Abstract: A play system includes a toy vehicle and a playset for use therewith. A toy vehicle includes a chassis having a bottom surface that is at least partially magnetic and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the chassis. A playset includes a base, a launch ramp mounted to the base and having an upper end and a lower end that includes an upwardly-inclined section terminating in a jump lip, and a magnetic element selectively positionable within a predefined range of positions relative to the jump lip.

Abstract: An improved start gate for gravity-driven cars which is itself a gravity-driven compound pendulum. The pendulum includes a horizontal drop member rigidly connected at one end to a start post support rod which in turn supports a plurality of start posts. A trigger lever, when moved either directly or remotely, allows the drop member to fall as in a compound pendulum thereby rotating the start posts and allowing the cars to start. The embodiment teaches that the subsequent initial start post acceleration is approximately twice the car acceleration. The equations of motion are solved showing that the start posts are guaranteed not to interfere with car motion. A major advantage over prior art spring-loaded start gates is that the gate “slap” from stopping overly-forceful spring motion and the associated track jarring and car jostling is eliminated, thereby contributing substantially to a more smooth and fair start.

Abstract: A stunt arrangement for a toy vehicle including a launching section configured to launch a propelled toy vehicle into flight, a capturing section configured to receive the toy vehicle from the flight, including a narrowing cross-section configured to align a longitudinal axis of the toy vehicle with a desired direction of travel, and a reorienting section coupled to an outlet of the capturing section configured to upright the toy vehicle if the vehicle exits the capturing section partly or completely inverted.

Abstract: A booster for accelerating toy vehicles. The booster includes a rotation source and first and second wheels operatively coupled to the rotation source. Each wheel includes a thin-walled member configured to engage toy vehicles passing between the wheels as the rotation source rotates the wheels in opposite directions. The thin walled member is characterized by an S-shape that allows the relative distance between the wheels to change, thereby accommodating differently sized vehicles.

Abstract: A play system includes a toy vehicle and a playset for use therewith. A toy vehicle includes a chassis having a bottom surface that is at least partially magnetic and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the chassis. A playset includes a base, a launch ramp mounted to the base and having an upper end and a lower end that includes an upwardly-inclined section terminating in a jump lip, and a magnetic element selectively positionable within a predefined range of positions relative to the jump lip.

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: The present invention relates to section of track that can be used with a toy train track set that has a toy vehicle and a track. The section of track is configured to align a toy train that is placed on the track section. The alignment section of track includes guide surfaces that are configured to align the toy train on the track.

Abstract: A track set for toy vehicles and a method for colliding toy vehicles are provided. The track set has a collision platform that defines a collision area. The track set further includes a first track member being pivotally secured to the collision platform at a pivot axis of the collision platform, and a second track member being pivotally secured to the collision platform at the pivot axis. The first and second track members each have a vehicle launcher for launching a toy vehicle towards the collision platform. The first track member defines a first vehicle pathway to the collision platform and the second track member defines a second vehicle pathway to the collision platform. The track set further includes an actuator configured to simultaneously activate the vehicle launcher of each of the first and second track members to propel at least one toy vehicle along at least one of the first and second vehicle pathways toward the collision area.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a toy disk wheel. The disk wheel is defined to include a housing having first and second housing members, each housing member is substantially shaped as a half disk such that assembly of the first and second housing members forms a disk with a rounded outer surface to permit the housing to roll on a surface and a pair of outer sections. A transparent side portion is positioned along each outer surface of the pair of outer sections. Each transparent side portion includes a protuberance positioned about the center of the transparent side portion with a notch positioned thereon. The notch is used to accommodate an axle having ends which transverse the housing to rotatably position in the notches of both side portions.

Abstract: A toy vehicle track set is provided. The track set, designed to be used with non-motorized toy vehicle, enables a toy vehicle to travel in a vertical loop without a loop track segment. The track set includes base with an entrance ramp and an exit ramp that enables a toy vehicle to enter and exit a vehicle carrier located at the end of a pendulum arm. The pendulum arm rotates in a vertical loop as a result of the kinetic energy of the toy vehicle and the spring energy of a coil spring located in an axle that couples the pendulum arm to a pillar.

