US20110117813A1 - Toy Vehicle Play Set - Google Patents
Toy Vehicle Play Set Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110117813A1 US20110117813A1 US12/618,020 US61802009A US2011117813A1 US 20110117813 A1 US20110117813 A1 US 20110117813A1 US 61802009 A US61802009 A US 61802009A US 2011117813 A1 US2011117813 A1 US 2011117813A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- roller
- lift
- base
- play set
- movable
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H17/00—Toy vehicles, e.g. with self-drive; ; Cranes, winches or the like; Accessories therefor
- A63H17/26—Details; Accessories
- A63H17/44—Toy garages for receiving toy vehicles; Filling stations
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a toy vehicle play set, and in particular, to a car wash play set that includes a vehicle lift and at least one wash roller cooperating with the lift.
- Some conventional vehicle play sets are configured to simulate real life situations, e.g. a parking garage, a service station, a fire station, etc. Many such play sets are often relatively bulky and contain numerous components, thereby increasing manufacturing costs. In addition, bulky play sets are not easily portable by a child.
- the play set includes a frame including a base, a lift coupled to the base and movable toward and away from the base, and a first roller coupled to the frame.
- the first roller is engageable with and pivotally movable by the lift or an object on the lift when the lift is moved away from the base.
- the first roller is movable along an arcuate path.
- the first roller is coupled to the base via a first roller arm.
- the first roller arm includes a first end pivotally coupled to the base and an opposite, distal second end.
- the first roller is connected to and extends outwardly from the distal second end.
- the car wash play set includes a second roller coupled to the base and engageable with and pivotally movable by the lift when the lift is moved away from the base.
- the first roller may be movable in a first direction
- the second roller may be movable in a second direction opposite the first direction.
- the first roller may be movable along a first arcuate path
- the second roller may be movable along a second arcuate path.
- the car wash play set includes a support plate extending upwardly from the base and defines a lift guide slot.
- the lift includes a clip retained within and slidably movable along the lift guide slot.
- the car wash play set includes a support plate extending upwardly from the base and defining a roller guide slot.
- the first roller includes a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along the roller guide slot.
- the roller guide slot may define an arcuate path.
- a play set for toy vehicles in another embodiment, includes a frame including a base defining a first track portion lying on a first plane and a second track portion lies on a second plane spaced from the first plane.
- a lift is coupled to the frame and movable between a lowered position adjacent the first track portion and a raised position adjacent the second track portion.
- a first roller assembly is pivotally connected to the base, and includes a first roller that is movable between a first position adjacent the base and a second position adjacent the second track portion. The first roller engages and is moved by the lift from the first position to the second position when the lift is moved from the lowered position to the raised position.
- the play set includes a second roller assembly pivotally connected to the frame.
- the second roller assembly includes a second roller engageable with and movable by the lift when the lift is moved from the lowered position to the raised position.
- the first roller may be movable in a first direction while the second roller is movable in a second direction opposite the first direction.
- the first roller may be movable along a first arcuate path
- the second roller may be movable along a second arcuate path.
- the play set includes a third track portion hingedly connected to a distal end of the second track portion.
- a play set for toy vehicles includes a frame including a base, a lift coupled to the frame and movable toward and away from the base, and first and second rollers.
- the lift has a first end portion and an opposite, second end portion.
- the first roller is pivotally coupled to the frame, and engageable with and movable by a first end portion of the lift in a first direction along a first arcuate path when the lift is moved away from the base.
- the second roller is pivotally coupled to the frame, and engageable with and movable by a second end portion of the lift in a second direction along a second arcuate path when the lift is moved away from the base.
- the first direction is different than the second direction.
- the first direction extends about a first axis and the second direction extends about a second axis, and the first direction is in a direction opposite to the second direction.
- the frame includes a support plate extending upwardly from the base.
- the support plate defines a lift guide slot and the lift includes a clip retained within and slidably movable along the lift guide slot.
- the support plate defines a first roller guide slot and a second roller guide slot.
- the first roller includes a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along the first roller guide slot
- the second roller includes a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along the second roller guide slot.
- the first arcuate path has a length and the second arcuate path has a length, the length of the first arcuate path being different than the length of the second arcuate path.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a play set for toy vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 a illustrates a schematic diagram of a play set showing a lift and first and second rollers in a first orientation
- FIG. 2 b illustrates a schematic diagram of a play set showing a lift and first and second rollers in a second orientation
- FIG. 2 c illustrates a schematic diagram of a play set showing a lift and first and second rollers in a third orientation
- FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a play set in an open orientation according to another embodiment
- FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the play set of FIG. 3 in a closed orientation
- FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of the play set of FIG. 3 showing a lift and first and second roller assemblies in a first orientation
- FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of the play set of FIG. 3 showing the lift and first and second roller assemblies in a second orientation
- FIG. 7 illustrates another perspective view of a portion of the play set of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the play set of FIG. 3 showing the second roller assembly in a lowered position
- FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the portion of the play set shown in FIG. 8 showing the second roller assembly in a raised position
- FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the play set of FIG. 3 showing a toy vehicle disposed on the lift;
- FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of the play set of FIG. 3 showing the lift and roller assemblies in a first orientation
- FIG. 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of the play set of FIG. 3 showing the lift and roller assemblies in a second orientation
- FIG. 13 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of the play set of FIG. 3 showing the lift and first and second roller assemblies in a third orientation
- FIG. 14 illustrates another perspective view of a play set showing various components of the play set.
- the play set 10 includes a base 12 , a lift 14 coupled to the base 12 and linearly movable toward and away from the base 12 along axis A 1 between a first position L 1 adjacent to the base 12 and a second position L 2 (shown in phantom) spaced from the base 12 .
- the base 12 and the support plate 40 collectively form a frame 11 for the play set 10 (see FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , and 2 c ).
- a first roller arm 16 includes a first end 18 and an opposite, distal second end 20 .
- the first end 18 is coupled to the frame 11 including base 12 via a support member (not shown in FIG. 1 ) and is pivotal about a second axis A 2 .
- a first roller 22 is coupled proximate to the second end 20 .
- the first roller 22 and/or the first roller arm 16 is engageable with and pivoted upwardly by the lift 14 or an object on the lift 14 as the lift 14 moves from the first position L 1 to the second position L 2 .
- the first roller 22 is movable toward and away from the base 12 between a first position R 1 a proximate to the base 12 and a second position R 1 b (shown in phantom) spaced from the base 12 .
- the first roller 22 moves in a first direction along a first arcuate path, shown by arrow D 1 , as it moves from the first position R 1 a to the second position R 1 b.
- a second roller arm 24 includes a first end 26 and an opposite, distal second end 28 .
- the first end 26 is coupled to the base 12 and pivotal about a third axis A 3 .
- a second roller 30 is coupled proximate to the second end 28 .
- the second roller 30 and/or the second roller arm 24 is engageable with and pivoted upwardly by the lift 14 or an object on the lift 14 as the lift 14 moves from the first position L 1 to the second position L 2 .
- the second roller 30 is likewise movable toward and away from the base 12 between a first position R 2 a proximate to the base 12 and a second position R 2 b (shown in phantom) spaced from the base 12 .
- the second roller 30 moves in a second direction along a second arcuate path, shown by arrow D 2 , as it moves from the first position R 2 a to the second position R 2 b .
- the second direction about axis A 3 is opposite the first direction about axis A 2 .
- first roller 22 may move along the first arcuate path D 1 in a counterclockwise direction (relative to axis A 2 ) as the lift 14 moves from the first position L 1 to the second position L 2
- second roller 30 moves along the second arcuate path D 2 in a clockwise direction (relative to axis A 3 ) as the lift 14 moves from the first position L 1 to the second position L 2
- the extent of arcuate movement of the rollers 22 and 30 is determined in part by the length the length of the arms 16 and 24 .
- the frame 11 of the play set 10 includes a base 12 and a support or support plate 40 .
- the base 12 of play set 10 includes a first track portion 32 and a recess or depression 34 that is configured to receive the lift 14 therein.
- the first track portion 32 is integrally formed in the base 12 .
- the first track portion 32 may be formed separately and subsequently connected to the base 12 .
- an upper surface 36 of the lift 14 is substantially coplanar with the first track portion 32 when the lift 14 is disposed within the recess 34 .
