Patent Publication Number: US-8986066-B2

Title: Rotating top assembly toy play set and method for launching a rotating top

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/654,428, filed Jun. 1, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Various embodiments of the present invention are related to toy play sets, and more particularly to rotating top assemblies, as well as a method for launching rotating tops. 
     Toy play sets having tracks for guiding objects have achieved propulsion and guidance of the objects in various manners. Objects, such as race cars or trains, for example, have translated along a predetermined path by an included motor for generating the propelling force. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a rotating top assembly toy play set with features that provide interchangeable accessories to integrate with such rotating top assembly toy play sets. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a rotating top assembly toy play set includes at least one track segment having a starter section, a launch section and a guiding path therebetween. Also included is a rotatable top configured to translate along the guiding path. Further included is a top receiving structure positionally spaced from the launch section for receiving the rotatable top subsequent to a flight of the rotatable top, wherein the flight extends along an aerial trajectory between the launch section and the top receiving structure. 
     In another embodiment, a rotating top assembly toy play set includes at least one track segment having a launch section and a magnetized guiding path therebetween. Also included is a magnetized rotatable top configured to translate along the magnetized guiding path. Further included is a top receiving structure disposed in spaced proximity to the launch section of the at least one track segment, wherein the top receiving structure is configured to receive the magnetized rotatable top. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method of launching a rotatable top is provided. The method includes initiating a rotational force on the rotatable top for imparting a rotating motion on the rotatable top. Also included is translating the rotatable top along a guiding path of at least one track segment toward a launch section of the at least one track segment. Further included is launching the rotatable top along an aerial trajectory extending from the launch section to a top receiving structure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portion of a toy play set; 
         FIG. 2  is a top, plan view of a starter section of the toy play set; 
         FIG. 3  is a side, elevational view of a starter section of the toy play set launching a top therefrom; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded, perspective view of an initiator for applying a rotational force to the top and configured for use with the starter section of the toy play set; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the initiator; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are cross-sectional views of the starter section of the toy play set illustrating a top being launched therefrom; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a plurality of track segments configured for use with the toy play set; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are cross-sectional views of track segments configured for use with the toy play set; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a power launching assembly for use in one non-limiting alternative exemplary embodiment of the toy play set; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of the toy play set; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another alternative non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the toy play set; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a whiplash region or a portion of configured for use with any of the toy play sets; 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of a carrying case for components of the toy play set; 
         FIG. 13B  is an exploded perspective view of the carrying case illustrated in  FIG. 13A ; 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  are perspective views of a plurality of tops secured to a portion of the carrying case and a first or deployed configuration; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a plurality of tops secured to a portion the carrying case and a second or stowed configuration; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view illustrating a portion of the carrying case being secured to another portion of the carrying case and transitioning the plurality of tops secured thereto from the first or deployed configuration to the second or stowed configuration; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view illustrating the carrying case. In the second or stowed configuration; 
         FIG. 19  is another perspective view of the carrying case; and 
         FIG. 20  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of launching a rotatable top. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-6 , a rotating top assembly toy play set is illustrated and generally referred to with numeral  10 . The rotating top assembly toy play set  10  includes at least one track segment or a plurality of track segments  12  configured to guide a rotatable top  14  along a guiding path  16  through a magnetic coupling between a magnet of the top and a ferromagnetic material or metal disposed along the track, so that the rotating top follows the path  16 . 
     In one embodiment, the track segments  12  are interchangeable to provide a variety of guiding paths  16  for the top  14  to travel along. In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the at least one track segment  12  or toy play set  10  includes a starter section  22  for launching (e.g., applying a rotational force to the top  14  such that the top  14  will traverse along the guiding path  16  of the toy play set  10 ). In one embodiment, the starter section  22  includes a retaining portion  24  configured to removably receive an initiator or top launcher  26  and position it above the track segment  12  in a predetermined location with respect to the track segment  12  and the metal or ferromagnetic material of the track  12  so that the top  14  can be released onto the track segment  12  and rotate along the path  16 . 
