Patent Publication Number: US-2015065009-A1

Title: Activity center toy

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Sensory play is an important part of early childhood development. Such play stimulates children&#39;s senses, develops fine motor skills, and helps children engage and understand basic cause and effect in learning how their senses work and how objects interact with one another. Sensory play also enhances children&#39;s data collection and processing functions, increases body awareness, and offers many other advantages. Sensory play can be stimulated through the use of toys and imaginative play. Many types of sensory and activity toys are found in the marketplace. Toys incorporating multiple sensory play items and doing so in an imaginative and encouraging aesthetic manner further inspire children to engage in sensory activities to bolster their development. New means of inspiring sensory play continue to evolve as children&#39;s interests and attention spans change as they grow. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention relates to an activity center toy comprises a base, a housing structure, and a ball track. The housing structure extends above the base and includes a first sidewall extending upwardly from the base and defining an entry opening extending through the first sidewall, and a second sidewall extending upwardly from the base in a different plane than the first sidewall. The second sidewall defines an exit opening extending through the second sidewall. The exit opening is positioned closer to the base than the entrance opening is positioned relative to the base. The ball track downwardly extends from the entry opening to the exit opening and includes a first rail and a second rail being spaced from one another and extending substantially in parallel with one another. A ball placed on the ball track adjacent the entry opening will contact and roll along each of the first rail and the second rail substantially simultaneously for at least a portion of the distance between the entry opening and the exit opening to and through the exit opening of the second sidewall. Other apparatus, assemblies, and associated methods are also disclosed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top, front perspective view illustration of an activity center toy, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom, rear perspective view illustration of the activity center toy of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view illustration of the activity center toy of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view illustration of the activity center toy of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a right side view illustration of the activity center toy of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a left side view illustration of the activity center toy of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view illustration of the activity center toy of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view illustration of the activity center toy of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of a door assembly of the activity center toy of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a partial top, rear perspective view illustration of the activity center toy of  FIG. 1  with a roof removed, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a partial cross-sectional view illustration taken along the line X1-X1 in  FIG. 3 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a rear view illustration of a spinning member of the activity center toy of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a right side view illustration of a spinning member of the activity center toy of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a partial cross-sectional view illustration taken along the line X2-X2 in  FIG. 6 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view illustration of a ball track and mounting blocks of the activity center toy of  FIG. 10 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is the partial top, rear perspective view illustration of the activity center toy of  FIG. 10  without a roof and showing a ball in various positions along the ball track of the activity center toy, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a front view illustration of a path-traveling member of the activity center toy of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a partial cross-sectional view of the activity center toy taken along the line X3-X3 of  FIG. 7 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a partial cross-sectional view of the activity center toy taken along the line X4-X4 of  FIG. 7 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention relates to an activity center toy providing a variety of interactive elements for entertaining and educating children. In one embodiment, the activity center toy includes a housing structure having various interactive elements positioned to allow interaction from both outside the housing structure and inside the housing structure. The housing structure, in one example, is configured to extend upwardly from a support surface and with an open side, such as an open back, allowing access to an open internal chamber of the housing structure. In one example, a bead maze item is provided to extend between opposing ends of an opening in a roof of the housing structure such that the bead maze can be interacted with both from above the roof external to the housing structure and from below the roof via the inside of the housing structure. In one example, the activity center toy includes a ball track within the housing structure to align with an entry opening extending through the housing structure and an exit opening extending through the housing structure, for example, via a different side of the housing structure than the entry opening. In this manner, a ball dropped through the entry opening is placed on the ball track, slides down the ball track, and exits the housing structure via the exit opening via gravitational and velocity forces. In one embodiment, the ball contacts a door selectively covering the exit causing the door to move away from the exit opening and allowing the ball to exit the housing structure. All of the above described interactive components and others described below are designed to hold the attention of a child through various stages of growth and learning providing a toy a child desires to play with and learn from for an extended period of time. 
     Turning to the figures,  FIGS. 1-8  illustrate various views of one example of an activity center toy  10 . Activity center toy  10  includes a base  12 , a primary or housing structure  14 , and a plurality of interactive elements or activity components  16 . For example, activity components  16  may include one or more of movable doors  20 , rotating blocks  22 , rotating blocks  24 , spinning members  26 , wire bead mazes  28  and  30 , path-traveling members  32 , and a spherical object or ball  36  (see  FIG. 16 ), as will be described in further detail below, all configured for repeated user interaction. Other combinations or individual activity components can be substituted for or added to those specifically described herein. 
     Base  12  is formed of a single piece of wood, plastic, or other suitable material and defines a bottom surface  38  and a top surface  39  (see  FIGS. 10 and 16 ) opposite bottom surface  38  that are both substantially planar. Bottom surface  38  is configured to rest on a support surface (e.g., table or floor) and the remainder of activity center toy  10  extends upwardly from top surface  39 . In one embodiment, base  12  is eliminated. 