- a toy vehicle such as a wheeled vehicle, may be easily moved along the first track portion 32 and onto the lift 14 when the lift 14 is in a lowered or first position L 1 .
- the first track portion 32 and the upper surface 36 of the lift 14 when the lift 14 is in the lowered position L 1 and disposed within the recess 34 , lie on a first plane P 1 .
- the play set 10 includes a second track portion 38 having at least a portion lying on a second plane P 2 spaced from the first plane P 1 (see FIG. 2 b ), and thus spaced from the first track portion 32 .
- the second track portion 38 is supported by the frame 11 .
- the upper surface 36 of the lift 14 is substantially coplanar with at least an edge of the end portion of the second track portion 38 lying on the second plane P 2 when the lift 14 is in a raised or second position L 2 , as shown in FIG. 2 b .
- the upper surface 36 of the lift 14 is movable between the first plane P 1 when the lift 14 is in the lowered position, and the second plane P 2 when the lift 14 is in the raised position.
- a toy vehicle may be moved along the first track portion 32 and onto the lift 14 when the lift 14 is in the lowered position, moved upwardly and away from the base 12 as the lift 14 is moved to the raised position, and then moved from the lift 14 to the second track portion 38 , which may be configured as a sloping exit ramp and/or coupled to additional track portions.
- the second track portion 38 may be coupled to the frame 11 via a support member or plate 40 extending upwardly from the base 12 .
- the support plate 40 defines a first roller guide slot 42 that has a configuration corresponding to the path of motion of the first roller 22 .
- the first roller guide slot 42 may have an arcuate configuration, corresponding to the first arcuate path D 1 along which the first roller 22 proceeds as it moves between the first position R 1 a and the second position R 1 b.
- the first roller 22 may include a distal end portion (described in further detail below) and/or connector coupled thereto that is disposed within and slidably movable along the first roller guide slot 42 .
- the support plate 40 may also define a second roller guide slot 44 having a configuration corresponding to the path of motion of the second roller 30 .
- the second roller guide slot 44 may have an arcuate configuration, corresponding to the second arcuate path D 2 along which the second roller 30 proceeds as it moves between the first position R 2 a and the second position R 2 b.
- the second roller 30 may include a distal end portion (described in further detail below) and/or connector disposed within and slidably movable along the second roller guide slot 44 .
- first roller 22 when the first roller 22 is disposed in a lowered or first position R 1 a , it rests against or is proximate to a first end portion 46 of the lift 14 when the lift 14 is in its lowered or first position L 1 .
- first roller arm 16 may rest against and engage an object such as a toy vehicle (not shown in FIG. 2 a ) that is placed on the lift 14 in its first position L 1 .
- the second roller 30 when the second roller 30 is disposed in a lowered or first position R 2 a, it rests against or is proximate an opposite second end portion 48 of the lift 14 when the lift 14 is in the first position L 1 .
- the second roller arm 24 may rest against and engage an object such as a toy vehicle that is placed on the lift 14 is in its first position L 1 .
- the first roller 22 rests against a portion of the vehicle and the second roller 30 rests against another portion of the vehicle.
- the first and second rollers 22 and 30 are pushed upwardly along the first and second arcuate paths D 1 and D 2 , respectively, by the vehicle, thereby simulating a real car wash with rollers that engage the vehicle.
- the first roller 22 moves along the first roller guide slot 42 and along the first arcuate path D 1 as it proceeds from its first position R 1 a toward its second position R 1 b .
- the first roller 22 and/or first roller arm 16 are pushed along the first arcuate path D 1 by the lift 14 or an object on the lift 14 as the lift 14 moves from its first position L 1 toward its second position L 2 .
- the second roller 30 moves along the second roller guide slot 44 and along the second arcuate path D 2 as it proceeds from the first position R 2 a toward the second position R 2 b.
- the second roller 30 and/or second roller arm 24 are likewise pushed along the second arcuate path D 2 by the lift 14 or an object on the lift 14 as the lift 14 moves from its first position L 1 toward its second position L 2 .
- the second roller 30 is pushed into a receptacle or area 50 disposed beneath the second track portion 38 by the lift 14 when the lift 14 is fully raised in its second position L 2 . In this way, the second roller 30 is disposed beneath the second plane P 2 when the lift 14 is in its second position L 2 , so that a vehicle disposed on lift 14 is not obstructed by the second roller 30 when exiting onto the second track portion 38 .
- the first arcuate path D 1 extends along a first angle and the second arcuate path D 2 extends along a second angle that is less than the first angle.
- the lengths and curvatures of the slots 42 and 44 dictate how and when the rollers 22 and 30 are moved out of the way of a vehicle located on the lift 14 .
- the second roller 30 is configured to move to a location out of the way of the toy vehicle as the toy vehicle moves onto track portion 38 .
- slot 44 defines a shorter path that has a greater degree of curvature than slot 42 .
- Roller 22 is moves upwardly via engagement with the toy vehicle or lift 14 and slot 42 permits movement of the roller 22 above the path of the uppermost position of the toy vehicle on the lift 14 .
- a third axis A 3 about which the second roller 30 pivots lies on a third plane P 3 parallel to the first plane P 1 and spaced therefrom by a first distance y 1 .
- the third plane P 3 is coplanar with the first plane P 1 .
- the second axis A 2 about which the first roller 22 pivots lies on a fourth plane P 4 parallel to the first plane P 1 and spaced therefrom by a second distance y 2 greater than the first distance y 1 .
- the lift 14 has two portions 14 a and 14 b that are pivotally coupled to each other at a joint by a connector 14 c.
- the first portion 14 a of the lift 14 includes the upper surface 36 of the lift 14 .
- the first portion 14 a may be pivoted so that the upper surface 36 is inclined toward the second track portion 38 . In this way, a toy vehicle disposed on the lift 14 may roll off the upper surface 36 and exit onto the second track portion 38 upon pivotal movement of the first portion 14 a of the lift 14 relative to the second portion 14 b.
- the first roller 22 may continue along the first arcuate path D 1 away from the base 12 . Accordingly, when the lift 14 is in its raised second position L 2 and the first portion 14 a has not yet been pivoted (as shown in FIG. 2 b ), the first roller 22 has not yet traversed the entire path of movement along the first arcuate path D 1 . As the first portion 14 a is pivoted upwardly so that the upper surface 36 is inclined toward the second track portion 38 , the first portion 14 a and/or the vehicle continues to engage and push the first roller 22 and/or first roller arm 16 along the first arcuate path D 1 (as shown in FIG. 2 c ).
- play set 100 includes a base 102 , a lift 104 coupled to the base 102 and linearly movable toward and away from the base 102 between a lowered position adjacent the base 102 and a raised position spaced from the base 102 .
- the play set 100 includes first and second rollers 106 and 108 that are coupled to the frame 103 and engageable with the lift 104 or a vehicle on the lift 104 .
- the rollers 106 and 108 may be a foam material that simulates a roller typically used in a car wash.
- the frame 103 includes a support plate 110 that extends upwardly from an edge of the base 102 to define a rear wall surface.
- a sidewall 112 extends upwardly from a first end 114 of the base 102 , which is connected to the support plate 110 .
- a top wall portion 116 is connected to and extends between the support plate 110 and the sidewall 112 , defining a cavity 118 in which the lift 104 and the first and second rollers 106 and 108 are housed.
- a cover 120 is hingedly connected to the base 102 along an edge 115 opposite the edge from which the support plate 110 extends.
- the cover 120 is pivotable between an open position as shown in FIG. 3 and a closed position as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the cover 120 may include a catch 122 extending outwardly from a distal edge 124 thereof, which engages a correspondingly located flange 126 extending outwardly from an edge of the top wall portion 116 when the cover 120 is pivoted to the closed position.
- the cover 120 may include a peripheral lip 128 that is retained against the edges of the sidewall 112 and the top wall portion 116 via a friction fit.
- the cover 120 includes an inner surface that has a track portion 202 formed therein. A toy vehicle can be moved along the track portion 202 and into the car wash portion of the play set 100 .
- the play set 100 When the cover 120 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 4 , the play set 100 has a relatively compact configuration and is easily portable.
- a structure 130 extends upwardly from the top wall portion 116 and may be grasped by a user to transport or move the play set 100 . As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the structure 130 may have a stylized flame configuration.
- the support plate 110 defines a first roller guide slot 148 that has an arcuate configuration and corresponds to the path of motion of the first roller 106 .