Abstract: A train system includes a track and at least one train component. Connectable and detachable segments join to form the track. Each segment includes a main body with an upper running surface upon which train components run. A receiving chamber is formed within the main body. A pair of track members extend outwardly from opposed sides of the main body. A connector component, with a neck portion and a distal portion, extends outwardly from the main body opposite the receiving chamber and engages the receiving chamber of another segment. The segments move in up-down and side-to-side directions. Each train component connects to the track by a pair of rail guides that engage the opposed sides of the main body. A spring element connected between the rail guides operates a switch element to drive a drive member, which engages the upper running surface to move the train component along the track.

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 entertainment apparatus and methods propelling toy vehicles about multiple tracks providing a variety of play modes while mechanically driven by a single motor and simple belt sub-system. A motor and a plurality of adjacent discs disposed in the same horizontal plane are mechanically engaged with the motor for rotating the discs simultaneously in the same direction. An object alternately engages each of the plurality of discs and at least one transition area is adjacent the plurality of discs and disposed in the same horizontal plane for facilitating the action of the object about the plurality of discs. One or more objects are propelled about one or more tracks providing a variety of play modes.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a main body assembly supported for movement on wheels and having opposing right and left lateral sides, opposing front and rear ends, and opposing top and bottom sides extending between the lateral sides and the ends. The combined opposing right and left lateral sides and opposing top and bottom sides of the main body assembly define a slot that extends through the toy vehicle. An arm is provided for lifting at least one track segment from a level below the main body assembly up and into the slot while one or more other propulsion elements are provided in or around the slot to engage and move the one track segment from the one end of the vehicle entirely through the main body assembly along the slot and out the opposing end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A toy vehicle collision set. The toy vehicle collision set includes a plurality of launchers that propel collision vehicles through the air. The launchers are aimed to propel the plurality of collision vehicles into a collision zone. The collision vehicles fired from the launchers can collide in the collision zone when fired from the launchers. The toy vehicle collision set further includes a track that directs a target vehicle along a path of travel. The path of travel includes an airborne segment in which the target vehicle jumps across the collision zone. Collision vehicles fired from the launchers can be used to knock the target vehicle off its path of travel.

Abstract: A stunt arrangement for a toy vehicle including a launching section configured to launch a propelled toy vehicle into flight; a capturing section configured to receive the toy vehicle from the flight; a deflection section disposed between the launching section and the capturing section and configured to be impacted by the toy vehicle in flight and to redirect the vehicle toward the capturing section, wherein the deflection section includes a target, the target being pivotally secured to a release mechanism for movement from a first position to a second position, wherein movement of the target from the first position to the second position causes the release mechanism to drop another toy vehicle towards the capturing section; and a reorienting section coupled to an outlet of the capturing section, the reorienting section being rotatably driven about the desired direction of travel and is configured to upright the toy vehicle or the another toy vehicle if either vehicle exits the capturing section partly or com

Abstract: Vehicle playsets having multiple configurations. The vehicle playsets may include a track segment, a trigger adjacent to the track segment, a moving component adapted to move toward the trigger, and a launch mechanism coupled to the track segment and adapted to launch a toy vehicle along the track segment toward the moving component. Striking the moving component with the toy vehicle will prevent the moving component from reaching the trigger. The playset has at least two configurations including a closed configuration and an open configuration that is suitable for play.

Abstract: A ramp for toy vehicles is provided comprising a base including a plurality of interaction sites and a ramp member joined to the base. The ramp member may include a flexible first driving surface. The ramp may further include a first support arm attached to the ramp member, the first support arm having a tip that is positionable at one of the plurality of interaction sites.

Abstract: An indexing stunt selector for a toy vehicle track set is provided. The indexing stunt selector may be disposed along a toy vehicle track and includes a first stunt element disposed in the vehicle pathway to cause a toy vehicle to perform a first stunt, where performance of a first stunt results in actuation of a first stunt trigger. The indexing stunt selector further includes a second stunt element adapted to be automatically disposed in the vehicle pathway following actuation of the first stunt trigger.

Abstract: Disclosed is a driving toy, especially for guided motor-racing circuits, comprising an electric driving motor that has two electric driving motor terminals for feeding an electric driving voltage. The driving toy is arranged such that a short-circuit device is provided in the driving toy and is electrically connected to the two electric driving motor terminals. The short-circuit device is designed such that the same optionally short-circuits the two electric driving motor terminals.

