TOY VEHICLE PLAY SET

Abstract

In one exemplary embodiment, a toy for use with at least one toy vehicle is provided, the toy having a structure configured to be orientated into a first configuration and a second configuration. A first vehicle path is provided through the structure when the structure is in the first configuration. A second vehicle path is provided through the structure when the structure is in the second configuration. A first trigger mechanism provided for converting the structure from the first configuration into the second configuration, wherein a first toy vehicle travelling along the first vehicle path actuates the trigger mechanism.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/377,913 entitled “Toy Vehicle Play Set” that was filed on Aug. 27, 2010, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a toy and in particular to a toy vehicle play set that is reconfigurable and has multiple vehicle paths.

Play sets for toy vehicles are popular toys that are known to provide entertainment and excitement to a user. These play sets typically include a structure that represents a real-life object, such as a house or a castle for example. The structure is arranged to guide a propelled toy vehicle along a vehicle path. The structure configurations include closed-loop continuous track arrangements and open-ended arrangements. Toy vehicles are placed on these play set vehicle paths and propelled across the configuration by hand or by an external propulsion means.

To bring increased entertainment and excitement to play sets, track configurations may include features such as intersecting tracks, loop segments, and other types of track configurations known in the art.

Accordingly, a play set for toy vehicles is desired which can provide the entertainment and excitement of a toy vehicle launched from a track and which also includes provisions for variations in the outcome of the vehicle travelling along the track.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one exemplary embodiment, a toy track set for at least one toy vehicle is provided. The toy set includes a structure configured to be orientated into a first configuration and a second configuration. A first vehicle path is provided through the structure when the structure is in the first configuration. A second vehicle path is provided through the structure when the structure is in the second configuration. A first trigger mechanism is provided for converting the structure from the first configuration into the second configuration, wherein the trigger mechanism is actuated by a first toy vehicle travelling along the first vehicle path.

In another exemplary embodiment a method of providing a reconfigurable structure for a toy set is provided, the method includes the steps of: providing a structure configured to be oriented into a first configuration and a second configuration; actuating a first trigger mechanism with a first toy vehicle traveling along a first vehicle path when the structure is in a first configuration; rotating a tower member about a base to the second configuration when the first trigger member is actuated; and, providing a second vehicle path at least partially defined by the tower member when in the second configuration.

In still another exemplary embodiment, a toy set for a toy vehicle is provided, the toy track set having: a structure having a base and a first portion pivotally coupled to the base, the structure further having a first surface defining first vehicle path and a second surface defining a second vehicle path; a triggering mechanism operably coupled to the base and first portion, the triggering mechanism having a target member disposed in the first vehicle path, wherein the first trigger mechanism rotates the first portion from the first position into a second position to define a third vehicle path, wherein the trigger mechanism is actuated by a first toy vehicle traveling along the first vehicle path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1-6 are perspective views of a toy vehicle play set in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A-7C are a top view and side views of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 1 in a first configuration;

FIG. 9-10 are perspective views of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 1 in a second configuration;

FIG. 11A-11D are perspective views of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a front plan view of a toy vehicle play set in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side plan view of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a perspective of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a rear plan view of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 12;

FIG. 18 is a side plan view of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 12;

FIG. 20 is a top view of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 12;

FIG. 21-23 are perspective views of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 12 in a first configuration;

FIG. 24-26 are perspective views of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 12 in a second configuration;

FIG. 27-28 are partial perspective views of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 12;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a toy vehicle play set in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 30-32 are plan views of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 29 in a first configuration;

FIG. 33 a perspective view of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 29 in a first configuration;

FIG. 34-35 are perspective views of the toy vehicle play set of FIG. 29 in a second configuration;

FIG. 36-37 are perspective views of a toy vehicle play set in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 38-39 are perspective views of a toy vehicle play set in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a toy vehicle play set in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and,

FIG. 41-42 are perspective views of a toy vehicle play set in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the attached FIGS., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a toy play set 100 for use with toy vehicles 102 (FIG. 8). The toy 100 provides for enhanced play by being configurable between a first configuration having a first vehicle path and second configuration having a second vehicle path.