     Housing structure  14  is formed, in one example, in the shape of a house, garage, or barn as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 . In one example, housing structure  14  includes a front wall  40 , a right or first sidewall  42 , a left or second sidewall  44 , and an open back. Each of front wall  40 , first sidewall  42 , and second sidewall  44  abut and extend upwardly from, for example, substantially perpendicularly to, top surface  39  of base  12  and are coupled thereto with suitable fasteners  46  (e.g., screws, bolts, glue, staples, nails, or a combination thereof). An open cavity  48  (see  FIG. 2 ) is formed within housing structure  14  bordering base  12  and is primarily accessible via an open back of housing structure  14 . In one example, open cavity  48  is additionally accessible but on a smaller scale via various openings and windows of housing structure  14  and/or other portions of activity center toy  10  as will be further described below. According to at least the above description, housing structure  14  is one example of means for defining internal cavity  48 . 
     Front wall  40  is, in one example, formed of a single piece of wood, plastic, or other suitable material and defines an exterior surface  50  and an interior surface  52  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  10 , and  16 ) opposite exterior surface  50 . In one embodiment, both of exterior surface  50  and interior surface  52  are substantially planar and are positioned substantially parallel to one another. Front wall  40  is illustrated as being substantially rectangular, however, other shapes are also contemplated. Referring to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, front wall  40  defines a bottom edge  54 , a top edge  56  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 10 and 16 ) opposite and substantially parallel to bottom edge  54 , a first side edge  58  extending between bottom edge  54  and top edge  56 , and a second side edge  60  extending between bottom edge  54  and top edge  56  opposite and substantially parallel to first side edge  58 . 
     In one embodiment, doors  20  are coupled to exterior surface  50  of front wall  40  and can be opened and closed by a user, thereby, providing activity and enjoyment to the user, who most typically is an infant or toddler. Each door  20  is coupled to front wall  40  via a first coupling member or header  62  and a second coupling member or sill  64 , according to one example. As illustrated, each of header  62  and sill  64  are elongated members, having, for example, a rectangular cross-section. Additionally referring to  FIG. 9 , each door  20  is configured to be received between each of header  62  and sill  64  by way of an axle  66  either extending entirely through an edge of door  20  or via a two piece of axle (not shown) with each piece thereof extending linearly and aligned with one another outwardly from two opposing edges of door  20 , which, in the illustrated embodiment, is substantially rectangular. Doors of other shapes and/or coupling mechanisms are additionally or alternatively contemplated. 
     Header  62  and sill  64  include opposing cavities  67  extending away from an edge of header  62  and sill  64 , respectively, each facing the other of header  62  and sill  64 . Each cavity  67  is sized to receive opposing end portions of axle  66 . More specifically, each header  62  and sill  64  are placed relative to door  20  to align opposing ends of axle  66  with cavities  67 ; subsequently, header  62  and axle  66  are pushed toward each other, as shown with arrows in  FIG. 9 , such that each end of axle  66  is received within a different one of cavities  67 . Header  62  and sill  64  are then coupled to exterior surface  50  of front wall  40 , for example, via adhesive, screws, rivets, or any other suitable coupling means. In other examples, one of header  62  and sill  64  may be coupled to exterior surface  50  prior to placement of a corresponding end of axle  66  being received in cavity  67  thereof, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. 
     Once assembled and coupled to front wall  40 , doors  20  are each able to rotate about a corresponding axle  66  to open and close as shown for example, in broken lines for doors  20  in  FIG. 1 , thereby, amusing a child interacting with activity center toy  10 . In one example, doors  20  are provided in at least one of a horizontal orientation as door  20   a , in which header  62  and sill  64  extend substantially horizontally and axle  66  extends substantially vertically, and a vertical orientation as door  20   b , in which header  62  and sill  64  extend substantially vertically and axle  66  extends substantially horizontally allowing door  20   b  to flip up and down about axle  66 . 
     In one embodiment, indicia  106  on exterior surface  50  of front wall  40  includes depictions, such as a farm animal, window, shape, etc. that are selectively covered and uncovered as one or more of doors  20  are opened and closed. Indicia  106  of a common theme may be disposed on various surfaces of housing structure  14  and/or doors  20  adding to an aesthetic appeal of activity center toy  10  and encouraging children to interact and use their imagination with activity center toy  10 . In one example, front wall  40  defines a window or exit opening  68  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 4 ,  10 , and  16 ) extending entirely therethrough and positioned behind one of doors  20 , e.g., door  20   b . As such, when door  20   b  is opened, exit opening  68  is exposed to a front of activity center toy  10 . 
     In one example, front wall  40  includes an opening  70  spaced from exit opening  68  and extending from exterior surface  50  to interior surface  52  of front wall  40 . As shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 11  taken about lines X1-X1 in  FIG. 3 , a recess  71  is formed on each of two opposing sides of opening  70  open toward the other recess  71  and open to interior surface  52  of front wall  40 . Each recess  71  is sized and shaped to partially receive an opposing end of an axle  72  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 11 ) extending between recesses  71  across opening  70 . In one example, a front surface  75  of a coupling block  76  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 4 ,  10 ,  11 , and  16 ) is coupled to interior surface  52  of front wall  40  and also includes a recess  77  aligning with a recess  71  such that a pair of recess  71  and recess  77  entirely receives and extends around one end of axle  72 . A separate coupling block  76  is included at each opposing side of opening  70 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 10 and 16 . 
