Abstract:
A child&#39;s interactive track play set includes a tower having a first track portion and a second track portion. The first track portion and the second track portion are separate from each other. The track play set includes a platform with elastic member located below the first track portion. Objects are transferred off of the first track portion and onto the platform, which redirects the objects onto the second track portion. Furthermore, the first and second track portions may contain a plurality of switches that actuate a plurality of lights and sounds located throughout the track play set.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/668,158, entitled “Infant&#39;s Interactive Track Play Set”, filed Jul. 5, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to toy entertainment devices, and in particular, to a free standing interactive track play set. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Infants develop by interacting with their surrounding environment. Sensory stimuli are an infant&#39;s first sources of learning. For example, seeing moving elements fosters development of motor and visual tracking skills, and listening to music and sounds stimulates auditory skills. 
         [0004]    Consequently, toys are often developed to create an interactive, sensory stimulating experience for an infant. For example, mobiles aid the development of an infant by improving vision and eye-tracking skills, while infant gyms improve the infant&#39;s coordination, balance, strength, and flexibility. Interactive track play sets allow an infant to focus on an object moving along a predetermined path, stimulating motor and visual tracking skills. In addition, it is believed that music and sounds generated by the toys enhance listening skills and inspire creative thinking. 
         [0005]    Some toy track play sets include rotatable elements to enhance sensory stimulation. Movement of the rotatable elements may be activated by an object passing by or through a mechanism. However, such track play sets only provide for movement of an object about a single track, where the moving object is placed by the user onto the track and does not leave the predetermined path of the track until removed by the user. It would be desirable to provide a track play set that increases the developmental potential of an infant by providing an additional level of visual tracking stimulation. Therefore, there is a need for an interactive track play set where the moving object is launched out of a chute to a platform that redirects the moving object onto a track. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention is directed an interactive track play set that contains a central tower with a plurality of extending support arms. At the top of the tower is a first track portion that contains a spout. Below the spout, located on one of the support arms, is a platform with an elastic member. Positioned about the central tower and plurality of support arms is a second track portion. The second track portion is positioned below the first track portion and the platform. Furthermore, the platform is configured to redirect and object from the first track portion and the spout onto the second track portion. Moreover, the first and second track portions may contain a plurality of switches that actuate a plurality of lights and sounds located throughout the track play set. Finally, one of the support arms may contain an infrared beam and sensor, that when the beam is interrupted, actuates sound effects from the track play set. 
         [0007]    The present invention is directed to a track play set that includes a tower with a top end and a bottom end, a first track portion that is attached to the tower and includes an outlet, a platform mounted to the tower at a location lower than the outlet, and an elastic member coupled to the platform and configured to redirect an object from the outlet onto a second track portion. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the platform includes a centrally positioned aperture with the elastic member covering the aperture. Furthermore, the first track portion includes a spout that defines the outlet. The spout also includes an inlet, and the inlet and outlet are, respectively, configured for receiving and disbursing an object. Moreover, the outlet of the spout is oriented to direct an object from the first track portion toward the elastic member. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, at the bottom end of the tower is a base that is configured to engage a supporting surface. Additionally, the tower has an arm positioned between the top end and the bottom end that supports the platform. 
         [0010]    The present invention is directed to a track play set containing a support member that includes a laterally extending arm, a first track portion coupled to the support member, and a trampoline mounted onto the arm, where the trampoline is configured to be engaged by an object from the first track portion and redirect the object off of the trampoline and onto a second track portion. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the second track portion is separate from the first track portion. Additionally, the trampoline includes a support with an aperture and an elastic member coupled to the support proximate to the aperture. Moreover, the support member comprises a base, the base being configured to engage a supporting surface. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the first track portion includes a spout that defines an inlet and an outlet that are configured for receiving and disbursing the object respectively. Furthermore, the outlet of the spout is oriented to direct an object from the first track portion towards the trampoline. 