In one non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 1-11, the toy play set 100 includes a structure 101 having a base 104 and a barrel or tower portion 106. The tower portion 106 is pivotally coupled to the base 104 by a hinge member 108 that defines an axis of rotation that extends substantially through the middle of tower portion 106. The tower portion 106 may include a storage area 118 on one end. The storage area 118 is sized to receive a plurality of toy vehicles.

A first surface 110 defines a first vehicle path that extends through the structure 101 via a first opening 112 between the base 104 and the tower portion 106. The surface 110 extends through the structure 101 and exits via a second opening 116. The first vehicle path includes side walls 114 that are arranged to maintain the toy vehicle 102 on the first vehicle path as the toy vehicle traverses the structure 101. As the surface 110 passes through the structure 101, the surface 110 is angled away from the surface on which the toy play set 100 is arranged (referred to herein as the “play surface”) such that the end 120 of the first surface is vertically disposed above a surface 122. In one non-limiting embodiment, the first vehicle path is defined by first surface 110 and a second surface 111 which cooperate to define the first vehicle path.

The surface 122 defines a second vehicle path. The surface 122 includes an end 124 that is adjacent the play surface to allow the toy vehicle 102 to be moved into the toy 100 from the play surface, such as with a spring-loaded launcher 126 (FIG. 8) for example. Although any suitable launcher may be used, in the illustrated embodiments, various automatically and manually-triggered release launcher elements are illustrated. A vehicle may be positioned in launch position such that a launch element may slidingly engage the vehicle to propel the vehicle along a vehicle path. The launch element may be biased to a launch position, such as by springs, elastic bands or any other suitable biasing mechanism such that release of an activator releases its stored potential energy. For example, non-limiting examples of releasable spring biased or other types of toy launchers are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,108,437 and 6,435,929 and U.S. Patent Publication 2007/0293122, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto as well as launchers known to those skilled in the related arts.

The second surface 122 includes side-walls 114 that are arranged to maintain the toy vehicle on the second vehicle path. The surface 122 includes a second end 128 opposite end 124. In one non-limiting embodiment, the toy 100 includes a triggering mechanism 130 that includes a target member 132 that having at least a portion of which is disposed within the second vehicle path. The triggering mechanism 130 is coupled between the base 104 and the tower portion 106 and is arranged to rotate the tower portion 106 about the pivots 108 when actuated. The triggering mechanism 130 may be any suitable mechanism that has stored energy, such as through springs, elastic bands or any other biasing mechanisms such that contact by a toy vehicle 102 on the target member 132 releases the triggering mechanisms stored potential energy.

In one non-limiting embodiment, energy is stored in the triggering mechanism 130 by rotating the tower portion 106 into the first configuration shown in FIG. 1-8. In response to a toy vehicle 102 contacting the target member 132, the stored energy is released causing the tower portion 106 to rotate about the axis defined by the pivots 108 to move into a second configuration shown in FIG. 9.

When in the second configuration, the surfaces 110, 111 cooperate with a helical surface 134 formed on the internal surface of the tower portion to define a third vehicle path. As the tower portion 106 moves from the position of the first configuration to the position of the second configuration, the ends 138, 140 engage the ends of surfaces 110, 111 to form a substantially smooth transition for the toy vehicle 102. The surface 134 further defines a loop portion 136. In one non-limiting embodiment, the surface 122 is arranged such that a toy vehicle 102 launched onto the second vehicle path will traverse the loop portion 136 and land on an opposite side thereto.

In another non-limiting embodiment, the toy 100 may include additional accessory pieces, such as barrels 142 for example. These accessory pieces may be arranged by the user in a freeform manner, such as by placing the accessory pieces into the pathway of the first vehicle path or second vehicle path for example.