     Prior to securing each opposing end of axle  72  to front wall  40  in recesses  71  and  77 , one, two, or more rotating blocks  22  are placed around axle  72 , e.g., via a linear chamber or bore (not shown) extending through each rotating block  22  such that rotating blocks  22  can relatively easily rotate about axle  72 . In one example, spacer disks  74  also extend around axle  72  and maintain spacing of rotating blocks  22  from opposing edges of opening  70 . Each rotating block  22  includes a substantially planar or substantially curvilinear surface with indicia  78 , such as indicia corresponding with an overall theme established by indicia  106  on housing structure  14 . In this manner, when a user spins rotating blocks  22  about axle  72 , the portions of indicia  78  is viewable at a given time on blocks  22  through opening  70  is changed, thereby, further amusing children and other interacting with activity center toy  10 . 
     In one embodiment, one or more spinning members  26  are additionally or alternatively coupled with front wall  40 . Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  12 , and  13 , in one example, each spinning member  26  is formed of two parts including an exterior component  82  and an interior or coupling component  84 . Exterior component  82  includes an exterior surface  86  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 3 ), and an interior surface  88  (see  FIG. 12 ) opposite exterior surface  86 . Exterior component  82  further includes a perimeter edge  90 , which extends, for example, substantially perpendicularly from exterior surface  86  and/or interior surface  88 . In one embodiment, perimeter edge  90  forms a plurality of gear teeth  91  extending radially outwardly from a remainder of spinning member  26  and circumferentially spaced from each other about spinning member  26 . 
     Exterior component  82  further includes an interior rim  92 , such as a substantially circular interior rim  92  extending from interior surface  88  away from exterior surface  86 . In one example, interior rim  92  defines registration notches  94  extending radially outwardly from a remainder of interior rim  92 , for instance, at each of two or more, e.g., four or more, positions equally spaced circumferentially around interior rim  92 . Alternatively, in one example, registration notches  94  are breaks or gaps along interior rim  92  without any radially outward extension thereof. 
     Coupling component  84  is generally sized smaller than exterior component  82  and defines an outermost perimeter edge  96  with registration protrusions  98 , an annular ring  100 , and a hub  102 . Perimeter edge  96  is generally circular in shape or otherwise shaped substantially identically to, but sized just smaller than, interior rim  92  of exterior component  82 . Outermost perimeter edge  96  defines registration protrusions  98  equally spaced circumferentially about perimeter edge  96  such that each registration protrusion  98  aligns with and will fit within a different one of registration notches  94  of exterior component  82 . In one example, an annular ring  100  is centered and inset relative to perimeter edge  96 , but also extends rearwardly from a substantially planar, interior surface  101  of coupling component  84 . Annular ring  100  extends further away from interior surface  101  than perimeter edge  96 , in one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
     Hub  102  is centered on coupling component  84 , and therefore, is centered relative to perimeter edge  96  and annular ring  100 , in one example, and extends further away from interior surface  101  than either perimeter edge  96  or annular ring  100 . Hub  102  is configured to fit in a corresponding aperture  81  (generally indicated in  FIG. 4 ) in front wall  40  through most if not all of a thickness thereof. Hub  102  includes a cavity  104 , e.g., a threaded cavity) extending from a rearmost portion thereof forwardly and configured to receive a fastener  108  (see  FIG. 4 ) rotatably securing coupling component  84  to front wall  40  such that coupling component  84  is readily rotatable about hub  102  when spun. 
     In one embodiment, exterior component  82  is coupled to coupling component  84  by placing interior rim  92  of exterior component  82  to fit tightly around perimeter edge  96  of coupling component  84  such that each registration protrusion  98  is positioned in a different one of registration notches  94 . In one example, interior surface  88  of exterior component  82  is positioned just inside interior rim  92  and is friction fit thereto and/or is adhered or otherwise coupled to coupling component  84 . Accordingly, when a user contacts exterior component  82  to induce rotation or spinning thereof, exterior component  82  rotates together with coupling component  84  about hub  102  in aperture  81  of front wall  40 . In one example, annular ring  100  contacts exterior surface  50  of front wall  40  such that spinning member  26  maintains consistent spacing from exterior surface and spinning thereof is not impeded by uneven contact of spinning member  26  with front wall  40 . In one embodiment, exterior component  82  remains spaced from and does not generally directly contact exterior surface  50  of front wall  40 . In one embodiment, each of exterior component  82  and coupling component  84  are formed of molded plastic and, in one example, coupling component  84  is formed to be more rigid than exterior component  82 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, as described with primary reference to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , first sidewall  42  is formed of a single piece of wood, plastic, or other suitable material and defines an exterior surface  110  and an interior surface  112  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 2 ,  10 , and  16 ) opposite exterior surface  110 . First sidewall  42  extends rearwardly from and in a different plane than front wall  40 . In one example, first sidewall  42  extends substantially perpendicularly to front wall  40 . In one embodiment, both of exterior surface  110  and interior surface  112  are substantially planar. First sidewall  42  defines a bottom edge  114 , a top edge  116  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 10 and 16 ) opposite bottom edge  114 , a front side edge  118  extending between bottom edge  114  and top edge  116 , and a rear edge  120  extending between bottom edge  114  and top edge  116  opposite and substantially parallel to first side edge  118 . 
