Abstract:
A toy vehicle track set is provided including a track segment. The track set having: a movable character located proximate to the track segment, wherein the character includes a torso, a first appendage, and a second appendage, each of the appendages is positioned adjacent the track segment, at least one of the pair of appendages being movably secured thereto and configured to intermittently block portions of the track segment such that a toy vehicle travelling thereon is captured by the character depending on the location of the appendages.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/709,251 filed Oct. 3, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]    Various embodiments of the present invention are related to toys, in particular, a track set for toy vehicles to travel on. 
         [0003]    Toy vehicle track sets have been popular for many years and generally include one or more track segments arranged to form a path around which one or more toy vehicles can travel. Toy vehicles which may be used on such track sets may be either self-powered vehicles or may receive power from an external source. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, it is desirable to provide toy track set with features that provide unique paths for the toy vehicles of the toy track to travel on. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0005]    In one embodiment, a toy vehicle track set is provided including at least one track segment. A movable character is associated with the at least one track segment. The character includes a pair of appendages positioned adjacent the track segment. At least one of the pair of appendages is movably secured thereto and is configured to intermittently block portions of the track segment. A toy vehicle travelling on the track segment is periodically captured by the character depending on the location of the appendages. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, a toy vehicle track set is provided. The toy vehicle track set having: a track segment; and a movable character located proximate to the track segment, wherein the character includes a torso, a first appendage, and a second appendage, each of the appendages is positioned adjacent the track segment, at least one of the pair of appendages being movably secured thereto and configured to intermittently block portions of the track segment such that a toy vehicle travelling thereon is captured by the character depending on the location of the appendages. 
         [0007]    In yet another embodiment, a toy vehicle track set is provided. The toy vehicle track set having: a track segment; and a transforming character located proximate to the track segment, the transforming character including a torso, a first arm coupled to the torso, a second arm coupled to the torso, a first panel coupled to the torso, and a second panel coupled to the torso, the first arm being movably coupled to the torso and positionable proximate to a toy vehicle path defined by the track segment, wherein a toy vehicle traveling on the toy vehicle path can engage the first arm. 
         [0008]    In still yet another embodiment, a toy vehicle track set is provided. The toy vehicle track set having: a track segment for a toy vehicle, the track segment including a contact member; and a transforming character located proximate to the track segment, the transforming character including a torso, a pair of appendages coupled to the torso, and a pair of body portions movably coupled to the torso, wherein subsequent actuations of the contact member by the toy vehicle causes the body portions to move relative to the torso away from each other. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0009]    These and/or other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a track set according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portion of the track set shown in  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the portion of the track set shown in  FIG. 2  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the portion of the track set shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a character associated with the track set in a first stage according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a character associated with the track set in a second stage according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a character associated with the track set in a third stage according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a character associated with the track set in a fourth stage according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0018]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , a track set  20  configured for use on a substantially planar playing surface  16  includes a plurality of track segments, for example a first track segment  30 , a second track segment  50 , and a third track segment  80 . The plurality of track segments provides at least one path of travel for a toy, such as a toy vehicle  18 . 
         [0019]    A launcher  40  is connected to a first end  32  of the first track segment  30 . The launcher  40  includes a generally planar base  42  having a substantially enlongated slot  44  within which a movable striker  46  is supported. The striker  46  is configured to slide between a first position ( FIG. 1 ) adjacent a first end  45  of the slot  44  and a second position adjacent the opposite end  47  of the slot  44 . An upwardly extending handle  48  is pivotally mounted adjacent the first end  41  of the launcher  40 . The handle  48  is coupled to the striker  46  such that when the handle  48  is pivoted away from the first track segment  30 , the striker  46  slides within the slot  44  from the first position to the second position. A biasing means (not shown), such as a spring for example, biases the striker  46  to the first position. When the handle  48  is released from a pivoted position, the biasing force of the biasing means causes the striker  46  to move within the slot  44  from the second position to the first position. This movement of the striker  46  is transferred to a toy vehicle  18  when it is positioned adjacent the second end  43  of the launcher  40 , thereby launching the toy vehicle  18  along the first track segment  30 . In one embodiment, the first track segment  30  is substantially straight. 
         [0020]    A first end  52  of the second track segment  50  is connected to the second end  34  of the first track segment  30 . The second track segment  50  includes a first generally straight portion  54  connected to a second substantially straight portion  60  by a first generally curved portion  56 . In one embodiment, the first curved portion  56  is generally U-shaped such that the first linear portion  54  and the second linear portion  60  are substantially parallel. A second generally curved portion  62  is connected to a second end  61  of the second linear portion  60 . In one embodiment, the second curved portion  62  curves from the second linear portion  60  toward the first track segment  30 . The second track segment  50  is arranged at an angle relative to the first track segment  30  and the planar playing surface  16  such that a first support  67  and a second support  68  retain the first and second linear portions  54 ,  60  respectively in a position above the planar playing surface  16 . Additionally, a third support (not shown) is configured to retain the second, unconnected end  64  of the second curved portion  62  in an elevated position relative to the first track segment  30 . 