Abstract: A toy vehicle playset is disclosed herein the playset having: a vessel configured to define a receiving area; an object being located proximate to the vessel, the object having a pair of body portions configured for movement between a first position wherein the pair of body portions are next to each other and a second position wherein the pair of body portions are moved away from each other; first and second track segments disposed proximate to the vessel such that a gap is formed between the first and second track segments and across the vessel; a trigger disposed on the second track segment; a toy vehicle having a thermochromic paint thereon that is configured to travel along the first and second track segments, wherein the thermochromic paint on the toy vehicle changes from a first color to a second color in response to a temperature change of the thermochromic paint; wherein the pair of body portions are moved from the first position to the second position when the toy vehicle travels along the second tra

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 chassis is provided for a track-guided toy vehicle which is supported on a front axle and a rear axle and has a guide wedge that is movable about a first vertical pivot axle and cooperates with a groove in the raceway. The rear axle is driven by an electric motor, with the rear axle and the electric motor together forming an assembly. Steering capability of the vehicle, is optimized by arranging the assembly to be movable about a second vertical pivot axle. The assembly is operatively connected via a control unit to the chassis-mounted guide wedge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system and method for electric toy vehicles. The invention is suitable for vehicles which are controlled using a control element, which are actuated by an electric micromotor and which move on tracks comprising a guide groove which is flanked by electronductive tracks. Moreover, each vehicle is provided with a dynamic current collector and guide assembly comprising a guide flange which keeps the vehicle on the track. The inventive system comprises a transmitting control device which is associated with the above-mentioned control element in order to transmit signals in the form of digital waves which control the operation of the vehicle, a control device which receives the aforementioned signals and which is built into the vehicle, and actuation means which are connected to said receiving device. According to the invention, the signals are applied to at least one electronductive track which can be shared temporarily by at least two vehicles equipped with respective receivers.

Abstract: Described is a track set with a taut filament for use with a toy vehicle. The track set includes a first tower and a second tower. A spool is connected with the first tower, with the filament wound around the spool. The spool includes a ratcheting mechanism to allow a user to selectively unwind the filament from the spool. Once unwound, the filament can be connected with the second tower. The spool can again be used to tighten the filament between the two towers, thereby creating a taut filament. Using a toy vehicle with a grooved-wheel, the toy vehicle can pass from the first tower to the second tower along the taut filament with the grooved-wheel riding on the filament.

Abstract: A miniature vehicle and associated track set system including: a track formed of sections placed end-to-end, each section including, across its thickness, at least one conductor taking part in the generation of a magnetic field; at least one first circuit of power supply and of generation of A.C. electric signals for exciting the conductors; and at least one miniature vehicle comprising: a first winding and a second winding having different orientations, likely to detect a magnetic field generated by the track; and at least one second electronic circuit receiving the respective amplitudes measured across the windings, programmed to determine the lateral position of the vehicle on the track.

Abstract: An indexing stunt selector for a toy vehicle track set is provided. The indexing stunt selector may be disposed along a toy vehicle track and includes a first stunt element disposed in the vehicle pathway to cause a toy vehicle to perform a first stunt, where performance of a first stunt results in actuation of a first stunt trigger. The indexing stunt selector further includes a second stunt element adapted to be automatically disposed in the vehicle pathway following actuation of the first stunt trigger.

Abstract: A hobby track component includes a track section having a first end and a second end, the track section including a generally planar bed, a first guide rail having a generally planar first interior wall extending away from the bed, a second guide rail having a generally planar second interior wall extending away from the bed; the second interior wall being spaced apart from the first interior wall, a first magnet positioned within a recess defined in the first end of the track section, and a second magnet protruding from the second end of the track section.

