Patent Publication Number: US-2015087201-A1

Title: Expandable play set

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/458,162 filed Apr. 27, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/480,783, filed Apr. 29, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/528,626, filed Aug. 29, 2011, the entire contents of each of the previously mentioned applications are incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to an expandable playset and more particularly an expandable playset configured for use in a variety of configurations. 
     Playsets for children are typically of very simple design and construction, because the design necessitates such simplicity. Therefore, the level of play that a child can achieve with such playsets, while surely fun and educational, may be limited by the number of features that can be incorporated into such a play set. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a playset having a variety of features. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a playset the playset having: a structure having a first level and a second level, the second level being located above the first level; a mechanism secured to the structure for moving an object from the first level to the second level; and a collapsible third level located below the first level, the collapsible third level being configured for movement between a contracted position and an expanded position with respect to the first level, wherein a portion of the first level is configured to support the structure on an edge of an elevated surface such that collapsible third level is capable of being moved into the expanded position. 
     In another embodiment a playset is provided, the playset having: a structure having a first side resembling a façade and a second side opposite the first side wherein objects can be inserted behind the façade, the structure further comprising a first level and a second level, the second level being located above the first level; a mechanism secured to the structure for moving an object from the first level to the second level; and a collapsible third level located below the first level, the collapsible third level being configured for movement between a contracted position and an expanded position with respect to the first level, wherein the first level is configured to support the structure on an edge of an elevated surface such that collapsible third level is capable of being moved into the expanded position. 
     In still another embodiment, a playset is provided, the playset having: a structure having at least a first level and a second level, the second level being located above the first level and the first level being releaseably secured to the second level and capable of movement downward and away from the second level to an expanded position; a mechanism for securing the structure to an edge of an elevated surface; and a trigger for releasing the first level from the second level wherein actuation of the trigger causes the first level to move downward and away from the second level towards the expanded position. 
     In yet another embodiment, a playset is provided. The playset having: a structure being reconfigurable from a first orientation to a second orientation; a clamping mechanism configured to releaseably secure the structure to an elevated surface; a release mechanism, which when actuated causes the structure to transition from the first orientation to the second orientation and wherein the first orientation defines a first toy vehicle path and the wherein the second orientation defines a second toy vehicle path, the first toy vehicle path being different from the second toy vehicle path. 
     In yet another embodiment, a playset is provided. The playset having: a structure having at least a first level and a second level, the second level being located above the first level and at least a portion of the first level being releaseably secured to the structure and capable of movement downward and away from the structure to an expanded position; a mechanism for securing the structure to an edge of an elevated surface; and a trigger for releasing the portion of first level from the structure wherein actuation of the trigger causes the portion of the first level to move downward and away from the structure towards the expanded position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a forward perspective view of the playset in a first configuration; 
         FIGS. 2-5  illustrate movement of mechanisms of the playset; 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the playset in the first configuration; 
         FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate movement of another mechanism of the playset; 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of the playset in the first configuration; 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the playset secured to a surface; 
         FIG. 10  is a rearward perspective view of the playset secured to a surface; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a mechanism of the playset; 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  illustrate movement of a mechanism of the playset in an expanded configuration; 
         FIGS. 13-19C  illustrate various configurations and components of the playset when it is in the expanded configuration; 
         FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate various views of exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 22A-29B  illustrate various views of alternative exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 30A-32C  illustrate various views of still other alternative exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention a playset  10  is provided. In one embodiment the playset  10  is configured for use on a surface and in another embodiment the playset  10  is configured for use on an edge of a surface. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-8 , non-limiting embodiments of surface play of playset  10  are illustrated. The playset  10  resembles a structure  12  having a plurality of levels  14  and  16  for example, in one non-limiting embodiment structure is a firehouse. Of course, numerous other configurations are contemplated to be within the scope of various embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, the structure  12  has a first side  18  resembling a façade of a building and a second side opposite the first side wherein objects  20  can be inserted behind the façade. The structure further has a first level  14  and a second level  16 , wherein the second level  16  is located above the first level  14 . In addition and as referred to herein a roof surface  17  of the second level provides another floor located above the floor  19  of the second level. 
