WO2011059858A2

WO2011059858A2 - Toy vehicle play set

Info

Publication number: WO2011059858A2
Application number: PCT/US2010/055195
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stacy O'connor; Michael Nuttall
Original assignee: Mattel, Inc.
Priority date: 2009-11-13
Filing date: 2010-11-03
Publication date: 2011-05-19
Also published as: BR112012011111A2; WO2011059858A3; CN102596344A; US20110117813A1; EP2470280A2; EP2470280A4; MX2012005233A; CA2780888A1

Abstract

A car wash play set for toy vehicles includes a frame including a base, a lift coupled to the frame and movable toward and away from the base, and a first roller coupled to the frame. The first roller is engageable with and pivotally movable by the lift when the lift is moved away from the base.

Description

Toy Vehicle Play Set

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a toy vehicle play set, and in particular, to a car wash play set that includes a vehicle lift and at least one wash roller cooperating with the lift.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Various play sets for toy vehicles are known in the art. Some conventional vehicle play sets are configured to simulate real life situations, e.g. a parking garage, a service station, a fire station, etc. Many such play sets are often relatively bulky and contain numerous components, thereby increasing manufacturing costs. In addition, bulky play sets are not easily portable by a child.

[0003] There is a need for a play set that has a relatively compact and easily portable configuration and provides interactive features that retain a child's interest.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a car wash play set for toy vehicles. In one embodiment, the play set includes a frame including a base, a lift coupled to the base and movable toward and away from the base, and a first roller coupled to the frame. The first roller is engageable with and pivotally movable by the lift or an object on the lift when the lift is moved away from the base.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first roller is movable along an arcuate path.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first roller is coupled to the base via a first roller arm.

The first roller arm includes a first end pivotally coupled to the base and an opposite, distal second end. The first roller is connected to and extends outwardly from the distal second end.

[0007] In one embodiment, the car wash play set includes a second roller coupled to the base and engageable with and pivotally movable by the lift when the lift is moved away from the base. The first roller may be movable in a first direction, and the second roller may be movable in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first roller may be movable along a first arcuate path, and the second roller may be movable along a second arcuate path.

[0008] In one embodiment, the car wash play set includes a support plate extending upwardly from the base and defines a lift guide slot. The lift includes a clip retained within and slidably movable along the lift guide slot.

[0009] In one embodiment, the car wash play set includes a support plate extending upwardly from the base and defining a roller guide slot. The first roller includes a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along the roller guide slot. The roller guide slot may define an arcuate path.

[0010] In another embodiment, a play set for toy vehicles includes a frame including a base defining a first track portion lying on a first plane and a second track portion lies on a second plane spaced from the first plane. A lift is coupled to the frame and movable between a lowered position adjacent the first track portion and a raised position adjacent the second track portion. A first roller assembly is pivotally connected to the base, and includes a first roller that is movable between a first position adjacent the base and a second position adjacent the second track portion. The first roller engages and is moved by the lift from the first position to the second position when the lift is moved from the lowered position to the raised position.

[0011] In one embodiment, the play set includes a second roller assembly pivotally connected to the frame. The second roller assembly includes a second roller engageable with and movable by the lift when the lift is moved from the lowered position to the raised position. The first roller may be movable in a first direction while the second roller is movable in a second direction opposite the first direction. [0012] In one embodiment, the first roller may be movable along a first arcuate path, and the second roller may be movable along a second arcuate path. In one embodiment, the play set includes a third track portion hingedly connected to a distal end of the second track portion.

