the intermediate portion for travel along with the intermediate portion. Additionally, the intermediate portion of the locomotive assembly is at least lockable in an at least partially confined space between the upper track portion and a lower track portion and is thus retained against disengagement from the track assembly even when the intermediate portion is decoupled from the top portion of the locomotive assembly. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the top portion of the locomotive assembly is operative to move along the top track and to provide a rotational driving output about an axis which is generally perpendicular to the track, the intermediate portion of the locomotive assembly is operative to be decouplably driven by the top portion both in motion along the intermediate track and in rotational motion about the axis which is generally perpendicular to the track and the bottom portion of the locomotive assembly is operative to be driven by the intermediate portion both in motion along the bottom track and in rotational motion about the axis which is generally perpendicular to the track. 
     Preferably, the developmental toy for infants also includes a base assembly including an upper base portion and a lower base portion which are fixed together to define a top base surface lying above the upper base portion, an at least partially confined base surface lying between the top base portion and the lower base portion and a bottom base surface lying below the lower base portion and a motion assembly including a top portion which moves in a first manner on the top base surface. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the motion assembly also includes an intermediate portion which is decoublably connected to the top portion for movement on the at last partially confined base surface driven by the top portion and a bottom portion which is fixed to the intermediate portion for movement along with the intermediate portion. 
     Preferably, the developmental toy for infants also includes at least one removably mounting element operative for removably mounting the base assembly on the infant support surface. Additionally or alternatively, the developmental toy for infants also includes at least one removably mounting element operative for removably mounting the track assembly on the second pair of elements. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the motion assembly also includes an intermediate portion which is decoublably connected to the top portion for movement on the at last partially confined base surface driven by the top portion and a bottom portion which is fixed to the intermediate portion for movement along with the intermediate portion. 
     Preferably, the developmental toy for infants also includes an elongate track and a vehicle configured for locomotive motion along the track within a field of view of an infant located on the infant support surface, the locomotive motion along the track being generally side to side motion in the infant&#39;s field of view. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the vehicle includes a support for a depending visual attractant. Additionally, the vehicle includes a rotating support for the depending visual attractant, causing rotation of the visual attractant about an axis transverse to that of the elongate track. 
     There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a developmental toy for infants including a base assembly including an upper base portion and a lower base portion which are fixed together to define a top base surface lying above the upper base portion, an at least partially confined base surface lying between the top base portion and the lower base portion and a bottom base surface lying below the lower base portion and a motion assembly including a top portion which moves in a first manner on the top base surface, an intermediate portion which is decoublably connected to the top portion for movement on the at last partially confined base surface driven by the top portion and a bottom portion which is fixed to the intermediate portion for movement along with the intermediate portion. 
     There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a developmental toy for infants including a track assembly including an upper track portion and a lower track portion which are fixed together to define a top track lying above the upper track portion, an intermediate track lying between the top track portion and the lower track portion and a bottom track lying below the lower track portion and a locomotive assembly including a top portion which moves along the top track, an intermediate portion which is decouplably connected to the top portion for travel along the intermediate track along with the top portion and a bottom portion which is fixed to the intermediate portion for travel along with the intermediate portion. 
     Preferably, the intermediate portion of the locomotive assembly is at least lockable in an at least partially confined space between the upper track portion and a lower track portion and is thus retained against disengagement from the track assembly even when the intermediate portion is decoupled from the top portion of the locomotive assembly. Additionally, the top portion of the locomotive assembly is operative to move along the top track and to provide a rotational driving output about an axis which is generally perpendicular to the track, the intermediate portion of the locomotive assembly is operative to be decouplably driven by the top portion both in motion along the intermediate track and in rotational motion about the axis which is generally perpendicular to the track and the bottom portion of the locomotive assembly is operative to be driven by the intermediate portion both in motion along the bottom track and in rotational motion about the axis which is generally perpendicular to the track. 
     There is even further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a developmental toy for infants including an infant support surface, an elongate track configured to be mountable at a location raised with respect to the infant support surface and a movable element configured for locomotive motion along the track within a field of view of an infant located on the infant support surface, the locomotive motion along the track being generally side to side motion in the infant&#39;s field of view, the movable element being selectably non-detachable from the track by the infant. 
