Abstract: Disclosed is a toy racetrack having a toy vehicle launching section that, in a first configuration of the racetrack, launches a toy vehicle toward and through the open, central portion of a loop track section, preferably to impact a target, and in a transformed configuration of the racetrack, launches a toy vehicle through the track portion of the loop track section and preferably toward a catch tray. Two loop track sections are pivotably mounted to a tower, and target flags may be pivotably mounted to a loop section mounting block positioned at the top of the tower. Once one of the target flags is struck by a toy vehicle, an internal transformation mechanism is triggered that causes the loop track sections to pivot into a track engaging position in which the loop sections form terminal track portions for the track segments in the launching section of the racetrack.

Abstract: Disclosed is a convertible toy vehicle playset convertible from a first configuration to a second, altered configuration upon a predefined interaction with a toy vehicle. A convertible track segment includes a rotating platform mounted above a base and a trigger located on the rotating platform that may be engaged by a toy vehicle. The trigger is configured to cause the convertible track segment to undergo a transformation from a section of a toy track set to an alternative structure, such as a display trophy with the toy vehicle positioned atop the trophy, which transformation occurs only when the rotating platform is within a specific, predetermined rotational angle range with respect to the base.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is disclosed that is configured to be driven by a pull cord that is inserted through the axle of a drive wheel of the toy vehicle, such that the drive wheel of the toy vehicle is energized through movement of the driving pull cord in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of intended travel of the toy vehicle. This configuration allows a user to launch multiple toy vehicles arranged in a side-by-side arrangement using a single pull cord, and moreover by pulling such single pull cord through a single pull stroke. This configuration also allows the simultaneous launching of multiple toy vehicles aligned in a single row when multiple pull cords are provided an engage a single actuator to withdraw all such pull cords in a single pulling stroke. Launchers for use with such a toy vehicle, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a convertible toy vehicle playset convertible from a first configuration to a second, altered configuration upon a predefined interaction with a toy vehicle. A convertible track segment includes a rotating platform mounted above a base and a trigger located on the rotating platform that may be engaged by a toy vehicle. The trigger is configured to cause the convertible track segment to undergo a transformation from a section of a toy track set to an alternative structure, such as a display trophy with the toy vehicle positioned atop the trophy, which transformation occurs only when the rotating platform is within a specific, predetermined rotational angle range with respect to the base.

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: Disclosed is a toy racetrack having a toy vehicle launching section that, in a first configuration of the racetrack, launches a toy vehicle toward and through the open, central portion of a loop track section, preferably to impact a target, and in a transformed configuration of the racetrack, launches a toy vehicle through the track portion of the loop track section and preferably toward a catch tray. Two loop track sections are pivotably mounted to a tower, and target flags may be pivotably mounted to a loop section mounting block positioned at the top of the tower. Once one of the target flags is struck by a toy vehicle, an internal transformation mechanism is triggered that causes the loop track sections to pivot into a track engaging position in which the loop sections form terminal track portions for the track segments in the launching section of the racetrack.

Abstract: An inertia motor for a toy has a housing supporting a rotating flywheel. The flywheel has a disk with generally radially movable elements, movement of which vary the moment of inertia of the disk. Another element is supported by the housing so as to be movable towards and away from the disk and is located so as to be able to engage at least one of the movable elements when the flywheel has slowed sufficiently. Angular momentum and energy in the flywheel at engagement is transferred to the housing. The housing may also include a transmission such as a gear train to connect the flywheel with one of more elements of the toy to be powered by the flywheel.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is disclosed that is configured to be driven by a pull cord that is inserted through the axle of a drive wheel of the toy vehicle, such that the drive wheel of the toy vehicle is energized through movement of the driving pull cord in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of intended travel of the toy vehicle. This configuration allows a user to launch multiple toy vehicles arranged in a side-by-side arrangement using a single pull cord, and moreover by pulling such single pull cord through a single pull stroke. This configuration also allows the simultaneous launching of multiple toy vehicles aligned in a single row when multiple pull cords are provided an engage a single actuator to withdraw all such pull cords in a single pulling stroke. Launchers for use with such a toy vehicle, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A toy vehicle launch apparatus is described. The launch apparatus comprises a base, a vehicle tray, an actuator, a launch member, and a release controller. The vehicle tray is coupled to the base such that it is rotatable along a longitudinal axis relative to the base. The actuator, launch member, and release controller are coupled such that the launch member is configured to move between a ready position and a released position along a surface of the vehicle tray. The apparatus may also include a vehicle disposed on a surface of the vehicle tray and positioned in a launch position adjacent to the launch member. A combination toy vehicle transporter and launch apparatus and a method of launching a vehicle are also disclosed.

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: An inertia motor for a toy has a housing supporting a rotating flywheel. The flywheel has a disk with generally radially movable elements, movement of which vary the moment of inertia of the disk. Another element is supported by the housing so as to be movable towards and away from the disk and is located so as to be able to engage at least one of the movable elements when the flywheel has slowed sufficiently. Angular momentum and energy in the flywheel at engagement is transferred to the housing. The housing may also include a transmission such as a gear train to connect the flywheel with one of more elements of the toy to be powered by the flywheel.