         [0013]    The present invention is directed to a track play set including a tower with a top end and a bottom end, a first track portion attached to the tower, a support arm mounted to and laterally extending from the tower, and a platform disposed on the support arm that contains a centrally positioned aperture and an elastic member coupled to the platform and covering the aperture, the elastic member configured to redirect an object from the first track portion onto a second track portion. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the second track portion is separate from the first track portion. Moreover, the platform is located below the first track portion and above the second track portion. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, the first track portion includes a spout defining an inlet and an outlet that are configured for receiving and disbursing the object. Furthermore, the outlet of the spout is oriented to direct an object from the first track portion toward the elastic member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates a top perspective view of a child&#39;s track play set according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates a rear perspective view of the track play set of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a spout and trampoline of the track play set of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front perspective view of the spout of the track play set of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4   a  illustrates an internal view of one side of the spout of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4   b  illustrates an internal view of a second side of the spout of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the trampoline of the track play set of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5   a  illustrates a cross sectional view of the trampoline of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional view of a track portion of the track play set of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of a track connection member of the track play set of  FIG. 1 ; 
       
    
    
       [0026]    Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is a top perspective view of the child&#39;s track play set. The track play set  100  includes a base  200  with a central region  202 . In one embodiment, the central region  202  may contain a first extension  204  and a second extension  206  that extend from the central region  202  in a substantially horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the first extension  204  and the second extension  206  extend from the central region  202  in a manner that, when viewed from above, the combination of the central region  202 , first extension  204  and second extension  206  form a V-shape. In other embodiments, the central region  202  may contain more or less than two extensions. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the base  200  contains one satellite base portion  208 . Extending substantially vertically from the satellite base portion  208  is a side pillar  250 . In other embodiments, the central region  202  may contain more or less than one satellite base portion. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a central pillar  230  extends in a substantially vertical direction from the central region  202  of the base  200 . Extending in a substantially vertical direction from the first base extension  204  and arching to the central pillar  230  is upper archway  210 . Upper archway  210  includes a first end  212  that connects to the central pillar  230  proximate to the top  232  of the central pillar  230 . Upper archway  210  further includes a second end  214  that connects to the first base extension  204 . Proximate to the second end  214  is a paddle member  216  that is configured to be batted by a child or infant and rotate about the upper archway  210 . Moreover, the upper archway  210  is shaped to create an archway over the first base extension  204 , where an infant or small child can crawl or walk under the upper archway  210 . 
         [0030]    Continuing with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a lower archway  220  extends in a substantially vertical direction from second base member  206  and arches to connect to the central pillar  230 . Lower archway  220  includes a first end  222  that connects to the central pillar  230  at a point between the top  232  and bottom  234  of the central pillar  230 . Furthermore, the lower archway  220  includes a second end  224  that connects to the second base extension  206 . Proximate to the second end  224  is gate member  226  that is configured to rotate about the lower archway  220  when pushed or pulled by a child or infant. The lower archway  220  is configured for a child or infant to crawl underneath. Moreover, the lower archway  220  includes a horizontal top support portion  228 . As illustrated, positioned along the top support portion  228  of the lower archway  220  is a trampoline  400 . 
         [0031]    Continuing with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the central pillar  230  includes a speaker  238  mounted near the bottom  234 . The speaker  238  is configured to deliver sound when the track play set  100  is turned on and various devices are activated. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the speaker  238  may be a 57 mm sized speaker, while in other embodiments, the speaker  238  may be larger or smaller. Moreover, the bottom  234  of the central pillar  230  contains an IR motion detecting mechanism  236  that is directed toward the second end  214  of the upper archway  210 . The IR Motion detecting mechanism  236  is designed to detect a child&#39;s crawling/walking motion inside the upper archway  210 . This IR motion detecting mechanism  236  is an IR retro-reflective setup, where an IR LED located in the central pillar  230  will project light into the upper archway  210 . When there is an infant or child underneath the upper archway  210 , the child breaks a beam of IR light or redirects the IR light back to the IR receiver in the central pillar  230 , registering as an activation with the IR motion detecting mechanism  236 . In one embodiment, both the IR LED and IR Receiver sensor must be designed to prevent any IR light from coupling directly between the LED and Receiver. It is important that the emitting IR LED is angled such that it will not be reflecting any light off of the opposite side of the second end  214  of the upper archway  210  and must be placed so that objects  1000  rolling down the various track portions  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800  cannot activate it. For best performance, the angle between the LED and IR Receiver should be such that they cross midway through the upper archway  210 . 
         [0032]    Continuing with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , various track portions are illustrated, including a top track portion  500 , a first middle track portion  600 , a second middle track portion  700  and a bottom track portion  800 . In one embodiment, the top track portion  500  is positioned above the first middle track portion  600 , second middle track portion  700 , and bottom track portion  800 , and is rotated or wound around the central pillar  230 . The top track portion  500  includes a first end  502  and a second end  504 . The top track portion  500  is configured to receive an object  1000  and transport the object from the first end  502  to the second end  504 . Furthermore, the second end  504  is positioned above the first end  602  of the first middle track portion  600 , to enable an object  1000  traveling along the top track portion  500  and subsequently onto the first middle track portion  600 . In one embodiment, the object  1000  configured to travel along the track portions  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800  is a ball. 