     Preferably, the developmental toy for infants also includes at least one visual attractant arranged for removable association with the movable element at least for motion therewith along the track. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the infant support surface has an open operative orientation and a folded operative orientation and the developmental toy also includes a first pair of circumferential elements associated with the infant support surface and having an open operative orientation and a folded operative orientation, a second pair of elements, generally similar in configuration to the first pair of circumferential elements, arranged to support toy objects above the infant support surface and having an open operative orientation and a folded operative orientation and a locking assembly for selectably locking the first and second pairs of circumferential elements in their respective open operative orientations, the open operative orientation of the infant support surface being an angular separation of 180 degrees, the open operative orientation of the first pair of circumferential elements being an angular separation of 180 degrees and the open operative orientation of the first pair of circumferential elements being an angular separation of substantially less than 180 degrees. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a simplified assembled view illustration of a young child activity center constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a simplified partially exploded view illustration of the activity center of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a simplified partially assembled view illustration of an arc mounting and positioning subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a simplified exploded view illustration of the arc mounting and positioning subassembly of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a simplified assembled view illustration of decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a simplified partially exploded view illustration of decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B ; 
         FIGS. 4A &amp; 4B  are simplified illustrations, taken from different directions, of a multi-axial locomotive forming part of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly of  FIGS. 3A &amp; 3B ; 
         FIGS. 5A &amp; 5B  are simplified partially exploded views of the multi-axial locomotive of  FIGS. 4A &amp; 4B  at different levels of breakdown; 
         FIGS. 6A &amp; 6B  are respective simplified partially assembled and partially exploded view illustrations of a motor and a multi-axial gear assembly forming part of the multi-axial locomotive of  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B &amp;  5  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7A &amp; 7B  are respective simplified partially assembled and partially exploded view illustrations of a multi-axial gear assembly forming part of the multi-axial locomotive of  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B &amp;  5  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are simplified illustrations of two selectable operative orientations of a fanciful figure and the locomotive of  FIGS. 4A-7B ; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are simplified illustrations of mounting of the fanciful figure onto the locomotive in the operative orientation of  FIG. 8B ; 
         FIGS. 10A ,  10 B, and  10 C are simplified illustrations of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in respective fully open, intermediate and transportable operative orientations; 
         FIGS. 11A ,  11 B,  11 C and  11 D are simplified illustrations of the arc mounting and positioning subassembly of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-12B  in the respective fully open and locked, fully open and unlocked, partially folded and fully folded operative orientations of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-12B ; 
         FIGS. 12A ,  12 B and  12 C are respective partial top view, bottom view and sectional view of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in a first operative orientation; 
         FIGS. 13A ,  13 B and  13 C are respective partial top view, bottom view and sectional view of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in a second operative orientation; 
         FIGS. 14A ,  14 B and  14 C are respective partial top view, bottom view and sectional view of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in a third operative orientation; 
         FIGS. 15A ,  15 B and  15 C are respective partial top view, bottom view and sectional view of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in a fourth operative orientation;  FIGS. 16A ,  16 B and  16 C are respective partial top view, bottom view and sectional view of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in a fifth operative orientation; 
         FIGS. 17A ,  17 B and  17 C are respective partial top view, bottom view and sectional view of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in a sixth operative orientation; 
         FIGS. 18A and 18B  are respective partial bottom view and sectional view of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in an eighth operative orientation; and 
         FIGS. 19A ,  19 B and  19 C are simplified illustrations of a young child activity center constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention in respective fully open, intermediate and transportable operative orientations. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , which are respective simplified assembled view and partially exploded view illustrations of a young child activity center  100 , constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B , the activity center includes a pad  102  having a pair of generally circumferential sleeve pockets  104  and  106  for removably accommodating a pair of arc-shaped elongate elements  108  and  110  respectively. Pad engaging arc shaped elongate elements  108  and  110  are pivotably mounted at their respective ends on a pair of arc mounting and positioning subassemblies  112  and  114 , which also pivotably mount a pair of toy object mounting arc shaped elongate elements  116  and  118  at their respective ends. Toy object mounting arc shaped elongate elements  116  and  118  are preferably enclosed in respective sleeves  120  and  122 . 
