Track Assembly for Toy Vehicles

Abstract

A track assembly for toy vehicles includes a base, a concave track section coupled to the base, and an outer track section coupled to the base. The concave track section is rotatable about an axis relative to the base. The outer track section extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of the concave track section. The outer track section has an inlet through which a toy vehicle can travel and an outlet through which a toy vehicle can travel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a track assembly for toy vehicles, and in particular, a track assembly including a rotatable track section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various play sets including a track along which unpowered toy vehicles move are known. For example, some conventional play sets include a track disposed along a single horizontal plane. Such conventional track play sets have long been a source of entertainment for children.

There is a need for a vehicle track play set having different features and a unique track configuration, thereby enhancing a child's enjoyment and play experience. Further, there is a need for a unique and different vehicle track play set suitable for very small children.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a track assembly for toy vehicles. The track assembly includes a first track section, a second track section and a third track section coupled to the first track section and to the second track section. The third track section includes a concave portion rotatable about an axis relative to the first and second track sections.

In one embodiment, the third track section includes an outer portion extending around a periphery of the concave portion. The concave portion is rotatable relative to the outer portion.

In one embodiment, the first track section includes a first end coupled to the third track section and an opposite second end lying on a first plane. The second track section includes a first end coupled to the third track section and an opposite second end lying on a second plane spaced from the first plane. In one implementation, the second end of the first track section is higher than the first end of the first track section, and the second end of the second track section is lower than the first end of the second track section. The concave portion is intermediate the first plane and the second plane.

In one embodiment, the track assembly includes a drive mechanism coupled to the concave portion and an actuator connected to the drive mechanism. In one implementation, the actuator is manipulatable by a user to activate the drive mechanism. In other implementations, the actuator is disposed along the first track section and actuatable by a toy vehicle as the toy vehicle proceeds along the first track section. The concave portion is rotated by a drive mechanism upon activation of the actuator.

In one embodiment, the toy vehicle usable with the track assembly includes a rolling element configured to engage and move along the first track section, the second track section, and the third track section.

The present invention is also directed to a track assembly for toy vehicles including a base, a concave track section coupled to the base, and an outer track section coupled to the base. The concave track section is rotatable about an axis relative to the base. The concave track section has a perimeter. An outer track section extends around at least a portion of the perimeter of the concave track section. In one implementation, the concave track section and the outer track section are concentric. The outer track section has an inlet through which a toy vehicle can travel and an outlet through which a toy vehicle can travel.

In one embodiment, the track assembly further includes an entry ramp coupled to the outer track section, and an exit ramp coupled to the outer track section. The entry ramp is in communication with the inlet of the outer track section. The exit ramp is in communication with the outlet of the outer track section. The outer track section is located between the entry ramp and the exit ramp.

In one embodiment, the base includes a lower portion engageable with a support surface. In one implementation, the axis about which the concave track section rotates is substantially perpendicular to the support surface.

The present invention is also directed to a vehicle track playset including a track assembly and a toy vehicle configured to engage and move along the track assembly. The track assembly includes an entry ramp, a track section coupled to the entry ramp, and an exit ramp. The track section has a central portion that is rotatable about an axis and relative to the entry ramp. The toy vehicle moves from the entry ramp to the track section, spins around a portion of the central portion as the central portion rotates, and exits the track section onto the exit ramp.

In one embodiment, the central portion of the track section has a generally concave configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an side view schematic diagram of a track assembly for toy vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view schematic diagram of the track assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view schematic diagram of a track assembly for toy vehicles according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view schematic diagram of a vehicle track playset according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view schematic diagram of the track assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of a vehicle track playset according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary toy vehicle for use with track assemblies in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 7 showing components in phantom.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate schematic diagrams of a track assembly T1 for toy vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention. The track assembly T1 includes a base 10 having a lower portion or bottom surface 12 configured for engaging a support surface S. A concave track section 20 having a perimeter 22 is coupled to the base 10. The concave track section 20 is rotatable about an axis A1 relative to the base 10. In one embodiment, the axis A1 about which the concave track section 20 rotates is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 12 of the base 10 and/or to the support surface S.

