Abstract:
A toy vehicle play set having a foldable base with first and second configurations. In one embodiment, the foldable base contains two portions that are movable relative to each other. Furthermore, the two portions of the foldable base are configured to face each other when the foldable base is in the stored configuration. The foldable base resembles a trailer in the first configuration and a wrestling ring in the second configuration. In another embodiment, the toy vehicle play set contains at least four posts and at least one resilient cord attached to the four posts. In another embodiment, the toy vehicle play set may be attached to a toy vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and is based on U.S. Patent Application No. 61/476,030, filed Apr. 15, 2011, entitled “Reconfigurable Play Set,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to a reconfigurable toy ring stage play set. The play set is configured to selectively transition between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the stowed configuration the play set may be folded one or more times about an axis of the play set, for easy storage and transportation of the play set. In the deployed configuration the play set is opened and is substantially parallel to the support surface with the play set ring ropes taut. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Wrestling and boxing have long been staples in providing hours of fun and entertainment for children and adults. Toy wrestling and boxing action figures and toy ring stages have allowed wrestling and boxing fans to reenact and create matches that resemble real-life wrestling and/or fighting activities. As wrestling continues to increase in popularity, so does the desire to have more play opportunities and apparatus that truly mimic the wrestling or boxing ring stage. Folding play sets are well known in the art and have provided end users an easy alternative for storing play sets as well transporting a play set (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,753,753; 7,618,301; and D555,210). The appeal of a folding play set has also resonated with parents, who often times need to transport or store the cumbersome play set. Although compacting or folding play sets presently exist, the time and effort necessary to set-up and break-down a folding play set often leads to frustrated children and parents, and reduces play time with the play set. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a compactable play set apparatus capable of easy set-up and break-down upon reconfiguration of the play set from a usable configuration to a stored or transportable configuration. It is also desirable to provide a play set configured to house play pieces, corresponding with the play set, in the stowed configuration, allowing for an all-in-one package. It is further desirable to provide a compactable play set apparatus that may be reconfigured for additional play patterns. For instance, the play set may be reconfigured into a vehicle or a figure, providing a variety of play configurations for end uses, thus increasing an end user&#39;s interaction with the reconfigurable play set. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one embodiment of the invention, a play set is provided and configured to transition from a deployed configuration to a stowed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the play set comprises a rectangular base surface having four posts, each mounted substantially perpendicular to the base surface, and one or more resilient cords attached about each of the four posts to create the match ring stage. The resilient cord may be taut to exemplify a full-scale match ring stage. The rectangular base comprises at least two shells pivotally attached to one another, and configured to transition between a stowed configuration, in which the shell members are facing each other, and a deployed configuration, in which the shell members abut one another and are parallel to a support surface. 
         [0005]    In an embodiment of the invention, the play set is configured to be selectively transitioned between these aforementioned configurations by an end user. Alternatively, the play set may be configured to transition from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration, or vice versa, using a mechanical actuator, such as a spring. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, the play set may further include one or more accessories to enhance play. Accessories may include a figure, a garbage can, a ladder, a collapsible table, a chair, a launcher, a vehicle and other wrestling related elements. Each play set may include any number of wrestling specific accessories that further the theme of the play set. 
         [0007]    In yet another embodiment, the play set may be configured to accommodate a launcher. A launcher may be mounted to a post of the play set, or accessory element associated with the play set. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the play set base may further incorporate a third shell pivotally attached to the first and second shells, providing an alternative form for reconfiguring the play set. 
         [0009]    Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood more readily after consideration of the Detailed Description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  provides a side perspective view of a compactable ring stage play set in a deployed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  provides a top perspective view of the compactable ring stage play set of  FIG. 1  in a stowed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  provides a top perspective view of the compactable ring stage play set of  FIG. 1  in a transition configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  provides a rear perspective view of the compactable ring stage play set of  FIG. 1  in a stowed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  provides a side perspective view of the reconfigured ring stage play set of  FIG. 1  in a stowed configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  provides a side perspective view of the reconfigured ring stage play set of  FIG. 1  in a stowed configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]      FIG. 1  provides a side perspective view of a compactable ring stage play set  10  in a deployed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The play set  10  features a rectangular base  12  situated substantially parallel to a support surface, and comprising four ring posts  14  vertically attached at various peripheries of the base  12  to encompass the ring stage  32 . The play set  10  further comprises at least one resilient cord  16  attached about each of the four posts  14  to create the toy match ring stage  32 . Each of the at least one resilient cords  16  form a closed loop when attached to the four posts  14 . Each resilient cord  16  is substantially parallel to the base  12 , in the deployed configuration, and mounted to the posts  14  at increased distances from the base  12 . The resilient cord  16  may be fixedly or loosely attached to the post  14  by various fastening means known to someone of skill in the art, including hooks, eyebolts, turnbuckles, and the like.  FIG. 1  further provides a raised ring stage play set  10  to better exemplify the ‘stage’ aspect of the play set  10 . The raised play set  10  also includes a ring skirt  18  attached to the base  12 , and configured to descend downwardly from the base  12  to hide and/or cover the means for raising the base  12 . In one embodiment, the skirt  18  may be pivotally attached to the base  12 . 