     Preferably mounted onto pad  102  are a pair of mutually spaced removable decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly mounting tabs  123  and  124 , which preferably have VELCRO® type fasteners formed thereon. Similar removable decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly mounting tabs  125  and  126  are preferably provided on sleeves  120  and  122  of respective toy object mounting arc shaped elongate elements  116  and  118 . Sleeves  120  and  122  of toy object mounting arc shaped elongate elements  116  and  118  are preferably also provided with a plurality of toy object mounting loops  128 . 
     A decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly  130  may be removably mounted either on tabs  123  &amp;  124  or on tabs  125  &amp;  126 . Alternatively, two subassemblies  130  may be provided, as seen also in  FIG. 10A . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , which are respective simplified partially assembled view and simplified exploded view illustrations of arc mounting and positioning subassembly  200 , such as subassemblies  112  and  114 , forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the arc mounting and positioning subassembly  200  includes a pair of cover plates  202  and  204 , which are generally similar and typically held together by screws (not shown) at socket locations  206 . 
     It is seen that pad engaging arc shaped elongate elements  108  and  110  are fixedly mounted at their respective ends onto respective pairs of pivotably mounted pad engaging arc shaped elongate element mounting arm elements  208  and  210 , which pairs are pivotably mounted by screws (not shown) at respective pivot axes defined by socket locations  212  and  214  and typically held together by additional screws (not shown). 
     Similarly, toy object mounting elongate elements  116  and  118  are fixedly mounted at their respective ends onto respective pairs of pivotably mounted toy object mounting arc shaped elongate element mounting arm elements  216  and  218 , which pairs are pivotably mounted by screws (not shown) at respective pivot axes defined by socket locations  222  and  224  and typically held together by additional screws (not shown). 
     A rotatable double locking arbor  250  is rotatably mounted about an axis  252  defined by cover plates  202  and  204 . Arbor  250  includes a base portion  254  having a generally rectangular center portion  256 , at opposite ends of which are formed concave end portions  258  defining locking surfaces  260 . Extending axially upward from base portion  254  along axis  252  is a generally cylindrical shaft portion  262  above which is a generally planar generally fan shaped upper portion  264  having inclined locking edge surfaces  266  and opposite finger engagement surfaces  268 . 
     Referring now additionally to  FIGS. 11A-11D , it is appreciated that although pad engaging arc shaped elongate element mounting arm elements  208  and  210  are each able to rotate through 90 degrees, pivotably mounted toy object mounting arc shaped elongate element mounting arm elements  216  and  218  are restricted by respective stop surfaces  276  and  278 , defined on both cover plates  202  and  204 , preferably to lie within approximately 30 degrees of axis  252 . 
     When in a first operative orientation, as shown in  FIG. 11A , rotatable arbor  250  prevents rotation of toy object mounting arc shaped elongate element mounting arm elements  216  and  218  towards each other from their position shown in  FIGS. 1A and 11A  by virtue of engagement thereof with locking surfaces  266  of arbor  250  and thus, cooperating with stop surfaces  276  and  278 , retains toy object mounting arc shaped elongate elements  216  and  218  in a desired fixed mutual orientation. 
     In this first operative orientation, locking surfaces  260  of base portion  254  retain pivotably mounted pad engaging arc shaped elongate element mounting arm elements  208  and  210  in mutually 180 degree orientation, so as to define a stable flat base surface with respect to which toy object mounting arc shaped elongate elements  216  and  218  are retained in a desired fixed mutual orientation. 
     In a second operative orientation, as seen in  FIG. 11B , arbor  250  is rotated about axis  252  by approximately 90 degrees, thus effectively unlocking both pivotably mounted pad engaging arc shaped elongate element mounting arm elements  208  and  210  and toy object mounting arc shaped elongate element mounting arm elements  216  and  218  and permitting rotation thereof about their respective pivot axes. 