- the support plate 110 also defines a second roller guide slot 156 that has an arcuate configuration and corresponds to the path of motion of the second roller 108 .
- a first roller arm 132 includes a first end 134 and an opposite, distal second end 138 .
- the first end 134 is pivotally connected to an engagement member 136 that extends outwardly from the support plate 110 .
- the first end 134 includes an edge 135 defining an opening 137 in which a portion 139 of the engagement member 136 is inserted.
- the roller arm 132 can be snapped onto the engagement member 136 .
- a connector may be inserted into the opening 137 to couple the roller arm 132 to the engagement member 136 .
- the first roller 106 is coupled to the first roller arm 132 proximate to the second end 138 .
- a connector is inserted through an opening in the first roller arm 132 and engaged with the first roller 106 to couple the roller 106 to the first roller arm 132 .
- the first roller 106 has a longitudinal axis and is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. Accordingly, the axis of rotation of the first roller arm 132 about the engagement member 136 is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the first roller 106 .
- first roller 106 The movement of first roller 106 relative to the lift 104 corresponds to the movement of first roller 22 relative to the lift 14 , as described above and as illustrated in FIGS. 2 a - 2 c . Accordingly, the first roller 106 is engageable with and pivoted upwardly by the lift 104 or an object on the lift 104 as the lift 104 moves from a lowered position as shown in FIG. 5 to a raised position as shown in FIG. 6 . The first roller 106 moves along a first arcuate path (as shown in FIG. 1 by arrow D 1 ) as it moves from its lowered position to its raised position along slot 148 .
- a second roller arm 140 includes a first end 142 and an opposite, distal second end 146 .
- the first end 142 is pivotally connected to a frame portion or support strut 144 , which connects to and extends upwardly from the base 102 .
- the second roller 108 is coupled to second roller arm 140 proximate to end 146 .
- the second roller 108 has a longitudinal axis and is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. Thus, the axis of rotation of the second roller arm 140 is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the second roller 108 .
- the second roller 108 is engageable with and pivoted upwardly by the lift 104 or an object on the lift 104 as the lift 104 moves from the lowered position as shown in FIG. 5 to the raised position as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the second roller 108 moves along a second arcuate path (as shown in FIG. 1 by arrow D 2 ) as it moves from its lowered position to its raised position along slot 156 .
- the first roller 106 includes a distal end portion 150 having a stem 152 with a flanged end 154 .
- the stem 152 is disposed within and slidably movable along the first roller guide slot 148 as shown.
- the flanged end 154 has a diameter slightly larger than the width of the first roller guide slot 148 so that the stem 152 is retained within the first roller guide slot 148 . In this way, the distal end portion 150 of the first roller 106 is movably connected to the support plate 110 and the frame 103 .
- the second roller 108 includes a distal end portion 158 having a stem 160 and a flanged end 162 .
- the stem 160 is disposed within and slidably movable along the second roller guide slot 156 .
- the flanged end 162 has a diameter slightly larger than the width of the second roller guide slot 156 , thereby retaining the stem 160 within slot 156 so that the distal end portion 158 of the second roller 108 is movably connected to the support plate 110 and the frame 103 .
- the support plate 110 also defines a lift guide slot 164 .
- the lift guide slot 164 defines the range of motion of the lift 104 relative to the base 102 .
- the lift 104 includes a clip 166 coupled proximate to an upper surface 168 .
- the clip 166 is configured to be retained within and slidably movable along the lift guide slot 164 .
- the clip 166 may have an ‘I’ configuration in cross-section, such that a central portion of the clip 166 is disposed within the lift guide slot 164 and retained therein via opposing flanged ends.
- the lift 104 is movable between a lowered position adjacent the base 102 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 , and a raised position spaced from the base 102 as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the base 102 of play set 100 includes a first track portion 170 and a recess 172 configured for receiving the lift 104 , as best shown in FIG. 6 .
- the first track portion 170 is integrally formed in the base 102 .
- the upper surface 168 of the lift 104 is substantially coplanar with the first track portion 170 when the lift 104 is disposed within the recess 172 , as shown in FIG. 5 , so that a toy vehicle (not shown) may be easily moved along the first track portion 170 and onto the lift 104 when the lift 104 is in the lowered position.
- the base 102 includes a second track portion 174 which lies on a plane spaced from the plane on which the first track portion 170 lies.
- the second track portion 174 is configured as an inclined exit ramp having an end 176 substantially coplanar with the upper surface 168 of the lift 104 when the lift has been moved to its raised position, as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the second track portion 174 is connected to frame portion 144 .
- the frame portion 144 and the second track portion 174 may be either integrally formed or separately formed components.
- Frame portion 144 includes a first leg 178 and a second leg 180 angularly disposed relative to the first leg 178 , which collectively define a recess 182 disposed beneath the second track portion 174 .
- the second roller guide slot 156 extends into a portion of the support plate 110 adjacent the recess 182 , so that the second roller 108 may be moved into the recess 182 when in its raised position, as shown in FIG. 9 .
- each of the engagement members 184 and 186 contain an opening and is located proximate to an underside 188 of the second track portion 174 .
- the second roller 108 When the second roller 108 is pivoted from its lowered position to its raised position, the second roller 108 is releasably retained between the first and second engagement members 184 and 186 , such as by a friction fit.
- the second roller 108 may be formed from a resiliently compressible material, such as a foam material, which compresses slightly when pushed past the first engagement member 184 .
- the first roller 106 may be formed of a similar material.
- a wheeled vehicle V may be moved onto the lift 104 from the first track section 170 when the lift 104 is disposed in its lowered position within the recess 172 in the base 102 .
- the first roller 106 rests against a first portion of the vehicle V and the second roller 108 rests against a second portion of the vehicle V.
- the flanged end 154 of the distal end portion 150 of the first roller 106 is disposed within the first roller guide slot 148 at a position proximate the base 102 .
- the flanged end 162 of the distal end portion 158 of the second roller 108 is disposed with the second roller guide slot 156 at a position proximate the base 102 .
- the clip 166 of the lift 104 is disposed in the lift guide slot 164 at a position proximate to the base 102 .
- the first and second rollers 106 and 108 are pushed upwardly along their arcuate paths (as shown by arrows D 1 and D 2 in FIG. 1 ) by the vehicle V and/or the lift 104 .
- the flanged end 154 of the distal end portion 150 of the first roller 106 moves along the first roller guide slot 148 in a first direction and away from the base 102 .
- the flanged end 162 of the distal end portion 158 of the second roller 108 moves along the second roller guide slot 156 in a second direction away from the first direction and away from the base 102 .
- the clip 166 of the lift 104 moves upwardly along the lift guide slot 164 in a linear direction and away from the base 102 .
- the lift guide slot 164 includes detents 190 and 192 disposed at an upper end portion thereof.
- the detents 190 and 192 are configured to engage indents 194 and 196 provided in the clip 166 when the clip 166 is in a fully raised position. In this way, the clip 166 and the lift 104 may be releaseably retained in the fully raised position adjacent the second track portion 174 .
- a connector 195 is used to couple the lift 104 to the clip 166 .
- a first portion 104 a of the lift 104 including the upper surface 168 is pivotally connected to a second portion 104 b via a connector 104 c.
- the first portion 104 a may be pivoted so that the upper surface 168 is inclined toward the second track portion 174 , so that a vehicle V disposed thereon rolls off the upper surface 168 and onto the second track portion 174 .
- the first portion 104 a continues to push the first roller 106 along its arcuate path of movement in the first direction away from the base 102 .
- the first portion 104 a continues to engage and push the first roller 106 upwardly along its arcuate path, as shown in FIG. 13 .
- the play set 100 includes a third track portion 198 hingedly connected to a distal end 200 of the second track portion 174 .
- the cover 120 also includes a fourth track portion 202 , which is integrally formed therewith. In an open position, cover 120 and base 102 rest on a support surface and the fourth track portion 202 is aligned with the first track portion 170 , so that a toy vehicle V may be easily moved along the fourth track portion 202 and onto the adjoining first track portion 170 . The vehicle V may then proceed onto the lift 104 and through the play set 100 as described above.
- Play set 100 includes one or more gates and/or simulated water sprays disposed along one or more of the track portions 170 , 174 , 198 , and 202 .