[0013] In another embodiment, a play set for toy vehicles includes a frame including a base, a lift coupled to the frame and movable toward and away from the base, and first and second rollers. The lift has a first end portion and an opposite, second end portion. The first roller is pivotally coupled to the frame, and engageable with and movable by a first end portion of the lift in a first direction along a first arcuate path when the lift is moved away from the base. The second roller is pivotally coupled to the frame, and engageable with and movable by a second end portion of the lift in a second direction along a second arcuate path when the lift is moved away from the base. The first direction is different than the second direction. In one embodiment, the first direction extends about a first axis and the second direction extends about a second axis, and the first direction is in a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, the frame includes a support plate extending upwardly from the base. The support plate defines a lift guide slot and the lift includes a clip retained within and slidably movable along the lift guide slot. The support plate defines a first roller guide slot and a second roller guide slot. The first roller includes a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along the first roller guide slot, and the second roller includes a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along the second roller guide slot.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first arcuate path has a length and the second arcuate path has a length, the length of the first arcuate path being different than the length of the second arcuate path. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a play set for toy vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2a illustrates a schematic diagram of a play set showing a lift and first and second rollers in a first orientation;

[0018] Figure 2b illustrates a schematic diagram of a play set showing a lift and first and second rollers in a second orientation;

[0019] Figure 2c illustrates a schematic diagram of a play set showing a lift and first and second rollers in a third orientation;

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a play set in an open orientation according to another embodiment;

[0021] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the play set of Figure 3 in a closed orientation;

[0022] Figure 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of the play set of Figure 3 showing a lift and first and second roller assemblies in a first orientation;

[0023] Figure 6 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of the play set of Figure 3 showing the lift and first and second roller assemblies in a second orientation;

[0024] Figure 7 illustrates another perspective view of a portion of the play set of Figure 3;

[0025] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the play set of Figure 3 showing the second roller assembly in a lowered position;

[0026] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the portion of the play set shown in Figure 8 showing the second roller assembly in a raised position;

[0027] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the play set of Figure 3 showing a toy vehicle disposed on the lift; [0028] Figure 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of the play set of Figure 3 showing the lift and roller assemblies in a first orientation;

[0029] Figure 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of the play set of Figure 3 showing the lift and roller assemblies in a second orientation;

[0030] Figure 13 illustrates a front perspective view of a portion of the play set of Figure 3 showing the lift and first and second roller assemblies in a third orientation; and

[0031] Figure 14 illustrates another perspective view of a play set showing various components of the play set.

[0032] Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0033] It is to be understood that terms such as "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "side," "height," "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "interior," "exterior," "inner," "outer" and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.

[0034] Referring to Figure I, a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a play set 10 for toy vehicles according to the invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the play set 10 includes a base 12, a lift 14 coupled to the base 12 and linearly movable toward and away from the base 12 along axis Al between a first position LI adjacent to the base 12 and a second position L2 (shown in phantom) spaced from the base 12. The base 12 and the support plate 40 (described below) collectively form a frame 11 for the play set 10 (see Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c). [0035] Referring to Figure 1, a first roller arm 16 includes a first end 18 and an opposite, distal second end 20. The first end 18 is coupled to the frame 11 including base 12 via a support member (not shown in Figure 1) and is pivotal about a second axis A2. A first roller 22 is coupled proximate to the second end 20. The first roller 22 and/or the first roller arm 16 is engageable with and pivoted upwardly by the lift 14 or an object on the lift 14 as the lift 14 moves from the first position LI to the second position L2. Thus, the first roller 22 is movable toward and away from the base 12 between a first position Rla proximate to the base 12 and a second position Rib (shown in phantom) spaced from the base 12. In one embodiment, the first roller 22 moves in a first direction along a first arcuate path, shown by arrow Dl, as it moves from the first position Rla to the second position Rib.

[0036] Similarly, a second roller arm 24 includes a first end 26 and an opposite, distal second end 28. The first end 26 is coupled to the base 12 and pivotal about a third axis A3. A second roller 30 is coupled proximate to the second end 28. The second roller 30 and/or the second roller arm 24 is engageable with and pivoted upwardly by the lift 14 or an object on the lift 14 as the lift 14 moves from the first position LI to the second position L2. Thus, the second roller 30 is likewise movable toward and away from the base 12 between a first position R2a proximate to the base 12 and a second position R2b (shown in phantom) spaced from the base 12. The second roller 30 moves in a second direction along a second arcuate path, shown by arrow D2, as it moves from the first position R2a to the second position R2b. In this embodiment, the second direction about axis A3 is opposite the first direction about axis A2.