         [0021]    A ramp  70  having an unconnected end  72  extends at an angle adjacent the first end  52  of the second track segment  50  towards the center of the opening  66  formed by the second track segment  50 . In one embodiment, a stop gate  76  protrudes from the surface  74  of the ramp  70 . The stop gate  76  is configured to move between a first protruding position, shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , and a second retracted position (see  FIG. 4 ) wherein the stop gate  76  is flush with the surface  74  of the ramp  70 . When in the first position, the stop gate  76  is arranged to divert a toy vehicle  18  in a direction away from the unconnected end  72  of the ramp  70 . When in the second, retracted position, the stop gate  76  does not interfere with the travel of a toy vehicle  18  along the ramp  70 . Mounted about the first end  52  of the second track segment  50  is a diverter  78 . The diverter  78  is configured to pivot back and forth between a first position and a second position. When the diverter  78  is in a first position (see  FIG. 1 ), toy vehicles  18  travel from the first track segment  30  to the first linear portion  54  of the second track segment  50  along a first path of travel. When the diverter  78  is rotated to the second position (see  FIG. 4 ), the diverter  78  blocks the path to the first linear portion  54 , such that toy vehicle  18  travels toward the unconnected end  72  of the ramp  70  along a second, alternate path of travel. 
         [0022]    A first end  82  of the third track segment  80  is arranged adjacent a portion of the first track segment  30 , and opposite the second end  64  of the second track segment  50  such that a path of travel exists from the second track segment  50  to the third track segment  80 . In one embodiment, the first end  82  of the third track segment  80  is also supported in a position above the planar playing surface  16 . Connected to the second end  84  of the third track segment  80  is a platform  86  upon which the toy vehicle  18  is configured to stop. In one embodiment, the platform  86  is connected to the launcher  40  and first end  32  of the first track segment  30 . Mounted adjacent the second end  84  of the third track segment  80  and the platform  86  is a lever  88 . The lever  88  extends into the path of travel of a toy vehicle  18  onto the platform  86  and is configured to cause a toy vehicle  18  to spin to a stop on the platform  86 . 
         [0023]    In one embodiment, a character  100  is positioned within the central opening  66  formed by the second track segment  50  (see  FIG. 2 ). Referring now to  FIGS. 5-8 , the character  100  is described in more detail. The character  100  may include a first pair of appendages  102 , such as arms  104 ,  106  for example, and a second pair of appendages  108 , such as legs  110 ,  112  for example, coupled to a torso  114 . It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the arms  104 ,  106  and legs  110 ,  112  may include additional features such as simulated hands or feet (not shown). The character  100  includes a mechanism (not shown) that increments or indexes in response to impacts to one of the appendages by a toy vehicle  18  that engages or passes by one of the appendages. In one embodiment, the torso  114  is configured to expand vertically and horizontally in multiple stages in response to each interaction of a toy vehicle  18  with one of the appendages. The torso  114  of the character  100  includes a first body panel or body portion  116  and a second symmetrical body panel or body portion  118 . When the character  100  is in the first stage, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the first and second body panels  116 ,  118  are directly adjacent one another as well as the legs  110 ,  112  of the character  100 . 
         [0024]    In response to a toy vehicle  18  passing or impacting the character  100 , the torso  114  of the character  100  lengthens a first predetermined amount, such that the body panels  116 ,  118  are no longer positioned directly adjacent the legs  110 ,  112  ( FIG. 6 ). In this second stage, the pair of body panels  116 ,  118  are also horizontally spaced apart such that a gap  120  exists between the first body panel  116  and the second body panel  118 . The gap  120  is located between the edges of the panels  116 ,  118 . After a second interaction with a toy vehicle  18  ( FIG. 7 ), the character  100  transforms to a third stage wherein the torso  114  of the character  100  lengthens a second predetermined amount and gap  120  between the first and second body panels  116 ,  118  increases. When the character  100  transforms to a fourth stage after a third interaction with a toy vehicle  18 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , the torso  114  of the character  100  lengthens a third predetermined amount to a fully lengthened position and the body panels  116 ,  118  translate to a fully open position. As the torso  114  of the character  100  transforms with each interaction with the toy vehicle  18 , the body panels  116 ,  118  separate to reveal a spring-loaded actuator  130  (see  FIG. 3 ) underneath. In one embodiment, the torso  114  of the character  100  is configured to separate from the remaining portion of the character  100  when a toy vehicle  18  applies a force to the spring-loaded actuator  130 . By reconnecting the separated torso  114  with the remaining portion of the character  100 , the torso  114  is returned to its first stage. 
