Abstract: Provided herein are systems that include bogie systems configured to travel along track members that define a ride path, to detach certain track members from adjacent track members, and to re-attach the detached track members to other track members that may not be orthogonal or coplanar. By employing the embodiments described herein, the system may be able to seamlessly change the direction of travel of a ride vehicle from a lateral direction to a longitudinal direction, from a lateral direction to a vertical direction, or from a vertical direction to the longitudinal direction, to name but a few.

Abstract: In a robot, after a first value indicating acceleration in the up-and-down axis direction output from an acceleration sensor exceeds a certain threshold value, when any of the first value indicating the acceleration in the up-and-down axis direction, a second value indicating the acceleration in the front-and-back axis direction, and a third value indicating the acceleration in the left-and-right axis direction is determined to exhibit variation exceeding a certain width for a fixed period, the robot determines that a housing of the robot is being held by a user.

Abstract: A track set for a toy vehicle includes a track portion and an actuatable mechanism. The track portion defines a track path between a first end of the track portion and a second end of the track portion. The actuatable mechanism attempts to capture a toy vehicle as the toy vehicle moves along the track path, between the first end and the second end, in response to select triggerings generated by the toy vehicle traversing the track path. The actuatable mechanism removes the toy vehicle from the track portion when the actuatable mechanism captures the toy vehicle. The actuatable mechanism may include a carriage that captures the toy vehicle. The carriage is initially disposed in a rest position that is off-path from the track path and is selectively movable, along a carriage pathway, to an actuated position that is also off-path from the track path.

Abstract: Toy train track segments of non-magnetic metals and a toy train track comprised of the non-magnetic track segments and a system of magnetic elements configured to be magnetically inter-connected with each other in varying positions and configurations for building up of environmental structures for a train track layout The toy track segments are configured for magnetic coupling with each other to provide the toy train track, with each segment having at least one edge for abutted coupling to an edge of another track segment wherein each abutted edge has at least one magnet imbedded therein and the imbedded magnet or magnets being positioned to be aligned with a magnet or magnets of another abutted edge to effect the magnetic coupling. The environmental magnetic elements include imbedded magnets around the peripheries thereof or at designated points of magnetic attachment.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for over-determining location estimations for an asset based on location estimates from a plurality of tags. Examples employ a spatial association model in a location system. Examples include a method for processing location information received from a radio frequency (RF) location tag. The method includes determining a first location of a first RF location tag associated with an asset, determining at least one second location of at least one second RF location tag associated with the asset, determining, using a processor, that the first location is not a valid location based at least in part on a comparison of the first location with the at least one second location using a spatial association model associated with the asset, and identifying the first location as erroneous in response to determining that the first location is not a valid location.

Abstract: A track set for toy vehicles having: a base member; a loop section defined by a plurality of curved segments, each of the curved segments being releasably secured to at least another one of the curved segments at one end when the loop section is defined by the curved segments, each of the curved segments includes a feature at the one end for engagement with another one of the curved segments or the base member of the track set; and a release mechanism being movably secured to the loop section, the release mechanism being capable of movement between a first position in which the curved segments are secured to each other and a second position in which the curved segments are released from each other, wherein a portion of the release mechanism is positionable in a portion of a path defined by the loop section such that an object travelling along the path can move the release mechanism from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle track play set includes a base, a plate coupled to and extending upwardly from the base, and first and second tracks extending along the plate toward the base. The first track includes a first curved portion extending outwardly from a first surface of the plate and a second curved portion extending outwardly from an opposite second surface of the plate. The first track extends through a first opening in the plate between the first and second curved portions. The second track includes a third curved portion extending outwardly from the second surface and a fourth curved portion extending outwardly from the first surface. The second track extends through a second opening in the plate between the third and fourth curved portions.

Abstract: An activity center toy comprises a base, a housing structure, and a ball track. The housing structure extends above the base and includes a first sidewall extending upwardly from the base and defining an entry opening extending through the first sidewall, and a second sidewall extending upwardly from the base in a different plane than the first sidewall. The second sidewall defines an exit opening extending through the second sidewall. The exit opening is positioned closer to the base than the entrance opening is positioned relative to the base. The ball track downwardly extends from the entry opening to the exit opening and includes a first rail and a second rail being spaced from one another and extending substantially in parallel with one another.