         [0017]    As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the base  12  is comprised of a first shell  22 , a second shell  24 , and a third shell  26 . The first shell  22  is pivotally attached to the second shell  24 , and the second shell  24  is pivotally attached to the third shell  26 . In the deployed configuration, the three shells  22 ,  24 , and  26 , are configured to abut one another and rest substantially parallel to the support surface, creating the base  12 . The play set  10  may further comprise a slidable clip  20  for securing at least two shells  22 ,  24  and  26 , in the deployed configuration. The clip  20  is slidably attached to a shell and may be situated to restrict a pivot point between shells  22 ,  24 , and  26 , and to align one shell with an abutting second shell. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the clip  20  restricts the first shell  22  to second shell  24  pivot point, thus securing the base  12  in the deployed configuration. As the resilient cord  16  is configured to provide tension once the play set  10  is in the deployed configuration, the clip  20  functions to secure the abutting shells together to secure the base  12 , and ensure the resilient cord  16  remains taut. The taut characteristic of the ring stage play set  10  is created almost instantly after the play set  10  is transitioned to its deployed configuration, allowing for immediate utilization of the play set. 
         [0018]      FIG. 2  provides a top perspective view of a compactable ring stage play set  10  in a stowed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The play set  10  features a base  12  (not shown) comprising a first shell  22 , a second shell  24 , and a third shell  26 , with the first shell  22  pivotally attached to the second shell  24 , and the second shell  24  pivotally attached to the third shell  26 . In the stowed configuration, the first shell  22  and third shell  26  are configured substantially parallel to one another (and substantially perpendicular with respect to the support surface) and positioned a distance apart from one another, such that there is a gap  30  between the first shell  22  and third shell  26 . The play set  10  may include a latch (not shown) for securing the play set  10  in the stowed configuration. The latch may be configured to secure the first shell  22  to the third shell  26 . Alternatively, the latch may be configured to link the play set  10  to a second play set in the deployed configuration. The posts  14  remain fixedly attached to the base  12  and are configured to fit within the boundaries of the gap  30 , when the play set  10  is in the stowed configuration. In one embodiment, the posts  14  may be slightly offset from one another to fit within the boundaries of the gap  30 . The gap  30  may also be utilized to store elements associated with the play set  10 , including figures and accessories, for convenient transportation of the play set  10  and associated elements.  FIG. 2  also provides two skirts  18  pivotally attached to the base  12 , and oriented substantially parallel to the abutting shells,  22  and  26 . 
         [0019]    The first shell  22  and third shell  26  are spaced closer to one another in the stowed configuration than in the deployed configuration, allowing the resilient cord  16  to become slack.  FIG. 2  further depicts a cover  34 , pivotally attached to the base  12 . The cover  34  comprises three parts: a face  36 , a roof  38 , and a stern  40 , wherein the face  36  is pivotally mounted to the base  12 , the roof  38  is pivotally mounted to the face  36 , and the stern  40  is pivotally mounted to the roof  38 . The various elements of the cover  34  are configured to border the gap  30  created by the first shell  22  and third shell  26  in the stowed configuration, and encapsulating the play set  10  for superior transport and storing value. In various embodiments, the cover  34  may incorporate one or more latches  28  to secure the cover  34 . 
         [0020]      FIG. 3  provides a rear perspective view of a compactable ring stage play set in a transition configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As  FIG. 3  depicts a transition point between the stowed configuration and deployed configuration, the first shell  22  and third shell  26  are configured substantially perpendicular to one another and further illustrate the slack nature of the resilient cord  16 .  FIG. 3  also depicts the slidable clip  20  situated to allow pivoting between shells  22 ,  24 , and  26 . The arrow shown on the clip  20  illustrates the direction of travel for the slidable clip  20 . As in  FIG. 2 , the skirts  18  are pivotally attached to the base  12 , and configured substantially parallel to the abutting shells,  22  and  26 , for transition to the stowed configuration. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , two sets of cords  16  between posts  14  are taught and the other two sets of cords  16  have slack. 
         [0021]      FIG. 4  provides a rear perspective view of a ring stage play set  10  in a stowed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The base  12  has been transitioned into the stowed configuration with the first shell  22 , second shell  24 , and third shell  26  oriented such that the first shell  22  and third shell  26  are substantially parallel to one another and positioned a distance apart from one another, creating a gap  30  (see  FIG. 2 ). The cover  34  has been partially attached to the base  12  to create an enclosure. The face  36  and roof  38  of the cover have been attached to the base  12 , and the stern  40  remains open, and pivotally attached to the roof  38 , to allow for insertion of elements associated with the play set  10  into the compartment for storage and/or transport.  FIG. 4  also provides an illustration of the slack nature of the resilient cords  16  in the stowed configuration. 