An outer track section 30 is coupled to the base 10, and extends around at least a portion of the perimeter 22 of the concave track section 20. In one embodiment, the outer track section 30 and the concave track section 20 are substantially concentric. The outer track section 30 includes an inlet 32 through which a toy vehicle V1 can travel and an outlet 34 through which the toy vehicle V1 can travel.

In one embodiment, a drive mechanism 40 is coupled to the concave track section 20. Activation of the drive mechanism 40 causes the concave track section 20 to rotate about axis A1 and relative to the base 10. The drive mechanism 40 is activated upon actuation of an actuator 42, which is operatively coupled to the drive mechanism 40. For example, the actuator 42 may be configured as a button or switch manipulatable by a user to activate the drive mechanism 40.

Alternatively or in addition, the track assembly T1 includes a switch 44 located along a portion of the outer track section 30, such as between the inlet 32 and the concave track section 20. The switch 44 is operatively coupled to the drive mechanism 40, such that the drive mechanism 40 is activated upon actuation of the switch 44. The switch 44 is actuatable by the toy vehicle V1 as the toy vehicle V1 proceeds along the inlet 32 toward the concave track section 20, thereby causing the concave track section 20 to rotate about its axis A1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a track assembly T2 for toy vehicles according to another embodiment of the present invention. The track assembly T2 includes a first track section 100, a second track section 120, and a third track section 130 coupled to the first track section 100 and to the second track section 120.

The third track section 130 includes an outer portion 132 and a concave portion 134. The outer portion 132 extends around a periphery 136 of the concave portion 134. The concave portion 134 is rotatable about an axis A2 relative to the first and second track sections 100, 120, and relative to the outer portion 132.

In one embodiment, the first track section 100 includes a first end 102 coupled to the third track section 130 and an opposite second end 104 lying on a first plane P1. The second track section 120 includes a first end 122 coupled to the third track section 130 and an opposite second end 124 lying on a second plane P2 spaced from the first plane P1. The second end 104 of the first track section 100 is higher than the first end 102 of the first track section 100, relative to a support surface S. The second end 124 of the second track section 120 is lower than the first end 122 of the second track section 120, relative to the support surface S. In one embodiment, the concave portion 134 is intermediate the first plane P1 and the second plane P2.

Similar to track assembly T1, in one embodiment the track assembly T2 includes a drive mechanism 140 coupled to the concave portion 134. Activation of the drive mechanism 140 causes the concave portion 134 to rotate about axis A2 relative to the first and second track sections 100, 120 and the outer portion 132. The drive mechanism 140 is activated upon actuation of an operatively associated actuator 142 and/or to a switch 144 (shown in phantom) disposed along the first track section 100. The switch 144 is actuatable by a toy vehicle V1 as the toy vehicle V1 proceeds along the first track section 100. The toy vehicle V1 is configured to engage and move along the first track section 100, the second track section 120, and the third track section 130. Thus, the concave portion 134 is rotated by the drive mechanism 140 upon activation of the actuator 142 and/or the switch 144.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate schematic diagrams of a vehicle track playset T3 according to another embodiment. The vehicle track playset T3 includes a track assembly 200 having an entry ramp 210, a track section 220 coupled to the entry ramp 210, and an exit ramp 230 coupled to the track section 220. The track section 220 includes an outer portion 222 and a central portion 224. The outer portion 222 extends around a periphery 226 of the central portion 224. The central portion 224 is rotatable about an axis A3 and relative to the entry ramp 210 and to the exit ramp 230.

A toy vehicle V2 is configured to engage and move along the track assembly 200. In operation, the toy vehicle V2 moves from the entry ramp 210 to the track section 220, then spins around a portion of the central portion 224 as the central portion 224 rotates, until the vehicle V2 is propelled outwardly toward the periphery 226 of the central portion 224 and exits the track section 220 onto the exit ramp 230. For example, the vehicle V2 may spin around the central portion 224 in a spiraling motion outwardly from the rotational axis A3 and toward the periphery 226.