Another non-limiting embodiment of toy 100 is shown in FIG. 12-28. In this embodiment, the toy 100 includes a base 200 and a tower portion 202. The tower 202 is a generally parallelpiped shape having a first side 204, a second side 206, a third side 208 and a fourth side 210. Three of the sides 204, 206, 208 are pivotally coupled to the base 200, such as by a hinge member 212. The fourth side 210 is substantially rigidly connected to the base 200 and in one non-limiting embodiment, the fourth side 210 is integrated into the base 200.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the base 200 may include a projection 214 extending adjacent to the third side 208. The projection 214 includes an ejector 216 that is operably coupled to a trigger mechanism 218 as will be discussed in more detail below. The toy 100 has a plurality of vehicle paths, including first surface 220, a second surface 222 and a third surface 224. Each of the surfaces 220, 222, 224 has an end that is adjacent the playing surface and arranged to receive a toy vehicle from the direction of the front of the toy 100.

The first surface 220 includes a pair of side-walls 226 that are arranged to maintain the toy vehicle 102 on the first vehicle path. The first surface 220 is angled away from the playing surface and curves around to an end adjacent an opening 230 in the fourth side 210. The opening 230 allows the toy vehicle to enter the interior of the tower portion 202 to activate trigger mechanism 218. The activation of trigger mechanism 218 releases the ejector 216. If the user has placed a toy vehicle on the projection 214, the releasing of the ejector 216 will cause the toy vehicle to be launched off the projection 214. The triggering mechanism 218 may be any suitable mechanism that has stored energy, such as through springs, elastic bands or any other biasing mechanisms such that contact by a toy vehicle 102 on an actuation or target member releases the triggering mechanism stored potential energy.

The surface 224 has an end that is arranged between the end of surface 220 and the base 200. The surface 224 defines a third vehicle path that ends at a false door in the side of the base.

The surface 222 is arranged on the opposite side of the base 200 from the surfaces 220, 224. The surface 222 includes a pair of side-walls 228 that are arranged to maintain a toy vehicle on the second vehicle path. The surface 222 is also angled away from the playing surface and curves to terminate at first side wall 204. A target member 232 is arranged at the end of surface 222 releases the triggering mechanism 218 causing the toy 100 to reconfigure from a first configuration shown in FIGS. 12-21 to a second configuration shown in FIG. 24. It should be appreciated that while the triggering mechanism for reconfiguring the toy 100 is described herein with respect to triggering mechanism 218, the claimed invention should not be so limited and the toy 100 may have multiple triggering mechanisms.

Upon activation of the triggering mechanism 218, the sides 204, 206, 208 pivot about hinges 212. The third side 208 rotates until the end 234 reaches the playing surface. The interior surface 236 of side 208 cooperates with a ramp member 238 to define a fourth vehicle path. The ramp member 238 may include side-walls that maintain the toy vehicle on the fourth vehicle path. The fourth vehicle path directs a toy vehicle into the fourth side 210, the internal portion of which is now exposed once the walls 204, 206, 208 are rotated. Mounted to one end of the fourth side 210 is a second triggering mechanism 242. A cable 240 is connected on one end to fourth side 210 adjacent the second triggering mechanism 242. The opposite end of cable 240 connects to an end 244 of second side 206. The second triggering mechanism 242 is arranged to removably connect a toy member 246.

To actuate the second triggering mechanism 242, a toy vehicle 102 is launched via the fourth vehicle path up ramp member 238. The ramp 238 directs the toy vehicle into the second triggering mechanism 242 releasing the toy member 246 onto the cable 240. Under the influence of gravity, the toy member 246 slides down the cable 240 towards end 244. In one non-limiting embodiment, an ejector mechanism 248 is arranged at the end of second side 206 adjacent a slot 250. The slot 250 is sized to receive a toy vehicle 102. When toy member 246 reaches the end of cable 240, the toy member 246 actuates the ejector mechanism 248 causing the launching of the toy vehicle 102 in slot 250 (FIG. 26). The ejector mechanism 248 may be any suitable mechanism that has stored energy, such as through springs, elastic bands or any other biasing mechanisms such that contact by a toy member 246 releases the triggering mechanism stored potential energy.

In one non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 27-28, the second side 206 has a plurality of slots 252. Each slot 252 being sized to receive a toy vehicle 102. Adjacent each slot 252 is an ejector mechanism 254 that is configured to receive a projectile 256. The ejector mechanism 254 is operably coupled to a sliding actuator 258 that is arranged within the slot 252. The ejector mechanism 254 may be any suitable mechanism that has stored energy, such as through springs, elastic bands or any other biasing mechanisms such that movement of the actuator 258 releases the ejector mechanism stored potential energy.

The actuator 258 is arranged such that when the user pushes on the toy vehicle 102, the actuator 258 moves towards the edge 260 of side 206. The movement of the actuator 258 releases the stored energy in the ejector mechanism 258 causing the launching of the projectile 256. The projectile 256 may then be reinserted into the ejector mechanism 258 which resets the biasing mechanism until the next time the actuator 258 is moved.

Another non-limiting embodiment of toy 100 is shown in FIG. 29-35. In this embodiment, the toy 100 includes a structure 300 having a base 302 and a tower portion 304. The tower 304 is coupled to the base 302 by a hinge member 306 arranged along a side 308 of the structure 300. The tower 304 has a generally hollow interior and a wall 310 arranged on an end opposite the base 302. The wall 310 is pivotally coupled to the tower 304 such that when the structure 300 is in the first configuration (FIG. 29-32), the wall 310 covers the end of the tower 304. When the structure 300 is moved to a second configuration (FIG. 33-35), the wall 310 rotates to form a ramp portion as will be discussed in more detail below. In one non-limiting embodiment, the wall 310 is spaced a distance from the end of the tower 304 to form a space 312 for storing toy vehicles.

The structure 300 further includes a first surface 314 having a side wall 316 that cooperate to define a first vehicle path. The first surface 314 curves forming a generally semi-circular path having a first end 318 and a second end 320. The first surface 314 passes through the base 302. The ends 318, 320 are generally adjacent the play surface and the first surface 314 slopes upward to a high point within the base 302. Arranged within the base 302 is a triggering mechanism 322 having a target member 324. The triggering mechanism 322 may be any suitable mechanism that has stored energy, such as through springs, elastic bands or any other biasing mechanisms such that movement of the target member 324 releases the triggering mechanism stored potential energy to rotate the tower 304 from the first configuration to the second configuration.

The structure 300 further includes a second surface 326 that projects from a side 328 of the base 302. The second surface 326 forms a second vehicle path for a toy vehicle. The second surface 326 directs a toy vehicle in the direction indicated by arrow 332 towards a target member 330 that projects from side 328 adjacent an end of surface 326. The target member 330 is coupled to release an ejector mechanism 334 having a projectile 336. The ejector mechanism 334 may be any suitable mechanism that has stored energy, such as through springs, elastic bands or any other biasing mechanisms such that movement of the target member 330 releases the ejector mechanism stored potential energy and launches the projectile 336.

When a toy vehicle 102 is launched along the first vehicle path indicated by arrow 338, the toy vehicle 102 may contact the target member 324 releasing the triggering mechanism 322. Once released, the triggering mechanism reconfigures the tower 304 from the first configuration to the second configuration. In the second configuration, the wall 310 rotates to expose a substantially now open end of tower 304. The rotated wall 310 cooperates with the inner surface of the tower 304 to form a third vehicle path as indicated by arrow 340. A toy vehicle 102 that is directed along the third vehicle path will be launched out of the opposite end of the tower 304 and move though the air over the base 302.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the toy 100 will further include a launcher 126 for launching the toy vehicle 102 along a vehicle path. As such, the launchers may be configured to engage and urge a toy vehicle to travel along the vehicle path. It should be appreciated that although launchers are described herein, vehicles may be manually propelled along the track without the use of a launcher without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Another non-limiting embodiment of toy 100 is shown in FIG. 36-37. In this embodiment, the toy 100 includes a structure 400 in the form of a spy ship when in a closed or first position. The toy 100 includes a toy vehicle 402 such as a car and a launcher 404 that is removable from the structure 400. The structure 400 opens to a second position to reveal a first track segment 406 and a second track segment 408.