     When in a third operative orientation, as shown in  FIG. 11C , rotatable arbor  250  remains in its rotated orientation shown in  FIG. 11B  and both pivotably mounted pad engaging arc shaped elongate element mounting arm elements  208  and  210  and toy object mounting arc shaped elongate element mounting arm elements  216  and  218  are seen to be partially rotated about their respective pivot axes towards axis  252 . 
       FIG. 11D  shows a full folded operative orientation wherein all four of arc-shaped elongate elements  108 ,  110 ,  116  and  118  lie in generally mutually parallel planes and are thus arranged for ease of transport and storage. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , which are respective simplified assembled view and partially exploded view illustrations of decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly  130  forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A &amp; 1B . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly  130  preferably includes a track  302  having top and bottom track portions  304  and  306  which preferably snap together, a multi-axial locomotive  310 , which is arranged for reciprocal motion along track  302  and rotational driving of a power take off  312 . A decouplable connector assembly  314  is arranged for axial and rotational movement together with power take off  312  and is magnetically coupled thereto in a manner so as to be readily decouplable therefrom but nevertheless retained in track  302 . 
     Decouplable connector assembly  314  preferably includes a magnet  316  enclosed within a top housing portion  318 , which also supports a suspension loop  320 . The top housing portion  318  is located between top and bottom track portions  304  and  306  and is free to slide along the track  302  and rotate but is not free to disengage from the track  302 . A bottom housing portion  322  is located below bottom track portion  306  and is fixed to top housing portion  318  for sliding motion along track  302  and rotation therewith but cannot be disengaged from track  302 . 
     A slidable finger-engageable track end locking element  324  is preferably provided for selectable positioning with respect to bottom track portion  306  for selectable locking of an end of track  302  and thus selectable locking of locomotive  310  against disengagement from track  302 . Locking element  324  also functions as a locomotive displacement direction switching engagement element, as will be described hereinbelow. 
     Slidable finger-engageable track end locking element  324  is a generally elongate element having at a first end thereof, a finger engagement location  326 . Extending from finger engagement location is a generally planar connection portion  328  to a base portion  330  which supports a locomotive direction changing switch engagement protrusion  332  having an undercut  334  for accommodating a transverse part  335  of top track portion  304 . A spring seat  336  is provided for engaging a first end of a tension spring  337 , whose opposite end is seated on a spring seat  338  of top track portion  304  and urges locking element  324  into a normal track locking orientation relative to track  302  in the absence of finger actuation. 
     Top and bottom track portions  304  and  306  are each formed with a longitudinal slot, here respectively designated by reference numerals  339  and  340 . It is noted that bottom track portion  306  is preferably formed with a pair of end slots  341  which accommodate tabs  123  &amp;  124  or tabs  125  &amp;  126 . Top track portion  304  is preferably formed with a raised circumferential rim  342  ( FIG. 1A ) extending along the sides of slot  339  and extending therebetween at an end  343  of slot  339 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a dual function rotatable fanciful object  346  having a cap shape and a connection loop  347 , which enables it to removably hang from suspension loop  320  of decouplable connector assembly  314  via an optional coupling member  348 , for rotation together therewith, as seen in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  8 A. Alternatively, fanciful object  336  may be mounted onto locomotive  310  and secured thereto by one or more loops  349 , as seen in  FIGS. 8B ,  9 A and  9 B. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 4A &amp; 4B , which are simplified illustrations, taken from different directions, of a multi-axial locomotive forming part of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly of  FIGS. 3A &amp; 3B  and to  FIGS. 5A &amp; 5B , which are simplified partially exploded views of the multi-axial locomotive  310  of  FIGS. 4A &amp; 4B  at different levels of breakdown. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  5 A and  5 B, the locomotive  310  preferably comprises first and second side panels  402  and  404 , a top element  406 , a bottom element  407  and a pair of driven wheels  408 , which are driven by a multi-axial gear assembly  410 , which also drives power take off  312  ( FIGS. 3A &amp; 3B ). The first and second side panels  402  and  404  are preferably held together by screws (not shown) which extend through apertures  414  on first side panel  402  and engage respective sockets  416  on second side panel  404 . 
     Mounted within and adjacent to first side panel  402  is a speaker  420 , which is preferably aligned with an array  422  of apertures formed in first side panel  402 . 