In one embodiment, the vehicle track playset T3 includes a drive mechanism 240 coupled to the central portion 224. The drive mechanism 240 is activatable via actuation of an operatively associated actuator 242 and/or an operatively associated switch 244, such as described above. Thus, the drive mechanism 240 causes the central portion 224 to rotate about axis A3 relative to the entry ramp 210 and the exit ramp 230 upon activation of the actuator 242 and/or the switch 244.

The central portion 224 includes an upper surface 228 upon which the toy vehicle V2 is movable. In one embodiment, the upper surface 228 has a substantially planar configuration and lines on a plane P3. In other embodiments, the central portion 224 has a generally concave configuration. The entry ramp 210 includes a first end 212 coupled to the track section 220 and an opposite second end 214 lying on a plane P4. The exit ramp 230 includes a first end 232 coupled to the track section 220 and an opposite second end 234 lying on another plane P5 spaced from the plane P4 on which the second end 214 of the entry ramp 210 lies. In one embodiment, the plane P3 on which the central portion 224 lies is intermediate the plane P4 and the plane P5.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle track playset T4 according to another embodiment. Playset T4 includes a track assembly 300 including a base 400, a concave track section 500 coupled to the base 400, an entry ramp 600 coupled to the concave track section 500, and an exit ramp 700 coupled to the concave track section 500. The playset T4 may also include one or more toy vehicles, such as toy vehicle 800 shown in FIG. 7, which are configured to engage and move along the track assembly 300.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the base 400 includes a bottom portion 402 configured for engaging a support surface S, and a sidewall portion 404 connected to and extending upwardly from the bottom portion 402. The concave track section 500 is coupled to and supported by the sidewall portion 404 above the support surface S.

In one embodiment, one or more auxiliary entertainment mechanisms are coupled to the sidewall portion 404. For example, a bead bar 406 may be coupled to the sidewall portion 404. The bead bar 406 extends between and is connected to outwardly extending, spaced struts 408, 410 connected to or defined by the sidewall 404. One or more beads 412 are slidably and rotatably disposed on the bead bar 406. Alternatively or in addition, other sensory output, such as lights, sound effects and/or music, is triggered via switches or push buttons on the base 400.

The concave track section 500 includes an outer portion 502 and a central portion 504. The outer portion 502 extends around a perimeter 506 of the central portion 504. A side rail 508 extends upwardly from and around a portion of a periphery 510 of the outer portion 502. The side rail 508 includes an end portion 512 and an opposite end portion 514. Another side rail 516 extends upwardly from and around another portion of the periphery 510 of the outer portion 502. The side rail 516 includes an end portion 518 and an opposite end portion 520.

The end portion 512 of side rail 508 is spaced from the end portion 518 of side rail 516, and together define an inlet 522. The entry ramp 600 is coupled to the inlet 522 of the outer portion 502 of the concave track section 500. The toy vehicles 800 may access the concave track section 500 from the entry ramp 600 through the inlet 522. The end portion 514 of side rail 508 is spaced from the end portion 520 of side rail 516 and together define an outlet 524. The exit ramp 700 is coupled to the outlet 524 of the outer portion 502. The toy vehicles 800 may exit the concave track section 500 through the outlet 524 and onto the exit ramp 700.

The central portion 504 of the concave track section 500 is rotatable about an axis A4 and relative to the outer portion 502, and relative to the entry ramp 600 and the exit ramp 700. The outer portion 502 and the central portion 504 have a generally bowl-shaped or concave configuration. In one embodiment, the outer portion 502 and the central portion 504 are concentric.

The central portion 504 is coupled to a drive mechanism (not shown), such as described above and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Activation of the drive mechanism causes the central portion 504 to rotate about its axis A4 in a counterclockwise direction and/or in a clockwise direction. For example, the drive mechanism may be a motor including a shaft coupled to the central portion 504 and adapted to rotate the central portion 504 about its axis A4 at a rate of approximately 180 to 200 revolutions per minute. An on-off switch 525 may be provided on the sidewall portion 404 of the base 400, which is operatively coupled to the drive mechanism for controlling a power supply thereto. In one embodiment, an actuator such as a lever 414 is coupled to the sidewall portion 404. The lever 414 is operatively coupled to the drive mechanism, so that actuation of the lever 414 (e.g. such as when a user presses downwardly on the lever 414) activates the drive mechanism. Thus, the lever 414 may be stylized to resemble an automotive shifter. In alternative embodiments, the actuator may be configured as a push button, a roller dial, a spinning wheel, or have some other configuration manipulateable by the user for activating the drive mechanism.

The entry ramp 600 includes an end portion 602 coupled to the outer portion 502 of the concave track section 500 and aligned with the inlet 522, and an opposite distal end portion 604. The entry ramp 600 further includes an upper surface 606 along which the toy vehicle(s) 800 is movable, and an undersurface 608. In one embodiment, side rails 610, 612 extend upwardly from opposing side edges of the upper surface 606 and between the distal end portion 604 of the entry ramp 600 and the corresponding end portions 512, 518 defining the inlet 522. The side rails 610, 612 guide the toy vehicles 800 along the upper surface 606 of the entry ramp 600 and toward the inlet 522.

In one embodiment, a switch 614 is disposed along the entry ramp 600. The switch 614 is operatively coupled to the drive mechanism. The switch 614 is activatable by the toy vehicle 800 as it moves along the entry ramp 600. In one embodiment, the switch 614 is disposed along the upper surface 606 of the entry ramp 600 and proximate to the inlet 522. As the toy vehicle 800 passes over the switch 614, the switch 614 is actuated, thereby activating the drive mechanism and causing the central portion 504 to rotate. A control circuit (not shown) may control the drive mechanism upon receiving a signal from the switch 614 indicating that it has been actuated. In one embodiment, the central portion 504 is caused to rotate upon actuation of the switch 614. In another embodiment, the central portion 504 is caused to rotate after a short delay (e.g. one or two seconds) following actuation of the switch 614. The short delay permits the toy vehicle 800 to proceed toward the center (defined by the rotational axis A4) of the central portion 504 before rotation of the central portion 504 commences.

In one embodiment, the distal end portion 604 of the entry ramp 600 is coupled to a brace 616 configured for supporting the distal end portion 604 above the support surface S. The brace 616 includes an upper end 618 coupled to the undersurface 608 and proximate to the distal end portion 604, a central portion 620, and a lower portion 622 configured for engaging the support surface S. The lower portion 622 may be coupled to the base 400 for additional stability.

In one embodiment, additional auxiliary entertainment mechanisms are coupled to or defined by the central portion 620 of the brace 616. For example, the central portion 620 may include a barrel shaped member 624 rotatably coupled thereto and/or a wheel shaped member 626 rotatably coupled thereto. Alternatively or in addition, other sensory output, such as spinning plates, lights, bells, mirrors, etc. may be coupled to the brace 616.

The brace 616 extends upwardly from the support surface S so that the entry ramp 600 declines or slopes downwardly toward the concave track section 500. Accordingly, the end portion 602 of the entry ramp 600 that is coupled to the concave track section 500 lies on a plane that is spaced from the plane on which the distal end portion 604 lies.

The exit ramp 700 includes an end portion 702 coupled to the outer portion 502 of the concave track section 500 and aligned with the outlet 524, and an opposite distal end portion 704. The exit ramp 700 includes an upper surface 706 along which the toy vehicles 800 are movable, and a bottom surface 708 configured for engaging the support surface S. In one embodiment, sides 710, 712 extend upwardly from opposing side edges of the upper surface 706 and between the distal end portion 704 of the exit ramp 700 and the corresponding end portions 514, 520 defining the outlet 524. The sides 710, 712 guide the toy vehicle(s) 800 from the outlet 524 upon exiting the concave track section 500 and along the upper surface 706 toward the distal end portion 704.