     In one example, top edge  116  is further divided into segments each configured to receive a different portion of roof  230  of housing structure  14  as will be further described below. For example, top edge  116  includes first top edge segment  122 , second top edge segment  124 , third top edge segment  126 , and fourth top edge segment  128 . First top edge segment  122  extends upwardly and rearwardly from front side edge  118 . Second top edge segment  124  extends upwardly and rearwardly from an edge of first top edge segment  122  opposite front side edge  118 . Third top edge segment  126  extends downwardly and rearwardly from second top edge segment  124  opposite first top edge segment  122 . Fourth top edge segment  128  extends downwardly and rearwardly from third top edge segment  126  opposite second top edge segment  124  and to rear edge  120 . In one example, each of first top edge segment  122 , second top edge segment  124 , third top edge segment  126 , and fourth top edge segment  128  are substantially linear. 
     In one example, first sidewall  42  includes a top or entry opening  130  sized and shaped to receive a ball  36  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 16 ) and/or a side opening or window  132  allowing viewing into an interior of housing structure  14 . Entry opening  130  is spaced further from base  12  and bottom edge  114  of first sidewall  42  than exit opening  68  is spaced from base  12  and bottom edge  54  of front wall  40 . In one example, additional spinning members  26  include spinning members  26   a ,  26   b , and  26   c  coupled with first sidewall  42  via corresponding hubs  102  thereof and corresponding apertures  134  extending through first sidewall  42 . Gear teeth  80  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) of each of spinning members  26   a ,  26   b , and  26   c  are configured to interact with gear teeth  80  of one more other ones of spinning members  26   a ,  26   b , and  26   c , in one embodiment, such that rotation of one of spinning members  26   a ,  26   b , and  26   c  induces rotation of the others of spinning members  26   a ,  26   b , and  26   c . In one example, one or more of spinning members  26  include indicia  138  linking each spinning member  26  to the overall theme established by indicia  106  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) of housing structure  14 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment as described with primary reference to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , second sidewall  44  is formed of a single piece of wood, plastic, or other suitable material and defines an exterior surface  150  and an interior surface  152  as generally indicated in  FIGS. 4 and 14 ) opposite exterior surface  150 . In one example, second sidewall  44  extends rearwardly from and in a different plane than front wall  40 . In one example, second sidewall  44  extends substantially perpendicularly to front wall  40 . In one embodiment, both of exterior surface  150  and interior surface  152  are substantially planar. Second sidewall  44  defines a bottom edge  154 , a top edge  156  opposite and substantially parallel to bottom edge  154 , a front side edge  158  extending between bottom edge  154  and top edge  156 , and a rear side edge  160  extending between bottom edge  154  and top edge  156  opposite and substantially parallel to front side edge  158 . 
     In one example, top edge  156  is further divided into segments each configured to receive a different portion of roof  230  of housing structure  14  as will be further described below. Top edge  156 , as illustrated, includes a first top edge segment  162 , a second top edge segment  164 , a third top edge segment  166 , and a fourth top edge segment  168 . First top edge segment  162  extends upwardly and rearwardly from front side edge  158 . Second top edge segment  164  extends upwardly and rearwardly from first top edge segment  162  opposite front side edge  158 . Third top edge segment  166  extends downwardly and rearwardly from second top edge segment  164  opposite first top edge segment  162 . Fourth top edge segment  168  extends downwardly and rearwardly from third top edge segment  166  opposite second top edge segment  164  and to rear side edge  160 . In one example, each of first top edge segment  162 , second top edge segment  164 , third top edge segment  166 , and fourth segment  168  are substantially linear. 
     Second sidewall  44  includes a window  170  extending, in one embodiment, over more than about 30% of the surface area of second sidewall  44 , for example, over more than about 45% of the surface area of second sidewall  44 . Referring to the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 14 , recesses or indentations  174  extend from interior surface  152  adjacent each of opposing side edges of window  170  in a size and shape to receive an axle  172 , such as an elongated metal rod or other suitable elongated member. In one example, each axle  172  that extends from within one of indentations  174  to another indentation  174  on an opposite side of window  170  such that axle  172  extends substantially horizontally or as otherwise desired. 