         [0025]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the character  100  is positioned within the central opening  66  of the second track segment  50  such that the torso  114  of the character  100  is adjacent the second track segment  50 . In one embodiment, a portion of the character  100  may provide support for the first and second linear portions  54 ,  60  of the second track segment  50 . A pair of appendages  102 , such as the first arm  104  and second arm  106  for example, cross and are movably secured to the second track segment  50 . In one embodiment, the first arm  104  is positioned adjacent the first linear portion  54  and a second arm  106  is positioned adjacent the second linear portion  60  of the second track segment  50 . The first arm  104  is rotatable between a first position and a second position to intermittently block a portion of the path of travel along the second track segment  50 . In the first position, the first arm  104  is arranged parallel to the first linear portion  54  ( FIG. 1 ). Upon impact from a toy vehicle  18 , the first arm  104  rotates to a second position, perpendicular to the second track segment  50  and out of the path of travel of a toy vehicle  18  ( FIG. 2 ). In one embodiment, the first arm  104  is removably attached to the torso  114 , such that when the torso  114  separates from the remainder of the character  100 , the arm  104  remains coupled to the second track segment  50 . 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , a contact member  140 , such as a lever for example, extends from a surface of the second track segment  50  adjacent one of the appendages, for example arm  106 . In one embodiment, the contact member  140  is pivotable between a first position generally perpendicular to the second track segment  50  and a second position generally parallel to the second track segment  50 . The contact member  140  is coupled to the mechanism of the character  100  that indexes with interactions with a toy vehicle  18  through a linkage  142 . Rotation of the contact member  140  from the first position to the second position causes the indexing mechanism (which in one embodiment includes one or more gears) of character  100  to transform the torso  114  to the next consecutive stage. In one embodiment, a second biasing member (not shown), such as a torsion spring for example, biases the contact member  140  back to a first position. 
         [0027]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1-4 , to use the toy track set  20 , a toy vehicle  18  is initially positioned adjacent the striker  46  of the launcher  40 . Actuation and release of the handle  48  causes the toy vehicle  18  to travel from the first track segment  30  to the second track segment  50 . If the diverter  78  is in the second position, the toy vehicle  18  is forced along the alternative path of travel onto the ramp  70 . The stop gate  76 , arranged in a first position, causes the toy vehicle  18  to veer away from the unconnected end  72  so that the toy vehicle  18  does not crash into the torso of the character  100 . If the diverter  78  is in the first position, the toy vehicle  18  will travel along the first linear portion  54  of the second track segment  50  and will be “captured” by the first arm  104  of the character  100  mounted thereto. Capture of the toy vehicle  18  causes the first arm  104  to rotate to a second position out of interference (see  FIG. 3 ) with the path of travel along the second track segment  50 . If another toy vehicle  18  is then launched along the second track segment  50 , the toy vehicle  18  will engage the contact member  140  positioned adjacent the character&#39;s second arm  106 . Rotation of the contact member  140  causes the character  100  to transform from a first stage to a second stage, such that the torso  114  of the character  100  expands. The second curved portion  62  of the second track segment  50  is positioned at a downward angle such the toy vehicle  18  will transfer across the gap  65  between the second track segment  50  and the third track segment  80  and stop on the platform  86  connected thereto. 
         [0028]    Repeatedly launching a toy vehicle  18  along the second track segment  50  will cause the torso  114  of the character  100  to transform to its third stage and then its fourth stage. The mechanism used to account for interactions of a toy vehicle with the character  100  is also coupled to the stop gate  76  of the ramp  70 . Once a predetermined amount of interactions occur such that the torso  114  of the character  100  is in the fourth stage, the mechanism retracts the stop gate  76 . If a toy vehicle  18  is then launched when the diverter  78  is in the second position shown in  FIG. 4 , the toy vehicle  18  will follow the alternate path of travel onto the ramp  70 . The unconnected end  72  of the ramp  70  is positioned adjacent the torso  114  of the character  100 . Because the stop gate  76  is in a retracted position, the toy vehicle  18  launched from the ramp  70  will directly impact the torso  114 , and therefore the spring-loaded actuator  130 , of the character  100 . The impact on the spring-loaded actuator  130  causes the torso  114  to separate from the remainder of the character  100 , thereby representing the destruction of the character  100 . In one embodiment, the actuation of spring-loaded actuator  130  causes the character  100  to be propelled outside of the area of the second track segment  50 . 
         [0029]    In the preceding detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details, that the present invention is not limited to the depicted embodiments, and that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of alternative embodiments. Moreover, repeated usage of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Lastly, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used in the present application, are intended to be synonymous unless otherwise indicated. This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.