     The initiator or top launcher  26  is configured to retain and release the rotatable top  14  while also imparting a rotational force thereto so that the top  14  can travel along track segments  12  of the toy play set  10 . As illustrated, the retaining portion  24  is elevated from the path  16  and operably supported by one or more structures  98 , such as a tripod, however, it is to be appreciated that any number of supporting structures may be employed. The structure  98  is configured to support the initiator or launcher  26  in a predetermined location above a portion of a track segment  12  having a metal or ferromagnetic material so that a magnet of the top is attracted thereto after it is released and launched from initiator or launcher  26 . The retaining portion  24  retains and supports the initiator  26 , which also includes a handle assembly  23 . 
     To initiate rotational launching of the rotatable top  14 , the initiator  26 , has a switch or depressable button  21 , which when depressed causes a rotational force to be applied to the rotatable top  14 . In an exemplary embodiment, the rotatable force is sufficient to generate stable rotation of the rotatable top  14  as it travels along path  16 . 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the handle assembly  23  includes a handle  100  that is operably connected to a retaining portion  19  of the initiator  26  by at least one, but typically a plurality of mechanical fasteners. In one embodiment, the retaining portion  19  also includes a removable retaining ring  102  that fittingly or snap fittingly engages the retaining portion  19 . The engagement may be facilitated by one or more detents  104  on the removable retaining ring  102  configured to engage one or more corresponding recesses  106  disposed within the retaining portion  19 . Alternatively, the detents  104  are located on the retaining portion  19  and the recesses  106  are located on the retaining ring  102 . In this embodiment or in the previous embodiment, the removable retaining ring  102  may be assembled to the retaining portion  19  and the handle assembly  100  by engagement of the one or more detents  104  with the one or more corresponding recesses  106 , followed by a twisting of the removable retaining ring  102  into a locked position. Additionally, the removable retaining ring  102  may be configured to reside within a flange portion  101  of the starter section  22  or the one or more structures  98 , such as the above-noted tripod. In other words, the outer periphery of the retaining ring  102  is slightly larger than the opening defined by flange  101  so retaining ring  102  can be placed or rested on flange  101 . Once placed within the opening and upon flange  101 , the initiator or launcher  26  and the top  14  releasably secured thereto is ready to be launched onto the track segment  12  disposed below the starter section  22 . 
     In addition to the aforementioned detents  104  and recesses  106 , the coupling and decoupling of the removable retaining ring  102  may be facilitated by use of at least one aperture  103  disposed in the removable retaining ring  102 . It is envisioned that the at least one aperture  103  may be particularly helpful for children during coupling and decoupling of the removable retaining ring  102 . 
     In addition to helping sit the initiator or launcher  26  onto flange  101 , the retaining ring  102  in one non-limiting embodiment also has an integral collar or guide member  111  that extends away from retaining ring  102  and its distal end or surface may contact an upper surface of the top  14  in order to assist in proper launching (e.g. leveling of the top  14  as it is launched) as will be discussed below. In other words, the top  14  will be launched such that its vertical rotational axis is substantially aligned with the metal or ferromagnetic material of the track located on a sidewall  28  of the track  12 , so that the magnet of the top is properly drawn thereto in order to facilitate rotational movement of the top  14  along the path  16 . 
     Extending downward from the initiator  26  is a plunger  29  that is movably secured thereto and moves when button  21  is depressed. Movement of the plunger  29  corresponds to the application of a rotational force from the initiator  26  to the top  14  as it is being launched therefrom. When the button  21  is depressed, the plunger  29  protrudes into a recess  115  disposed within an upper portion of the rotatable top  14  during depression of the initiator or launcher  26 . By slightly protruding into the recess, the rotatable top  14  is stabilized during the initiation of rotation of the rotatable top  14 . Initiation of rotation to the top  14  by initiator  26  is facilitated by anyone of plurality of winding mechanisms, spinning mechanisms, rotating mechanisms  121  or equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the related arts for example, a one way clutch winder, which winds a spring mechanism that stores potential energy and that potential energy is release to the top  14  in order to apply a rotational force to the top  14  so that it is able to travel rotationally along path  16 . For example and in one non-limiting embodiment, the top  14  is secured to the initiator or launcher  26  and is wound or rotationally move with respect to the initiator  26  in a first direction thereby storing potential energy and a spring mechanism, winding mechanism, spinning mechanism, rotating mechanism or equivalent thereof that is released when button  21  is depressed and the stored potential energy is applied as kinetic energy to the top  14  in a second direction, which is substantially opposite to the first direction such that the top  14  is rotationally launched from the initiator  26 . 
     Non-limiting examples of such mechanisms or equivalents thereof  121  are found in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 33,284; 45,816; 202,118; 202,742; 566,922; 823,809; 1,005,020; 1,115,863; 1,208,975; 1,317,699; 1,570,206; 1,680,423; 1,695,486; 2,547,369; 3,224,142; 3,254,446; 6,089,949; and 6,769,953 the contents each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. Upon depression of the button  21  of the initiator  26 , the rotatable top  14  is detached or moved away from the initiator  26  as it is also rotated by a mechanism  121  of the initiator/launcher  26 , which is operatively coupled to the top  14  and button  21 . In an alternative embodiment, the mechanism  121  comprises an electrically powered motor that is activated upon actuation of button  21  such that a rotational force is applied to the top  14  and the top is released from initiator  26 . 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the initiator  26  and the plunger  29  are positioned at a predetermined distance from an inner surface of the track sidewall  28 . In one embodiment, the track sidewall  28  is vertically orientated with respect to a base portion of the track segment  12 . The predetermined distance must be small enough to provide a sufficient magnetic attraction between the rotatable top  14  via at least one magnet  25  disposed within or on the rotatable top  14  and a metal, ferromagnetic material, etc.  27  either within or on the at least one track segment  12  that will draw the magnet of the top thereto and facilitate rotational movement of the top  14  along the path  16 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the material  27  is insert molded or secured to the track sidewall  28  such that it is flush with other surfaces of the sidewall  28  in order to facilitate rotational movement of the top  14  along sidewall  28  of track segment  12 . Additionally, the predetermined distance must be great or large enough to avoid a magnetic force capable of tilting the rotational axis of the rotatable top  14  into a failure mode during release from the initiator/launcher  26  (e.g., causing the top  14  to rotate at an angle that would be prohibitive to rotational movement of the top  14  along path  16 ) as well as being close enough to draw the top  14  via the magnet  25  towards the ferromagnetic material or metal  27 . A non-limiting example of this predetermined distance  119  is illustrated in at least  FIG. 3 . For example, if the top  14  were to rotate at an undesired angle the magnetic coupling of magnet  25  with respect to a ferromagnetic material  27  would be undesirable to facilitate the desired or optimal movement of top  14  along the track segment  12  of the toy, play set  10 . 
     The at least one magnet  25  of the top  14  may comprise or be supplemented by a washer  108  disposed at an interior location of the rotatable top  14 . In one embodiment, the washer  108  may be disposed above and/or below the at least one magnet  25  and within the rotatable top  14  in order to enhance or provide a stronger magnetic attraction to the metal, ferromagnetic material, magnetic member or magnetic material  27  of the at least one track segment  12 . Furthermore and in an alternative configuration, it is contemplated that the washer  108  may also, or alternatively, be disposed within the retaining portion  19  in order to enhance magnetic attraction between the top  14  and the initiator  26 . 
     In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated in at least  FIG. 6A , the handle  100  is spaced from retaining ring  102  in order to provide an area for receipt of a user&#39;s fingers when they are grasping handle  100 . This area is illustrated schematically as area  117  in  FIG. 6A . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8  and upon generation of stable rotation, the rotatable top  14  begins translational movement along the at least one track segment  12  (see at least  FIG. 10 ) through rotational movement and magnetic coupling between the top  14  and sidewall  28  of the track segment  12 . The track segment or segments  12  may include any number of geometries that define the guiding path  16 . For example, the guiding path  16  may include one or more straightaways  18  and/or curved portions  20 , with the at least one track segment  12  comprising a variety of dimensions, such as length, height and radius of curvature. Additionally, the at least one track segment  12  may comprise a plurality of track sections that may be fitted together with one or more track connectors  21  to form a variety of unique guiding paths  16 . Each of the one or more track connectors  21  includes a base portion  110  and an upwardly extending hook portion  112  configured to engage and retain the at least one track segment  12 . 