     Prior to being placed in two corresponding indentations  174 , in one example, one, two, or more rotating blocks  24  are placed on axle  172  via bore holes (not shown) through each of rotating blocks  24 . Each rotating block  24  includes at least two opposing surfaces  180  each having different indicia  182  included thereon such that rotation of one or more of rotating blocks  24  changes the overall visual presentation provided by second sidewall  44  and rotating blocks  24 , thereby, amusing users of activity center toy  10 . When rotating blocks  24  are positioned on a corresponding one of the one or more axles  172 , each end of axle  172  is placed in two opposing indentations  174 . In one example, elongated coupling blocks  176  are placed adjacent interior surface  152  on either side of window  170  such that coupling blocks  176  collectively cover all indentations  174 , thereby, securing axles  172  in indentations  174  such that rotating blocks  24  are hung to extend over a portion of window  170 . In one example, two, three, four, or more axles  172  are provided and each includes two or more of rotating blocks  24  thereon. In one embodiment, rotating blocks  24  cover more than 75% of window  170  when broad sides of each rotatable block  24  extends substantially parallel to exterior surface  150  of second sidewall  44 . 
     While specific activity components  16  are described as being included one ones of front wall  40 , first sidewall  42 , and second sidewall  44 , each of activity components  16  can be included on any of front wall  40 , first sidewall  42 , and second sidewall  44  and/or may be eliminated or at least duplicated other ones of front wall  40 , first sidewall  42 , and second sidewall  44 . The addition or substitution of other activity components, which are not specifically disclosed herein, to activity components  16  is also contemplated. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  15 , and  16 , in one example, activity center toy  10  includes a ball track  34  mounted inside housing structure  14  to receive ball  36  (see  FIG. 16 ) when ball  36  is inserted into housing structure  14  via entry opening  130  of first sidewall  42 . Ball track  34  directs ball  36  from an entry point downwardly along ball track  34 , and finally expelling ball  36  out exit opening  68  in front wall  40 , which may also be referred to as another sidewall, in one embodiment. More specifically, ball track  34  includes a first rail  190  and a second rail  192  spaced from each other a distance less than a diameter of ball track  34  and extending in a substantially parallel manner. As such, a ball  36  is placed to be supported between each of first rail  190  and second rail  192  in a manner allowing ball  36  to freely roll along ball track  34 . In view of at least the above description, first sidewall  42  with entry opening  130  is one example of means for entering the internal cavity  48 , and front wall  40  with exit opening  68  is one example of means for exiting the internal cavity  48 . 
     In one example, first and second rails  190  and  192  each are coupled to a top portion of first sidewall  42  at one end thereof and to front wall  40  or to base  12  near front wall  40 . More specifically, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, first ends of first and second rails  190  and  192  are coupled to first sidewall  42  via a first or top coupling block  194 , such as a wooden block, having a width that is larger than an overall width of side window  132 . Coupling block  194  has a top surface  198  that is curved or otherwise formed to follow along and align with a bottom portion of side window  132 . Top coupling block  194  is coupled to first sidewall  42  in any suitable manner such as glue, other adhesive, screws, nails, rivets, staples, etc. and is positioned to align top surface  198  with a bottom portion of side window  132 . Each first end of first and second rails  190  and  192  is inserted into corresponding holes (not shown) in top coupling block  194  and secured with fasteners  196  such as fastening disks, adhesive, and/or other suitable coupling mechanism(s). 
     Ball track  34  defines a spacer section  199 , a rearwardly extending section  200 , and a downwardly extending section  202 , in one embodiment. Each of spacer section  199 , rearwardly extending section  200 , and downwardly extending section  202  have at least some downward tilt, with downwardly extending section  202  having the most downward tilt or slope, such that ball  36  placed thereon will roll from spacer section  199  to rearwardly extending section  200  and finally to and down downwardly extending section  202  due to gravitational forces. Spacer section  199  of ball track  34  extends from top coupling block  194  toward second sidewall  44  (i.e., away from side window  132 ) to move ball  36  away from first sidewall  42 . In one example, the portion of first rail  190  included in spacer section  199  is shorter than a portion of section rail  192  included in spacer section  199  such that a remainder of second rail  192  is spaced further away from first sidewall  42  than first rail  190 . A remainder of each of first and second rails  190  and  192  extends substantially in parallel other than ball drop portion  216 , which will be described in additional detail below. In one example, spacer section  199  extends substantially perpendicularly relative to a remainder of ball track  24  including rearwardly extending section  200  and downwardly extending section  202 . 