     First side panel  402  is also preferably formed with a hook  424  and second side panel  404  is formed with a hook  426  for removably retaining loops  349  of fanciful object  346  onto locomotive  310  as seen in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . 
     Mounted within and adjacent to second side panel  404  is a multi-function switch assembly  428  which preferably provides an on-off switching function as well as a music selection function, and which normally is operated by an adult. Mounted within and underneath top element  406  is a push switch  430 , which may be operated by a child and which actuates motion of the locomotive  310  and music generation if switch  428  is in an ON operative position. 
     Disposed interiorly of first and second side panels  402  and  404  is a battery case  440  which typically engages three batteries  442  and has a cover  446  which is selectably openable from the outside of the locomotive  310 . 
     Bottom element  407  includes a generally planar portion  452  and includes first and second pairs  454  and  456  of wheel supports. Driven wheels  408 , which are each fixed to an opposite end of an axle  458 , are rotatably supported on axle connector portions  450  thereof onto pair  454  of wheel supports. A second pair of wheels  468 , which are each fixed to an opposite end of an axle  470 , are rotatably supported on axle connector portions  472  thereof onto pair  456  of wheel supports. 
     Generally planar portion  452  of bottom element  407  also defines a seat for multi-axial gear assembly  410 , which seat is bounded by parallel upstanding side wall portions  480  and  482  and by an upstanding transverse wall portion  484 . 
     Extending downwardly from planar portion  452  is a socket  490  which rotatably accommodates power take off  312 , which is, in turn, driven by multi-axial gear assembly  410 . It is noted that a pair of outwardly extending transversely directed wing portions  492  extend from socket  490  at a location spaced from planar portion  452 . These wing portions  492  are typically engaged between top and bottom track portions  304  and  306  and retain the locomotive against inadvertent disengagement from the track  302 . A screw socket  494  is provided for receiving a screw (not shown) which retains multi-axial gear assembly  410  tightly against bottom element  407  and in the seat described above. 
     A pair of direction changing switch assemblies  496  and  498  are pivotably mounted onto mutually opposite ends of side panel  404  and each include a tongue portion  500  which extends through a corresponding aperture  502  formed in generally planar portion  452  of bottom element  407 . Tongues  500  engage either one of locomotive direction changing switch engagement protrusion  332  and end  343  as the locomotive reaches either end of the track, thereby operating switch assemblies  496  and  498  to change the displacement direction of the locomotive  310  accordingly. It is appreciated that switch assemblies  496  and  498  are electrically connected to an electrical control circuit  510 , to which switch assembly  428 , switch  430  and gear assembly  410  are also connected. 
     Power take off  312  includes a generally cylindrical housing portion  520  having a driving slot  522  having a generally rectangular cross section for receiving a correspondingly configured drive shaft. Power take off  312  preferably includes a magnet  524  and a bottom housing portion  526 , which is fixedly sealed to generally cylindrical housing portion  520 , thereby enclosing magnet  524 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 6A &amp; 6B , which are respective simplified partially assembled and partially exploded view illustrations of a motor and a multi-axial gear assembly forming part of the multi-axial locomotive of  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B &amp;  5  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a reversible direction electric motor  600  drives a worm gear  602  typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  604 . Worm gear  602  drives a relatively larger gear portion  606  of a first double gear  608  typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  610 . A relatively smaller gear portion  612  of double gear  608  drives a relatively larger gear portion  614  of a second double gear  616  typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  618 . Second double gear  616  is rotatably mounted onto an axle  458  onto which driven wheels  408  are fixedly mounted for rotation therewith. 
     A relatively smaller gear portion  622  of second double gear  616  drives a gear  624  typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  628 . Gear  624  is coupled via a spring biased clutch to a gear  630 . The spring biased friction clutch is defined by mutually facing clutch surfaces (not shown) on gears  624  and  630  which are forced together by a spring  632 . Gears  624  and  630  and spring  632  are all rotatably mounted onto an axle  634 . Gear  630  rotates typically in the direction indicated by arrow  628  and simultaneously drives a gear  638 , typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  640 , and a gear  642 , typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  644 . 