         [0033]    First middle track portion  600  includes a first end  602  and a second end  606 . First middle track portion  600  is positioned with the first end  602  is attached to the central pillar  230 , below the second end  504  of the top track portion  500 . The first middle track portion  600  extends from the central pillar  230  to the side pillar  250 , where the first middle track portion  600  spirals or is wound around the side pillar  250 . The first middle track portion  600  contains a second end  606  that attaches to a track connection member  900 , which is located between the central pillar  230  and the side pillar  250 . At the first end  602  of the first middle track portion  600  is a spinner  604  that is configured to spin in place when contacted by a child or by an object  1000 . 
         [0034]    Additionally, a second middle track portion  700  is positioned on the track play set  100  below the first middle track portion  600 . Similar to the top track portion  500 , the second middle track portion  700  spirals, or is wound around, the central pillar  230 . The second middle track portion  700  includes a first end  702  and a second end  704 , the second end  704  that is attached to the track connection member  900 . Furthermore, a bottom track portion  800  is positioned beneath the top track portion  500 , the first middle track portion  600 , and the second middle track portion  700 . The bottom track portion  800  includes a first end  802  and a second end  804 . The first end  802  of the bottom track portion  800  is connected to one side of the track connection member  900 , and the second end  804  of the bottom track portion is connected to the opposite side of the track connection member  900 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the bottom track portion  800  is positioned to wrap around both the central pillar  230  and the side pillar  250 . 
         [0035]    Continuing with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , as illustrated, attached to the top  232  of the central pillar  230  is spout  300 . Furthermore, attached proximate to the bottom  234  of the central pillar  230  is an activation member  240 . The activation member  240 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , extends horizontally from the bottom  234  of the central pillar  230  and positioned directly above the bottom track portion  800 . The activation member  240  is configured to rotate about a horizontal axis when spun or batted by a child or infant, or when contacted by an object  1000  traveling along the bottom track portion  800 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , illustrated is a perspective view of the spout  300 , the trampoline  400 , and the top track portion  500 . As stated previously, the spout  300  is positioned on the top  232  of the central pillar  230 . As illustrated, the spout  300  includes an outlet  308  that is configured to output an object  1000 . Furthermore, the spout  300  is configured to output an object  1000  out of the outlet  308 , where the object  1000  falls along direction A to the trampoline  400 . The trampoline  400  is positioned on the top support portion  228  of the lower archway  220 . Moreover, the trampoline  400  includes an elastic/resilient cover  408  (illustrated as transparent) that is configured to receive the object  1000  that left the outlet  308  along path A, and redirect the object  1000  along direction B onto the top track portion  500 . The elastic/resilient cover  408  of the trampoline  400  is constructed of a material that will slightly deform and stretch when contacted by an object  1000  falling along direction A, and then quickly return to its original unstretched state, launching the object  1000  in direction B, onto the top track portion  500 . Furthermore, the trampoline  400  may be slidably engaged with the top support portion  228  of the lower archway  220 , enabling the trampoline  400  to be configured into an optimum position to receive objects  1000  traveling falling along direction A, and direct objects  1000  properly in direction B and onto the top track portion  500 . It should be noted that although elastic/resilient cover  408  is described above as being made of a material that will slightly deform and stretch when contacted by a falling object  1000 , the elastic/resilient cover  408  could be made from a more rigid plastic material that also works with the elasticity of the falling object  1000  itself to receive objects  1000  falling along direction A, and direct objects  1000  properly in direction B and onto the top track portion  500 . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 ,  4   a , and  4   b , illustrated are various views of the spout  300 . The spout  300  includes a first side  302 , illustrated in  FIG. 4   b , and a second side  304 , illustrated in  FIG. 4   a . The first side  302  contains an inlet  306 , in the shape of a circle on the side of the first side  302 . The inlet  306  is configured to receive an object  1000 . When the second side  304  and the first side  302  are connected together, the two sides  302 ,  304  form an outlet  308  that is configured to direct an object  1000  towards the trampoline  400 , as stated previously. Moreover, the first side  302  and the second side  304  form a connection member  310  on the bottom of the spout  300 . As illustrated, the connection member  310  has an outer diameter smaller than that of the body of the spout  300  directly above the connection member  310 , enabling the connection member  310  to slidably engage the top  232  of the central pillar  230 , positioning the spout  300  on the central