Abstract: An elongated flexible open coil spring with spaced apart coils adapted to engage a guide pin on a slot car is placed in the slot of a model slot car track. Cars are positioned with their depending pins engaging the open coil spring to be carried around the track by a powered car held by and moving the open coil spring along the slot.

Abstract: A toy vehicle playset has a color changing device or mechanism that can be used to activate a color change on a toy vehicle. In one embodiment, the playset includes a chamber configured to receive the toy vehicle. In another embodiment, the playset includes a launching mechanism that propels the toy vehicle along a track member and into a chamber.

Abstract: A toy track set is disclosed herein, the toy track set having: a vehicle path defined by a track and a gap disposed between a pair of ends of the track; a carriage assembly configured to carry a toy vehicle across the gap such that the toy vehicle may travel from one of the pair of ends of the track to another one of the pair of ends of the track on the carriage assembly; a ferromagnetic material disposed in the track; wherein the toy vehicle has at least one magnet disposed on the toy vehicle such that the toy vehicle may travel on the track in anyone of an inverted or vertical fashion; and a release mechanism positioned on the carriage assembly, the release mechanism being configured to engage one of the pair of ends of the track when the release mechanism is in a first position and release the release mechanism from the one of the pair of ends of the track when the release mechanism is moved to a second position from the first position by the toy vehicle travelling onto the carriage assembly; and wherein t

Abstract: A track set configured to be mounted to a wall by a plurality of wall mounts, the track set having: a tower: a first upper track section configured to receive toy vehicles from a top portion of the tower; a second lower track section, wherein the first upper track section is angularly positioned such that toy vehicles traveling along the first track section move towards a second lower track section, wherein the second lower track section is configured to direct the toy vehicles towards a bottom portion of a tower; a corkscrew rotationally secured to the tower; and a motor coupled to the corkscrew, wherein operation of the motor causes the corkscrew to rotate, wherein rotation of the corkscrew causes the toy vehicles to move from the bottom portion of the tower to the top portion of the tower.

Abstract: A toy car has one or more lights emitting light downward onto a glow in the dark track surface in order to leave temporarily illuminated tracer marks therealong. The lights of the cars can be set to be constantly on, constantly off, blinking on and off or timed, for example. The lights can be in various forms, such as black (ultraviolet) lights, purple lights, white lights, or the like. The glow in the dark track surface can be designed in various manners, provided that the light emitted from the toy car leaves a temporary tracer mark along the track as the car moves.

Abstract: A system and method for interactive play that includes an object having a visible characteristic such as a color pattern that is recognizable in an image. The color pattern may be associated with an instruction. An imager in a toy captures an image of the object that is processed by a processor in the toy. The processor identifies the visible characteristic and finds the instruction associated with the visible characteristic. The processor may signal an output device of the toy to take an action in accordance with the instruction.

Abstract: A playset system for autonomous devices includes a communal area including a substantially horizontal and substantially planar area bounded by a plurality of side walls, a plurality of connectors, and a plurality of ports. Each port is disposed in a side wall, each port is situated adjacent to one of the connectors, and each port includes a gate adapted to open and close, to impede movement of the autonomous devices when closed, and to allow passage of the autonomous devices when open.

Abstract: A reconfigurable structure for use with toy vehicles is provided, the structure having a first tower structure having a plurality of floors each having an entrance and an exit; a lift movably secured to the first tower, the lift being positionable at any entrance of the plurality of floors of the first tower; a ramp movably secured to the first tower, the ramp being positionable at any exit of the plurality of floors of the first tower; a second tower structure having a plurality of floors each having an entrance and an exit; a lift movably secured to the second tower, the lift being positionable at any entrance of the plurality of floors of the second tower; a ramp movably secured to the second tower, the ramp being positionable at any exit of the plurality of floors of the second tower; and wherein the reconfigurable structure is capable of having a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the ramp of the first tower is configured to releasably engage the lift of the second tower when the