Another non-limiting embodiment of toy 100 is shown in FIG. 38-39. In this embodiment, the toy 100 includes a structure 410 in the form of a cylinder when in a closed or first position. The toy 100 includes a toy vehicle 412 such as a car and a launcher 414. The structure 410 opens to a second position having a track segment 416. The track segment 416 includes a loop section 418 that directs the toy vehicle into an exit track section 420. The toy 100 may include obstacles, such as barrels 420 that the player may use.

Another non-limiting embodiment of toy 100 is shown in FIG. 40. In this embodiment, the toy 100 includes a structure 422 in the shape of a dock or pier that has a boat 424. The toy 100 has a first track section 426 and a second track section 428 that allow a toy vehicle to be launched.

Another non-limiting embodiment of toy 100 is shown in FIG. 41-42. In this embodiment, the toy 100 includes a structure 430 in the form of a spy train when in a closed or first position. The structure 430 opens to reveal a simulated spy laboratory. A first track segment 432 and a second track segment 434 provide ramps for moving the toy vehicle 436 into the laboratory. A launch 438 may be used to propel the toy vehicle 436.

Accordingly and as discussed above, enhanced play is provided to the toy play set wherein a user may use toy vehicles to reconfigure the vehicle paths by striking a target member. In other words, a user may have numerous options of play wherein in one implementation they may launch the toy vehicle through the toy play set such that reconfiguration occurs or alternatively they may launch the vehicle to launch a projectile.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A toy set comprising:

a structure configured to be orientated into a first configuration and a second configuration;

a first vehicle path through the structure when the structure is in the first configuration;

a second vehicle path through the structure when the structure is in the second configuration; and,

a first trigger mechanism for converting the structure from the first configuration into the second configuration, wherein the first trigger mechanism is actuated by a first toy vehicle travelling along the first vehicle path.

2. The toy set as in claim 1, wherein the first trigger mechanism includes a first target member at least partially disposed in the first vehicle path.

3. The toy set as in claim 2, wherein:

the first configuration includes a third vehicle path and the second configuration includes a fourth vehicle path; and,

the fourth vehicle path includes a loop portion, and the second vehicle path is disposed to direct a vehicle through the loop portion.

4. The toy set as in claim 1, further comprising:

a tower member having a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side, the first side, second side and third side being rotatably coupled to a base, the third side forming the second vehicle path when the structure is in the second configuration;

a second target member coupled to a second trigger member configured on the fourth side; and,

a cable coupled between the fourth side and one end of the second side;

wherein the second trigger member is configured to release a toy member to slide along the cable when the second trigger member is actuated by a toy vehicle traveling along a third vehicle path.

5. The toy set as in claim 4, further comprising a third trigger member coupled to the second side adjacent the cable, wherein the third trigger member is configured to eject a second toy vehicle when the third trigger member is actuated by the toy member on the cable.

6. The toy set as in claim 5 wherein the second side further comprises:

a slot portion disposed between the third trigger member and the base;

at least one ejector mechanism;

a first projectile operably coupled to the at least one ejector mechanism; and,

a fourth trigger mechanism operably coupled to release the at least one ejector mechanism when a third toy vehicle is moved from a first position to a second position.

7. The toy set as in claim 1 further comprising:

a tower member disposed at least partially about the first vehicle path;

a third vehicle path coupled to the tower member;

an ejector mechanism having a target member disposed in the third vehicle path when the structure is in the first configuration, the ejector mechanism coupled to an end of the tower member opposite the first vehicle path;

and a projectile operably coupled to the ejector mechanism;

wherein the ejector mechanism is actuated by the first toy vehicle traveling along the third vehicle path.