- a first water spray station 204 may be provided along the first track portion 170 , as best shown in FIG. 14 .
- the first water spray station 204 includes a support bar 206 pivotally mounted to sidewall 112 and flexible strips 208 extending downwardly therefrom, which simulate a water spray.
- a second water spray station 210 may be provided along the fourth track portion 202 , including a support bar 212 and water simulating flexible strips 214 extending outwardly therefrom.
- play set 100 may include indicia such as directional arrows, circles, brand designs (e.g. the HOT WHEELS® logo), and/or theme decals relating to automobiles.
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Abstract
A car wash play set for toy vehicles includes a frame including a base, a lift coupled to the frame and movable toward and away from the base, and a first roller coupled to the frame. The first roller is engageable with and pivotally movable by the lift when the lift is moved away from the base.
Description
- The present invention relates to a toy vehicle play set, and in particular, to a car wash play set that includes a vehicle lift and at least one wash roller cooperating with the lift.
- Various play sets for toy vehicles are known in the art. Some conventional vehicle play sets are configured to simulate real life situations, e.g. a parking garage, a service station, a fire station, etc. Many such play sets are often relatively bulky and contain numerous components, thereby increasing manufacturing costs. In addition, bulky play sets are not easily portable by a child.
- There is a need for a play set that has a relatively compact and easily portable configuration and provides interactive features that retain a child's interest.
- The present invention relates to a car wash play set for toy vehicles. In one embodiment, the play set includes a frame including a base, a lift coupled to the base and movable toward and away from the base, and a first roller coupled to the frame. The first roller is engageable with and pivotally movable by the lift or an object on the lift when the lift is moved away from the base.
- In one embodiment, the first roller is movable along an arcuate path.
- In one embodiment, the first roller is coupled to the base via a first roller arm. The first roller arm includes a first end pivotally coupled to the base and an opposite, distal second end. The first roller is connected to and extends outwardly from the distal second end.
- In one embodiment, the car wash play set includes a second roller coupled to the base and engageable with and pivotally movable by the lift when the lift is moved away from the base. The first roller may be movable in a first direction, and the second roller may be movable in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first roller may be movable along a first arcuate path, and the second roller may be movable along a second arcuate path.
- In one embodiment, the car wash play set includes a support plate extending upwardly from the base and defines a lift guide slot. The lift includes a clip retained within and slidably movable along the lift guide slot.
- In one embodiment, the car wash play set includes a support plate extending upwardly from the base and defining a roller guide slot. The first roller includes a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along the roller guide slot. The roller guide slot may define an arcuate path.
- In another embodiment, a play set for toy vehicles includes a frame including a base defining a first track portion lying on a first plane and a second track portion lies on a second plane spaced from the first plane. A lift is coupled to the frame and movable between a lowered position adjacent the first track portion and a raised position adjacent the second track portion. A first roller assembly is pivotally connected to the base, and includes a first roller that is movable between a first position adjacent the base and a second position adjacent the second track portion. The first roller engages and is moved by the lift from the first position to the second position when the lift is moved from the lowered position to the raised position.
- In one embodiment, the play set includes a second roller assembly pivotally connected to the frame. The second roller assembly includes a second roller engageable with and movable by the lift when the lift is moved from the lowered position to the raised position. The first roller may be movable in a first direction while the second roller is movable in a second direction opposite the first direction.
- In one embodiment, the first roller may be movable along a first arcuate path, and the second roller may be movable along a second arcuate path. In one embodiment, the play set includes a third track portion hingedly connected to a distal end of the second track portion.
- In another embodiment, a play set for toy vehicles includes a frame including a base, a lift coupled to the frame and movable toward and away from the base, and first and second rollers. The lift has a first end portion and an opposite, second end portion. The first roller is pivotally coupled to the frame, and engageable with and movable by a first end portion of the lift in a first direction along a first arcuate path when the lift is moved away from the base. The second roller is pivotally coupled to the frame, and engageable with and movable by a second end portion of the lift in a second direction along a second arcuate path when the lift is moved away from the base. The first direction is different than the second direction. In one embodiment, the first direction extends about a first axis and the second direction extends about a second axis, and the first direction is in a direction opposite to the second direction.
- In one embodiment, the frame includes a support plate extending upwardly from the base. The support plate defines a lift guide slot and the lift includes a clip retained within and slidably movable along the lift guide slot. The support plate defines a first roller guide slot and a second roller guide slot. The first roller includes a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along the first roller guide slot, and the second roller includes a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along the second roller guide slot.
- In one embodiment, the first arcuate path has a length and the second arcuate path has a length, the length of the first arcuate path being different than the length of the second arcuate path.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a play set for toy vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 a illustrates a schematic diagram of a play set showing a lift and first and second rollers in a first orientation; -
FIG. 2 b illustrates a schematic diagram of a play set showing a lift and first and second rollers in a second orientation; -
FIG. 2 c illustrates a schematic diagram of a play set showing a lift and first and second rollers in a third orientation; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a play set in an open orientation according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the play set ofFIG. 3 in a closed orientation; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of the play set ofFIG. 3 showing a lift and first and second roller assemblies in a first orientation; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of the play set ofFIG. 3 showing the lift and first and second roller assemblies in a second orientation; -
FIG. 7 illustrates another perspective view of a portion of the play set ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the play set ofFIG. 3 showing the second roller assembly in a lowered position; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the portion of the play set shown inFIG. 8 showing the second roller assembly in a raised position; -
FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the play set ofFIG. 3 showing a toy vehicle disposed on the lift; -
FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of the play set ofFIG. 3 showing the lift and roller assemblies in a first orientation; -
FIG. 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of the play set ofFIG. 3 showing the lift and roller assemblies in a second orientation; -
FIG. 13 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of the play set ofFIG. 3 showing the lift and first and second roller assemblies in a third orientation; and -
FIG. 14 illustrates another perspective view of a play set showing various components of the play set. - Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.