     In order to enhance play several mechanisms  22  for moving the object  20  from the first level  14  to the second level  16  and vice versa are provided. In one embodiment, the mechanism  22  is a platform  24  pivotally secured to the structure  12  for movement between a first position  26  wherein an edge  28  of the platform  24  is adjacent to a floor of the first level  14  and a second position  30  wherein another edge  32  of the platform is adjacent to the floor  19  of the second level  16 . (See at least  FIGS. 2-5 ). In one embodiment and in order to translate platform  24  from the first position  26  to the second position  30  and vice versa platform  24  is secured to an arm member  34  that is pivotally or rotationally secured to the structure  12  and is capable of being rotated via a knob member  36 . 
     In another embodiment another mechanism  22  is provided. Here, the mechanism  22 , is an elevator  38  movably secured to the structure  12  for movement between a first position wherein a floor  40  of the elevator is flush with a floor  42  of the first level and a second position wherein the floor  40  of the elevator is flush with a floor  44  of the second level. In this embodiment, the elevator  38  is moved from the first position to the second position by rotating a knob member  46 . 
     In still another embodiment, the mechanism  22  is a retractable claw member  48  configured to be mounted on the structure in a plurality of locations. In one implementation, the retractable claw member  48  is secured to a cable or line  51  that allows the claw member  48  to the retracted upwardly and lowered. Still further and in yet another embodiment, the mechanism  22  is a platform  50  rotationally mounted to a pole member  52  secured to the structure, wherein the platform  50  is configured for movement between a first position wherein an edge of the platform is adjacent to the floor of the first level  14  and a second position wherein another edge of the platform is adjacent to the roof surface  17  of the second level  16 . In this embodiment, the mechanism  22  is a spin-down gravity elevator rotatably received on the pole member  52  illustrated on the side of the structure  12 . When the platform  50  is in the first position it is at the top of the pole member and is configured such that when it is released it spins down to the second position at the floor of the first level  14 . As illustrated and when the platform is in the first position it is adjacent to the “top” or roof surface  17  of the structure which can be viewed as another level in addition to the first and second level. Accordingly and when the platform is in the first position objects  20  can travel from the roof  17  onto the platform  50  and then travel to the first level and vice versa via platform  50 . In addition and to move platform  50  to the first position it is configured to be lifted up the pole member  52  by hand wherein a clicking ratchet internal mechanism (not shown) repositions at the roof  17  for the next spin-down to the second position. In addition, the platform  50  moves vertically with respect to the pole member  52  as it rotates about the pole member  52  in the direction of arrows  54  from the first position to the second position. 
     In addition, the structure  12  further comprises a ramp member  56  which provides a means for the object  20  to travel from the second level  16  to the first level  14 . In addition and as previously mentioned and in one embodiment, the structure  12  is configured to resemble a firehouse and the object  20  is a fire truck. Of course, other configurations are contemplated to be within the scope of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Still further pole member  52  will resemble a fireman&#39;s pole and additional features include pivoting door members  58 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9-19C  in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-8 , the playset  10  further comprises a collapsible third level  70  located below the first level  14 . In the illustrated embodiment the collapsible third level  70  is configured for movement between a contracted position ( FIGS. 1-8 ) and an expanded position ( FIGS. 13-19C ) with respect to the first level  14 . In addition, the second level  16  is configured to have a floor portion  72  that extends laterally away from the second level  16  such that floor portion  72  can support the structure  12  on a portion of a surface  74  proximate to an edge  76  of the surface  74  such that the first level  14  is located below surface  74  and the third level  70  can be manipulated into the expanded position downwardly from the first level  14 . Accordingly and in this embodiment, the second level  16  via floor portion  72  supports the structure along an edge  76  of a surface  74  such that the playset  10  and in particular third level  70  can be manipulated into an expanded configuration thus providing enhanced play. Still further, and in order to ensure that the playset is fixedly secured to edge  76  a releasable clamp system (not shown) is provided to engage edge  76  and complementary surfaces located proximate to edge  76 . 
