Patent Publication Number: US-8992282-B2

Title: Pivoting frame adjustably supporting a flexible ramp and methods thereof

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to toy ramps, and more particularly to a toy ramp which simply yet uniquely varies the height and curvature of a flexible ramp surface uniquely supported on a pivoting ramp frame and adjusted though rotation of a single knob member at the frame. The invention also relates to methods for pivoting a ramp frame and adjusting the height and curvature of a bendable ramp surface uniquely supported on the frame. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     There are many known toy ramp and track structures for toy vehicles incorporating ramp surfaces, tracks and bases. Many of the known ramps and tracks have bendable supports and some have adjusting members, but none include a pivoting frame adjustably supporting a bendable ramp surface. 
     Some known ramps have a ramp surface that adjusts to varying heights, as exemplified and disclosed in expired U.S. Pat. No. 4,129,916, issued Dec. 19, 1978 to Schlesinger et al. A ramp member in Schlesinger is supported on an adjustable suspensory frame which has movable connections that adjust the suspensory frame. The suspensory frame includes tubular side rails and supporting posts with extension bars mounted in telescoping relationship with the side rails and supporting posts, respectively. The extension bars of the suspensory frame adjust the angle of incidence of the ramp member with respect to the frame as they telescope in and out of the side rails and supporting posts. 
     Another known ramp that adjusts the pathway or launch trajectory of a toy vehicle riding on the ramp is exemplified and disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0021110 A1 Jan. 27, 2011 to Hippely et al. A ramp member is secured to a base which has a plurality of interaction sites. The ramp member includes a supporting arm that includes a tip which is alternately positioned into one of the many interaction sites altering the pathway or launch trajectory of a toy vehicle supported on the ramp member as the tip is moved to alternative interaction sites. 
     There is also a known toy vehicle ramp that can reversibly collapse, altering the height of the ramp when a load heavier that a toy vehicle is applied, as exemplified and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,685, issued Aug. 17, 2004, to Reisher et al. The ramp includes a resiliently flexible sheet panel and a pair of stiffer support members, with each support member including a plurality of support points. The plurality of support points are arranged to define a channel in which a lateral edge portion of the sheet panel is slidingly received thus adjusting the height of the panel/ramp in the supports. Elastic members extend between the support members beneath the sheet panel to hold the ramp together. The flexible sheet panel collapses without damage to its parts and the bands stretch when a load heavier than a toy vehicle is applied. 
     Another known toy roll-up skateboard ramp for use with finger boards or miniature skateboards is exemplified and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,174, issued Feb. 26, 2002 to Halford, et al. Halford discloses a miniature flexible resilient sheet roll-up received upon the supporting frame consisting of side-rails and platform elements. The side-rails can be in either an open extended position for receiving the flexible sheet or in a collapsed compact configuration for storing. 
     There are also several known vehicle track sets including a portion of the track in which the vehicle travels a path the includes a flexible multi-apertured panel held by a support structure, as exemplified in a numerically consecutive series of patents similar to US Patent Application No. 2005/0287914 through US2005/0287919 to Sheltman et al. each having been allowed to become abandoned. A track segment of the track set is coupled to the panel forming a U-shaped portion to join together with a straight track segment. 