[0037] For example, the first roller 22 may move along the first arcuate path Dl in a counterclockwise direction (relative to axis A2) as the lift 14 moves from the first position LI to the second position L2, while the second roller 30 moves along the second arcuate path D2 in a clockwise direction (relative to axis A3) as the lift 14 moves from the first position LI to the second position L2. The extent of arcuate movement of the rollers 22 and 30 is determined in part by the length the length of the arms 16 and 24.

[0038] Referring to Figures 2a, 2b and 2c, the frame 11 of the play set 10 includes a base 12 and a support or support plate 40. In this embodiment, the base 12 of play set 10 includes a first track portion 32 and a recess or depression 34 that is configured to receive the lift 14 therein. In one embodiment, the first track portion 32 is integrally formed in the base 12. In an alternative embodiment, the first track portion 32 may be formed separately and subsequently connected to the base 12.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2a, an upper surface 36 of the lift 14 is substantially coplanar with the first track portion 32 when the lift 14 is disposed within the recess 34. As a result, a toy vehicle (not shown), such as a wheeled vehicle, may be easily moved along the first track portion 32 and onto the lift 14 when the lift 14 is in a lowered or first position LI . The first track portion 32 and the upper surface 36 of the lift 14, when the lift 14 is in the lowered position LI and disposed within the recess 34, lie on a first plane PI.

[0040] The play set 10 includes a second track portion 38 having at least a portion lying on a second plane P2 spaced from the first plane PI (see Figure 2b), and thus spaced from the first track portion 32. The second track portion 38 is supported by the frame 11. The upper surface 36 of the lift 14 is substantially coplanar with at least an edge of the end portion of the second track portion 38 lying on the second plane P2 when the lift 14 is in a raised or second position L2, as shown in Figure 2b. The upper surface 36 of the lift 14 is movable between the first plane PI when the lift 14 is in the lowered position, and the second plane P2 when the lift 14 is in the raised position. Thus, a toy vehicle may be moved along the first track portion 32 and onto the lift 14 when the lift 14 is in the lowered position, moved upwardly and away from the base 12 as the lift 14 is moved to the raised position, and then moved from the lift 14 to the second track portion 38, which may be configured as a sloping exit ramp and/or coupled to additional track portions.

[0041] The second track portion 38 may be coupled to the frame 11 via a support member or plate 40 extending Upwardly from the base 12. The support plate 40 defines a first roller guide slot 42 that has a configuration corresponding to the path of motion of the first roller 22. For example, the first roller guide slot 42 may have an arcuate configuration,

corresponding to the first arcuate path Dl along which the first roller 22 proceeds as it moves between the first position Rla and the second position Rib. The first roller 22 may include a distal end portion (described in further detail below) and/or connector coupled thereto that is disposed within and slidably movable along the first roller guide slot 42.

[0042] The support plate 40 may also define a second roller guide slot 44 having a configuration corresponding to the path of motion of the second roller 30. Thus, the second roller guide slot 44 may have an arcuate configuration, corresponding to the second arcuate path D2 along which the second roller 30 proceeds as it moves between the first position R2a and the second position R2b. The second roller 30 may include a distal end portion

(described in further detail below) and/or connector disposed within and slidably movable along the second roller guide slot 44.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2a, when the first roller 22 is disposed in a lowered or first position Rla, it rests against or is proximate to a first end portion 46 of the lift 14 when the lift 14 is in its lowered or first position LI . Alternatively or in addition, the first roller arm 16 may rest against and engage an object such as a toy vehicle (not shown in Figure 2a) that is placed on the lift 14 in its first position LI.