Abstract: A playset is provided herein the playset having: a structure having a first level and a second level, the second level being located above the first level; a mechanism secured to the structure for moving an object from the first level to the second level; and a collapsible third level located below the first level, the collapsible third level being configured for movement between a contracted position and an expanded position with respect to the first level, wherein a portion of the first level is configured to support the structure on an edge of an elevated surface such that collapsible third level is capable of being moved into the expanded position.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a toy vehicle track set for use with at least one toy vehicle is provided, the toy vehicle track set having: a first vehicle path through the toy vehicle track set when the toy vehicle track set is in a first configuration; a second vehicle path through the toy vehicle track set when the toy vehicle track set is in a second configuration; and a trigger mechanism for converting the toy vehicle track set from the first configuration into the second configuration, wherein the trigger mechanism is actuated by a toy vehicle travelling along only one of two paths of the first vehicle path.

Abstract: A toy track set for a toy vehicle is disclosed herein, the toy track set having: a first track path comprising a first looped vehicle path; a second track path comprising an alternate vehicle path, the second track path having a first segment and a second segment, the second segment being separated from the first segment by a gap, the second segment being pivotally mounted to the track set for reciprocal movement between a first position and a second position, wherein a toy vehicle travelling along the second track path from the first segment to the second segment will travel along a first portion of the second segment when the second segment is in the first position and the toy vehicle traverses the gap and wherein the toy vehicle travelling along the second track path from the first segment to the second segment will be captured in a receiving area of the second segment when the second segment is in the second position and the toy vehicle traverses the gap; a track diverter pivotally mounted to the track se

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a relay for a toy track set, the relay having: a first actuator; a second actuator; an object movably secured to the relay for movement from a first elevated position to a second lower position; a first trigger moveably secured to the first actuator for movement between a first position and a second position wherein movement of the trigger from the first position towards the second position causes the actuator to release the object from the first elevated position such that the object travels towards the second lower position; and a second trigger coupled the second actuator wherein movement of the second trigger launches an object from the second actuator, wherein the second trigger is moved when the object is at the second lower position.

Abstract: A CO2 gas-propelled model car launcher permits two or more model vehicles to be launched substantially simultaneously. Launching of the vehicles is achieved by moving a trigger plate sidewise which disengages a disc and thereby releases a firing pin whose forward movement punctures the CO2 cartridge. A height adjustment feature permits the launcher to accommodate model cars of different sizes. Multiple launchers may be ganged together and their trigger plates rigidly connected in such a way that sidewise movement of one trigger plate launches all of the model vehicles.

Abstract: Modular tracks for model vehicles comprising a plurality of interconnected track sections, and connectors for interconnecting the track sections and attaching the track to a support structure are disclosed. In some embodiments, a modular track for toy vehicles includes a track section having a top surface for supporting toy vehicles and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first end with recessed corners on the top surface, and a connection flange extending downward from the bottom surface at the first end. The modular track may also include a track section connector configured to connect and align adjacent track sections, the connector including a lower receptacle for receiving the connection flange and an upper receptacle for receiving the recessed corners.

Abstract: A toy train car including a coupler or hitch. The coupler includes a first connector (e.g., socket) configured to be connected to the train car and a second connector (e.g., ball) configured to be connected to the train car. The first connector can be positioned in the front or rear of the train car. The second connector also can be positioned in the front or rear of the train car. Each train car can include a first connector and a second connector. The first and second connectors are configured to couple together to link a plurality of train cars together.

Abstract: A flexible toy car racing track comprises two paths to receive and guide toy cars along a length of the track. A raised portion forms a boundary between the two paths. A recessed portion is formed on a bottom of the track and coincides with the raised portion. The raised portion engages the recessed portion when the flexible track is rolled up in a compact storage configuration. The engagement between the raised portion and the recessed portion restricts relative lateral movement between the raised portion and the recessed portion to maintain the track in the rolled up storage configuration.

Abstract: A toy motorcycle for use on a track with a guide groove includes an electric motor, a chassis, and a support structure mounted on the bottom of the chassis that includes at least two support wheels and a magnet. A guide mounted on the support structure is configured to engage the guide groove of a track. A frame is associated with the chassis, and a rear traction wheel and a front wheel are mounted on the frame. The rear traction wheel is operatively coupled to the electric motor. The toy motorcycle includes a tilting system that tilts the frame when the toy motorcycle is traversing a curved section of a track. The tilting system also causes the rear wheel to traverse a different curve trajectory than the guide groove of the track.

Abstract: A toy vehicle track and vehicle therefor having an actuator mechanism operably coupled with the motor and configured to remove power from the motor once the actuator mechanism senses the toy vehicle has exceeded a first speed provided by battery-powered propulsion and reached a second speed provided by either the vehicle being moved manually by a user or by moving downhill. Once the actuator mechanism has activated, the vehicle moves into free-wheeling mode and remains in that mode until the actuator mechanism senses that the toy has moved from the second speed to a third speed slower than the battery-powered propulsion speed.

Abstract: A relay for a toy is disclosed herein, the relay having: a first relay segment having an upper portion rotatably secured to a lower portion for movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the lower portion; a trigger coupled to the first relay segment, the trigger being configured for movement from a first position to a second position; a mechanism for retaining the upper portion in the second position after it has been rotated to the second position from the first position, the upper portion being spring biased towards the first position, wherein the mechanism releases the upper portion to allow for rotation movement of the upper portion to the first position from the second position, when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position; a projectile launcher for launching a projectile into air after the release mechanism releases the upper portion and the upper portion is rotated to the first position from the second position; and a second relay segment, the s

Abstract: In some examples, a toy vehicle playset for a toy vehicle is provided with a track assembly including a vehicle launcher operatively connected to a track. The track defines a travel path, and there is a dispensing assembly including a release mechanism positioned adjacent a portion of the track. A trigger assembly is operably connected to the vehicle launcher and the release mechanism so that activation of the trigger assembly may simultaneously activate the vehicle launcher and the release mechanism.

Abstract: A toy vehicle racetrack is provided with one or more obstacle pairs. The obstacle pairs may be arranged in a geometrical progression and each obstacle pair may determine the relative positions of two toy vehicles and impede the travel of the trailing vehicle. Impeding the travel of the trailing vehicle may be accomplished by ejecting the trailing toy vehicle from the track.

Abstract: An elongated flexible sliding member with spaced apart coils, slots, or holes to engage a guide pin on a slot car is placed in the slot of a model slot car track. Cars positioned where the flexible sliding member engage the coils, slots, holes or detents in the sliding member to be carried around the track by a powered car held by the flexible sliding member.

Abstract: A track set is provided, the track set having: a toy vehicle; a toy airplane; a launcher for launching the toy airplane; a trigger mechanism coupled to the launcher, wherein the trigger mechanism is located in a portion of a track path of the track set; and wherein actuation of the trigger mechanism by the toy vehicle as it travels along the track path launches the toy airplane from the launcher towards an indicator mechanism configured to be contacted by the toy vehicle traveling along the track path and the toy airplane after it has been launched from the launcher.

Abstract: A relay segment for a toy track set is provided, the relay segment having a trigger moveably secured to the relay segment proximate to a first vehicle track segment pivotally mounted to the relay segment for adjustable movement with respect to the relay segment, the trigger being capable of movement between a first position and a second position; and a launching element for launching a vehicle from the relay segment when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a rear wheel assembly, front wheel assembly, a driving mechanism and a frame. Each wheel assembly may include two wheels while the driving mechanism may be disposed within the toy vehicle and may include a flywheel motor operably coupled to the rear wheel assembly. The flywheel motor may provide for various types of play, including allowing the toy vehicle to balance on a part of the frame, drive on four wheels, or drive on its side, such that only the wheels disposed on one side of the toy vehicle are contacting the ground. The toy vehicle may drive in different pathways when driving on its side depending upon whether it is driving on its first or second side, as each side may include projections of different shapes extending from the wheels.

Abstract: An inductively powered vehicle and an inductive charging segment. The vehicle may include a secondary coil, a drive motor, an electrical power storage device connected between said secondary coil and said drive motor, and a wireless communications unit. The charging segment may include a primary coil, a sense circuit operable to detect the presence of the vehicle based on a change in the detected impedance of the primary coil, and a power control unit operable to provide a time-varying current to the primary coil when the vehicle traverses the charging segment. The primary coil is positioned adjacent a track upper surface. The vehicle drive motor may be operable at first and second speed settings, and a remote control device can provide operating instructions to the vehicle wireless communications unit.

Abstract: An intersecting path ride providing close vehicle interaction without risk of collision. The ride includes a track assembly defining first and second linear, open channels bisecting at a vehicle path intersection point. The ride includes first and second vehicle guides movable within the channels. The ride includes first and second vehicle subassemblies supported by the guides, and the vehicle subassemblies move or reciprocate with the guides along linear paths defined by the channels. The ride includes a vehicle positioning assembly that concurrently reciprocates the guides back and forth along the linear channels through the intersection point. The vehicle positioning assembly includes a connection link pivotally coupled to the guides, a drive motor with an output shaft, and a crank arm rigidly coupled to the output shaft at one end and pivotally coupled to the connection link at another end moving the midpoint of the link through a circular drive path.

Abstract: The rollover prevention apparatus defines an adaptive steering range limiting device comprising a control unit and a pair of opposing unidirectional brake assemblies mounted to a steering column position detection disc. The rollover prevention apparatus prevents the steering wheel of the vehicle from being turned beyond the threshold of vehicle rollover, but otherwise does not restrict the rotational range of motion of the steering wheel of a vehicle.

Abstract: A toy vehicle playset having a toy vehicle and a vessel holding a body of water is provided. The toy vehicle traverses a gap above the vessel when a toy creature is in a first position and the toy vehicle is launched from one of first and second track segments into a gap. The toy vehicle is captured by the toy creature and subsequently lowered into the vessel and the body of water when the toy creature is in a second position and the toy vehicle is launched from one of the first and second track segments into the gap. A thermochromic paint on the toy vehicle changes from a first color to a second color when it is lowered into the body of water by the toy creature.

Abstract: A track set and a plurality of wall mounts is disclosed herein, each of the plurality of wall mounts having: a planar member; a mount member configured to be snap fittingly engaged into the planar member; wherein the mount member is configured to releasably engage a front surface of the planar member and wherein the front surface of planar member further comprises a ledge portion that is configured to engage a bottom portion of the mount member and a1 feature that is configured to engage an upper portion of the mount member. The track set having a first track segment configured to engage at least one of the plurality of wall mounts and direct an object in a first direction generally down the first track segment; and a U-turn device configured to receive the object from the first track segment and redirect the object it in a direction substantially opposite to the first direction down a second track segment.

Abstract: A vehicle track play set includes a base, a plate coupled to and extending upwardly from the base, and first and second tracks extending along the plate toward the base. The first track includes a first curved portion extending outwardly from a first surface of the plate and a second curved portion extending outwardly from an opposite second surface of the plate. The first track extends through a first opening in the plate between the first and second curved portions. The second track includes a third curved portion extending outwardly from the second surface and a fourth curved portion extending outwardly from the first surface. The second track extends through a second opening in the plate between the third and fourth curved portions.

Abstract: A play set having a device for holding and storing track members is provided. The device includes a body and a hanger portion coupled to a first end of the body. A first arm is rotationally coupled to the body opposite the hanger portion, the first arm having a first fastener. A second arm is rotationally coupled to the body opposite the hanger portion, the second arm having a second fastener.

Abstract: A toy car race track set comprised of a plurality of easily connectible track sections, in which the track sections have novel provisions for integrating the track sections with structures formed with K'NEX rod and connector elements, including but not limited to structures for elevating track sections above a support or above other track sections, providing obstructions on the race course, and the like. A variety of shapes and forms of track sections enables a substantially limitless variety of track configurations to be assembled. Each section is provided at each end with at least one tongue element and one slot element positioned such that the tongue element of one section is received in the slot of an adjacent section with a desired, snap-in action substantially preventing unintended separation. Optional locking pins are provided for positively locking the track sections to other sections when desired.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, a vibrating mechanism, and a plurality of appendages each having an appendage base proximal to the housing and an appendage tip distal from the housing. One or more of the appendages are adapted to cause the apparatus to move across a surface in a forward direction generally defined by a longitudinal offset between the appendage base and the appendage tip, and the appendages include two or more appendages disposed such that the appendage tips of the two or more appendages are adapted to contact opposing surfaces to produce a net force in a direction generally defined by a longitudinal offset between the appendage base and the appendage tip of the two or more appendages as the vibrating mechanism causes the apparatus to vibrate. The net force can allow the apparatus to climb when the opposing surfaces are inclined.