     Significantly, known toy ramp and track structures do not include a pivoting frame adjustably supporting a bendable ramp surface which simply yet uniquely varies the height and curvature of the bendable ramp surface through rotation of a single knob member at the frame. It would be desirable to provide a toy having a frame for resting on a horizontal surface, first and second arm members each extending upwardly from the frame, linked together and being horizontally spaced apart from one another on the frame to define an open area therebetween above the frame. First and second pivoting assemblies at the frame mechanically engage first and second arm members, respectively, for adjustably pivoting first and second arm members between varying angles with respect to the frame. A bendable ramp adjustably supported at the frame and secured to the arm members, sits in the open area defined by the arm members. The ramp including a ramp surface which adjusts between a first position, which is nearly vertical with respect to the frame when the first pivoting assembly is rotated to a first location, and to a second position when the first pivoting assembly is rotated to a second location. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention addresses shortcomings of the prior art to provide a toy which simply yet uniquely varies the height and curvature of a flexible ramp surface uniquely supported on a pivoting ramp frame. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a toy includes a frame for resting on a horizontal surface, a first and a second arm member each extending upwardly from the frame, said first and second arm members being horizontally spaced apart from one another on the frame to define an open area therebetween above the frame. The toy further includes a first pivoting assembly at the frame mechanically engaging the first arm member for adjustably pivoting the first arm member between varying angles with respect to the frame, and a second pivoting assembly at the frame mechanically engaging the second arm member for adjustably pivoting the second arm member between varying angles with respect to the frame. A bendable ramp is adjustably supported at the frame, secured to the arm members and sitting in the open area defined by the arm members, the ramp including a ramp surface that adjusts between a first position, which is nearly vertical with respect to the frame when the first pivoting assembly is rotated to a first location, and a second position when the first pivoting assembly is rotated to a second location. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the second position of the bendable ramp surface is nearly horizontal with respect to the frame, and in another embodiment, a stop mechanism is further included at the frame mechanically engaging the first pivoting assembly for locking the first pivoting assembly into position and securing the arm members at a desired angle with respect to the frame. In another embodiment, the first pivoting assembly further comprises a knob member with a button element contained therein for releasing the stop mechanism to freely rotate the first pivoting assembly to reposition the first arm member and linked second arm member with respect to the frame. 
     In another embodiment, the stop mechanism further comprises a pin projecting from a lever element in mechanical communication with the first pivoting assembly, and in another embodiment, a slot is further included at the frame for containing the pin and limiting the pin rotation to between 0 and 45 degrees. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the bendable ramp comprises a stiff sheet of flexible plastic stretched out and secured to a first end of the frame opposite an end in mechanical communication with the first and second arm members, and the plastic is further secured to second ends of the first and second arm members together, opposite ends in mechanical communication with the frame. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a two piece rod shaped clamp is further included at the second ends of the first and second arm members for securing the flexible ramp to the first and second arm members, and in another embodiment, a top plate and a bottom plate are further included at the first end of the frame for capturing the flexible ramp and securing the ramp to the first end of the frame. In yet another embodiment, a goal post assembly is further included including lights, sounds and IR sensors which are activated when a toy vehicle launched from the flexible ramp passes through the goal posts. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a toy includes a frame for resting on a horizontal surface, a first and a second arm member each extending upwardly from the frame, said first and second arm members being horizontally spaced apart from one another on the frame to define an open area therebetween above the frame. The toy further includes a first pivoting assembly at the frame mechanically engaging the first arm member for adjustably pivoting the first arm member between varying angles with respect to the frame, a second pivoting assembly at the frame mechanically engaging the second arm member for adjustably pivoting the second arm member between varying angles with respect to the frame, and a stop mechanism at the frame mechanically engaging the first pivoting assembly for locking the first pivoting assembly into position and securing the arm members at a desired angle with respect to the frame. A bendable ramp is adjustably supported at the frame, secured to the arm members and sitting in the open area defined by the arm members, the ramp including a ramp surface adjusts between a first position, which is nearly vertical with respect to the frame, when the first pivoting assembly is rotated to a first location, and to a second position, which is nearly horizontal with respect to the frame, when the first pivoting assembly is rotated to a second location. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the pivoting assembly further includes a knob member for releasing the stop mechanism to freely rotate the first pivoting assembly and reposition the first arm member with respect to the frame. In another embodiment, the stop mechanism further includes a pin projecting from a lever element in mechanical communication with the first pivoting assembly, and in another embodiment, a linkage connecting together first and second arm members such that the arm members move in unison is further included. 