     Rearwardly extending section  200  extends from ends of spacer section  199  opposite side window  132  and extends substantially rearwardly therefrom. In one example, rearwardly extending section  200  extends rearwardly from spacer section  199 , for instance, with a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to spacer section  199 . Rearwardly extending section  200  includes a ball drop portion  216  in which first and second rails  190  and  192  bow away from each other such that a width between first and second rails  190  and  192  becomes larger than the diameter of ball  36 . In one example, first and second rails  190  and  192  bow away from each other in a curvilinear manner as best illustrated in the top view of  FIG. 15  to form an opening therebetween shaped similar to and sized at least slightly larger than ball  36 . In this manner, when ball  36  travels to ball drop portion  216 , ball  36  drops through ball drop portion  216  of ball track  34  down to another portion of ball track  34  as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . In one example, rearwardly extending section  200  includes first and second rails  190  and  192  extending back toward one another, after ball drop portion  216 , to a spacing similar to the spacing between first and second rails  190  and  92  along rearwardly extending section  200  just before ball drop portion  216 . As illustrated, in one embodiment, rearwardly extending section  20  terminates with an upwardly protruding end portion  218  to both provide additional rigidity to ball track  34  and/or to provide stops along each of first and second rails  190  and  192  to any ball  36  that may enter ball track  34  with enough speed to travel over ball drop portion  216 . The upward extension  218  stops and redirects any such ball  36  back to and through ball drop portion  216 . 
     Downwardly extending section  202  extends from an end of rearwardly extending section  200  opposite spacer section  199 , that is, an intersection  219  of rearwardly extending section  200  and downwardly extending section  202 . Downwardly extending section  202  extends from intersection  219  with a slope, for example, a curved slope to a lowermost end of ball track  34 . The curvature of the slope is selected in combination with the particular characteristics (e.g., weight, friction, and material composition) of ball  36  to adjust the speed of ball  36  traveling along downwardly extending section  202  due to gravitational forces. 
     In one example, lower most end of ball track  34  is secured to one or both of front wall  40  and base  12  via a lower coupling block  204 , such as a wood block. In one embodiment, lower coupling block  204  defines a bottom surface  208  and a top surface  210  opposite bottom surface  208  that are each substantially planar. Bottom surface  208  is placed adjacent and coupled to top surface  39  of base  12  near or directly adjacent to interior surface  52 . More specifically, lower coupling block  204  is positioned such that top surface  210  thereof is placed adjacent to or just below a bottommost edge of exit opening  68  extending through front wall  40 . Ends of each of first rail  190  and second rail  192  extend into cavities (not shown) in lower coupling block  204  and are additionally secured by fastener(s)  206  such as one or more of adhesive, coupling disk, and/or other suitable coupling mechanism. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , which shows ball  36  in various positions along an installed ball track  34 , when ball  36  is inserted into housing structure  14  via entry opening  130 , ball  36  initially sits on spacer section  199 , which is slightly downwardly tilted such the ball  36  moves along spacer section  199  to rearwardly extending section  200  via gravitational forces. Ball  36  then moves onto rearwardly extending section  200 , which, in one embodiment, extends substantially perpendicularly to spacer section  199  with a downwardly tilt to intersection  219 . Accordingly, ball  36  continues to roll from spacer section  199  down rearwardly extending section  200  toward intersection  219 . As ball  36  rolls over ball drop portion  216 , ball  36  drops through the space between first and second rails  190  and  192  onto a point of downwardly extending section  202  directly below. 
     Upon contacting downwardly extending section  202 , ball  36  continues down downwardly extending section  202  to and out exit opening  68  in front wall  40 . In one example, where closed door  20   b  extends over front exit opening  68 , ball  36  moves through front exit opening  68  contacting door  20   b  and inducing rotation of door  20   b  about its corresponding axle  66  to open door  20   b  (i.e., to move door  20   b  from a closed position to an open position). When door  20   b  is open, ball  36  can be expelled from housing structure  14  via front exit opening  68 . In one embodiment, the curvature of the slope of the downwardly extending section  202  is selected such that ball  36  will hit door  20   b  with sufficient speed to force door  20   b  to flip at least partially open. In view of at least the above-description, ball track  34  is one example of means for directing ball  36  under gravitation forces to move from entry opening  130  to exit opening  68 , and door  20   b  is one example of means for selectively opening and closing exit opening  68 . 
     In one embodiment, roof  230  is placed over and substantially entirely covers housing structure  14  creating cavity  48  (see  FIG. 2 ) therein, which is open to a back of housing structure  14  opposite front wall  40 . In addition to containing ball track  34  and providing internal access to rotating blocks  22  and  24 , cavity  48  is sized to house other toys or items. For example, blocks or other items may be stored therein as desired by a child and/or activity center toy  10  can be used as a barn, garage, or other item for temporarily housing trucks, tractors, or other toy automobiles for storage or during a child&#39;s play with activity center toy  10 . 