     Irrespective of the precise guiding path  16  formed by the at least one track segment  12 , the rotatable top  14  is translated thereon. The translational movement results from conversion of the rotational movement of the rotatable top  14  to the translational movement along the guiding path  16 . Additionally, the rotatable top  14  is magnetized by inclusion of a magnetic portion  25 , either within or on, the rotatable top  14 . Such a magnetized portion  25  may comprise a magnetized rod or segment disposed centrally within the rotatable top  14 . Alternatively, a surface of the rotatable top  14  may comprise or be coated with a magnetic material. Irrespective of the portion of the rotatable top  14  that is magnetized, the rotatable top  14  is configured to magnetically interact with an appropriate member (e.g., metal, ferromagnetic material, equivalents thereof)  27  of the at least one track segment  12  to accelerate and guide the rotatable top  14  along the guiding path  16  in a translational manner. As noted above, magnetic interaction between the rotatable top  14  and the at least one track segment  12  is achieved by disposition of the material  27 , either within or on, the at least one track segment  12 . The at least one material, metal, ferromagnetic material, etc.  27  may be integrally formed or operably coupled to the at least one track segment  12 , and more specifically to a track sidewall  28  and/or a guide path surface  30 . Enhanced magnetic attraction between the rotatable top  14  and the at least one track segment  12  is achieved by disposition of the at least one material or metal  27  on both sides of the track sidewall  28  (see for example at least  FIG. 2 ). This may particularly useful in certain track configurations such as curves or launching area wherein additional or a stronger magnetic attraction is desired to counter act other forces acting upon the rotatable top  14 . 
     An exemplary embodiment of the at least one material, metal, ferromagnetic material, member or magnetic member  27  comprises a ferromagnetic material. The term “ferromagnetic material” for purposes of this description typically refers to materials that are strongly magnetically attracted to magnets, such as the magnetic portion or magnet  25  disposed within or on the rotatable top  14 , and have the capacity to strengthen the magnetic field in different parts of a magnetic circuit. The ferromagnetic material disposed within or on the at least one track segment  12  propels and attracts the rotatable top  14  by interaction with the polarization of the magnetic portion within or on the rotatable top  14 . It is, of course, understood that in an alternative embodiment, magnets may be disposed along the track and the ferromagnetic materials may be located in the top  14  in order to provide the magnetic coupling therebetween. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , enhanced propulsion may be achieved by disposal of one or more power launching assemblies  31  positioned at one or more locations along the guiding path  16 . The power launching assemblies  31  include a gear system  33  powered by an electric motor  35 . The gear system  33  transmits power to a wheel  37  made of a material suitable for interaction with a moving rotatable top  14 , while not disturbing the rotatable top  14  in a manner that would detrimentally alter the stabilization of the rotatable top  14 . Such a material may include foam, for example, however, alternative materials may be employed. While passing by the power launching assembly  31 , the rotatable top  14  slightly engages the wheel  37 , which is rotating due to the gear system  33 . The slight engagement between the rotatable top  14  and the wheel  37  boosts the speed of the rotatable top  14  to achieve greater launching capability, which will be described in detail below. 
     In one embodiment, the at least one track segment  12  terminates proximate to a launch section  32  that is angled upwardly to provide an aerial trajectory of the rotatable top  14  upon reaching the launch section  32 . It is contemplated that the angle of the launch section  32  may be manipulated by a user to control the trajectory of the rotatable top  14  during a flight of the rotatable top  14 . 
     In a first embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the rotatable top  14  is launched toward a top receiving structure  34  that is positioned in a spaced location with respect to the at least one track segment  12 , and more specifically the launch section  32 . In the embodiment illustrated, the top receiving structure  34  includes at least one, but typically a plurality of apertures  36  disposed within a main surface  38  of the top receiving structure  34 . Additionally, to retain the rotatable top  14  in proximity to the main surface  38  of the top receiving structure  34 , a peripheral barrier  40  extends upwardly about at least a portion of a perimeter  42  of the main surface  38 . The peripheral barrier  40  improves the likelihood that the rotatable top  14  passes through one of the plurality of apertures  36 . One aspect of the embodiment contemplates a predetermined point value being assigned to each of the plurality of apertures  36 , such that a user is awarded the predetermined point value upon passage of the rotatable top  14  through one of the plurality of apertures  36 . For example and when the top  14  is launched by launch section  32  it will land and rotate on surface  38  until it drops into one of the apertures  36 . The apertures  36  can be configured to allow the top  14  to pass therethrough or only a portion of the top  14  passes therethrough and an outer peripheral portion of the top will rest on the surface  38  proximate to the aperture  36  while a substantial portion of the top  14  passes into aperture  36 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , another or second embodiment of the rotating top assembly toy play set  10  is illustrated. As with the previous embodiments discussed above, the second embodiment is similar in many respects to the first embodiment described above and similar reference numerals are employed. In the second embodiment, the top receiving structure  34  comprises a rotatable surface  120  for receiving the rotatable top  14 . In one embodiment, the rotating surface  120  is concave in shape and having its lowest point in the center so that multiple tops  14  rotating on surface  120  are directed towards each other in order to cause them to collide with each other. In alternative embodiment, surface  120  is stationary. However and in this embodiment, it is still provided with a concave surface. It is, of course, understood that alternative surface configurations are also considered to be within the scope of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The guiding path  16  includes a divider  122  configured to divert the rotatable top  14  in one of two directions. The divider  122  may be formed of a foam material. First, the rotatable top  14  may be directed toward a first launch section  124  that directly launches the rotatable top  14  toward the top receiving structure  34 . Second, the rotatable top  14  may continue on toward a whiplash region  126  that rapidly redirects the rotatable top  14  toward a second launch section  128  which then launches the rotatable top  14  toward the top receiving structure  34 . 
     The whiplash region  126  comprises a redirector  127  that may be formed of a resilient material that provides flexibility upon contact with the rotatable top  14 , such as a rubber band arrangement, for example. The whiplash region  126  comprises a first path  129  and a second path  131  both including the at least one magnetic material or metal  27  extending along a portion thereof, such as the ferromagnetic material described above. The ferromagnetic material does not fully extend to an end portion  133  of the first path  129 , while the ferromagnetic material is disposed at the end portion  133  of the second path  131 . 
     As illustrated, the sidewalls  28  defining the first path  129  and the second path  131  are arranged in a facing spaced relationship until they are configured to move towards each other proximate to the redirector or rubber band  127  such that as the top travels along the sidewall  28  of the first path  129 , it will ultimately be moved closer to the sidewall  28  of the second path  131 , which is proximate to the redirector or rubber band  127 . In addition and as mentioned above, the ferromagnetic material or metal in the sidewall  28  of the first path  129  does not extend all the way to the area proximate to rubber band or redirector  127  however, the ferromagnetic material or metal in the sidewall  28  of the second path  131  extends closer to the redirector or rubber band  127  such that as the top  14  changes directions (e.g., first direction to the second direction, which in one non-limiting exemplary embodiment are generally opposite to each other for at least a portion thereof and at least illustrated by the arrows in  FIG. 11 ) the magnet of the top  14  will be drawn to the metal or ferromagnetic material in the sidewall  28  of the second path  131  and then as it travels along the second path the sidewalls  28  of the first path  129  and the second path  131  will again become in a facing spaced relationship such that the top  14  will only be magnetically coupled to the metal or ferromagnetic material of the second path  131  (e.g., the spacing of the sidewalls  28  is sufficient to maintain the top  14  magnetically coupled to only one of the sidewalls  28 , which in this case is that of the second path  131 ). As illustrated in at least  FIG. 11 , such an arrangement reliably attracts the rotatable top  14  toward the second launch section  128  subsequent to redirection by the redirector  127 . 
     In the event of an overshoot of the top receiving structure  34  resulting from a launch from the second launch section  128 , a ramp  130  is disposed adjacent the top receiving structure  34  and received tops  14  that may over shoot the surface  120  of the top receiving structure  34 . The ramp  130  is inclined upwardly away from the top receiving structure and thus redirects the over shooting tops  14  by way of gravity back onto the top receiving structure  34 . The illustrated embodiment of the top receiving structure  34  is relatively concave and provides a surface that enables a plurality of rotatable tops  14  to engage each other during movement on the top receiving structure  34 . In another alternative embodiment, surface  120  is simply a concave surface that does not rotate. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13-19 , a carrying case or storage case  84  configured to retain a plurality of the rotatable tops  14  is provided. The carrying case  84  includes a base portion  86 , a lid  88  and a shaft  90  extending therebetween. The shaft  90  includes a plurality of angled portions or features  91  arranged to receive and rotationally or movably support a plurality of pinchers, grasping members or retaining members  140  that are rotatably mounted thereon. The angled portions are configured to allow the plurality of pinchers  140  to rotate outwardly upon removal of a cylindrical outer member  92 . Specifically, each of the plurality of pinchers  140  includes an engagement region  142  that fittingly or snap fittingly engages a portion of the shaft  90  proximate to the angled portions or features  91 . The plurality of pinchers  140  also include a top  14  supporting region  144  comprising a first member  145  and a second member  147 . The first member  145  and the second member  147  are resilient members that are configured to grasp and releasably retain the rotatable top  14  such that the tops  14  can be stored on a respective one of the plurality of pinchers  140  that are rotationally or movably mounted to a shaft  90 . Upon retraction of the shaft  90  from the cylindrical outer member  92 , the plurality of pinchers  140  rotate to position the rotatable tops  14  in a staggered arrangement, such as an alternating right-left arrangement, for example ( FIG. 14 ,  FIG. 15 ). Upon insertion of the shaft  90  into the carrying case  84 , and more specifically within the cylindrical outer member  92 , the plurality of pinchers  140  rotate to position the rotatable tops  14  in relatively axial alignment therein. Such a rotation into the relatively axial alignment is facilitated by a chute  93  disposed within the cylindrical outer member  92 . The chute  93  includes an open end and functions to push each of the rotatable tops  14  together upon insertion of the shaft  90  into the cylindrical outer member  92 . In other words, as the outer cylindrical member  92  is slid over shaft  90  with the plurality of tops  14  rotationally secured thereto via the plurality of pinchers, grasping members or retaining members  140 , the plurality of tops  14  and their associated retaining members  140  are rotated into an aligned configuration such that all of the tops can be received within outer cylindrical member  92  (see for example  FIGS. 13A and 18 ). Once the outer cylindrical member  92  is removed, the plurality of tops in their associated retaining members  140  are able to rotate away from each other in a staggered alternating manner due to the configuration of features or angled portions  91  and gravity acting upon the tops  14  and retaining members  140 . This staggered arrangement allows a user to easily grasp one of the tops  14  remove it from its associated retaining member  140  and play with it by for example, launching it along one of the track segments  12  via actuation of initiator  26 . Thereafter, the plurality of tops  14  can be positioned to the second configuration within the cylindrical member  92  when they are no longer being used. In addition and in one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, cylindrical member  92  is transparent, so that all of the plurality of tops  14  stored within the carrying case or storage case or storage case  84  are viewable in the stowed configuration. 
     In addition to the rotatable tops  14 , it is contemplated that a variety of other components may be secured to the carrying case  84 . Such a component may include portions of the launch section, such as the initiator/launcher  26 , for example, as shown in  FIGS. 13A ,  15 ,  18  and  19 . In one non-limiting example, the initiator  26  with its attached retaining ring  102  can be secured to the carrying case  84  by having a portion received within an opening  89  of top  88  of the carrying case  84 . This provides a convenient way for a user to store most of the components of the toy play set  10 . 
     As illustrated in the flow diagram of  FIG. 20 , and with reference to  FIGS. 1-19 , a method of launching  200  the rotatable top is also provided. The rotatable top  14  and the rotating top assembly toy play set  10  have been previously described and specific structural components need not be described in further detail. The method of launching  200  includes initiating a rotational force  202  on the rotatable top  14  to impart rotational motion. Based at least in part on the rotational motion of the rotatable top  14 , translation of the rotatable top  204  along the guiding path  16  is achieved. As described above in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments, translation of the rotatable top  14  may be primarily achieve by the magnetic interaction between the rotatable top  14  and the at least one track segment  12 . The method of launching  200  also includes launching the rotatable top along an aerial trajectory  206  that extends from the previously described launch section  32  to the top receiving structure  34  of any of the embodiments described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 1-19 . 
     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.