In one embodiment, the upper surface 706 of the exit ramp 700 declines or slopes downwardly from the concave track section 500. Accordingly, the end portion 702 of the exit ramp 700 lies on a plane that is spaced from the plane on which the distal end portion 704 lies. The central portion 504 of the concave track section 500 lies on a plane that is between the plane on which the distal end portion 604 of the entry ramp 600 lies and the plane on which the distal end portion 704 of the exit ramp 700 lies (such as described above and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4).

The exit ramp 700 may include additional auxiliary entertainment mechanisms coupled thereto. For example, a rod 714 may be coupled to and extend between the sides 710, 712 proximate to the distal end portion 704 of the exit ramp 700. A plate shaped member 716 configured to resemble a flag (e.g. a finish line flag) is coupled to the rod 714, and rotatable (such as when a toy vehicle 800 passes underneath the rod 714 and exits the exit ramp 700) relative to the sides 710, 712.

In operation, the user may place the toy vehicle 800 on the upper surface 606 of the entry ramp 600 proximate to the distal end portion 604 thereof. The toy vehicle 800 then slides or rolls down the entry ramp 600, through the inlet 522 and onto the concave track section 500. As the toy vehicle 800 proceeds along the entry ramp 600, it triggers the switch 614, which in turn causes the central portion 504 to rotate for a predetermined period of time (e.g. 15-20 seconds) about its axis A4. Thus, as or shortly after the toy vehicle 800 moves onto the concave track section 500, the central portion 504 is caused to rotate. In turn, the toy vehicle 800 is spun around the central portion 504 and spiraled outwardly toward the perimeter 506 of the central portion 504 via centrifugal force. The centrifugal force propels the toy vehicle 800 off of the central portion 504 and onto the outer portion 502 and toward the side rails 508, 516, and then out the outlet 524 and onto the exit ramp 700. The toy vehicle 800 then slides or rolls down the exit ramp 700 and exits the track assembly 300.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in one embodiment the toy vehicle 800 is an unpowered, single-wheeled vehicle having a main body 802 that houses a roller-ball or wheel 804. In one implementation, the wheel 804 is mounted on an axle 806 that extends outwardly from an opening 808 disposed in an underside 810 of the main body 802. The wheel 804 may also extend outwardly from another opening 809 disposed in an upper side 811 of the main body 802. In another implementation, the wheel 804 is retained within a cavity defined by the main body 802 within a portion extending outwardly from the opening 808 (and/or the opening 809) and freely movable in any direction. The wheel 804 is engageable with and movable along the track assembly 300. Thus, the toy vehicle 800 has a relatively limited number of moving components. The size and configuration of the toy vehicle 800 is well suited for use by toddlers and small children. In one embodiment, the toy vehicle 800 includes an internal cavity with movable elements therein, which product a rattle noise when the toy vehicle is shaken.

In some embodiments the track assembly 300 includes additional auxiliary entertainment mechanisms coupled thereto. Referring again to FIG. 6, in one embodiment one or more flag members 302 are coupled to track assembly 300 proximate or extending upwardly from the concave track section 500. A rear panel 304 may extend upwardly from the concave track section 500, such as between the flag members 302. Decals, for example depicting a crowd or including a checked design may be disposed on the rear panel 304.

Alternatively or in addition, sensory output may be triggered when the on/off switch 525 is turned on, and/or when the lever 414 or switch 614 is actuated, and/or the plate shaped member 716 is rotated. For example, audio output such as music or sound effects may be triggered and output via an associated speaker grill 416 provided on the base 400. Additional switches actuated by the user and/or by the toy vehicle may also be provided for triggering sensory output, such as the rotation or movement of an auxiliary entertainment mechanism (e.g., the barrel shaped member 624 and/or the wheel shaped member 626). Further, activation of one or more of the switches noted above may cause one or more lights, such as lights 306 disposed on the outer portion 502, to illuminate or flash. Alternatively or in addition, the movement of an auxiliary entertainment mechanism(s), the rotation of the central portion 504 may cause addition lights to illuminate or flash and/or music or sound effects to be generated. Thus, the specific auxiliary entertainment mechanisms and/or sensory output mechanisms disposed on or coupled to the track assembly 300 may vary.