     Gear  638  is fixed to axle  458  and thus its rotation drives wheels  408  in the direction of rotation of gear  638 , as indicated by arrows  646  and  648 . 
     Gear  642  drives a relatively larger gear portion  654  of a third double gear  656  typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  658 . A relatively smaller gear portion  662  of double gear  656  drives a gear  664  typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  666 . Gear  664  is fixed to a drive shaft  668  which has a generally rectangular cross-section configuration suitable for driving seated engagement in driving slot  522  of power take off  312 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 7A &amp; 7B , which are respective simplified partially assembled and partially exploded view illustrations of a motor and a multi-axial gear assembly forming part of the multi-axial locomotive of  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B &amp;  5  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a reversible direction electric motor  700  drives a belt  701  typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  702 . Belt  701  drives a belt wheel  703  which is fixed to a gear  704 , both of which rotate in a direction indicated by an arrow  705 . Gear  704  drives a relatively larger gear portion  706  of a first double gear  707  typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  708 . A relatively smaller gear portion  709  of double gear  707  drives a relatively larger gear portion  710  of a second double gear  711  typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  712 . 
     A relatively smaller gear portion  713  of double gear  711  drives a relatively larger gear portion  714  of a third double gear  716  typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  718 . A relatively smaller gear portion  722  of double gear  716  drives a gear  724  typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  728 . Gear  724  is coupled via a spring biased clutch to a gear  730 . The spring biased friction clutch is defined by mutually facing clutch surfaces (not shown) on gears  724  and  730  which are forced together by a spring  732 . Gears  724  and  730  and spring  732  are all rotatably mounted onto an axle  734 . Gear  730  rotates typically in the direction indicated by arrow  728  and simultaneously drives a gear  738 , typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  740 , and a gear  742 , typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  744 . 
     Gear  738  is fixed to axle  458  and thus its rotation drives wheels  408  in the direction of rotation of gear  738 , as indicated by arrows  746  and  748 . 
     Gear  742  drives a relatively larger gear portion  754  of a fourth double gear  756  typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  758 . A relatively smaller gear portion  762  of double gear  756  drives a gear  764  typically in a direction indicated by an arrow  766 . Gear  764  is fixed to a drive shaft  768  which has a generally rectangular cross-section configuration suitable for driving seated engagement in driving slot  522  of power take off  312 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B, and  10 C, which are simplified illustrations of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in respective fully open, intermediate and transportable operative orientations. It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present invention that when in a fully open orientation, as shown in  FIG. 10A , arc mounting and positioning subassemblies  112  and  114  selectably lock first and second pairs of circumferential elements  104 ,  106 ,  120  and  122  in their respective open operative orientations and prevent inadvertent collapse thereof. 
       FIG. 10B  shows the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  and  10 A partially folded to an intermediate operative orientation following unlocking of arc mounting and positioning subassemblies  112  and  114  by rotation of arbors 250 through 90 degrees with respect to their locking orientations as shown in  FIG. 10A .  FIG. 10C  shows the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-10B  in a fully folded operative orientation suitable for transportation and storage. 