- 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.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a play set 10 for toy vehicles according to the invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the play set 10 includes abase 12, alift 14 coupled to thebase 12 and linearly movable toward and away from thebase 12 along axis A1 between a first position L1 adjacent to thebase 12 and a second position L2 (shown in phantom) spaced from thebase 12. Thebase 12 and the support plate 40 (described below) collectively form aframe 11 for the play set 10 (seeFIGS. 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c). - Referring to
FIG. 1 , afirst roller arm 16 includes afirst end 18 and an opposite, distalsecond end 20. Thefirst end 18 is coupled to theframe 11 includingbase 12 via a support member (not shown inFIG. 1 ) and is pivotal about a second axis A2. Afirst roller 22 is coupled proximate to thesecond end 20. Thefirst roller 22 and/or thefirst roller arm 16 is engageable with and pivoted upwardly by thelift 14 or an object on thelift 14 as thelift 14 moves from the first position L1 to the second position L2. Thus, thefirst roller 22 is movable toward and away from the base 12 between a first position R1 a proximate to thebase 12 and a second position R1 b (shown in phantom) spaced from thebase 12. In one embodiment, thefirst roller 22 moves in a first direction along a first arcuate path, shown by arrow D1, as it moves from the first position R1 a to the second position R1 b. - Similarly, a
second roller arm 24 includes afirst end 26 and an opposite, distalsecond end 28. Thefirst end 26 is coupled to thebase 12 and pivotal about a third axis A3. Asecond roller 30 is coupled proximate to thesecond end 28. Thesecond roller 30 and/or thesecond roller arm 24 is engageable with and pivoted upwardly by thelift 14 or an object on thelift 14 as thelift 14 moves from the first position L1 to the second position L2. Thus, thesecond roller 30 is likewise movable toward and away from the base 12 between a first position R2 a proximate to thebase 12 and a second position R2 b (shown in phantom) spaced from thebase 12. Thesecond roller 30 moves in a second direction along a second arcuate path, shown by arrow D2, as it moves from the first position R2 a to the second position R2 b. In this embodiment, the second direction about axis A3 is opposite the first direction about axis A2. - For example, the
first roller 22 may move along the first arcuate path D1 in a counterclockwise direction (relative to axis A2) as thelift 14 moves from the first position L1 to the second position L2, while thesecond roller 30 moves along the second arcuate path D2 in a clockwise direction (relative to axis A3) as thelift 14 moves from the first position L1 to the second position L2. The extent of arcuate movement of therollers arms - Referring to
FIGS. 2 a, 2 b and 2 c, theframe 11 of the play set 10 includes abase 12 and a support orsupport plate 40. In this embodiment, thebase 12 of play set 10 includes afirst track portion 32 and a recess ordepression 34 that is configured to receive thelift 14 therein. In one embodiment, thefirst track portion 32 is integrally formed in thebase 12. In an alternative embodiment, thefirst track portion 32 may be formed separately and subsequently connected to thebase 12. - As shown in
FIG. 2 a, anupper surface 36 of thelift 14 is substantially coplanar with thefirst track portion 32 when thelift 14 is disposed within therecess 34. As a result, a toy vehicle (not shown), such as a wheeled vehicle, may be easily moved along thefirst track portion 32 and onto thelift 14 when thelift 14 is in a lowered or first position L1. Thefirst track portion 32 and theupper surface 36 of thelift 14, when thelift 14 is in the lowered position L1 and disposed within therecess 34, lie on a first plane P1. - The play set 10 includes a
second track portion 38 having at least a portion lying on a second plane P2 spaced from the first plane P1 (seeFIG. 2 b), and thus spaced from thefirst track portion 32. Thesecond track portion 38 is supported by theframe 11. Theupper surface 36 of thelift 14 is substantially coplanar with at least an edge of the end portion of thesecond track portion 38 lying on the second plane P2 when thelift 14 is in a raised or second position L2, as shown inFIG. 2 b. Theupper surface 36 of thelift 14 is movable between the first plane P1 when thelift 14 is in the lowered position, and the second plane P2 when thelift 14 is in the raised position. Thus, a toy vehicle may be moved along thefirst track portion 32 and onto thelift 14 when thelift 14 is in the lowered position, moved upwardly and away from the base 12 as thelift 14 is moved to the raised position, and then moved from thelift 14 to thesecond track portion 38, which may be configured as a sloping exit ramp and/or coupled to additional track portions. - The
second track portion 38 may be coupled to theframe 11 via a support member orplate 40 extending upwardly from thebase 12. Thesupport plate 40 defines a firstroller guide slot 42 that has a configuration corresponding to the path of motion of thefirst roller 22. For example, the firstroller guide slot 42 may have an arcuate configuration, corresponding to the first arcuate path D1 along which thefirst roller 22 proceeds as it moves between the first position R1 a and the second position R1 b. Thefirst roller 22 may include a distal end portion (described in further detail below) and/or connector coupled thereto that is disposed within and slidably movable along the firstroller guide slot 42. - The
support plate 40 may also define a secondroller guide slot 44 having a configuration corresponding to the path of motion of thesecond roller 30. Thus, the secondroller guide slot 44 may have an arcuate configuration, corresponding to the second arcuate path D2 along which thesecond roller 30 proceeds as it moves between the first position R2 a and the second position R2 b. Thesecond roller 30 may include a distal end portion (described in further detail below) and/or connector disposed within and slidably movable along the secondroller guide slot 44. - Referring to
FIG. 2 a, when thefirst roller 22 is disposed in a lowered or first position R1 a, it rests against or is proximate to afirst end portion 46 of thelift 14 when thelift 14 is in its lowered or first position L1. Alternatively or in addition, thefirst roller arm 16 may rest against and engage an object such as a toy vehicle (not shown inFIG. 2 a) that is placed on thelift 14 in its first position L1. - Similarly, when the
second roller 30 is disposed in a lowered or first position R2 a, it rests against or is proximate an oppositesecond end portion 48 of thelift 14 when thelift 14 is in the first position L1. Alternatively or in addition, thesecond roller arm 24 may rest against and engage an object such as a toy vehicle that is placed on thelift 14 is in its first position L1. - Thus, when a vehicle is disposed on the
lift 14, thefirst roller 22 rests against a portion of the vehicle and thesecond roller 30 rests against another portion of the vehicle. Thus, as the vehicle is moved from thefirst track portion 32 and onto thelift 14, the first andsecond rollers - Referring to
FIG. 2 b, thefirst roller 22 moves along the firstroller guide slot 42 and along the first arcuate path D1 as it proceeds from its first position R1 a toward its second position R1 b. Thefirst roller 22 and/orfirst roller arm 16 are pushed along the first arcuate path D1 by thelift 14 or an object on thelift 14 as thelift 14 moves from its first position L1 toward its second position L2. - Similarly, the
second roller 30 moves along the secondroller guide slot 44 and along the second arcuate path D2 as it proceeds from the first position R2 a toward the second position R2 b. Thesecond roller 30 and/orsecond roller arm 24 are likewise pushed along the second arcuate path D2 by thelift 14 or an object on thelift 14 as thelift 14 moves from its first position L1 toward its second position L2. Thesecond roller 30 is pushed into a receptacle orarea 50 disposed beneath thesecond track portion 38 by thelift 14 when thelift 14 is fully raised in its second position L2. In this way, thesecond roller 30 is disposed beneath the second plane P2 when thelift 14 is in its second position L2, so that a vehicle disposed onlift 14 is not obstructed by thesecond roller 30 when exiting onto thesecond track portion 38. - To provide the desired positioning and paths of movement of first and
second rollers lift 14, the first arcuate path D1 extends along a first angle and the second arcuate path D2 extends along a second angle that is less than the first angle. The lengths and curvatures of theslots rollers lift 14. As a toy vehicle moves along the direction of arrow “A” inFIG. 2 a from thelift 14 to trackportion 38, thesecond roller 30 is configured to move to a location out of the way of the toy vehicle as the toy vehicle moves ontotrack portion 38. Thus,slot 44 defines a shorter path that has a greater degree of curvature thanslot 42.Roller 22 is moves upwardly via engagement with the toy vehicle or lift 14 andslot 42 permits movement of theroller 22 above the path of the uppermost position of the toy vehicle on thelift 14. - In one embodiment, a third axis A3 about which the
second roller 30 pivots lies on a third plane P3 parallel to the first plane P1 and spaced therefrom by a first distance y1. In an alternative embodiment, the third plane P3 is coplanar with the first plane P1. Similarly, the second axis A2 about which thefirst roller 22 pivots lies on a fourth plane P4 parallel to the first plane P1 and spaced therefrom by a second distance y2 greater than the first distance y1. The different planes at which the various components are mounted facilitate movement of the rollers along the slots and to their respective upper and lower positions. - Referring to