8. The toy set as in claim 7, wherein the tower member includes a first portion rotably coupled to a second portion, wherein the first portion rotates when the structure is in the second configuration to define the second vehicle path.

9. A method of reconfiguring vehicle paths of a toy set, comprising:

providing a structure configured to be oriented into a first configuration and a second configuration;

actuating a first trigger mechanism with a first toy vehicle traveling along a first vehicle path when the structure is in the first configuration;

rotating a tower member about a base to the second configuration when the first trigger mechanism is actuated; and,

providing a second vehicle path at least partially defined by the tower member when in the second configuration.

10. The method as in claim 9, wherein the tower member rotates about a first axis extending substantially through a central portion of the tower member.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising rotating a first side, a second side, a third side of the tower member when the first trigger mechanism is activated, the third side defining the second vehicle path when in the second configuration.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

actuating a second trigger mechanism with a second toy vehicle; and,

moving a toy member along a cable extending between a fourth side of the tower member and an end of the second side in response to the actuating of the second trigger mechanism.

13. The method as in claim 12, further comprising:

actuating a first ejector mechanism disposed on the second side with the toy member; and,

ejecting a second toy vehicle with the first ejector mechanism.

14. The method as in claim 12, further comprising:

actuating a third trigger mechanism disposed on the second side; and,

ejecting a projectile with a second ejector mechanism operably coupled to the third trigger mechanism when the third trigger mechanism is actuated.

15. The method as in claim 9, further comprising:

providing a third vehicle path when the structure is in the first configuration;

providing an ejector mechanism with a target member disposed at least partially in the third vehicle path;

providing a projectile disposed on one end of the tower member; and,

ejecting the projectile when the ejector mechanism is actuated by a second toy vehicle.

16. The method as in claim 9 wherein:

the tower member includes a first portion coupled to the base and a second portion coupled to the first portion along one side; and,

the second portion is rotated to a second position to define the second vehicle path.

17. A toy set comprising:

a structure having a base and a first portion pivotally coupled to the base, the structure further having a first surface defining a first vehicle path and a second surface defining a second vehicle path; and,

a triggering mechanism operably coupled to the base and the first portion, the triggering mechanism having a target member disposed in the first vehicle path, wherein the triggering mechanism rotates the first portion from a first position into a second position to define a third vehicle path, wherein the triggering mechanism is actuated by a first toy vehicle traveling along the first vehicle path.

18. The toy set as in claim 17, wherein:

the first portion pivots about a rotation axis extending substantially through a center of the first portion;

the third vehicle path includes a loop portion when the first portion is in the second position; and,

the first vehicle path is arranged to direct a second toy vehicle through the loop portion when the first portion is in the second position.

19. The toy set as in claim 17, further comprising:

wherein the first portion includes a first side, a second side and a third side each pivotally coupled about one end to the base;

a second trigger mechanism is coupled to a fourth side of the first portion, the second trigger mechanism being disposed in the third vehicle path;

a cable is coupled between the fourth side adjacent the second trigger mechanism and an end of the second side, a toy member being moved under the influence of gravity in response to the second trigger mechanism being actuated by a second toy vehicle;

a plurality of slots disposed on the second side;

a plurality of third trigger mechanisms disposed in the plurality of slots;

a plurality of ejector mechanisms each disposed adjacent one of the plurality of slots, each of the plurality of ejector mechanisms operably coupled to one of the plurality of third trigger mechanisms; and,

a plurality of projectiles, each associated with one of the plurality of ejector mechanisms, wherein at least one of the plurality of projectiles is ejected in response to one of the plurality of third trigger mechanisms being actuated.

20. The toy set as in claim 17 further comprising:

wherein the first vehicle path extends at least partially through the base;

the first portion is pivotally coupled to the base along one edge, the pivot axis of rotation being substantially perpendicular to the first surface;

the first portion includes a third surface pivotally coupled on one end, the third surface covering an end of the first portion in the first position and angled to form at least a portion of the third vehicle path when the first portion is in the second position.