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.

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.