FIG. 2 c, thelift 14 has twoportions connector 14 c. Thefirst portion 14 a of thelift 14 includes theupper surface 36 of thelift 14. Thefirst portion 14 a may be pivoted so that theupper surface 36 is inclined toward thesecond track portion 38. In this way, a toy vehicle disposed on thelift 14 may roll off theupper surface 36 and exit onto thesecond track portion 38 upon pivotal movement of thefirst portion 14 a of thelift 14 relative to thesecond portion 14 b. - In order to allow for sufficient clearance for the pivotal movement of the
first portion 14 a of thelift 14, thefirst roller 22 may continue along the first arcuate path D1 away from thebase 12. Accordingly, when thelift 14 is in its raised second position L2 and thefirst portion 14 a has not yet been pivoted (as shown inFIG. 2 b), thefirst roller 22 has not yet traversed the entire path of movement along the first arcuate path D1. As thefirst portion 14 a is pivoted upwardly so that theupper surface 36 is inclined toward thesecond track portion 38, thefirst portion 14 a and/or the vehicle continues to engage and push thefirst roller 22 and/orfirst roller arm 16 along the first arcuate path D1 (as shown inFIG. 2 c). - Referring to
FIG. 3 , a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle play set 100 according to an embodiment is illustrated. Similar to play set 10 described above, play set 100 includes abase 102, alift 104 coupled to thebase 102 and linearly movable toward and away from the base 102 between a lowered position adjacent thebase 102 and a raised position spaced from thebase 102. The play set 100 includes first andsecond rollers frame 103 and engageable with thelift 104 or a vehicle on thelift 104. Therollers - The
frame 103 includes asupport plate 110 that extends upwardly from an edge of the base 102 to define a rear wall surface. Asidewall 112 extends upwardly from afirst end 114 of thebase 102, which is connected to thesupport plate 110. Atop wall portion 116 is connected to and extends between thesupport plate 110 and thesidewall 112, defining acavity 118 in which thelift 104 and the first andsecond rollers - In this embodiment, a
cover 120 is hingedly connected to thebase 102 along anedge 115 opposite the edge from which thesupport plate 110 extends. Thecover 120 is pivotable between an open position as shown inFIG. 3 and a closed position as shown inFIG. 4 . Thecover 120 may include acatch 122 extending outwardly from adistal edge 124 thereof, which engages a correspondingly locatedflange 126 extending outwardly from an edge of thetop wall portion 116 when thecover 120 is pivoted to the closed position. Alternatively or in addition, thecover 120 may include aperipheral lip 128 that is retained against the edges of thesidewall 112 and thetop wall portion 116 via a friction fit. Thecover 120 includes an inner surface that has atrack portion 202 formed therein. A toy vehicle can be moved along thetrack portion 202 and into the car wash portion of the play set 100. - When the
cover 120 is in the closed position, as shown inFIG. 4 , the play set 100 has a relatively compact configuration and is easily portable. Astructure 130 extends upwardly from thetop wall portion 116 and may be grasped by a user to transport or move the play set 100. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , thestructure 130 may have a stylized flame configuration. - As shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 , thesupport plate 110 defines a firstroller guide slot 148 that has an arcuate configuration and corresponds to the path of motion of thefirst roller 106. Thesupport plate 110 also defines a secondroller guide slot 156 that has an arcuate configuration and corresponds to the path of motion of thesecond roller 108. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , afirst roller arm 132 includes afirst end 134 and an opposite, distalsecond end 138. Thefirst end 134 is pivotally connected to anengagement member 136 that extends outwardly from thesupport plate 110. Thefirst end 134 includes anedge 135 defining anopening 137 in which aportion 139 of theengagement member 136 is inserted. In this embodiment, theroller arm 132 can be snapped onto theengagement member 136. In an alternative embodiment, a connector may be inserted into theopening 137 to couple theroller arm 132 to theengagement member 136. - The
first roller 106 is coupled to thefirst roller arm 132 proximate to thesecond end 138. In one embodiment, a connector is inserted through an opening in thefirst roller arm 132 and engaged with thefirst roller 106 to couple theroller 106 to thefirst roller arm 132. Thefirst roller 106 has a longitudinal axis and is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. Accordingly, the axis of rotation of thefirst roller arm 132 about theengagement member 136 is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of thefirst roller 106. - The movement of
first roller 106 relative to thelift 104 corresponds to the movement offirst roller 22 relative to thelift 14, as described above and as illustrated inFIGS. 2 a-2 c. Accordingly, thefirst roller 106 is engageable with and pivoted upwardly by thelift 104 or an object on thelift 104 as thelift 104 moves from a lowered position as shown inFIG. 5 to a raised position as shown inFIG. 6 . Thefirst roller 106 moves along a first arcuate path (as shown inFIG. 1 by arrow D1) as it moves from its lowered position to its raised position alongslot 148. - A
second roller arm 140 includes afirst end 142 and an opposite, distalsecond end 146. Thefirst end 142 is pivotally connected to a frame portion orsupport strut 144, which connects to and extends upwardly from thebase 102. Thesecond roller 108 is coupled tosecond roller arm 140 proximate to end 146. Thesecond roller 108 has a longitudinal axis and is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. Thus, the axis of rotation of thesecond roller arm 140 is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of thesecond roller 108. Thesecond roller 108 is engageable with and pivoted upwardly by thelift 104 or an object on thelift 104 as thelift 104 moves from the lowered position as shown inFIG. 5 to the raised position as shown inFIG. 6 . Thesecond roller 108 moves along a second arcuate path (as shown inFIG. 1 by arrow D2) as it moves from its lowered position to its raised position alongslot 156. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , thefirst roller 106 includes adistal end portion 150 having astem 152 with aflanged end 154. Thestem 152 is disposed within and slidably movable along the firstroller guide slot 148 as shown. Theflanged end 154 has a diameter slightly larger than the width of the firstroller guide slot 148 so that thestem 152 is retained within the firstroller guide slot 148. In this way, thedistal end portion 150 of thefirst roller 106 is movably connected to thesupport plate 110 and theframe 103. - Similarly, the
second roller 108 includes adistal end portion 158 having astem 160 and aflanged end 162. Thestem 160 is disposed within and slidably movable along the secondroller guide slot 156. Theflanged end 162 has a diameter slightly larger than the width of the secondroller guide slot 156, thereby retaining thestem 160 withinslot 156 so that thedistal end portion 158 of thesecond roller 108 is movably connected to thesupport plate 110 and theframe 103. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 , 6 and 7, thesupport plate 110 also defines alift guide slot 164. Thelift guide slot 164 defines the range of motion of thelift 104 relative to thebase 102. Thelift 104 includes aclip 166 coupled proximate to anupper surface 168. Theclip 166 is configured to be retained within and slidably movable along thelift guide slot 164. For example, theclip 166 may have an ‘I’ configuration in cross-section, such that a central portion of theclip 166 is disposed within thelift guide slot 164 and retained therein via opposing flanged ends. Thelift 104 is movable between a lowered position adjacent the base 102 as shown inFIGS. 5 and 7 , and a raised position spaced from the base 102 as shown inFIG. 6 . - Similar to play set 10, the
base 102 of play set 100 includes afirst track portion 170 and arecess 172 configured for receiving thelift 104, as best shown inFIG. 6 . In this embodiment, thefirst track portion 170 is integrally formed in thebase 102. Theupper surface 168 of thelift 104 is substantially coplanar with thefirst track portion 170 when thelift 104 is disposed within therecess 172, as shown inFIG. 5 , so that a toy vehicle (not shown) may be easily moved along thefirst track portion 170 and onto thelift 104 when thelift 104 is in the lowered position. - The
base 102 includes asecond track portion 174 which lies on a plane spaced from the plane on which thefirst track portion 170 lies. Thesecond track portion 174 is configured as an inclined exit ramp having anend 176 substantially coplanar with theupper surface 168 of thelift 104 when the lift has been moved to its raised position, as shown inFIG. 6 . - Referring to
FIGS. 8 and 9 , thesecond track portion 174 is connected to frameportion 144. Theframe portion 144 and thesecond track portion 174 may be either integrally formed or separately formed components.Frame portion 144 includes afirst leg 178 and asecond leg 180 angularly disposed relative to thefirst leg 178, which collectively define arecess 182 disposed beneath thesecond track portion 174. The secondroller guide slot 156 extends into a portion of thesupport plate 110 adjacent therecess 182, so that thesecond roller 108 may be moved into therecess 182 when in its raised position, as shown inFIG. 9 . - As shown in