Abstract: A toy vehicle trackset utilizes a pair of closed track loops each having a lower end and a raised end. The raised ends of the loops are supported by a raised support having a spring-loaded dinosaur launcher within which a flying dinosaur is supported. A target is coupled to the launcher and positioned in alignment with a pair of launch ramps extending from each of the pathways through a center lap counter which is shaped to simulate a volcano. Within the lap counter, a diverter is supported to switch a moving toy vehicle from its normal loop path to the target directed ramp once the toy vehicle has completed a predetermined number of laps upon the loop by one player. A dual loop hand-operated toy vehicle booster is supported at the lower end return path of each of the loops. The child user is able to crank a hand crank to initiate a manual boost of a toy vehicle. Proper timing of the hand crank is essential to impart maximum boost to a toy vehicle and impart rapid vehicle movement.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a toy disk wheel. The disk wheel is defined to include a housing having first and second housing members, each housing member is substantially shaped as a half disk such that assembly of the first and second housing members forms a disk with a rounded outer surface to permit the housing to roll on a surface and a pair of outer sections. A transparent side portion is positioned along each outer surface of the pair of outer sections. Each transparent side portion includes a protuberance positioned about the center of the transparent side portion with a notch positioned thereon. The notch is used to accommodate an axle having ends which transverse the housing to rotatably position in the notches of both side portions.

Abstract: A racing play set for toy vehicles includes a first track segment, a second track segment disposed in intersection with the first track segment, a return portion disposed in communication with the first and second track portions, and a scoring mechanism, where the return portion is configured to be shared by toy vehicles traveling on the first and second track segments, where the return portion is configured to receive a first toy vehicle from the first track segment and return the first vehicle to the first track segment, where the return portion is configured to receive a second toy vehicle from the second track segment and return the second vehicle to the second track segment, where the scoring mechanism is configured to record a pass of the first vehicle through the return portion and a pass of the second vehicle through the return portion.

Abstract: A traveling toy system is provided, in which it is immediately confirmed where a self-driven towing vehicle is located under an upper track member. Two annular light permeable regions (5B, 5C) are disposed in the upper track member (5). A light emitting means (47) is attached to the self-driven towing vehicle (21). The two light permeable regions (5B, 5C) transmit light emitted from the light emitting means (47) of the self-driven towing vehicle (21). It is recognizable where the light emitting means (47) emits light under the light permeable regions (5B, 5C), as viewed from above the upper track member (5). Thus, it is easy to find where the self-driven towing vehicle (21) is by locating the light-emitting place.

Abstract: An inductively powered toy vehicle and an associated track with 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 within the race track adjacent the 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: A toy ramp device for two or more moveable objects is disclosed. In some embodiments, the toy ramp device may include a base; a ramp configured to support at least a first of the two or more moveable objects and including a first ramp end portion and a second ramp end portion, the ramp being movably connected to the base and configured to move among a plurality of positions relative to the base; and a holder mechanism attached to the ramp and configured to support at least one of the two or more moveable objects adjacent to the ramp when the ramp is in the first position, and to allow the at least one of the two or more moveable objects to move onto the ramp and move along the ramp toward the second ramp end portion when the ramp is in the second position.

Abstract: A race track for toy vehicles includes a plurality of sections of track and a plurality of elastic members that connect the sections of track and bias them from a storage position to an in use position.

Abstract: A toy vehicle track set. The track set includes toy roads sized for toy vehicles. The track set allows a toy vehicle to be raised and lowered to different elevations using one or more different mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to section of track that can be used with a toy train track set that has a toy vehicle and a track. The section of track is configured to align a toy train that is placed on the track section. The alignment section of track includes guide surfaces that are configured to align the toy train on the track.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the reality of a model container car that imitates the form of a real car. The vehicle main body 2 has a plurality of mounting holes 2b provided side by side along a vehicle length X, and opposed to one another along a vehicle width Y on a loading surface on which a container is mounted. The mounting member 5A is removably mounted on the mounting hole 2b. The mounting member 5A includes a upper engagement portion and a lower engagement portion. The lower engagement portion is provided within an insertion area inserted into the mounting hole 2b and engageable with the vehicle main body 2. The lower engagement portion is provided above the insertion area and engageable with an inner side surface of the container 4A.

Abstract: Toy raceways and finish line apparatuses for toy raceways are disclosed. Toy raceways may include a plurality of hingedly coupled multi-lane track segments, a starting apparatus, and a finish line apparatus. The plurality of hingedly coupled multi-lane track segments may be configured to foldably transition between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the plurality of hingedly coupled multi-lane track segments may be aligned to provide a multilane toy raceway, which may have a first end and a second end. In the second configuration, the plurality of hingedly coupled multi-lane track segments may produce a stack of folded track segments. The starting apparatus may be disposed proximate the first end of the toy raceway, and the finish line apparatus may be disposed proximate the second end of the toy raceway.