Abstract: A track set is disclosed herein. The track set includes a track portion configured for receiving at least one device configured to traverse within the track portion, and a rotatable track portion. The rotatable track portion includes a receiving member and a generally spiral portion. The rotatable track portion is selectively rotatable about an axis. The receiving member is positioned to selectively receive the at least one device from the track portion as the rotatable track portion rotates. Movement of the device within the spiral portion generally maintains rotation of the rotatable track portion about the axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a digital control system for several objects to be controlled, in particular for track-guided toy vehicles on a car racing track, with in each case at least one digital decoder in each object to be controlled and with several operating devices, which each have at least one activation element for controlling an object assigned to the operating device. The assignment of the operating device to an object is set up by a digital address being assigned to each operating device. The digital decoder, depending on the status information of the activation element of the assigned operating device, transmits control commands to the toy vehicle. By this process, the digital decoder selects the control commands derived from the status information for the toy vehicle, depending additionally on the physical state of the toy vehicle.

Abstract: A race track including a first racing lane, a second racing lane, a first starting mechanism, a second starting mechanism and a linking mechanism. The first starting mechanism is operably mounted to the first racing lane. The second starting mechanism is operably mounted to the second racing lane. The linking mechanism is capable of selectively attaching to the first starting mechanism and the second starting mechanism. The first starting mechanism and the second starting mechanism are independently operable unless the linking mechanism is attached to the first starting mechanism and the second starting mechanism which causes the first starting mechanism and the second starting mechanism to move in unison.

Abstract: A reconfigurable structure for use with toy vehicles is provided, the structure having a first tower structure having a plurality of floors each having an entrance and an exit; a lift movably secured to the first tower, the lift being positionable at any entrance of the plurality of floors of the first tower; a ramp movably secured to the first tower, the ramp being positionable at any exit of the plurality of floors of the first tower; a second tower structure having a plurality of floors each having an entrance and an exit; a lift movably secured to the second tower, the lift being positionable at any entrance of the plurality of floors of the second tower; a ramp movably secured to the second tower, the ramp being positionable at any exit of the plurality of floors of the second tower; and wherein the reconfigurable structure is capable of having a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the ramp of the first tower is configured to releasably engage the lift of the second tower when the

Abstract: A play set for toy vehicles is provided, the play set having: a ramp member pivotally mounted to the play set for movement between a first un-deployed position wherein toy vehicles travelling thereon will be directed under an upper track section and a deployed position wherein vehicles travelling thereon will be launched up into the upper track section; a first mechanism coupled to the ramp member for moving the ramp member between the first position and the second position; and a second mechanism for releasing a floor portion of the upper track section such that toy vehicles located thereon are dropped through an opening in the upper track section, wherein the second mechanism is only actuated after a predetermined number of vehicles are located on the upper track section.

Abstract: A track set is provided. The track set includes a first track segment and a carriage. The first track segment has a first pivot and is rotatable about the first pivot from a first position to a second position. The carriage is rotationally coupled to an end of the first track segment by a second pivot. The carriage is configured to rotate about the second pivot as the first track segment rotates from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a toy track set for at least one toy vehicle is provided, the toy track set having: a track path; and a surface rotatably mounted to a base, wherein a portion of the surface comprises a portion of the track path and wherein as the surface rotates and spins on the base to transfer the toy vehicle from a first portion of the track to a second portion of the track.

Abstract: A remote controlled circuit breaker for battery powered riding toys and method of using is disclosed. The circuit breaker is capable of being installed into standard electrical systems of battery powered riding toys via complementary connectors. If the child encounters danger while riding, the handler of the remote control can push the “Stop” button to switch the circuit breaker, thus preventing electric current flow through the toy. Once danger is averted, the handler of the remote control can push the “Go” button, which switches the circuit breaker to allow current flow from the battery to the motor, and thus allowing movement of the vehicle.