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

1. A track assembly for toy vehicles, comprising:

a first track section;

a second track section; and

a third track section coupled to the first track section and to the second track section, the third track section including a concave portion rotatable about an axis relative to the first and second track sections.

2. The track assembly of claim 1, wherein the third track section includes an outer portion extending around a periphery of the concave portion, and the concave portion is rotatable relative to the outer portion.

3. The track assembly of claim 1, wherein the first track section includes a first end coupled to the third track section and an opposite second end lying on a first plane, and the second track section includes a first end coupled to the third track section and an opposite second end lying on a second plane spaced from the first plane.

4. The track assembly of claim 3, wherein the second end of the first track section is higher than the first end of the first track section, and the second end of the second track section is lower than the first end of the second track section.

5. The track assembly of claim 3, wherein the concave portion is intermediate the first plane and the second plane.

6. The track assembly of claim 1, further comprising a switch disposed along the first track section and actuatable by a toy vehicle as the toy vehicle proceeds along the first track section, the concave portion being rotated by a drive mechanism upon activation of the switch.

7. The track assembly of claim 1, further comprising a drive mechanism coupled to the concave portion and an actuator connected to the drive mechanism, the actuator being manipulatable by a user to activate the drive mechanism.

8. The track assembly of claim 1, further comprising a toy vehicle having a rolling element configured to engage and move along the first track section, the second track section, and the third track section.

9. A track assembly for toy vehicles, comprising:

a base;

a concave track section coupled to the base, the concave track section being rotatable about an axis relative to the base, the concave track section having a perimeter; and

an outer track section coupled to the base, the outer track section extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the concave track section, the outer track section having an inlet through which a toy vehicle can travel and an outlet through which a toy vehicle can travel.

10. The track assembly of claim 9, further comprising:

an entry ramp coupled to the outer track section, the entry ramp being in communication with the inlet of the outer track section; and

an exit ramp coupled to the outer track section, the exit ramp being in communication with the outlet of the outer track section, the outer track section being located between the entry ramp and the exit ramp.

11. The track assembly of claim 10, further comprising a switch located along a portion of the entry ramp, the switch being activatable by a toy vehicle as the toy vehicle moves along the entry ramp, the concave track section being rotated upon activation of the switch.

12. The track assembly of claim 9, further comprising a drive mechanism coupled to the concave track section and an actuator connected to the drive mechanism, the drive mechanism activated upon actuation of the actuator.

13. The track assembly of claim 9, wherein the concave track section and the outer track section are concentric.

14. The track assembly of claim 9, wherein the base includes a lower portion engageable with a support surface, and the axis about which the concave track section rotates is substantially perpendicular to the support surface.

15. A vehicle track playset, comprising:

a track assembly including an entry ramp, a track section coupled to the entry ramp, the track section including a central portion, the central portion being rotatable about an axis and being rotatable relative to the entry ramp, and an exit ramp coupled to the track section; and

a toy vehicle configured to engage and move along the track assembly, the toy vehicle moves from the entry ramp to the track section, spins around a portion of the central portion as the central portion rotates, and exits the track section onto the exit ramp.

16. The vehicle track playset of claim 15, further comprising a switch disposed along the entry ramp, the switch being activatable by the toy vehicle as the toy vehicle moves along the entry ramp, the central portion being rotated upon activation of the switch.

17. The vehicle track playset of claim 15, wherein the track assembly includes a drive mechanism coupled to the central portion and an actuator connected to the drive mechanism, the actuator being manipulatable by a user to activate the drive mechanism.

18. The vehicle track playset of claim 15, wherein the central portion has a generally concave configuration.

19. The vehicle track playset of claim 15, wherein the entry ramp includes a first end coupled to the track section and an opposite second end lying on a first plane, and the exit ramp includes a first end coupled to the track section and an opposite second end lying on a second plane spaced from the first plane.

20. The vehicle track playset of claim 19, wherein the central portion is intermediate the first plane and the second plane.