[0044] Similarly, when the second roller 30 is disposed in a lowered or first position R2a, it rests against or is proximate an opposite second end portion 48 of the lift 14 when the lift 14 is in the first position LI . Alternatively or in addition, the second roller arm 24 may rest against and engage an object such as a toy vehicle that is placed on the lift 14 is in its first position LI.

[0045] Thus, when a vehicle is disposed on the lift 14, the first roller 22 rests against a portion of the vehicle and the second roller 30 rests against another portion of the vehicle. Thus, as the vehicle is moved from the first track portion 32 and onto the lift 14, the first and second rollers 22 and 30 are pushed upwardly along the first and second arcuate paths Dl and D2, respectively, by the vehicle, thereby simulating a real car wash with rollers that engage the vehicle.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2b, the first roller 22 moves along the first roller guide slot 42 and along the first arcuate path Dl as it proceeds from its first position Rl a toward its second position Rib. The first roller 22 and/or first roller arm 16 are pushed along the first arcuate path Dl by the lift 14 or an object on the lift 14 as the lift 14 moves from its first position LI toward its second position L2.

[0047] Similarly, the second roller 30 moves along the second roller guide slot 44 and along the second arcuate path D2 as it proceeds from the first position R2a toward the second position R2b. The second roller 30 and/or second roller arm 24 are likewise pushed along the second arcuate path D2 by the lift 14 or an object on the lift 14 as the lift 14 moves from its first position LI toward its second position L2. The second roller 30 is pushed into a receptacle or area 50 disposed beneath the second track portion 38 by the lift 14 when the lift 14 is fully raised in its second position L2. In this way, the second roller 30 is disposed beneath the second plane P2 when the lift 14 is in its second position L2, so that a vehicle disposed on lift 14 is not obstructed by the second roller 30 when exiting onto the second track portion 38.

[0048] To provide the desired positioning and paths of movement of first and second rollers 22 and 30 relative to the lift 14, the first arcuate path Dl extends along a first angle and the second arcuate path D2 extends along a second angle that is less than the first angle. The lengths and curvatures of the slots 42 and 44 dictate how and when the rollers 22 and 30 are moved out of the way of a vehicle located on the lift 14. As a toy vehicle moves along the direction of arrow "A" in Figure 2a from the lift 14 to track portion 38, the second roller 30 is configured to move to a location out of the way of the toy vehicle as the toy vehicle moves onto track portion 38. Thus, slot 44 defines a shorter path that has a greater degree of curvature than slot 42. Roller 22 is moves upwardly via engagement with the toy vehicle or lift 14 and slot 42 permits movement of the roller 22 above the path of the uppermost position of the toy vehicle on the lift 14.

[0049] In one embodiment, a third axis A3 about which the second roller 30 pivots lies on a third plane P3 parallel to the first plane PI and spaced therefrom by a first distance yl . In an alternative embodiment, the third plane P3 is coplanar with the first plane PI . Similarly, the second axis A2 about which the first roller 22 pivots lies on a fourth plane P4 parallel to the first plane PI and spaced therefrom by a second distance y2 greater than the first distance yl. The different planes at which the various components are mounted facilitate movement of the rollers along the slots and to their respective upper and lower positions.

[0050] Referring to Figure 2c, the lift 14 has two portions 14a and 14b that are pivotally coupled to each other at a joint by a connector 14c. The first portion 14a of the lift 14 includes the upper surface 36 of the lift 14. The first portion 14a may be pivoted so that the upper surface 36 is inclined toward the second track portion 38. In this way, a toy vehicle disposed on the lift 14 may roll off the upper surface 36 and exit onto the second track portion 38 upon pivotal movement of the first portion 14a of the lift 14 relative to the second portion 14b.

[0051] In order to allow for sufficient clearance for the pivotal movement of the first portion 14a of the lift 14, the first roller 22 may continue along the first arcuate path Dl away from the base 12. Accordingly, when the lift 14 is in its raised second position L2 and the first portion 14a has not yet been pivoted (as shown in Figure 2b), the first roller 22 has not yet traversed the entire path of movement along the first arcuate path Dl . As the first portion 14a is pivoted upwardly so that the upper surface 36 is inclined toward the second track portion 38, the first portion 14a and/or the vehicle continues to engage and push the first roller 22 and/or first roller arm 16 along the first arcuate path Dl (as shown in Figure 2c).

[0052] Referring to Figure 3, a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle play set 100 according to an embodiment is illustrated. Similar to play set 10 described above, play set 100 includes a base 102, a lift 104 coupled to the base 102 and linearly movable toward and away from the base 102 between a lowered position adjacent the base 102 and a raised position spaced from the base 102. The play set 100 includes first and second rollers 106 and 108 that are coupled to the frame 103 and engageable with the lift 104 or a vehicle on the lift 104. The rollers 106 and 108 may be a foam material that simulates a roller typically used in a car wash.

[0053] The frame 103 includes a support plate 110 that extends upwardly from an edge of the base 102 to define a rear wall surface. A sidewall 112 extends upwardly from a first end 114 of the base 102, which is connected to the support plate 110. A top wall portion 116 is connected to and extends between the support plate 110 and the sidewall 112, defining a cavity 118 in which the lift 104 and the first and second rollers 106 and 108 are housed.

[0054] In this embodiment, a cover 120 is hingedly connected to the base 102 along an edge 115 opposite the edge from which the support plate 110 extends. The cover 120 is pivotable between an open position as shown in Figure 3 and a closed position as shown in Figure 4. The cover 120 may include a catch 122 extending outwardly from a distal edge 124 thereof, which engages a correspondingly located flange 126 extending outwardly from an edge of the top wall portion 116 when the cover 120 is pivoted to the closed position. Alternatively or in addition, the cover 120 may include a peripheral lip 128 that is retained against the edges of the sidewall 112 and the top wall portion 116 via a friction fit. The cover 120 includes an inner surface that has a track portion 202 formed therein. A toy vehicle can be moved along the track portion 202 and into the car wash portion of the play set 100.

[0055] When the cover 120 is in the closed position, as shown in Figure 4, the play set 100 has a relatively compact configuration and is easily portable. A structure 130 extends upwardly from the top wall portion 116 and may be grasped by a user to transport or move the play set 100. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the structure 130 may have a stylized flame configuration.

[0056] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the support plate 110 defines a first roller guide slot 148 that has an arcuate configuration and corresponds to the path of motion of the first roller 106. The support plate 110 also defines a second roller guide slot 156 that has an arcuate configuration and corresponds to the path of motion of the second roller 108.

[0057] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a first roller arm 132 includes a first end 134 and an opposite, distal second end 138. The first end 134 is pivotally connected to an engagement member 136 that extends outwardly from the support plate 110. The first end 134 includes an edge 135 defining an opening 137 in which a portion 139 of the engagement member 136 is inserted. In this embodiment, the roller arm 132 can be snapped onto the engagement member 136. In an alternative embodiment, a connector may be inserted into the opening 137 to couple the roller arm 132 to the engagement member 136.

[0058] The first roller 106 is coupled to the first roller arm 132 proximate to the second end 138. In one embodiment, a connector is inserted through an opening in the first roller arm 132 and engaged with the first roller 106 to couple the roller 106 to the first roller arm 132. The first roller 106 has a longitudinal axis and is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. Accordingly, the axis of rotation of the first roller arm 132 about the engagement member 136 is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the first roller 106.

[0059] The movement of first roller 106 relative to the lift 104 corresponds to the movement of first roller 22 relative to the lift 14, as described above and as illustrated in Figures 2a-2c. Accordingly, the first roller 106 is engageable with and pivoted upwardly by the lift 104 or an object on the lift 104 as the lift 104 moves from a lowered position as shown in Figure 5 to a raised position as shown in Figure 6. The first roller 106 moves along a first arcuate path (as shown in Figure 1 by arrow Dl) as it moves from its lowered position to its raised position along slot 148.

[0060] A second roller arm 140 includes a first end 142 and an opposite, distal second end 146. The first end 142 is pivotally connected to a frame portion or support strut 144, which connects to and extends upwardly from the base 102. The second roller 108 is coupled to second roller arm 140 proximate to end 146. The second roller 108 has a longitudinal axis and is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. Thus, the axis of rotation of the second roller arm 140 is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the second roller 108. The second roller 108 is engageable with and pivoted upwardly by the lift 104 or an object on the lift 104 as the lift 104 moves from the lowered position as shown in Figure 5 to the raised position as shown in Figure 6. The second roller 108 moves along a second arcuate path (as shown in Figure 1 by arrow D2) as it moves from its lowered position to its raised position along slot 156.

[0061] Referring to Figure 7, the first roller 106 includes a distal end portion 150 having a stem 152 with a flanged end 154. The stem 152 is disposed within and slidably movable along the first roller guide slot 148 as shown. The flanged end 154 has a diameter slightly larger than the width of the first roller guide slot 148 so that the stem 152 is retained within the first roller guide slot 148. In this way, the distal end portion 150 of the first roller 106 is movably connected to the support plate 110 and the frame 103.

[0062] Similarly, the second roller 108 includes a distal end portion 158 having a stem 160 and a flanged end 162. The stem 160 is disposed within and slidably movable along the second roller guide slot 156. The flanged end 162 has a diameter slightly larger than the width of the second roller guide slot 156, thereby retaining the stem 160 within slot 156 so that the distal end portion 158 of the second roller 108 is movably connected to the support plate 110 and the frame 103.

[0063] Referring to Figures 5, 6 and 7, the support plate 110 also defines a lift guide slot 164. The lift guide slot 164 defines the range of motion of the lift 104 relative to the base 102. The lift 104 includes a clip 166 coupled proximate to an upper surface 168. The clip 166 is configured to be retained within and slidably movable along the lift guide slot 164. For example, the clip 166 may have an T configuration in cross-section, such that a central portion of the clip 166 is disposed within the lift guide slot 164 and retained therein via opposing flanged ends. The lift 104 is movable between a lowered position adjacent the base 102 as shown in Figures 5 and 7, and a raised position spaced from the base 102 as shown in Figure 6.

[0064] Similar to play set 10, the base 102 of play set 100 includes a first track portion 170 and a recess 172 configured for receiving the lift 104, as best shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment, the first track portion 170 is integrally formed in the base 102. The upper surface 168 of the lift 104 is substantially coplanar with the first track portion 170 when the lift 104 is disposed within the recess 172, as shown in Figure 5, so that a toy vehicle (not shown) may be easily moved along the first track portion 170 and onto the lift 104 when the lift 104 is in the lowered position. [0065] The base 102 includes a second track portion 174 which lies on a plane spaced from the plane on which the first track portion 170 lies. The second track portion 174 is configured as an inclined exit ramp having an end 176 substantially coplanar with the upper surface 168 of the lift 104 when the lift has been moved to its raised position, as shown in Figure 6.

[0066] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the second track portion 174 is connected to frame portion 144. The frame portion 144 and the second track portion 174 may be either integrally formed or separately formed components. Frame portion 144 includes a first leg 178 and a second leg 180 angularly disposed relative to the first leg 178, which collectively define a recess 182 disposed beneath the second track portion 174. The second roller guide slot 156 extends into a portion of the support plate 110 adjacent the recess 182, so that the second roller 108 may be moved into the recess 182 when in its raised position, as shown in Figure 9.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, each of the engagement members 184 and 186 contain an opening and is located proximate to an underside 188 of the second track portion 174. When the second roller 108 is pivoted from its lowered position to its raised position, the second roller 108 is releasably retained between the first and second engagement members 184 and 186, such as by a friction fit. The second roller 108 may be formed from a resiliently compressible material, such as a foam material, which compresses slightly when pushed past the first engagement member 184. The first roller 106 may be formed of a similar material.

[0068] Referring to Figures 10 and 11 , a wheeled vehicle V may be moved onto the lift 104 from the first track section 170 when the lift 104 is disposed in its lowered position within the recess 172 in the base 102. When in their lowered positions, the first roller 106 rests against a first portion of the vehicle V and the second roller 108 rests against a second portion of the vehicle V. The flanged end 154 of the distal end portion 150 of the first roller 106 is disposed within the first roller guide slot 148 at a position proximate the base 102. Similarly, the flanged end 162 of the distal end portion 158 of the second roller 108 is disposed with the second roller guide slot 156 at a position proximate the base 102. The clip 166 of the lift 104 is disposed in the lift guide slot 164 at a position proximate to the base 102.

[0069] As the lift 104 is moved upwardly and away from the base 102 from its lowered position toward its raised position, shown in Figures 6 and 12, the first and second rollers 106 and 108 are pushed upwardly along their arcuate paths (as shown by arrows Dl and D2 in Figure 1) by the vehicle V and/or the lift 104. The flanged end 154 of the distal end portion 150 of the first roller 106 moves along the first roller guide slot 148 in a first direction and away from the base 102. Similarly, the flanged end 162 of the distal end portion 158 of the second roller 108 moves along the second roller guide slot 156 in a second direction away from the first direction and away from the base 102. The clip 166 of the lift 104 moves upwardly along the lift guide slot 164 in a linear direction and away from the base 102.

[0070] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the lift guide slot 164 includes detents 190 and 192 disposed at an upper end portion thereof. The detents 190 and 192 are configured to engage indents 194 and 196 provided in the clip 166 when the clip 166 is in a fully raised position. In this way, the clip 166 and the lift 104 may be releaseably retained in the fully raised position adjacent the second track portion 174. A connector 195 is used to couple the lift 104 to the clip 166.

[0071] Referring to Figure 13, the second roller 108 is pushed into the recess 182 by the lift 104 or a toy vehicle on the lift 104 when the lift 104 is in its fully raised position. As such, a vehicle disposed on the lift 104 will not be obstructed by the second roller 108 when exiting onto the second track portion 174, as discussed above. In this embodiment, a first portion 104a of the lift 104 including the upper surface 168 is pivotally connected to a second portion 104b via a connector 104c. The first portion 104a may be pivoted so that the upper surface 168 is inclined toward the second track portion 174, so that a vehicle V disposed thereon rolls off the upper surface 168 and onto the second track portion 174.

[0072] In order to allow for sufficient clearance for the pivotal movement of the first portion 104a of the lift 104, the first portion 104a continues to push the first roller 106 along its arcuate path of movement in the first direction away from the base 102. As the first portion 104a is pivoted upwardly, the first portion 104a continues to engage and push the first roller 106 upwardly along its arcuate path, as shown in Figure 13.

[0073] Referring to Figure 14, the play set 100 includes a third track portion 198 hingedly connected to a distal end 200 of the second track portion 174. The cover 120 also includes a fourth track portion 202, which is integrally formed therewith. In an open position, cover 120 and base 102 rest on a support surface and the fourth track portion 202 is aligned with the first track portion 170, so that a toy vehicle V may be easily moved along the fourth track portion 202 and onto the adjoining first track portion 170. The vehicle V may then proceed onto the lift 104 and through the play set 100 as described above.

[0074] Play set 100 includes one or more gates and/or simulated water sprays disposed along one or more of the track portions 170, 174, 198, and 202. For example, a first water spray station 204 may be provided along the first track portion 170, as best shown in Figure 14. The first water spray station 204 includes a support bar 206 pivotally mounted to sidewall 112 and flexible strips 208 extending downwardly therefrom, which simulate a water spray. A second water spray station 210 may be provided along the fourth track portion 202, including a support bar 212 and water simulating flexible strips 214 extending outwardly therefrom. Further, play set 100 may include indicia such as directional arrows, circles, brand designs (e.g. the HOT WHEELS® logo), and/or theme decals relating to automobiles. [0075] Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A car wash play set for toy vehicles, comprising:

a frame including a base;

a lift coupled to said frame and movable toward and away from said base; and a first roller coupled to said frame and engageable with and pivotally movable by one of said lift or an object on said lift when said lift is moved away from said base.

2. The car wash play set of claim 1, wherein said first roller is movable along an arcuate path.

3. The car wash play set of claim 1 , further comprising:

a first roller arm having a first end pivotally coupled to said base and an opposite, distal second end, said first roller connected to and extending outwardly from said distal second end.

4. The car wash play set of claim 1 , further comprising:

a second roller coupled to said base and engageable with and pivotally movable by said lift when said lift is moved away from said base.

5. The car wash play set of claim 4, wherein said first roller is movable in a first direction and said second roller is movable in a second direction different from said first direction.

6. The car wash play set of claim 4, wherein said first roller is movable along a first arcuate path, and said second roller is movable along a second arcuate path.

7. The car wash play set of claim 1, wherein said frame includes a support plate extending upwardly from said base, said support plate defining a lift guide slot, said lift including a clip retained within and slidably movable along said lift guide slot.

8. The car wash play set of claim 1 , wherein said frame includes a support plate extending upwardly from said base, said support plate defining a roller guide slot, said first roller including a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along said roller guide slot.

9. The car wash play set of claim 8, wherein said roller guide slot defines an arcuate path.

10. A play set for toy vehicles, comprising:

a frame including a base defining a first track portion lying on a first plane and a second track portion lying on a second plane spaced from said first plane;

a lift coupled to said frame and movable between a lowered position adjacent said first track portion and a raised position adjacent said second track portion; and

a first roller assembly pivotally connected to said base, said first roller assembly including a first roller movable between a first position adjacent said base and a second position adjacent said second track portion, said first roller engageable with and movable by said lift from said first position to said second position when said lift is moved from said lowered position to said raised position.

11. The play set of claim 10, further comprising:

a second roller assembly pivotally connected to said frame, said second roller assembly including a second roller engageable with and movable by said lift when said lift is moved from said lowered position to said raised position.

12. The play set of claim 11, wherein said first roller is movable in a first direction and said second roller is movable in a second direction different than said first direction.

13. The play set of claim 11 , wherein said first roller is movable along a first arcuate path, and said second roller is movable along a second arcuate path.

14. The play set of claim 10, further comprising:

a third track portion hingedly connected to a distal end of said second track portion.

15. A play set for toy vehicles, comprising:

a frame including a base;

a lift coupled to said frame and movable toward and away from said base, said lift having a first end portion and an opposite, second end portion;

a first roller pivotally coupled to said frame, said first roller engageable with and movable by said first end portion of said lift in a first direction along a first arcuate path when said lift is moved away from said base; and

a second roller pivotally coupled to said frame, said second roller engageable with and movable by said second end portion of said lift in a second direction along a second arcuate path when said lift is moved away from said base.

16. The play set of claim 16, wherein said first direction is different than said second direction.

17. The play set of claim 16, wherein said first direction extends about a first axis and said second direction extends about a second axis, said first direction being in a direction opposite to said second direction.

18. The play set of claim 16, wherein the frame includes a support plate extending upwardly from said base, said support plate defines a lift guide slot, and said lift includes a clip retained within and slidably movable along said lift guide slot.

19. The play set of claim 16, wherein the frame includes a support plate extending upwardly from said base, said support plate defines a first roller guide slot and a second roller guide slot, said first roller includes a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along said first roller guide slot, and said second roller includes a distal end portion disposed within and slidably movable along said second roller guide slot.

20. The play set of claim 16, wherein said first arcuate path has a length and said second arcuate path has a length, the length of the first arcuate path being different than the length of the second arcuate path.