Abstract: A playset for use with a toy vehicle including an elongate track defining at least one travel path. In some examples, the playset includes a switching mechanism for switching a toy vehicle between different travel paths. In some examples, the playset includes an obstacle mechanism for selectively deploying an obstacle in at least one travel path. In some examples, the playset includes indicator mechanisms, including an active indicator mechanism and a passive indicator mechanism.

Abstract: The vehicles of toy vehicle and track system are guided by magnetic coupling of a pilot magnet with a metal wire, or a metal band of a guiding track embedded in a roadway along this said track. By means of an additional, remotely controlled steering mechanism foreseen in each vehicle, the said vehicles can be steered away from their current guiding track to a neighboring guiding track, so that a play close to reality takes place.

Abstract: A toy vehicle play set may include a toy vehicle and a track assembly including a track along which the vehicle may travel. In some examples the vehicle may include a drive mechanism that is adjustable for changing the speed of the vehicle, and a play set may include a speed changer for selectively changing the vehicle speed. In some examples, the track assembly may include a selectively actuated trapdoor in the track. In some examples, the play set may include a vehicle trap assembly having a cover defining a chamber for receiving, for example, a vehicle passing through the trapdoor opening. In some examples, the vehicle trap may include an assembly, such as the vehicle trap that falls apart when contacted by a vehicle traveling along the track.

Abstract: Track assemblies for toy vehicles having a plurality of track segments, a plurality of gauntlet features, and an indexing mechanism configured to regulate activation of the gauntlet features.

Abstract: A toy play set includes a body having opposing ends and a side wall therebetween, which define and generally surround an at least partially hollow cavity within the body in a closed configuration of the body. At least the one end is sized and shaped to fit at least partially into a beverage cup holder of a vehicle sufficiently for the cup holder to support the body in a generally upright orientation. The body has an open configuration in which the hollow cavity is at least partially accessible. A toy vehicle track as long or longer than the length of the body between the ends is configured for storage within the cavity of the body in the closed configuration and is engaged with the body for play in the open configuration.

Abstract: A toy vehicle track set. The track set includes toy roads sized for toy vehicles. The track set allows a toy vehicle to be raised and lowered to different elevations using one or more different mechanisms.

Abstract: A car racing system is disclosed. The car racing system includes an elongated racing surface. User controls interface with the racing surface. A first vehicle traverses the racing surface in one direction and a second vehicle traverses the racing surface in a second direction responsive to input from the user controls.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a toy play set for use with a toy vehicle comprising a platform attached to a support structure. In some examples, the play set may include a base and a support structure pivotally attached to the base with the support structure adapted to pivot relative to the base. In other examples, the toy play set may include a platform pivotally attached to the support structure and adapted to rotate in a toy vehicle's direction of travel. In still other examples, the toy play set may include first and second elongate tracks and means for carrying a toy vehicle from the first elongate track to the second elongate track. One disclosed embodiment includes first and second elongate tracks, a base, a support structure pivotally attached to the base, a platform pivotally attached to the support structure wherein the platform and support structure pivot at perpendicular axes that are parallel to the ground, and a vehicle receiving apparatus attached to the second elongate track.

Abstract: A running toy system includes running toys and a running path on which the running toys run. The running path includes a first running path portion with a width allowing running of one running toy, a second running path portion with a width allowing parallel running of at least two running toys, and a third running path portion whose width increases from one end thereof toward the other end to connect the one end thereof to the first running path portion and the other end thereof to the second running path portion.

Abstract: A toy track device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the toy track device may include a door configured to move between a closed position in which first, second, and third track portions form a continuous track, and an open position in which the door forms an opening in the third track portion through which the at least one moveable object can pass; and an actuator mechanism including an actuator configured to move between an extended and a retracted position, the actuator contacting a moveable object when the moveable object is supported on the door and the actuator is moved from the retracted position toward the extended position, wherein the door is configured to move from a closed position to an open position when the moveable object is supported on the door and the actuator presses against the moveable object while the actuator is moving toward the extended position.

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 en 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.