         [0022]      FIG. 5  provides a side perspective view of a reconfigured ring stage play set in a stowed configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5  provides one example of a transformation of the play set  10 . The play set  10  is in the stowed configuration with the cover  34  fully attached to the base  12 , and further comprises two wheels  42  coupled to the play set  10  to emulate a toy trailer  44  assembly. The trailer  44  is constructed from the base  12  and cover  36 , with the first shell  22  in combination with a skirt  18 , forming one wall of the trailer, and the third shell  26  (not shown) in combination with a second skirt  18  (not shown), forming the adjacent second wall of the trailer  44  (not shown.) The second shell  24  becomes the chassis of the trailer  44 , and the wheels  42  attach to the chassis. In the toy ring  10  configuration, the wheels  42  provide support for the raised ring stage  32 , emulating the ‘stage’ aspect. The cover  34  encapsulates the base  12  to complete the trailer  44 . Although a vehicle trailer  44  has been depicted in  FIG. 5 , the common rectangular shape of the reconfigured play set  10  lends itself to a variety of toys, including figures, vehicles, and the like. 
         [0023]      FIG. 6  provides a side perspective view of a reconfigured ring stage play set in a stowed configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The reconfigured trailer  44  is further accompanied by a tractor  46  coupled to the trailer  44  depicting an additional play pattern. 
         [0024]    The resilient cord  16  may be fabricated from any suitable material, or combinations of materials, such as supple natural or synthetic materials including, but not limited to, cotton, elastomers, polyester, plastic filament, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. The base  12 , posts  14 , and clip  20  may be fabricated from any suitable material, or combination of materials, such as plastic, foamed plastic, wood, cardboard, pressed paper, metal, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Finally, the ring skirt  18  may be fabricated from any suitable material, or combinations of materials, such as plastic, foamed plastic, wood, cardboard, pressed paper, metal, supple natural or synthetic materials including, but not limited to, cotton, elastomers, polyester, plastic filament, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Suitable plastics may include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or the like. Suitable foamed plastics may include expanded or extruded polystyrene, expanded or extruded polypropylene, EVA foam, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. 
         [0025]    Alternative means to describe the present invention include the following. In one embodiment, a reconfigurable play set comprising a foldable base; four posts attached about the base; and at least one resilient cord attached to the four posts, wherein the resilient cord is configured to be taut in one configuration and slack in the second configuration. 
         [0026]    In an alternative embodiment, the play set above, wherein the foldable base comprises at least two portions. 
         [0027]    In an alternative embodiment, the play set above, wherein two portions of the folding base are configured to face each other in a first configuration. 
         [0028]    In an alternative embodiment, the play set above, wherein at least two portions of the folding base are configured to abut one other in a second configuration. 
         [0029]    In an alternative embodiment, the play set above, wherein the play set is configured to be selectively transitioned between a first and second configuration by an end user. 
         [0030]    In an alternative embodiment, the play set above, wherein the play set is configured to be selectively transitioned between a first and second configuration by a mechanical actuator. 
         [0031]    In an alternative embodiment, the play set above, wherein at least two posts are configured to face each other in a first configuration. 
         [0032]    In an alternative embodiment, the play set above, further comprising a toy accessory, selected from a group consisting of a figure, a garbage can, a ladder, a collapsible table, a chair, a vehicle and other wrestling related elements. 
         [0033]    In an alternative embodiment, the play set above, further comprising a figure launcher. 
         [0034]    In an alternative embodiment, the play set above, further comprising a pair of wheels attached to the ring stage. 
         [0035]    In an alternative embodiment, the play set above, wherein the folding base comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, with the first portion pivotally attached to the second portion, and the second portion pivotally attached to the third portion. 
         [0036]    In an alternative embodiment, the play set immediately above, wherein the first portion and third portion of the folding base are configured to face each other and the second portion is configured substantially perpendicular to the first portion and third portion, in a first configuration. 
         [0037]    In another embodiment, a reconfigurable vehicle comprises a tractor; and a semi-trailer detachably connected to the tractor, wherein, the semi-trailer is reconfigurable to a wrestling ring play set. 
         [0038]    In an alternative embodiment, the play set above, wherein the wrestling ring play set further comprises wrestling ring ropes configured to be taut when reconfiguring the semi-trailer to the wrestling ring play set. 
         [0039]    It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where any description recites “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such disclosure should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. 
         [0040]    While the invention has been described in detail and with references to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, the majority of the elements can be formed of molded plastic. However, in alternative embodiments, the elements can be formed of a material other than plastic provided that the material has sufficient strength for the component&#39;s intended function.