     In order to transition the third level  70  from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration and actuation button  78  is provided. Here actuation button  78  when depressed will release the third level  70  from the first level  14 . Accordingly and when the structure  12  is supported along edge  76  the third level  70  will drop downwardly from the first level  14  thus providing another level of play. In addition, the third level  70  further comprises a ramp member  80  that extends from the first level  14  to the third level  70  when the third level  70  is in the expanded position. In addition, the playset also has an extendable platform  82  and a ramp member  84 . Here, the extendable platform  82  rotates from the third level  70  when the third level  70  is in the expanded position and the ramp member  84  is pivotally mounted to only the third level  70  at one end and is configured for movement between a first position wherein the ramp member  84  is flush with a floor  86  of the third level  70  and a second position wherein a portion of the ramp member  84  is located below the floor  86  of the third level  70 . In an exemplary embodiment, each of the ramp member  80 , extendable platform  82  and ramp member  84  are configured to automatically transition into their expanded positions when the actuation button  78  is depressed and the third level  70  moves to the expanded configuration. Accordingly and by simply depressing actuation button  70  when the structure  12  is secured to an edge  76  of a surface  74  the structure  12  expands into a larger playset. 
     In this embodiment, the platform  24  of the mechanism  22  provides a means for transferring object  20  from the first level  14  to the second level  16  and vice versa. Still further, the platform  24  when in the second position is adjacent to the floor portion  72  of the second level  16  which supports the structure on the edge  76  of the surface  74 . In addition and when the playset  10  is in the expanded configuration such that the third level  70  is deployed below the first level  14  the claw member  48  is now capable of transferring the object  20  between anyone of the first level  14 , second level  16 , and the third level  70 . 
     The third level  70  also has a façade member  88  that is pivotally mounted to the floor  86  of the third level  70  such that the facade member  88  can translate from a deployed position wherein the façade member  88  is essentially vertical or perpendicular with respect to perpendicular the floor  86 . In one embodiment façade member  88  is spring biased such that movement of the third level  70  from the collapse position to the expanded position will allow the façade member  88  to spring into its vertical configuration with respect to floor  86 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 18A-18C , the claw member  48  can be relocated into a variety of locations with respect to the structure  12 . In addition and referring now to  FIGS. 19A-19C , a pivotable ramp member  90  is provided wherein one end of ramp member  90  can be secured to various locations of the structure  12  via a feature  92  while the other end of ramp member  90  extends away from the structure  12 . In one embodiment, the ramp member  90  will have a plurality of sections each pivotally secured to each other and having detent features cooperating with each other such that an articulating ramp member  90  is provided. 
     Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention provide a playset  10  having a structure  12  with a variety of configurations and levels which provide for surface play as well as edge play, wherein structure can be manipulated into an expanded configuration to provide additional features. Moreover, some features of the structure  12  can be used in surface play in one configuration and then have an expanded configuration when the structure is used for edge play. For example, the elevator  38  can transition between at least three floors (including the roof) when the structure  12  is in a collapsed configuration. Similarly, the claw member  48  can travel between three floors or levels when the structure  12  is in an expanded configuration or alternatively two floors or levels when the structure  12  is in a collapsed configuration. In various alternative non-limiting embodiments, the structure  12 , the elevator  38  and the claw member  48  can be configured to allow for movement of the elevator  38  and the claw member  48  between more or less levels than previously mentioned. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 22A-24C  an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Here playset  110  is reconfigurable from a first orientation  111  illustrated in  FIGS. 22A-23B  to a second orientation  112  ( FIGS. 24A-24C ). In the first orientation, the playset  110  has a plurality of levels  114 ,  116  and  118 . In one embodiment, the playset  110  has a vehicle track path  120  which travels from a top-level  114  around an intermediary level  116  to a bottom level  118 . 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the playset  110  is configured to be secured to an edge  176  of a surface  174  such as a tabletop. In order to secure the playset  110  to the surface  174 , a clamping mechanism  130  is provided. In one non-limiting embodiment, clamping mechanism  130  has an adjustable screw  132  for securing the same to the edge  176  of the surface  174  by for example engaging the surface between the adjustable screw  132  and a flange portion  133  of the clamping mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, a crane  134  is provided. Crane  134  is rotatably secured to playset  110  to allow for movement in the direction of arrows  136  also shown is a basket or cage  138  that can be raised or lowered via crane  134 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 24A-24C , the playset  110  is illustrated in the second orientation  112 . As illustrated and when the playset  110  is in the second orientation, an inner section  140  comprising top-level  114  and intermediary level  116  are lowered with respect to bottom level  118 . As the inner section  140  moves with respect to bottom level  118 , top-level  114  is now lower than surface  174  as opposed to its position in the first orientation wherein the top-level  114  is above surface  174 . 
