Abstract: Presented herein are techniques in which the proximity of an object to a toy is determined using a photosensor (photo sensor) circuit. The proximity is classified/categorized as falling into one of a plurality of different proximity ranges. The proximity range in which the object is located is mapped to one or more audible or visual outputs, where the audible or visual outputs are adjusted/varied as the relative proximity of the object to the toy changes.

Abstract: Toy vehicle track systems and connectors for those systems are disclosed. The connectors include a central portion, first and second end portions, and first and second side portions. The central portion includes first and second posts, and a third larger post disposed between the first and second posts. In some embodiments, the third post includes a living hinge to allow for increased vertical displacement of the first, second, and/or third posts when a downward force is applied to the third post. In some embodiments, the central portion includes descending and ascending parts to allow for increased vertical displacement of the first, second, and/or third posts when a downward force is applied to the third post. In some embodiments, the connectors include a plurality of bumps to increase frictional engagement between the connector and the track sections.

Abstract: Toy play systems are disclosed. A toy play system may include a first toy play set having a first base. The first base may include opposed upper and lower sides, the upper side may include at least one play feature and the lower side may include a plurality of protrusions. The toy play system may further include a base connector which may have at least two coupling structures. At least a first coupling structure of the at least two coupling structures may frictionally engage a protrusion of the plurality of protrusions. At least a second coupling structure of the at least two coupling structures may frictionally engage a second toy play set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic device, and in particular, to the input and output of data from the electronic device. An object is connected to the electronic device and configured to convert a portion of the audio signal output by the electronic device into an audible output. The object also converts a portion of the audio signal output by the electronic device into an infrared signal that is emitted to a toy vehicle. With the object connected to the electronic device, the electronic device is able to remotely control the toy vehicle while the object outputs sound effects and other audible sounds.

Abstract: An improved toy vehicle transfer station playset is disclosed herein. The playset includes a support frame that extends upwardly from a support surface. Coupled to the support frame is a slide rail having a first end and a second end. The first end is disposed higher than the second end with respect to the support surface. A carrier is movably coupled to the slide rail, and is configured to move along the slide rail from a first position proximate the first end to a second position proximate the second end of the slide rail via gravity. The carrier includes a track section for receiving a toy vehicle. The playset also includes a retaining mechanism disposed on the slide rail and configured to retain the carrier in the first position. However, when a toy vehicle is disposed on the track section of the carrier, the retaining mechanism releases the carrier to move along the slide rail to the second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a track riser for a toy vehicle track set. The track riser includes a pair of track depressions and a male and female connector that enable other track sections to be coupled to the track riser so that a toy vehicle can travel along the track sections and over the track riser. The track riser also includes a pair of openings. The male connectors of two equally sized track sections can be inserted through the openings of the track riser so that the track sections extend downwardly from the track riser. In this orientation, the two track sections act as supports to raise the track riser above the support surface.

Abstract: A multi-configurable toy vehicle is described. The multi-configurable toy vehicle comprises a cab and a vehicle body. The cab comprises a first set of one or more wheels and the vehicle body comprises a second set of one or more wheels. The vehicle body is slidably coupled to the cab between a collapsed and expanded configuration. The vehicle body comprises a floor and a platform pivotally coupled to the floor between an upright position and an open position. A trailer may be coupled to the multi-configurable toy vehicle.

Abstract: A toy-vehicle launcher is disclosed that includes a track member having a loop track section, a launching mechanism, and a base pivotably coupled to and laterally extending from a bottom portion of the loop track section. The launching mechanism includes a vehicle receptacle coupled to a first end of the track member, a trigger coupled to the vehicle receptacle, and a shuttle biased to move in a first direction along the vehicle receptacle from a loading position to a launching position. The trigger actuates to release the shuttle from the loading position. In addition, the track member and launching mechanism can be pivoted about the base by application of a lateral force on the trigger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infant play yard with multiple reconfigurations. The infant play yard includes a frame structure that is reconfigurable between a deployed configuration and a storage configuration. Rotatably coupled to the frame structure is a set of legs that are reconfigurable between a deployed configuration and a storage configuration. The infant play yard includes an infant play yard cover that is coupled to the frame structure, the play yard cover having an exterior and an interior. Moreover, the infant play yard further includes a sleeper insert that is removably coupleable to the frame structure. The sleeper insert, when used in conjunction with the frame structure, is disposed between the sidewalls of the play yard cover. The sleeper insert is configured with locking covers that are removably coupleable to the legs of the play yard frame.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a body, at least one drive wheel coupled with the body, a control structure configured to automatically control rotational movements of the at least one drive wheel so as to selectively control movement of the body, and a motion detection system coupled with the control structure and configured to detect a plurality of different movements of a user. The control structure controls rotational movements of the at least one drive wheel to effect different movements of the body based upon different detected movements of the user.

Abstract: A toy vehicle track set is provided including a track segment. The track set having: a track segment for a toy vehicle; a contact member mounted adjacent to the track segment and configured to be actuated by a toy vehicle on the track segment; and a character adjacent to the track segment, the character including a first portion and at least a second portion movably coupled to the first portion, wherein the at least a second portion moves relative to the first portion in response to actuation of the contact member by a toy vehicle.

Abstract: A toy figure display stand displays a toy figure behind a transparent fluid-retaining wall, thus simulating immersion of the toy figure within the transparent fluid. The simulated immersion provides an additional level of engagement between the toy figure and a child or collector. The wall may include an interior transparent shell portion and an exterior transparent shell portion. The interior transparent shell portion and the exterior transparent shell portion may together define a cavity. A fluid may be received within the cavity.

Abstract: A reconfigurable toy vehicle track, accessory, and track set may each be moved between multiple positions in order to provide multiple configurations. A first toy vehicle track section may include a first portion and a second portion that are pivotally or rotatably coupled together. A second toy vehicle track section may include an accessory that is rotatably coupled thereto and pivotable with respect to the second track portion between at least a first position which may elevate the second track portion and a second position in which the accessory extends above the second track portion. Including the first track section, the second track section, and supports in a track set provides a track set that may be reconfigured between a flat configuration and an elevated configuration without disconnecting any track portions.

Abstract: An improved infant support structure is disclosed herein. The swing contains a frame, a motor compartment, a hanger arm, and a seat. The frame is configured to suspend the motor compartment, the hanger arm, and the seat above the support surface. The hanger arm extends downwardly from the motor compartment, and is capable of a first type of motion and a second type of motion. The first type of motion may cause the hanger arm and seat to rotate about a vertical axis. The second type of motion may cause the hanger arm and seat to sway or swing along a substantially circular curvilinear arc within a horizontal plane. The motor compartment may cause the hanger arm and seat to simultaneously perform the first and second types of motion.

Abstract: A reconfigurable toy vehicle is provided, the toy vehicle having: a first configuration and a second configuration; a main body portion, having a forward end, a rearward end and a pair of side members extending from the forward end to the rearward end; at least two telescopic wings attached to the main body portion; a retractable canopy movably secured to the main body portion, the retractable canopy being configured to cover a portion of the main body portion when the toy vehicle is in the second configuration; and a folding rear portion pivotally mounted to the main body portion, wherein movement of the folding rear portion causes the toy vehicle to transition between the first configuration to the second configuration.