     Roof  230  includes a first roof panel  232 , a second roof panel  234 , a third roof panel  236 , and a fourth roof panel  238  to correspond with top edges  116  and  156  of first sidewall  42  and second sidewall  44 , in one example. Each of first, second, third, and fourth panels  232 ,  234 ,  236 , and  238  are substantially rectangular and/or substantially planar planks or wooden boards having a width sufficient to extend between and, in one example, slightly beyond each of first sidewall  42  and second sidewall  44 . More particularly, first roof panel  232  longitudinally extends over each of and between first top edge segment  122  of first sidewall  42  and first top edge segment  162  of second sidewall  44  and along and covering top edge  56  of front wall  40 . First roof panel laterally extends from a frontmost edge  242  to second roof panel  234 . Second roof panel  234  longitudinally extends over each of and between second top edge segments  124  and  164  of first sidewall  42  and second sidewall  44 , respectively. Third roof panel  236  longitudinally extends over each of and between third top edge segments  126  and  166  of first sidewall  42  and second sidewall  44 , respectively. Fourth roof panel  238  longitudinally extends over each of and between fourth top edge segments  128  and  168  of first sidewall  42  and second sidewall  44 , respectively, and laterally from third roof panel  236  to rearmost edge  244 . 
     In one embodiment, activity components  16  are incorporated into roof  230  in addition to housing structure  14 . For example, wire bead maze  28  extends from and above first roof panel  232 . Wire bead maze  28  includes a wire  252  and wire followers  258  configured to selectively slide along wire  252 . Wire  252  used for wire bead maze  28  is substantially rigid such that wire  252  holds it shape as wire followers  258  move back and forth over wire  252 . For example, wire  252  is that commonly referred to as “roller coaster wire” in the toy art. In one example, wire  296  includes a first end  298  and a second end  300  each coupled to roof  230  in a stable and secure manner. Wire  252  defines a first end  254  and a second end  256  opposite first end  254  each coupled to a top of first roof panel  232  via bores or cavities (not shown) in first roof panel  232  and/or coupling disks  264  or other suitable fastener(s). To provide additional stability to wire bead maze  28 , in one example, coupling blocks  262  are coupled to an interior of first roof panel  232  (see  FIG. 2 ) such that first end  254  and second end  256  of wire  252  extend through first roof panel  232  and slightly into a corresponding coupling block  262  in a manner decreasing rotation or tilt of wire  252  relative to first roof panel  232 . Wire followers  258 , for example, in the form of balls, cubes, stars, animals, or any other suitable shape, are provided with a through cavity or bore  260  extending therethrough and placed around wire  252  such that wire followers  258  slide along wire  252  as desired by a user. In one example, wire  252  defines arches, curves, spirals, or other features making movement of wire followers  258  along wire  252  more complex and, therefore, more interesting and stimulating to a child playing with activity center toy  10 . 
     Second roof panel  234  includes an elongated slot  270  extending longitudinally therethrough in a meandering pattern such as in a zigzag line, a serpentine line, etc. A path-traveling member  32  is configured to move back and forth along elongated slots  270  such that elongated slot  270  functions as a track for path-traveling member  32 . One example of path-traveling member  32  is more particularly illustrated in  FIG. 17 . Such a path-traveling member  32  includes a top member  272 , a bottom member  274 , and an intermediate dowel  276 . Top member  272  is configured to travel above second roof panel  234  and is shaped in a manner allowing a youngster playing with activity center toy  10  to easily grasp top member  272  causing top member  272  to travel along elongated slot  270 . In the illustrated embodiment, top member  272  is shaped like an egg and a nest in a manner configured to correspond with the overall farm theme of activity center toy  10  as illustrated in the examples of  FIGS. 1-8 . At least a bottom portion of top member  272  has a diameter or width that is larger than a width of elongated slot  270  in all directions such that top member  272  is not generally able to move through elongated slot  270 . 
     Bottom member  274  is spaced below top member  272  and has any suitable shape sized with a width or diameter larger than the width of elongated slot  270  such that bottom member  274  is not generally able to move through elongated slot  270 . Intermediate dowel  276  is coupled to each of top member  272  and bottom member  274 , e.g., via fasteners such as screw  278 , adhesive, other coupling mechanisms, and/or combinations thereof. More specifically, bottom member  272  is coupled to top member  272  via intermediate dowel  276  after placement of intermediate dowel  276  through elongated slot  270  resulting in top member  272  being positioned above second roof panel  234  and bottom member  274  being positioned below second roof panel  234 . In this manner, intermediate dowel  276  extends between a bottom surface  280  of top member  272  and a top surface  282  of bottom member  274  to define gaps  284  between top member  272  and bottom member  274  around intermediate dowel  276 . Gaps  284  receive edges of second roof panel  234  on opposing sides of elongated slot  270 . In one example, Intermediate dowel  276  is cylindrical, in one example, and has a diameter that is less than a width of elongated slot  270  such that intermediate dowel  276  is relatively easily moved longitudinally along elongated slot  270 . Top member  272  and bottom member  274  substantially prevent any significant movement of path-traveling member  32  in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extension of elongated slot  270 . Path-traveling member  32  helps develop small motor skills and cause-and-effect analysis of children playing therewith. 