     In another embodiment, a slot is further included at the frame for containing the pin and limiting the pin rotation to between 0 and 45 degrees for maintaining the first pivoting assembly at a desired angle with respect to the frame. In yet another embodiment, the bendable ramp includes a stiff sheet of flexible plastic stretched out and secured to a first end of the frame, opposite an end in mechanical communication with the first and second arm members, and the plastic is further secured to second ends of the first and second arm members together, opposite ends in mechanical communication with the frame. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a method for adjusting a ramp frame and the height and curvature of a bendable ramp surface supported on the frame, includes the steps of providing a frame for resting on a horizontal surface, providing a first and a second arm member each extending upwardly from the frame, said first and second arm members being horizontally spaced apart from one another on the frame to define an open area therebetween above the frame. Further provided is a first pivoting assembly at the frame mechanically engaging the first arm member for adjustably pivoting the first arm member between varying angles with respect to the frame, a second pivoting assembly at the frame mechanically engaging the second arm member for adjustably pivoting the second arm member between varying angles with respect to the frame, a stop mechanism at the frame mechanically engaging the first pivoting assembly locking the first pivoting assembly into position and securing the arm members at a desired angle with respect to the frame, and a bendable ramp adjustably supported at the frame, secured to the arm members and sitting in the open area defined by the arm members, the ramp including a ramp surface. The ramp surface adjusts between a first position, which is nearly vertical with respect to the frame, when the first assembly is rotated to a first location, and to a second position when the first pivoting assembly is rotated to a second location. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the second position of the bendable ramp surface is nearly horizontal with respect to the frame. In another embodiment, the pivoting assembly further includes a knob member with a button element contained therein for releasing the stop mechanism to freely rotate the first pivoting assembly to reposition the first arm member and linked second arm member with respect to the frame. In another embodiment, a linkage connecting together first and second arm members such that the arm members move in unison is further included. 
     In yet another embodiment, the stop mechanism further includes a pin projecting from a lever element in mechanical communication with the first pivoting assembly. In still yet another embodiment, a further step includes providing a slot at the frame for containing the pin and limiting the pin rotation to between 0 and 45 degrees for maintaining the first pivoting assembly at a desired angle with respect to the frame. In another embodiment, the bendable ramp further includes a stiff sheet of flexible plastic stretched out and secured to a first end of the frame opposite an end in mechanical communication with the first and second arm members, and the plastic is further secured to second ends of the first and second arm members together, opposite ends in mechanical communication with the frame. 
     Briefly the present inventions provide a unique toy that varies the height and curvature of a bendable ramp adjustably supported on a pivoting frame. A pair of arm members extend from the frame and mechanically engage a pair of pivoting assemblies which adjusts the arm members to varying angles with respect to the frame. The ramp is secured to the frame and the extending arm members and sits in an open area defined by the arm members above the frame. The ramp includes a ramp surface that adjusts between a first position which is nearly vertical with respect to the frame and a second position which is nearly horizontal with respect to the frame. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the inventions, the accompanying drawings and description illustrate a preferred embodiment thereof, from which the inventions, structure, construction and operation, and many related advantages may be readily understood and appreciated. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a toy of the present invention illustrating a bendable ramp attached to a pivoting frame and secured to a first arm and a second arm extending from the frame; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of a toy of the present invention illustrating the arm members pivoting to various angles with respect to the frame and the attached bendable ramp adjusting to different positions, and  FIG. 2B  illustrating the arm members and attached bendable ramp nearly vertical with respect to the frame, with  FIG. 2C  illustrating the arm members and attached bendable ramp nearly horizontal with respect to the frame; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the bendable ramp and ramp surface and a knob member with a button element contained therein for releasing a stop mechanism to freely rotate a first pivoting assembly; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a top plate and a bottom plate for securing an end of the ramp to the frame; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a two piece rod shaped clamp for securing another end of the ramp to the arm members; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a goal post assembly activated when a toy vehicle launched from the bendable ramp passes through the goal posts. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments set forth in the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to fall within the spirit and scope to the present invention. 
     A combined toy  12 , as seen in  FIG. 1 , is generally seen to include a flexible ramp  14  uniquely supported on a pivoting ramp frame  16  which simply yet uniquely varies the height and curvature of the flexible ramp  14 . The frame  16 , for resting on a horizontal surface  18 , supports the flexible ramp  14  which adjusts between a nearly vertical position and a nearly horizontal position. 
     The frame  16  is generally seen to include a first support member  20  and a second support member  22  spaced horizontally from each other, each resting on the horizontal surface  18 , and defining an open area therebetween above the horizontal surface, as seen in  FIG. 1 . Two or more linkages  24  connect together first and second support members,  20  and  22  respectively. In the present described embodiment, the first support member  20  has a first end  26  and a second end  28 , and the support member  20  tapers down toward the horizontal surface  18  at both ends  26  and  28 , giving added stability and support to frame  16 . Likewise, second support member  22  has a first end  30  and a second end  32 , and support member  22  tapers down toward the horizontal surface  18  at both ends  30  and  32  also for added stability. 
     In the present described embodiment, support members,  20  and  22 , are each designed as one single element, however it is also contemplated that each support member,  20  and  22  can be designed as two parts, which slide past each other to vary the horizontal length of each supporting member. One of the parts of the supporting member can include a slot and the other part can include a pin to ride in, and additionally lock, into the slot as the two parts of the supporting member slide past one another. 
     The frame  16  is generally manufactured from a heavy duty rigid plastic material which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture into any desired shape and can easily include fun colors and patterns which are appealing to young users. In the present described embodiment, each supporting member,  20  and  22 , includes fun graphics and/or protrusions which are shaped to resemble race car wheels. 
     A first and a second arm member,  34  and  36 , respectively, extend upwardly from the frame  16 , as seen in  FIG. 1 . The first and second arm members,  34  and  36 , respectively, are horizontally spaced apart from one another on the frame to define an open area therebetween above the frame, as seen in  FIGS. 1-2 . A linkage  38  connects first and second arm members,  34  and  36 , respectively, such that when the arm members move, they move together. In the present described embodiment, arm member  34  is curved in shape and includes a first end  40  pivotably secured to the frame  16  and an unattached second end  42 . Likewise, arm member  36  is curved in shape and includes a first end  44  pivotably secured to frame  16  and an unattached second end  46 . 
     First and second arm members,  34  and  36 , respectively are generally manufactured from a heavy duty rigid plastic material which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture into any desired shape and can easily include fun colors and patterns which are appealing to young users. In the present described embodiment, each arm member,  34  and  36 , includes fun graphics and/or protrusions which are shaped to resemble race car wheels. 
     Linkage  38  is also generally manufactured from a heavy duty rigid plastic material, but can also include other materials such as metal and wood. Linkage  38  generally includes a rod spanning the width of the frame  16  and connects together arm members  34  and  36  at second ends  42  and  46 , respectively, as seen in  FIG. 1 . 
     A first pivoting assembly  50 , as seen in  FIG. 1 , at the frame  16 , mechanically engages the first arm member  34  for adjustably pivoting the first arm member  34  between varying angles with respect to the frame. Likewise, a second pivoting assembly  52  at the frame  16  mechanically engages the second arm member  36  for adjustably pivoting the second arm member  36  between varying angles with respect to the frame. A rod  54  links first and second pivoting assemblies,  50  and  52 , respectively, together, such that when the first pivoting assembly  50  is manually rotated by a user, the second pivoting assembly  52  will rotate in unison with the first assembly  50 . As seen in  FIG. 2A , arm member  34 , along with linked arm member  36 , are pivoted along pivoting assemblies  50  and  52 , respectively, adjusting between a nearly vertical position, as seen in  FIG. 2B  and a nearly horizontal position, as seen in  FIG. 2C . 
     A stop mechanism  58  at the frame  16  mechanically engages the first pivoting assembly  50  for locking the first pivoting assembly  50  into position and securing the arm members at a desired angle with respect to the frame, as seen in  FIGS. 1-2 . In the present described embodiment, the stop mechanism  58  further includes a pin  60  projecting from a lever element  62  which is in mechanical communication with the first pivoting assembly  50 . A slot  64  at the frame  16  is further included for containing the pin  60  and limiting the pin rotation to between 0 and 45 degrees. 
     Also in the present described embodiment notches  64   a  in the slot  64  stop the rotating pin  60  at 0, 15, 30 and 45 degrees of rotation for locking the first pivoting assembly at multiple angles desired by a user, as seen in  FIGS. 2A-2C . It is also contemplated that the first pivoting assembly  50  can be secured at almost any angle between 0 and 180 degrees with respect to the frame. 
     The first pivoting assembly  50 , further comprises a knob member  48  with a button element  49  contained therein for releasing the stop mechanism  58  to freely rotate the first pivoting assembly  50  to reposition the first arm member  34  and linked arm member  36  with respect to the frame  16 . In the present described embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 3 , the knob member  48  includes numerous tabs  48   a  which release from protrusions  50   a  of the first pivoting assembly  50  when the button element  49  is pushed into the pivoting assembly  50 , allowing the first pivoting assembly  50  to freely rotate. It is also contemplated that the knob member and button element can release the first pivoting assembly from a locked position though other mechanisms, such as a spring loaded button. 
     In use, button  49  is depressed by a user releasing the first pivoting assembly  50  to freely rotate between a 0 to 45 degree angle with respect to the frame simultaneously rotating lever  62  and projecting pin  60 . At a desired location, the user releases button  49  locking pin  60  into a notch  64   a  at a desired point within slot  64  for ultimately locking first arm  34 , and linked second arm  36 , into a desired angle with respect to the frame  16 . Though rotation of a single knob member  48  at the frame, a user can simply yet uniquely pivot the toy ramp  12 . 
     A bendable ramp  56  is adjustably supported at the frame, as seen in  FIGS. 1-3 , and is secured to the arm members,  34  and  36  and sitting in the open area defined by the arm members and defined by the supporting members  20  and  22  of the frame. As described above, frame  16  is generally two halves, first and second supporting members  20  and  22 , respectively. Extending from the supporting members,  20  and  22  are first and second arm members,  34  and  36 , respectively, which can be seen to generally form two halves of the upper extension of the frame. 
     Together, the supporting members and arm members support and suspend the bendable ramp between the two halves of the frame. Suspension of the bendable ramp between two halves of the frame and arm members allows for great flexibility in altering the height and curvature of the ramp to move and curve in almost any orientation. Additionally, it is also contemplated that the two halves of the frame can includes multiple pivot points to further creatively modify the curvature of the suspended flexible ramp. 
     The height and curvature of the bendable ramp  56  is adjusted through rotation of the first pivoting assembly  50 , which pivots arm member  34  to varying angles with respect to the frame. The ramp  56  includes a ramp surface  56   a , as seen in  FIG. 3 , which adjusts between a first position which is nearly vertical with respect to the frame when the first pivoting assembly  50  is rotated to a first location, as seen in  FIG. 2B , and a second position which is nearly horizontal with respect to the frame when the first pivoting assembly  50  is rotated to a second location, as seen in  FIG. 2C . 
     In the present described embodiment, the bendable ramp includes a stiff sheet of flexible plastic stretched out and secured to the first end  68  of the frame  16 , opposite an end in mechanical communication with the first and second arm members,  34  and  36 , respectively, as seen in  FIGS. 1-3 . The bendable ramp is stiff enough to hold the weight of a toy vehicle riding on the ramp surface  56   a . A top plate  70  and a bottom plate  72  are further included at the first end  68  of the frame for capturing the flexible ramp  56  and securing the ramp to the frame, as seen in  FIG. 4 , which is a cross section along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 . One or more screws  74  penetrate the bottom plate, top plate and flexible ramp to hold the ramp in place and secured to the frame  16 . 
     Also, in the present described embodiment, the plastic flexible ramp  56  is further secured at second ends  42  and  46 , respectively, of the first and second arm members together, opposite ends  40  and  44 , respectively, which are in mechanical communication with the frame  16 , as seen in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . A two piece rod shaped clamp  76  is included at the second ends,  42  and  46  respectively, for securing the flexible ramp  56  to arm members  34  and  36 , as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . 
     In the present described embodiment, rod  80  is formed from two rod pieces  80   a  and  80   b , as seen in  FIG. 5 , which is a cross section along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 . Rod pieces  80   a  and  80   b  together define a slot  78 , for capturing the flexible ramp  56  as it bends over rod piece  80   b  and slides into slot  78 . Flexible ramp  56  secures to rod  80  with one or more screws  82 , as seen in  FIG. 5 . Screws  82  penetrate rod piece  80   a , the flexible ramp, and rod piece  80   b  at several points along rod  80 , firmly securing the flexible ramp  56  to rod  80  at the second ends of the first and second arm members. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that rod  80  can rotate somewhat keeping ramp  56  at a desired tautness for toy vehicles to ride along ramp surface  56   a.    
     In use, rotation of the single knob member  48  at the frame enables the user to simply yet uniquely vary the height and curvature of the flexible ramp surface uniquely supported on the pivoting ramp frame. For example, rotation of knob  48  and first pivoting assembly  50 , to a first location, as seen in  FIG. 2B , adjusts ramp surface  56   a  to a nearly vertical position where the ramp  56  is tallest. Alternatively, rotation of knob  48  and first pivoting assembly  50 , to a second location, as seen in  FIG. 2C , adjusts ramp surface  56   a  to a nearly horizontal position where the ramp  56  is shallowest. 
     Additionally, a goal post assembly  82  including lights, sounds and IR sensors is included in a set containing the toy ramp  12  of the present described invention. The lights, sounds and IR sensors are activated when a toy vehicle  84  launched from the flexible ramp  56  passes through goal posts  86  of the goal post assembly  82 , as seen in  FIG. 6 . As described above, the flexible ramp can adjust between a nearly vertical and a nearly horizontal position alternating the launch trajectory of the toy vehicle  84  to enhance fun for the user. 
     In a present described embodiment, the goal post assembly pivots at pivot point  88  to rotate the goal posts  86  between 0 and 180 degrees, as seen in  FIG. 6 . For example, the goal posts can point up and away from the supporting surface to provide a target for which the toy vehicle to jump through, or alternatively, the goal posts may point down and touch the supporting surface to provide a finish line for recording the land speed of the toy vehicle. Regardless of the position, the goal posts  86  sense when the vehicle  84  passes through and triggers lights and sounds using the IR sensors. 
     A method for adjusting a ramp frame and the height and curvature of a bendable ramp surface supported on the frame, includes the steps of providing a frame for resting on a horizontal surface, providing a first and a second arm member each extending upwardly from the frame, said first and second arm members being horizontally spaced apart from one another on the frame to define an open area therebetween above the frame, providing a first pivoting assembly at the frame mechanically engaging the first arm member for adjustably pivoting the first arm member between varying angles with respect to the frame, providing a second pivoting assembly at the frame mechanically engaging the second arm member for adjustably pivoting the second arm member between varying angles with respect to the frame, and providing a stop mechanism at the frame mechanically engaging the first pivoting assembly for locking the first pivoting assembly into position and securing the arm members at a desired angle with respect to the frame. Further provided is a bendable ramp adjustably supported at the frame, secured to the arm members and sitting in the open area defined by the arm members, the ramp including a ramp surface, and further including the step of adjusting the ramp surface between a first position, which is nearly vertical with respect to the frame, when the first assembly is rotated to a first location, and to a second position when the first pivoting assembly is rotated to a second location. 
     The method further includes the step of providing the second position of the bendable ramp surface to a nearly horizontal position with respect to the frame, and wherein the pivoting assembly further includes a knob member with a button element contained therein for releasing the stop mechanism to freely rotate the first pivoting assembly to reposition the first arm member and linked second arm member with respect to the frame. The method further includes a linkage connecting together first and second arm members such that the arm members move in unison. 
     Additionally, the method further includes providing the stop mechanism with a pin projecting from a lever element in mechanical communication with the first pivoting assembly. The method further includes the step of providing a slot at the frame for containing the pin and limiting the pin rotation to between 0 and 45 degrees for maintaining the first pivoting assembly at a desired angle with respect to the frame. The method also includes the step of providing the bendable ramp to include a stiff sheet of flexible plastic stretched out and secured to a first end of the frame opposite an end in mechanical communication with the first and second arm members, and the plastic is further secured to second ends of the first and second arm members together, opposite ends in mechanical communication with the frame. 
     From the foregoing, it can be seen that there has been provided a toy which simply yet uniquely varies the height and curvature of a flexible ramp surface uniquely supported on a pivoting ramp frame and adjusted though rotation of a single knob member at the frame. While a particular embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.