     It is a particular feature of the present invention that in the intermediate and fully folded orientations shown in  FIGS. 10B &amp; 10C , the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly  130  may remain fully mounted onto pad  102  and partially mounted onto elements  120  and  122  by respective mounting tabs  125  and  126 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 12A ,  12 B and  12 C, which are respective partial top view, bottom view and sectional view of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in a first operative orientation.  FIGS. 12A-12C  show an operative orientation wherein the locomotive  310  is disengaged from the track  302  and the slidable finger-engageable track end locking element  324  is in a locked position, wherein protrusion  332  is in a blocking orientation with respect to the track. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 13A ,  13 B and  13 C, which are respective partial top view, bottom view and sectional view of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in a second operative orientation. Here the locomotive  310  is disengaged from the track  302  but the slidable finger-engageable track end locking element  324  has been displaced transversely relative to track  302  into an unlocked position, wherein protrusion  332  is in a non-blocking orientation with respect to the track. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 14A ,  14 B and  14 C, which are respective partial top view, bottom view and sectional view of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in a third operative orientation. Here the locomotive  310  is displaceably engaged with the track  302  with socket  490  being located between top and bottom track elements  304  and  306  but the slidable finger-engageable track end locking element  324  remains in its unlocked position, wherein protrusion  332  is in a non-blocking orientation with respect to the track. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 15A ,  15 B and  15 C, which are respective partial top view, bottom view and sectional view of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in a fourth operative orientation. Here the locomotive  310  is displaceably engaged with the track  302  with socket  490  being located between top and bottom track elements  304  and  306  and the slidable finger-engageable track end locking element  324  is in its locked position, wherein protrusion  332  is in a blocking orientation with respect to the track. In this orientation, by virtue of the engagement of the socket  490  between top and bottom track elements  304  and  306 , locomotive  310  cannot be disengaged from the track  302 . It is noted, however that the power take off  312  is not engaged by the decouplable connector assembly  314 , which is seen to be at a location along the track  302  spaced from the location of the locomotive  310 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 16A ,  16 B and  16 C, which are respective partial top view, bottom view and sectional view of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in a fifth operative orientation. Here it is seen that decouplable connector assembly  314  has been translated along track  302  to a location underlying power take off  312  but is not yet coupled thereto. Accordingly rotational movement of power take off  312  is not transmitted to rotatable fanciful object  346 . Locomotive  310  may move back and forth along track  302  but does not move decouplable connector assembly  314  therewith. 
     It is appreciated that repeated back and forth motion of locomotive  310  is provided by repeated engagement of either of direction changing switches  496  and  498  of locomotive  310  with protrusion  332  followed by engagement with the raised circumferential rim  342  at end  343  of slot  339  or vice versa. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 17A ,  17 B and  17 C, which are respective partial top view, bottom view and sectional view of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in a sixth operative orientation which is identical to that of  FIGS. 16A-16C , except that here decouplable connector assembly  314  has been translated along track  302  to a location underlying power take off  312  and power take off  312  is coupled to decouplable connector assembly  314 . This coupling normally takes place automatically due to the magnetic attraction between magnet  524  of power take off  312  and magnet  316  of decouplable connector assembly  314 , once the decouplable connector assembly  314  and the locomotive are in the mutual orientations shown in  FIGS. 16A-16C . 
     It is appreciated that in the operative orientation of  FIGS. 17A-17C , translational and rotational movement of power take off  312  is transmitted to rotatable fanciful object  346  as indicated by respective arrows  790  and  792 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 18A and 18B , which are respective partial bottom view and sectional view of the decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly forming part of the activity center of  FIGS. 1A-9B  in an eighth operative orientation which is identical to that of  FIGS. 17A-17C , except that here decouplable connector assembly  314  has been decoupled from power take off  312 . This decoupling normally takes place automatically when a child pulls on rotatable fanciful object  346  and thus applies a force as indicated by an arrow  796  which is sufficient to overcome the mutual attraction between magnet  524  of power take off  312  and magnet  316  of decouplable connector assembly  314 . It is appreciated that in the decoupled operative orientation of  FIGS. 18A-18C , neither translatory nor rotational motion produced by locomotive  310  is transmitted to decouplable connector assembly  314  or to rotatable fanciful object  346 . It is a particular feature of the present invention that notwithstanding the aforesaid decoupling, neither rotatable fanciful object  346  nor decouplable connector assembly  314  becomes decoupled from track  302 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 19A ,  19 B and  19 C, which are simplified illustrations of a young child activity center constructed and operative in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention in respective fully open, intermediate and transportable operative orientations. The young child activity center of  FIGS. 19A-19C  typically comprises a foldable pad  800  having a child support pillow  802  removably attached thereto and having a reciprocating movement subassembly  804  removably mounted thereon. Reciprocating movement subassembly  804  may be identical to decouplable reciprocating and rotating movement subassembly  130  or may be an emasculated version thereof without a power take off and a decouplable connector assembly. 
     It is a particular feature of the embodiment of  FIGS. 19A-19C  that the pad  800  can be folded as shown in  FIGS. 19B &amp; 19C  suitable for transport or storage, with child support pillow  802  and reciprocating movement assembly  804  attached thereto in their normal operative positions. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.