     In one example, third roof panel  236  includes a frontmost roof cutout  290  extending from an edge of third roof panel  236  adjacent fourth roof panel  238  and sized, in one embodiment, to extend over a majority of a length of third roof panel  236 , for example more than about 65% of the length of third roof panel  236 . Fourth roof panel  236  includes a rearmost roof cutout  292 , in one example, extending from an edge of fourth roof panel  236  adjacent third roof panel  236 . As such, frontmost roof cutout  290  and rearmost roof cutout  292  are placed in communication with one another to collectively form a larger opening  294  through roof  230 . In one embodiment, rearmost roof cutout  292  is sized to extend over a majority of a length of fourth roof panel  238 , such as more than about 65% of the length of fourth roof panel  238 . 
     According to one embodiment, an activity component  16  is positioned within opening  294 , such as wire bead maze  30 . More particularly, wire bead maze  30  includes a wire  296  extending longitudinally across opening  294  with spirals or other serpentine and three-dimensional variations making movement of wire followers  302  thereon less linear and generally more interesting and stimulating to child users. Wire  296  used for wire bead maze  30  is rigid such that wire  296  holds it shape as wire followers  302  move back and forth over wire  296 . For example, wire  296  is that commonly referred to as “roller coaster wire” in the toy art. In one example, wire  296  includes a first end  298  and a second end  300  each coupled to roof  230  in a stable and secure manner. For instance, first end  298  is coupled to third roof panel  236  via a coupling block  306  having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. More particularly, a side surface of coupling block  306  facing second end  300  as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 18 . First end  298  extends into coupling block  306  and is further secured thereto via adhesive, coupling disks, other coupling mechanism, or combination thereof as a fastener  308 . In one example, second end  300  is coupled to third roof panel  236  via a rectangular cross-section coupling block  310 , more particularly, a bottom surface thereof as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 19 . Second end  300  extends into coupling block  310  and is further secured thereto via adhesive, coupling disks, other coupling mechanism, or combination thereof as a fastener  312 . 
     One or more, for example, a plurality, of wire followers  302  are secured to wire  296  in a manner allowing wire followers  302  to be readily slid along a length of wire  296 . In one embodiment, each wire follower  302  is formed of any suitable shape and includes an open cavity or bore  304  extending entirely through the respective wire follower  302 . Wire follower  302  is secured to wire  296  by threading wire  296  through bore  304  of wire follower  302 . Each bore  304  has a greater diameter than a diameter of wire  296  to allow movement of wire follower  302  along wire  296 . Use of other wire followers that clip or otherwise attached to wire  296  is also contemplated for use with activity center toy  10 . 
     While particular activity components  16  are described with respect to first, second, third, and fourth roof panels  232 ,  234 ,  236 , and  238  as examples, in other embodiments, different activity components  16  are included on first, second, third, and fourth roof panels  232 ,  234 ,  236 , and  238  and/or wire bead maze  28 , wire bead maze  30 , and path-traveling members  32  may be located on alternative portions of activity center toy  10  and/or eliminated. In one example, substantially all components of activity center toy  10  other than the various fasteners and wires  252  and  296  are formed of wood. In another embodiment, substantially all components of activity center toy  10  other than the various fasteners, wires  252  and  296 , and spinning members  26  are formed of wood. Use of formed plastics and other suitable materials are also contemplated for each of the components of activity center toy  10 . 
     In one example, rotating members  22  and  24 , spinning members  26 , and wire bead mazes  28  and  30  are configured to appeal to a younger audience such as babies and toddlers, while ball track  34  and cavity  48  allow older users to still use and be entertained by activity center toy  10 , e.g., by using activity center toy as a barn, garage, or similar and interacting with ball track  34 . Accordingly, activity center toy  10  provides for evolving purpose and entertainment as children grow and their learning and skill sets progress. 
     Various methods of constructing activity center toy  10  are contemplated. In one example, activity center toy  10  is assembled by constructing primary structure  14  with suitably fasteners, attaching primary structure  14  to base  12  with suitable fasteners, coupling roof  230  to primary structure  14  with suitable fasteners, and finally coupling activity components  16  to various portions of primary structure  14  and roof  230 , for example, as described above. In another example, activity components  16 , other than ball track  34  are coupled to respective ones of walls  40 ,  42 , and  44  of primary structure  14  and ones of roof panels  232 ,  234 ,  236 , and  238  first, followed by coupling walls  40 ,  42 , and  44  together to form primary structure  14  and/or coupling primary structure  14  to base  12  and roof  230 . In one embodiment, once primary structure  14  is coupled to base  12 , but in one example, before roof  230  is coupled with primary structure  14 , ball track  34  is coupled to primary structure and/or base  12 . Coupling blocks  306  and  310  may be coupled with corresponding portions of primary structure  14  and base  12  prior to coupling walls  40 ,  42 , and  44  together and/or prior to coupling housing structure  14  to base  12 , with first and second rails  190  and  192  being coupled therewith after housing structure  14  has been assembled and coupled to base  12 . Other methods and sequences of assembling activity center toy  10  are contemplated and will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application. 
     Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments, such embodiments are meant for the purposes of illustrating examples only and should not be considered to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Various alternatives, modifications, and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the above detailed description.