pillar  230 . Additionally, the spout  300  contains a trigger mechanism  312  placed partially within the inlet  306 . The trigger mechanism  312  is configured to be depressed when an object  1000  passes through the inlet  306 , actuating the trigger mechanism  312 . In one embodiment, the trigger mechanism  312  is connected to electronic components within the track play set  100  that output a sound on a time delay. The sound will be output by the speaker  238  approximately at the time the object  1000  contacts the trampoline  400  positioned below the spout  300 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 5   a , illustrated are various views of the trampoline  400 . Similar to the spout  300 , the trampoline  400  contains a first side  402  and a second side  404 . When the first side  402  and the second side  404  of the trampoline  400  are connected together, an aperture  406  is formed in the top surface, or face, of the trampoline  400 . Furthermore, approximate to the bottom of the trampoline  400  is a connection opening  412 , which is configured to slideably engage the top support portion  228  of the lower archway  220 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . As stated previously, the trampoline  400  is able to slide along the top support portion  228  of the lower archway  220  (illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) to properly position the trampoline  400  underneath the spout  300 . When sliding the trampoline  400  along the top support portion  228  (illustrated in  FIG. 3 ), the top support portion  228  slides through the connection opening  412 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5   a , a cross sectional view of the second side  404  of the trampoline  400 , numerous retaining members  410  are positioned within the second side  404 , below the aperture  406 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5   a , the retaining members  410  support the resilient cover  408  below the aperture  406  in the trampoline  400 . Additionally, first side  402  is a mirror image of the second side  404 , including retaining members  410  positioned below the aperture  406 . As stated previously, the resilient cover  408  is constructed of a material that will slightly deform and stretch when contacted by an object  1000 . The resilient cover  408  then immediately returns to its original unstretched state, which launches the object  1000  onto the top track portion  500  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , illustrated is a cross sectional view of the central pillar  230 , the top track portion  500 , the first middle track portion  600 , and the spinner  604 . As illustrated, the spinner  604  is positioned within the first end  602  of the first middle track portion  600 . Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spinner  604  includes three fins  610 . Positioned within the central pillar  230 , and protruding outwardly from the central pillar  230 , is spinner trigger  608 . Spinner trigger  608  is shaped and configured to protrude from the central pillar  230  and into the first end  602  of the first middle track portion  230 , where the fins  610  of the spinner  604  are able to contact the spinner trigger  608 . As the spinner  604  is rotated, either by a child or from an object  1000  passing through the first end  602  of the first middle track portion  230 , the fins  610  contact the spinner trigger  608  causing the speaker  238  (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) to output a sound. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , illustrated is a cross sectional view of the track connection member  900 . In one embodiment, the track connection member  900  is of a substantially circular shape. The track connection member  900  includes a first inlet  902  on the top left portion of the track connection member  900 . Furthermore, a second inlet  904  is configured on the top right portion of the track connection member  900 . Moreover, the track connection member  900  includes a first outlet  906  positioned below the first inlet  902 , and a second outlet  908  positioned below the second inlet  904 . The second end  704  of the second middle track portion  700  is connected to the first inlet  902  of the track connection member  900 . The second end  606  of the first middle track portion  600  is connected to the second inlet  904  of the track connection member  900 . Additionally, the first end  802  of the bottom track portion  800  is connected to the first outlet  906  of the track connection member  900 , while the second end  804  of the bottom track portion  800  is connected to the second outlet  908  of the track connection member  900 . 
         [0041]    The track connection member  900  also includes a divider tab  910  positioned substantially vertically inside the track connection member  900 . As objects  1000  roll into the first inlet  902  of track connection member  900 , the divider tab  910  directs the object  1000  out of the first outlet  906  of the track connection member  900 . In addition, as objects  1000  roll into the second inlet  904  of track connection member  900 , the divider tab  910  directs the object  1000  out of the second outlet  908  of the track connection member  900 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the front of the track connection member  900  includes a viewing aperture  912  and a tray  914 . The viewing aperture  912  is configured to allow a child to view the object  100  entering the inlets  902 ,  904  to be redirected via the divider tab  910  to the outlets  906 ,  908 . Furthermore, the tray  914  is configured to retain objects  1000 .