     In addition and as the inner section  140  moves from the first orientation to the second orientation, another level  142  is defined below intermediary level  116  and an alternative vehicle track path  144  is provided. Level  142  is provided by a base member  146  that drops down from intermediary level  116  and a wall portion  148  that is pivotally secured to the base member  146  and pivots from an upright position to a horizontal position in the second orientation. In addition, portions of the alternative vehicle track path  144  are also provided by track segments  150 ,  152  and  154  which are pivotally secured to base member  146  and/or wall portion  148  such that alternative vehicle track path  144  can be defined as the playset  110  transitions from the first orientation to the second orientation. 
     In addition and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the playset  110  is provided with a slow release ratcheting mechanism  159 , which provides a braking force to inner section  140  as a transitions transit with respect to lower level  118 . In one non-limiting embodiment, the slow release ratcheting mechanism  159  comprises a rack  171  and gear arrangement or any other equivalent device that cooperates with a release mechanism, which when activated maintains the playset  110  in the first orientation by preventing movement of the rack and/or gear of the gear arrangement with respect to each other. 
     Accordingly, and in order to transition the playset from the first orientation to the second orientation the release mechanism has a trigger or switch  170  located in a portion of the vehicle path  120  located on the lower level  118  such that as a toy vehicle is traveling down this vehicle path it can contact trigger or switch  170  and release the release mechanism  159  so that the playset  110  can transition from the first orientation into the second orientation. Of course, other locations of trigger switch  170  are contemplated to be within the scope of various embodiments of the present invention. Once the trigger or switch  170  is actuated a catch or other release mechanism is actuated and a deployable portion(s) of the playset are now free to move away from another portion of the playset, which in one non-limiting embodiment is due to gravity forces acting upon the movable portion of the playset. Accordingly and once the trigger is actuated, the playset  410  transitions from first orientation to the second orientation. Thereafter and in order to transition the playset from the second orientation back into the first orientation, a user folds or moves wall portion  148  back into its vertical configuration along with pivotal movement of track sections  150 ,  152  and  154  such that base member  146  can be pushed upward back into its position corresponding to the first orientation of the playset. Once this is accomplished a user simply pushes the inner section  140  upwardly until the playset is in the first orientation and the slow release ratcheting mechanism  159  is reengaged such that trigger  170  must be activated again to allow the playset to transition back into the second orientation. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 24A , a portion of the alternative vehicle track path  144  has a gap wherein a vehicle a capturing device  172  is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, vehicle capturing device  172  resembles a creature such as the shark having a pair of pivotable jaw portions  174  and  176 , at least one of which is movably mounted with respect to the other one such that the jaws can transition between an open position wherein a vehicle will pass through the jaws to a closed position wherein a vehicle traveling through the jaws is captured. Still further, and if a vehicle has successfully traveled past the vehicle capturing device  172  along vehicle track path  144 , the vehicle will travel down track segment  152  into a track segment  156  integrally formed with wall portion  148 . An end portion wall portion  180  of track segment  156  is movably mounted to a pivotally mounted member  182  such that movement of wall portion to one of several positions can provide alternative outcomes at the end of vehicle track path  144 . In one outcome, movable mounted wall portion  180  and pivotally mounted member  182  causes a toy vehicle traveling thereon to be flipped off of the wall portion  148  in the direction of arrow  184  based upon the location of wall portion  180 . Alternatively, the movable mounted wall member  180  can be reconfigured such that a toy vehicle traveling on track segment  156  will make contact with an actuation button  186  located on a surface of the vehicle capturing device  172  such that actuation of actuation button  186  causes the vehicle capturing device  172  (e.g., shark) to have its pivoting jaw members moved out of the gap in vehicle track path  144 . Movement of the pivoting jaw members out of the gap in vehicle track path  144  will provide added play features in that, one embodiment will require the pivoting jaw members to be arranged in a vertical orientation with respect to the rest of the shark body in order to allow the playset  110  to transition from the second orientation  112  back into the first orientation  111 . In other words and in order to return the playset back to the original or first orientation  111 , a user will have to complete the entire vehicle track path  144  and contact the actuation button  186  on the shark so that the playset can be reconfigured. 
     In addition, a portion of the vehicle track path is disposed on base level  118  and a movable gate  190  is pivotally mounted to the base level  118  for movement between a first blocking position, wherein vehicles traveling along the vehicle track on the base level  118  are prevented from contacting the trigger  170  of the slow release mechanism  159  and a second non-blocking position, wherein vehicles traveling along the vehicle track on the base level  118  can pass the movable gate  190  and contact the trigger  170 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 25A-25K  an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Here playset  210  is reconfigurable from a first orientation  211  illustrated at least in  FIGS. 25A-25B  to a second orientation  212  (illustrated at least in  FIG. 25C ). In the first orientation, a vehicle track path  220  defined by a track segment  222  causes a toy vehicle  199  to travel from a top-level  214  below an intermediary level  216  to a bottom level  218 . In this configuration and when the toy vehicle travels into the bottom level  218  the vehicle will be received within a carriage  219  slidably received upon a guide  221  that slides from a first position  223  to a second position  225  in the direction of arrow  227  in response to the vehicle being received by the carriage. Simultaneously, this movement causes a portion  229  of the playset to pivot in a first direction  231  and thereafter a second portion  233  pivots in another direction  235  wherein a surface  237  is provided to receive the toy vehicle  199  from the carriage  219 . 
     Alternatively, the playset  210  can be configured into the second orientation  212  wherein an alternative vehicle track path  240  is provided and vehicle track segment  222  is elevated in the direction of arrow  245  such that it now delivers the toy vehicle to the intermediary level  216 . Similar to the previous embodiment, the playset  210  has a crane member  234  rotatably secured thereto.  FIGS. 25D-25K  illustrate various views of the playset in either of the first orientation  211  or the second orientation  212 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 25A-29B  other alternative playsets  310  are illustrated in a first orientation  311  and a second orientation  312 . As with previous embodiments each of the aforementioned playsets are configured to be secured to an edge of a surface such as a tabletop with a clamping mechanism. Thereafter, each of the playsets are capable of being manipulated between the first orientation in the second orientation while being secured the surface such that levels or surfaces of the playsets are adjusted either upwardly, downwardly or laterally with respect to the surface they are secured to. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 30A-32C  other alternative playsets  410  are illustrated in a first orientation  411  and a second orientation  412 . As with previous embodiments each of the aforementioned playsets are configured to be secured to an edge of a surface such as a tabletop with a clamping mechanism  430 . Thereafter, each of the playsets are capable of being manipulated between the first orientation  411  and the second orientation  412  while being secured the surface such that levels or surfaces of the playsets are adjusted either upwardly, downwardly or laterally with respect to the surface they are secured to. 
     For example and referring now to  FIGS. 30A-30C  and as in some of the previous embodiments, a release mechanism  459  has a trigger or switch  470  coupled thereto wherein actuation of the release mechanism  459  causes the playset  410  to transition from the first orientation  411  into the second orientation  412  by for example, releasing a catch  461  that releasably holds a deployable portion  471  of the playset  110  in the first orientation  411 . Once the deployable portion  471  is released gravity forces cause it to move from the first orientation  411  to the second orientation  412 . In this embodiment the deployable portion slides downwardly with a shaft or rod  473  such that deployable portion  471  is lower than other portions of the playset  410 . As the deployable portion moves from the first orientation  411  to the second orientation, a plurality of sidewalls  475  pivotally secured to the deployable portion  471  transition from a closed position ( FIG. 30A ) to an open position ( FIGS. 30B and 30C ). 
     In addition and when the trigger or switch  470  is actuated another catch  477  is actuated such that a pivotally mounted ramp  479  can transition from a first closed position ( FIG. 30A ) to a second open position ( FIGS. 30B and 30C ). Again, this is achieved by gravity forces although alternative embodiments contemplate spring biased mechanism or equivalents thereof. Once in the open position the ramp  479  provides a portion of a path  481  an object or toy vehicle  420  can travel down. In one embodiment and once the car or object  420  travels down path  481  and onto deployable portion  471  an actuator  483  coupled to sidewalls  475  causes them to transition from an open position ( FIG. 30B ) to a closed position ( FIG. 30C ). Movement of the side walls  475  may be achieved by any mechanism known to those skilled in the related arts for example a linkage coupling actuator  483  to side walls  475  or a spring biased mechanism that releases potential energy once actuator  483  is manipulated by car or object  420  making contact with the same. 
       FIGS. 31A-31D  illustrate yet another alternative embodiment wherein a release mechanism  459  has a trigger or switch  470  coupled thereto wherein actuation of the trigger or switch  470  causes the release mechanism  459  of the playset  410  to transition from the first orientation  411  into the second orientation  412  by for example, releasing a catch  461  that releasably holds a deployable portion  471  of the playset  110  in the first orientation  411 . Once the deployable portion  471  is released it pivots to an open position illustrated in  FIGS. 31B-31D  and a ramp  479  pivotally mounted to the playset  410  moves downwardly and defines a portion of a path  481  the toy vehicle or object  420  can travel on. In this embodiment, the playset  410  further comprises a item  485  pivotally mounted to a shaft or member  487  such that once the playset  410  is moved into the second orientation  412  the item  485  oscillates back and forth in the direction of arrows  489  due to item  485  being configured to travel down a serpentine path or groove  491  of the shaft or member  487 . The item  485  will be movably mounted to the shaft  487  via a collar or other equivalent member having a protrusion configured to engage the serpentine path or shaft  487  such that as gravity pulls the item downwardly, the slidable engagement of the protrusion with groove  491  causes the item  485  to oscillate back and forth. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the item  485  is configured to resemble a crane and has a tray  493  configured to receive the car or object  420  thereon. As illustrated, the tray  493  oscillates back and forth with the body of item  485  until it travels from an elevated position in  FIG. 31A  to the deployed or lower position in  FIG. 31D . Once the item  485  is in the deployed or lower position, the tray  493  is aligned with ramp member  479 . In this embodiment, the playset  410  also has a collapsible wall member  475  that is capable of moving from an upright position in  FIG. 31C  to a knocked down position in  FIG. 31D  when the crane or item  485  is moved into the lower position. Accordingly and as the crane oscillates back in forth in the direction or arrows  489 , a portion of the crane makes contact with the pivotally mounted wall member  475  and knocks it down. At the same time, the tray  493  is in a position to drop a toy car  420  down ramp  479 , which comprises a portion of path  381 . 
       FIGS. 32A-32C  illustrate still yet another alternative embodiment wherein a release mechanism  459  has a trigger or switch  470  coupled thereto wherein actuation of the trigger or switch  470  causes the release mechanism  459  of the playset  410  to transition from the first orientation  411  into the second orientation  412  by for example, releasing a catch  461  that releasably holds a deployable portion  471  of the playset  110  in the first orientation  411 . Once the deployable portion  471  is released it drops downwardly due to gravity and pivots to an open position illustrated in  FIGS. 32B-32C . In this embodiment, the playset  410  further comprises a item  485  rotatably mounted to a shaft or member  487  such that once the playset  410  is moved into the second orientation  412  the item  485  rotates in the direction of arrow  489  due to item  485  being configured to travel down a circular path or groove  491  of the shaft or member  487 . The item  485  will be movably secured to the shaft  487  via a collar or other equivalent member having a protrusion configured to engage the groove or path or shaft  491 . 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the item  485  is configured to resemble a tray  493  configured to receive the car or object  420  thereon. As illustrated, the tray  493  rotates about pole  487  until it travels from an elevated position in  FIG. 32A  to the deployed or lower position in  FIG. 32D . Once the item  485  is in the deployed or lower position, the tray  493  is aligned a lower portion of the playset, which is shown in the deployed configuration. 
     Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been disclosed, one of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention and it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.