FIG. 8 , each of theengagement members underside 188 of thesecond track portion 174. When thesecond roller 108 is pivoted from its lowered position to its raised position, thesecond roller 108 is releasably retained between the first andsecond engagement members second roller 108 may be formed from a resiliently compressible material, such as a foam material, which compresses slightly when pushed past thefirst engagement member 184. Thefirst roller 106 may be formed of a similar material. - Referring to
FIGS. 10 and 11 , a wheeled vehicle V may be moved onto thelift 104 from thefirst track section 170 when thelift 104 is disposed in its lowered position within therecess 172 in thebase 102. When in their lowered positions, thefirst roller 106 rests against a first portion of the vehicle V and thesecond roller 108 rests against a second portion of the vehicle V. Theflanged end 154 of thedistal end portion 150 of thefirst roller 106 is disposed within the firstroller guide slot 148 at a position proximate thebase 102. Similarly, theflanged end 162 of thedistal end portion 158 of thesecond roller 108 is disposed with the secondroller guide slot 156 at a position proximate thebase 102. Theclip 166 of thelift 104 is disposed in thelift guide slot 164 at a position proximate to thebase 102. - As the
lift 104 is moved upwardly and away from the base 102 from its lowered position toward its raised position, shown inFIGS. 6 and 12 , the first andsecond rollers FIG. 1 ) by the vehicle V and/or thelift 104. Theflanged end 154 of thedistal end portion 150 of thefirst roller 106 moves along the firstroller guide slot 148 in a first direction and away from thebase 102. Similarly, theflanged end 162 of thedistal end portion 158 of thesecond roller 108 moves along the secondroller guide slot 156 in a second direction away from the first direction and away from thebase 102. Theclip 166 of thelift 104 moves upwardly along thelift guide slot 164 in a linear direction and away from thebase 102. - Referring to
FIGS. 11 and 12 , thelift guide slot 164 includesdetents detents indents clip 166 when theclip 166 is in a fully raised position. In this way, theclip 166 and thelift 104 may be releaseably retained in the fully raised position adjacent thesecond track portion 174. Aconnector 195 is used to couple thelift 104 to theclip 166. - Referring to
FIG. 13 , thesecond roller 108 is pushed into therecess 182 by thelift 104 or a toy vehicle on thelift 104 when thelift 104 is in its fully raised position. As such, a vehicle disposed on thelift 104 will not be obstructed by thesecond roller 108 when exiting onto thesecond track portion 174, as discussed above. In this embodiment, afirst portion 104 a of thelift 104 including theupper surface 168 is pivotally connected to asecond portion 104 b via aconnector 104 c. Thefirst portion 104 a may be pivoted so that theupper surface 168 is inclined toward thesecond track portion 174, so that a vehicle V disposed thereon rolls off theupper surface 168 and onto thesecond track portion 174. - In order to allow for sufficient clearance for the pivotal movement of the
first portion 104 a of thelift 104, thefirst portion 104 a continues to push thefirst roller 106 along its arcuate path of movement in the first direction away from thebase 102. As thefirst portion 104 a is pivoted upwardly, thefirst portion 104 a continues to engage and push thefirst roller 106 upwardly along its arcuate path, as shown inFIG. 13 . - Referring to
FIG. 14 , the play set 100 includes athird track portion 198 hingedly connected to adistal end 200 of thesecond track portion 174. Thecover 120 also includes afourth track portion 202, which is integrally formed therewith. In an open position, cover 120 andbase 102 rest on a support surface and thefourth track portion 202 is aligned with thefirst track portion 170, so that a toy vehicle V may be easily moved along thefourth track portion 202 and onto the adjoiningfirst track portion 170. The vehicle V may then proceed onto thelift 104 and through the play set 100 as described above. - Play set 100 includes one or more gates and/or simulated water sprays disposed along one or more of the
track portions water spray station 204 may be provided along thefirst track portion 170, as best shown inFIG. 14 . The firstwater spray station 204 includes asupport bar 206 pivotally mounted tosidewall 112 andflexible strips 208 extending downwardly therefrom, which simulate a water spray. A secondwater spray station 210 may be provided along thefourth track portion 202, including asupport bar 212 and water simulatingflexible strips 214 extending outwardly therefrom. Further, play set 100 may include indicia such as directional arrows, circles, brand designs (e.g. the HOT WHEELS® logo), and/or theme decals relating to automobiles. - Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A car wash play set for toy vehicles, comprising:
a frame including a base;
a lift coupled to said frame and movable toward and away from said base; and
a first roller coupled to said frame and engageable with and pivotally movable by one of said lift or an object on said lift when said lift is moved away from said base.
2. The car wash play set of claim 1 , wherein said first roller is movable along an arcuate path.
3. The car wash play set of claim 1 , further comprising:
a first roller arm having a first end pivotally coupled to said base and an opposite, distal second end, said first roller connected to and extending outwardly from said distal second end.
4. The car wash play set of claim 1 , further comprising:
a second roller coupled to said base and engageable with and pivotally movable by said lift when said lift is moved away from said base.
5. The car wash play set of claim 4 , wherein said first roller is movable in a first direction and said second roller is movable in a second direction different from said first direction.
6. The car wash play set of claim 4 , wherein said first roller is movable along a first arcuate path, and said second roller is movable along a second arcuate path.
7. The car wash play set of claim 1 , wherein said frame includes a support plate extending upwardly from said base, said support plate defining a lift guide slot, said lift including a clip retained within and slidably movable along said lift guide slot.
8. The car wash play set of claim 1 , wherein said frame includes a support plate extending upwardly from said base, said support plate defining a roller guide slot, said first roller including a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along said roller guide slot.
9. The car wash play set of claim 8 , wherein said roller guide slot defines an arcuate path.
10. A play set for toy vehicles, comprising:
a frame including a base defining a first track portion lying on a first plane and a second track portion lying on a second plane spaced from said first plane;
a lift coupled to said frame and movable between a lowered position adjacent said first track portion and a raised position adjacent said second track portion; and
a first roller assembly pivotally connected to said base, said first roller assembly including a first roller movable between a first position adjacent said base and a second position adjacent said second track portion, said first roller engageable with and movable by said lift from said first position to said second position when said lift is moved from said lowered position to said raised position.
11. The play set of claim 10 , further comprising:
a second roller assembly pivotally connected to said frame, said second roller assembly including a second roller engageable with and movable by said lift when said lift is moved from said lowered position to said raised position.
12. The play set of claim 11 , wherein said first roller is movable in a first direction and said second roller is movable in a second direction different than said first direction.
13. The play set of claim 11 , wherein said first roller is movable along a first arcuate path, and said second roller is movable along a second arcuate path.
14. The play set of claim 10 , further comprising:
a third track portion hingedly connected to a distal end of said second track portion.
15. A play set for toy vehicles, comprising:
a frame including a base;
a lift coupled to said frame and movable toward and away from said base, said lift having a first end portion and an opposite, second end portion;
a first roller pivotally coupled to said frame, said first roller engageable with and movable by said first end portion of said lift in a first direction along a first arcuate path when said lift is moved away from said base; and
a second roller pivotally coupled to said frame, said second roller engageable with and movable by said second end portion of said lift in a second direction along a second arcuate path when said lift is moved away from said base.
16. The play set of claim 16 , wherein said first direction is different than said second direction.
17. The play set of claim 16 , wherein said first direction extends about a first axis and said second direction extends about a second axis, said first direction being in a direction opposite to said second direction.
18. The play set of claim 16 , wherein the frame includes a support plate extending upwardly from said base, said support plate defines a lift guide slot, and said lift includes a clip retained within and slidably movable along said lift guide slot.
19. The play set of claim 16 , wherein the frame includes a support plate extending upwardly from said base, said support plate defines a first roller guide slot and a second roller guide slot, said first roller includes a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along said first roller guide slot, and said second roller includes a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along said second roller guide slot.
20. The play set of claim 16 , wherein said first arcuate path has a length and said second arcuate path has a length, the length of the first arcuate path being different than the length of the second arcuate path.
Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/618,020 US20110117813A1 (en) | 2009-11-13 | 2009-11-13 | Toy Vehicle Play Set |
MX2012005233A MX2012005233A (en) | 2009-11-13 | 2010-11-03 | Toy vehicle play set. |
PCT/US2010/055195 WO2011059858A2 (en) | 2009-11-13 | 2010-11-03 | Toy vehicle play set |
CN2010800504215A CN102596344A (en) | 2009-11-13 | 2010-11-03 | Toy vehicle play set |
EP10830531.9A EP2470280A4 (en) | 2009-11-13 | 2010-11-03 | Toy vehicle play set |
BR112012011111A BR112012011111A2 (en) | 2009-11-13 | 2010-11-03 | play set |
CA2780888A CA2780888A1 (en) | 2009-11-13 | 2010-11-03 | Toy vehicle play set |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/618,020 US20110117813A1 (en) | 2009-11-13 | 2009-11-13 | Toy Vehicle Play Set |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110117813A1 true US20110117813A1 (en) | 2011-05-19 |
Family
ID=43992343
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/618,020 Abandoned US20110117813A1 (en) | 2009-11-13 | 2009-11-13 | Toy Vehicle Play Set |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20110117813A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2470280A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102596344A (en) |
BR (1) | BR112012011111A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2780888A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2012005233A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011059858A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180056208A1 (en) * | 2015-03-25 | 2018-03-01 | Benkan Corporation | Assembly toy |
Citations (29)
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US3015828A (en) * | 1960-07-12 | 1962-01-09 | American Doll & Toy Corp | Spray bath |
US3559335A (en) * | 1969-05-26 | 1971-02-02 | Mattel Inc | Toy vehicle acceleration mechanism |
US3593454A (en) * | 1968-02-09 | 1971-07-20 | Einfalt Geb | Toy parking garage |
US3751847A (en) * | 1970-07-07 | 1973-08-14 | H Neuhierl | Components for toy vehicle tracks |
US3825967A (en) * | 1972-05-19 | 1974-07-30 | Takeuchi Tekko Kk | Brush control device for vehicle cleaning apparatus |
US3934297A (en) * | 1974-06-14 | 1976-01-27 | Hanna Daniel C | Overhead car washes |
US4051624A (en) * | 1976-06-09 | 1977-10-04 | Takara Co., Ltd. | Control tower and track toy assembly |
US4227337A (en) * | 1979-02-09 | 1980-10-14 | Tonka Corporation | Toy building units |
US4356657A (en) * | 1981-02-11 | 1982-11-02 | Adolph E. Goldfarb | Toy car wash apparatus and method |
US4363186A (en) * | 1981-02-12 | 1982-12-14 | Adolph E. Goldfarb | Toy motorcycle and launcher |
US4510981A (en) * | 1981-12-21 | 1985-04-16 | Kockums Industri Ab | Self-centering feeding device |
US4582500A (en) * | 1984-02-09 | 1986-04-15 | Marvin Glass & Associates | Toy service accessory for self-propelled vehicle |
US4585426A (en) * | 1984-02-10 | 1986-04-29 | Marvin Glass & Associates | Mobile playset |
US4889147A (en) * | 1988-10-05 | 1989-12-26 | Chandler David A | Car wash apparatus |
US5015210A (en) * | 1987-12-02 | 1991-05-14 | Interlego A.G. | Toy wash |
US5255695A (en) * | 1991-03-01 | 1993-10-26 | Emil Downey | Vehicle washing apparatus |
US5337437A (en) * | 1993-09-03 | 1994-08-16 | Hingle Pierre M | Portable washing apparatus |
US5339478A (en) * | 1993-04-27 | 1994-08-23 | Schleeter Keith M | Rollover car wash with retracting cloth strips |
US5533658A (en) * | 1994-11-10 | 1996-07-09 | Production Tube, Inc. | Apparatus having replaceable shoes for positioning and gripping tubing |
US5638843A (en) * | 1995-10-30 | 1997-06-17 | Strickland; Johnnie | Portable collapsible car wash shower |
US5660268A (en) * | 1995-08-14 | 1997-08-26 | Vickers, Inc. | Power drive unit for aircraft cargo handling systems |
US5998753A (en) * | 1995-06-29 | 1999-12-07 | La Poste, Exploitant Public | Machine for sorting objects such as postal envelopes |
US6050872A (en) * | 1998-04-14 | 2000-04-18 | Cahill; Douglas R. | Toy carwash unit |
US6223757B1 (en) * | 1999-03-15 | 2001-05-01 | Roger C. Horvath | Toy car wash apparatus |
US6401907B1 (en) * | 1998-02-13 | 2002-06-11 | Inmara Ag | Conveyor |
US6663464B2 (en) * | 2001-10-31 | 2003-12-16 | Mattel, Inc. | Toy car wash play set |
US20040256296A1 (en) * | 2002-06-12 | 2004-12-23 | Antti Tohkala | Method for debarking in a drum, and separation of bark from a log flow |
US7618301B2 (en) * | 2005-06-03 | 2009-11-17 | Mattel, Inc. | Fold-out playsets with pop-up structures |
US7628673B2 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2009-12-08 | Mattel, Inc. | Play set with toy vehicle-related assembly |
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JP2562205Y2 (en) * | 1993-03-24 | 1998-02-10 | 株式会社トミー | Orbiting toys |
CN2678730Y (en) * | 2004-02-27 | 2005-02-16 | 张细弟 | Electric toy car |
-
2009
- 2009-11-13 US US12/618,020 patent/US20110117813A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2010
- 2010-11-03 WO PCT/US2010/055195 patent/WO2011059858A2/en active Application Filing
- 2010-11-03 CA CA2780888A patent/CA2780888A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-11-03 MX MX2012005233A patent/MX2012005233A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2010-11-03 CN CN2010800504215A patent/CN102596344A/en active Pending
- 2010-11-03 EP EP10830531.9A patent/EP2470280A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2010-11-03 BR BR112012011111A patent/BR112012011111A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3015828A (en) * | 1960-07-12 | 1962-01-09 | American Doll & Toy Corp | Spray bath |
US3593454A (en) * | 1968-02-09 | 1971-07-20 | Einfalt Geb | Toy parking garage |
US3559335A (en) * | 1969-05-26 | 1971-02-02 | Mattel Inc | Toy vehicle acceleration mechanism |
US3751847A (en) * | 1970-07-07 | 1973-08-14 | H Neuhierl | Components for toy vehicle tracks |
US3825967A (en) * | 1972-05-19 | 1974-07-30 | Takeuchi Tekko Kk | Brush control device for vehicle cleaning apparatus |
US3934297A (en) * | 1974-06-14 | 1976-01-27 | Hanna Daniel C | Overhead car washes |
US4051624A (en) * | 1976-06-09 | 1977-10-04 | Takara Co., Ltd. | Control tower and track toy assembly |
US4227337A (en) * | 1979-02-09 | 1980-10-14 | Tonka Corporation | Toy building units |
US4356657A (en) * | 1981-02-11 | 1982-11-02 | Adolph E. Goldfarb | Toy car wash apparatus and method |
US4363186A (en) * | 1981-02-12 | 1982-12-14 | Adolph E. Goldfarb | Toy motorcycle and launcher |
US4510981A (en) * | 1981-12-21 | 1985-04-16 | Kockums Industri Ab | Self-centering feeding device |
US4582500A (en) * | 1984-02-09 | 1986-04-15 | Marvin Glass & Associates | Toy service accessory for self-propelled vehicle |
US4585426A (en) * | 1984-02-10 | 1986-04-29 | Marvin Glass & Associates | Mobile playset |
US5015210A (en) * | 1987-12-02 | 1991-05-14 | Interlego A.G. | Toy wash |
US4889147A (en) * | 1988-10-05 | 1989-12-26 | Chandler David A | Car wash apparatus |
US5255695A (en) * | 1991-03-01 | 1993-10-26 | Emil Downey | Vehicle washing apparatus |
US5339478A (en) * | 1993-04-27 | 1994-08-23 | Schleeter Keith M | Rollover car wash with retracting cloth strips |
US5337437A (en) * | 1993-09-03 | 1994-08-16 | Hingle Pierre M | Portable washing apparatus |
US5533658A (en) * | 1994-11-10 | 1996-07-09 | Production Tube, Inc. | Apparatus having replaceable shoes for positioning and gripping tubing |
US5998753A (en) * | 1995-06-29 | 1999-12-07 | La Poste, Exploitant Public | Machine for sorting objects such as postal envelopes |
US5660268A (en) * | 1995-08-14 | 1997-08-26 | Vickers, Inc. | Power drive unit for aircraft cargo handling systems |
US5638843A (en) * | 1995-10-30 | 1997-06-17 | Strickland; Johnnie | Portable collapsible car wash shower |
US6401907B1 (en) * | 1998-02-13 | 2002-06-11 | Inmara Ag | Conveyor |
US6050872A (en) * | 1998-04-14 | 2000-04-18 | Cahill; Douglas R. | Toy carwash unit |
US6223757B1 (en) * | 1999-03-15 | 2001-05-01 | Roger C. Horvath | Toy car wash apparatus |
US6663464B2 (en) * | 2001-10-31 | 2003-12-16 | Mattel, Inc. | Toy car wash play set |
US20040256296A1 (en) * | 2002-06-12 | 2004-12-23 | Antti Tohkala | Method for debarking in a drum, and separation of bark from a log flow |
US7618301B2 (en) * | 2005-06-03 | 2009-11-17 | Mattel, Inc. | Fold-out playsets with pop-up structures |
US7628673B2 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2009-12-08 | Mattel, Inc. | Play set with toy vehicle-related assembly |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180056208A1 (en) * | 2015-03-25 | 2018-03-01 | Benkan Corporation | Assembly toy |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
BR112012011111A2 (en) | 2016-07-05 |
WO2011059858A3 (en) | 2011-11-03 |
CN102596344A (en) | 2012-07-18 |
WO2011059858A2 (en) | 2011-05-19 |
EP2470280A2 (en) | 2012-07-04 |
EP2470280A4 (en) | 2013-08-14 |
MX2012005233A (en) | 2012-07-25 |
CA2780888A1 (en) | 2011-05-19 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MATTEL, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:O'CONNOR, STACY;NUTTALL, MICHAEL;REEL/FRAME:023995/0268 Effective date: 20100120 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |