WO2007056483A2 - Toy vehicle carrycase and racetrack - Google Patents

Abstract

A toy vehicle carrycase includes a top portion and a bottom portion joined by a hinge to be movable between an open position and a closed position. The bottom portion is divided into a plurality of open top compartments for receiving toy vehicles. The top portion defines an angled raceway and inner and outer track walls on its upper surface.

Description

TOY VEHICLE CARRYCASE AND RACETRACK

SPECIFICATION

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C.

119(3) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/734,435 entitled TOY VEHICLE CARRYCASE AND RACETRACK filed November 7, 2005 in the names of Keith Hippely and Michael Finizza, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to toy vehicles and particularly to apparatus for the transport and storage thereof.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Toy vehicles have proven to be an extremely popular and long- lasting toy product. In many toy vehicle play patterns, the user accumulates a collection of different toy vehicles. One of the difficulties which arises in such toy vehicle collecting is the lack of a convenient apparatus for storing and transporting the toy vehicle collection. Additionally, toy vehicles are often used in combination with a trackset or playset which itself may be substantial and elaborate and which may involve substantial assembly for use and substantial disassembly and packing for storage. All of this combines to often discourage toy vehicle collectors from utilizing their collections to the fullest. Not surprisingly, toy art practitioners have endeavored to find a solution to this problem. The result of this effort has been a substantial number of toy product innovations. For example, Des. 380,117 issued to Smith sets forth a WALL MOUNTED STORAGE AND PLAY UNIT FOR TOY VEHICLES having an elongated multi-celled storage unit which defines a plurality of storage cells for toy vehicles or the like. The wall mounted unit is shaped to generally conform to a semi-tractor/trailer combination.

[0004] U.S. Patent Des. 324,306 issued to Lin sets forth a CAR-SHAPED

STORAGE BOX formed of a pair of similarly shaped clamshell half portions which separate along a hinge line and which may be opened and closed to provide an accessible storage interior for toy vehicles or the like. One half of the storage unit supports a handle. The two halves may be joined in the closed configuration by a releasible latch mechanism.

[0005] U.S. Patent 5,984,755 issued to Avey sets forth a COMBINATION

PLAY STATION AND CONTAINER having a generally rectangular housing within which a plurality of storage compartments or "bins" are formed. The storage compartment defines an open face having a pair of generally planar closure flaps supported on each side of the enclosure. A third flap is supported by the bottom of the storage container and is movable between a closed position overlying the side flaps and an open configuration forming a play environment or play element extending from the enclosure.

[0006] U.S. Patent 3,457,668 issued to Genin sets forth a TOY PARKING

GARAGE having a generally rectangular enclosure defining an open face. The enclosure further defines a plurality of open-ended toy vehicle cells in a row and column array. A movable elevator unit is capable of alignment with any of the cells. A ramp is provided for rolling toy vehicles to and from the elevator. The elevator is used to align with a selected cell and thereafter deposit a toy vehicle therein or, alternatively, withdraw a toy vehicle therefrom.

[0007] U.S. Patents 4,285,157 issued to Lambert and U.S. Patent D499,964 issued to Elliot each set forth generally cylindrical toy vehicle packages which accommodate one or more toy vehicles within circular tracks defined within the cylindrical units.

[0008] U.S. Patent 4,850,092 and 4,909,391 both issued to Newarski set forth a toy vehicle shaped receptacle for the temporary storage of automobile fasteners. The receptacle includes a replica of an automobile and defines several storage compartments corresponding position-wise on the receptacle to the likely location of the fasteners with respect to an actual automobile.

[0009] U.S. Patent 4,708,683 issued to Lehmann, et al. sets forth a TOY CAR CARRIER configured to generally resemble a semi-tractor/trailer unit of the type often referred to as an over the road truck formed of an elongated trailer pivotally secured to a tractor unit. The elongated trailer is provided with interior space for receiving and supporting toy vehicles for storage and transport. The trailer unit further includes a pair of pivotable handles which in their raised position facilitate carrying the combination tractor and trailer as well as any toy vehicles stored within the trailer.

[0010] U.S. Patent 4,527,688 issued to Jones, et al. sets forth a TOY STORAGE CASE for storing a collection of toy vehicles or models. The case simulates the appearance of the steering wheel of a vehicle. The case is formed in the generally circular configuration of a typical steering wheel and includes hingedly coupled half portions which provide access to a multi-celled interior compartment within the case.

[0011] U.S. Patent 4,905,828 issued to Dods sets forth a PACKAGE FOR

TRADING CARD AND TOY VEHICLE while U.S. Patent 6,152,298 issued to Dods sets forth a MODEL AND SHAPED CARD PACKAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE SAME both of which represent examples of the toy packaging art relating to toy vehicles. [0012] U.S. Patent 4,937,207 issued to Simmell, et al. sets forth a

PORTABLE TOY VEHICLE RACING SET while U.S. Patent 6,099,380 issued to Rasmussen sets forth a TRANSFORMING PLAYSET both of which illustrate toy playsets having hingedly coupled half portions forming a suitcase-like unit which opens and transforms into a play environment.

[0013] A number of storage and transport cases have been provided in a related toy art for use in combination with dolls and toy figures. Such cases generally utilize a suitcase-like structure or housing having hingedly coupled mating half portions which may be opened to provide a play environment or closed to provide a storage and transport unit for dolls and toy figures. Thus, U.S. Patent 6,471,060 issued to Leyshon sets forth DOLL CASE having a suitcase-like housing with hingedly coupled mating halves. The case is configured for storing and transporting dolls within a plurality of internal cells.

[0014] Similar combination travel cases and storage units for dolls are shown in U.S. Patents 6,352,321 issued to Munoz; 4,070,789 issued to Levenson and 3,363,360 issued to Ryan.

[0015] In a further variation of doll carrying and storing apparatus, a plurality of doll cases have been provided which function as a play environment in their open configuration. Examples of such cases are found in U.S. Patent 4,161,081 issued to Katzman, et al.; 4,139,967 issued to Kuna, et al.; 4,030,235 issued to Terzian, et al. and 3,182,420 issued to Bender.

[0016] U.S. Patent 6,926,152 issued to Leung sets forth a DISPLAY AND

CARRYING CASE FOR A DOLL AND DOLL ACCESSORIES having a generally cylindrical carrying case having a removable top and defining a segmented interior for receiving and supporting dolls and doll accessories.

[0017] Published U.S. Patent Application US2004/0266316 filed in the name of Li, et al. sets forth a COMBINATION PLAYHOUSE AND DOLL CARRYING CASE having a generally rectangular doll carrying case which includes a hinged front closure panel which in the open configuration provides a beach house play environment.

[0018] U.S. Patents 5,064,398 issued to Richardson; 5,820,436 issued to

Pohlman; D457,313 issued to Clark, et al. and 3,497,992 issued to Baiter set forth additional examples of toy carrying cases.

[0019] Published U.S. Patent Applications 2005/0164594 filed on behalf of

Garr and 2006/0021905 filed on behalf of Johnson set forth further variations of toy carrying cases.

[0020] U.S. Patents 4,815,607 issued to Agapiou sets forth a SAFETY

AWARENESS KIT INCLUDING TOY FIGURES while U.S. Patent 4,060,929 issued to Meyer, et al. sets forth a TOY DETECTIVE SET both of which exemplify further types of toy carrying cases.

[0021] In a generally related art area which may be characterized as packaging and storage boxes or containers, practitioners have provided a number of structures which relate generally to the present invention. Thus, U.S. Patents 5,944,532 issued to Lienhop; 5,915,553 issued to Brown, et al.; 4,084,695 issued to Halbich; 3,889,805 issued to Korten; 3,871,519 issued to Groomes; 3,490,169 issued to Tweed; 3,451,536 issued to O'Leary, et al; 2,739,697 issued to Kuddes; 2,717,470 issued to Holdman and Published U.S. Patent Application US2005/0173286 filed on behalf or Hansen all comprise examples of structures provided which relate generally to containers and the like.

[0022] While the foregoing described prior art devices have to some extent improved the art and have in some instances enjoyed commercial success, there remains nonetheless a continuing need in the art for evermore improved interesting and amusing devices for use in combination with toy vehicles which in addition to providing convenient storage and transport of the toy vehicles also provide a play environment therefor.

Summary of the Invention

[0023] Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved toy vehicle carrying case. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved toy vehicle carrying case which in addition to storing and transporting toy vehicles also provides a play environment for the toy vehicles.

[0024] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a toy vehicle carrycase and racetrack which includes a basic carrycase formed of a top portion and bottom portion joined along a common hinge to provide a clamshell- type opening and closing. The top and bottom portions are formed in a racetrack oval-type shape to define an elongated center aperture and an outer periphery which is comprised of straight portions and opposed curved ends. The upper surface of the cover portion of the case defines a racetrack landscape characterized by an inner wall encircling the center aperture and an outer wall encircling the outer edge of the track surface. The track surface itself is formed in the cover portion and is inclined downwardly from the outer rail to the inner rail to provide a banked track environment. The bottom portion of the carrycase defines a plurality of partition walls extending generally radially from the inner aperture to the outer wall of the bottom portion. The partitions separate the bottom portion into a plurality of compartments suitable for receiving and storing toy vehicles. A handle portion is pivotally secured to the bottom portion of the carrycase and is pivotable between a raised portion providing a simulated grandstand and a lowered position in which the handle extends from the carrycase for convenient handling much like a conventional suitcase. [0025] From another perspective, the present invention provides a toy vehicle carrycase comprising: a bottom portion defining an interior cavity divided into a plurality of toy vehicle compartments; a top portion having a toy vehicle racetrack formed on the upper surface thereof; and a hinge joining the top portion to the bottom portion, the top portion being pivotable between an open position exposing the toy vehicle compartments and a closed position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

[0027] Figure 1 sets forth a perspective view of the present invention toy vehicle carrycase and racetrack in the closed configuration;

[0028] Figure 2 sets forth a perspective rear view of the present invention toy vehicle carrycase and racetrack in the closed configuration;

[0029] Figure 3 sets forth a perspective view of the present invention toy vehicle carrycase in its open configuration;

[0030] Figure 4 sets forth a partial view of the handle portion of the present invention toy vehicle carrycase; and

[0031] Figure 5 sets forth a top view of the bottom portion of the present invention toy vehicle carrycase in its open configuration supporting a plurality of toy vehicles therein. Description of fee Preferred Embodiment

[0032] By way of overview, the present invention toy vehicle carrycase and racetrack provides an oval racetrack shaped carrycase defining a center aperture and an outer wall typical of a racetrack. The case is divided into an upper portion and a bottom portion joined by a hinge. A handle on the carrying case is movable between an extended position for carrying when the case is closed and a raised position in which is simulates a grandstand alongside the racetrack when the carrycase is in play. The bottom portion of the carrycase defines a plurality of separate open-top compartments or cells within each of which one or more toy vehicles may be stored during storage or transit. The user is able to utilize the carrycase for storage and for transport by placing all the toy vehicles within the various compartments in the bottom portion of the case or, alternatively, utilize the top surface for a racetrack play environment.

[0033] More specifically, Figure 1 sets forth a front perspective view of a toy vehicle carrycase and racetrack constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 10. Carrycase 10 includes a bottom portion 11 and a top portion 12 pivotally joined by a hinge 13. Bottom portion 11 and top portion 12 each define an elongated center aperture 17. Top portion 12 simulates a racetrack and thus defines an inner wall 18 and an outer wall 19. Top portion 12 also defines a downwardly sloped track surface 20 which extends between outer wall 19 and inner wall 18. A handle 14 is pivotally secured to bottom portion 11 in a manner described below in greater detail. However, suffice it to note here that handle 14 may be pivoted upwardly to the raised position shown in Figure 1 to simulate a grandstand. In this position, handle 14 supports a pair of pivotable flagstaffs 15 and 16 which are shown in their raised position. Alternatively, handle 14 may be pivoted downwardly to form a carrying handle in the manner shown in Figure 4. When used as a handle, flagstaffs 15 and 16 are pivoted downwardly to generally align with the end portions of handle 14. [0034] In the closed configuration shown in Figure 1, toy vehicle carrycase

10 is suitably configured for play patterns in which the child user manipulates one or more toy vehicles upon track surface 20 simulating a racing activity. In this manner, toy vehicle carrycase 10 provides a race themed play environment.

[0035] Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of toy vehicle carrycase 10 in its closed configuration. As described above, carrycase 10 includes a bottom portion 11 and a top portion 12 joined along hinge 13 (seen in Figure 1). As is also described above, carrycase 10 includes a handle 14 which in turn supports pivotable flagstaffs 15 and 16. Top portion 12 defines a simulated racetrack and thus includes an inner wall 18 and an outer wall 19 together with a downwardly inclined track surface 20 therebetween. As is also mentioned above, bottom 11 and top cover 12 each define a center aperture 17 extending therethrough. Figure 2 also shows the attachment of handle 14 to a pair of flanges 30 and 31 which extend from the outer wall of bottom 11.

[0036] Figure 3 sets forth a perspective view of toy vehicle carrycase 10 in its open configuration. As described above, carrycase 10 includes a bottom 11 and a top 12 joined along a hinge 13. Carrycase 10 also includes a handle 14 having flagstaffs 15 and 16 secured thereto. Handle 14 is pivotally secured to bottom 11 by a pair of flanges 30 and 31.

[0037] In the open configuration shown in Figure 3, the interior of bottom

11 is exposed. The interior structure of bottom 11 is set forth below in Figure 5 in greater detail. However, suffice it to note here that in accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the interior space of bottom 11 is divided by a plurality of partitions extending from the interior to the exterior surfaces of bottom 11. These partitions divide the interior space of bottom 11 into a plurality of individual toy vehicle receiving and storing compartments in the manner shown in Figure 5. Thus, for example, Figure 3 shows bottom 11 divided into a toy vehicle receiving compartment 50 by partitions 32 and 33 on either side thereof. As mentioned, the structure of bottom 11 is described below in Figure 5 in greater detail. However, it may be noted here that the division of bottom 11 into the plural compartments facilitates the arrangement and selective storage of one or more toy vehicles in specific separated spaces. In addition, the provision of individual compartments for one or more toy vehicles for storage also protects the vehicles therein against damage when the present invention carrycase is closed and carried by handle 14. But for partitions within bottom 11 and the interior wall of bottom 11, the toy vehicles within the carrycase would tumble to the bottom of the carrycase and would, most likely, be damaged during the carrying and transporting process.

[0038] Figure 4 sets forth a partial view of handle 14 and its attachment to a portion of bottom 11. As is described above, bottom 11 supports a pair of extending flanges 30 and 31. Handle 14 is pivotally secured to flanges 30 and 31 by a pair of pins 28 and 29. As is better seen in Figure 2, flanges 30 and 31 are slotted which facilitates movement of pins 28 and 29 to allow centering handle 14 in its attachment to flanges 30 and 31. This alignment capability of handle 14 will properly balance the weight distribution within carrycase 10 during carrying.

[0039] Figure 5 sets forth a top view of bottom 11 when carrycase 10 is in its open configuration. Case 10 includes a bottom 11 and a top 12 joined along a hinge line 13. As described above, bottom 11 further supports a pair of flanges 31 and 32 which define elongated slots such as slot 34 within which a pair of pins 28 and 29 pivotally secure a handle 14. Handle 14 in turn supports a pair of pivotally secured flagstaff^'s 15 and 16. Bottom 11 further supports a pair of latches 25 and 26 which are operative in the manner shown in Figure 2 to secure bottom 11 to top 12 in the closed configuration.

[0040] In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, bottom 11 defines a plurality of radially extending partitions 32 through 47 which are generally distributed about the extent of bottom 11. Each pair of adjacent partitions separates the interior space of bottom 11 into an open top compartment. Thus, for example, partitions 32 and 33 form compartment 50 while partitions 33 and 34 form compartment 51 and partitions 34 and 35 form compartment 52 and so on. Each of compartments 50 through 65 formed by partitions 32 through 47 is capable of receiving one or more toy vehicles for storage and transport. For purposes of illustration, a plurality of toy vehicles 70 through 85 are shown stored one each within each of compartments 50 through 65. However, it will be recognized that this arrangement is merely illustrative and that additional numbers of toy vehicles may be stored within one or more of compartments 50 through 65 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0041] Once toy vehicles 70 through 85 have been arranged within compartments 50 through 65 as desired, top 12 is closed upon bottom 11 and secured by latches 25 and 26. Thereafter, handle 14 is situated as preferred within flanges 30 and 31 to properly support carrycase 10 for transport by the user grasping handle 14.

[0042] In further accordance with the present invention, carrycase 10 may be used to store one or more toy vehicles during storage or transport and, as described above, may be used in its closed configuration to provide a racetrack environment for amusing play. Thus, the present invention toy vehicle carrycase and racetrack provides a plurality of toy vehicle receiving compartments within a bottom portion secured by a cover portion latched and hinged thereto. The carrycase top forms a racetrack play environment which the child user is able to enjoy without the need for assembly or configuration of components.

[0043] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A toy vehicle carrycase comprising:

a bottom portion defining an interior cavity divided into a plurality of toy vehicle compartments;

a top portion having a toy vehicle racetrack formed on the upper surface thereof; and

a hinge joining said top portion to said bottom portion,

said top portion being pivotable between an open position exposing said toy vehicle compartments and a closed position.

2. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 1 wherein said bottom portion and said top portion are shaped to define an elongated racetrack shape characterized by semicircular ends joined by parallel straightaways.

3. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 2 further including a releasible latch for securing said top portion to said bottom in said closed position.

4. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 3 wherein said top portion and said bottom portion each define an elongated aperture at the center portions thereof.

5. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 4 further including a handle pivotally secured to said bottom portion, said handle providing a simulated grandstand in one position and a carrying handle in an alternate position.

6. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 2 wherein said top portion and said bottom portion each define an elongated aperture at the center portions thereof.

7. A toy vehicle carrycase comprising:

a bottom portion defining an interior divided into a plurality of toy vehicle compartments; and

a top portion hingedly joined to said bottom portion defining a racetrack on its upper surface,

said top portion movable with respect to said bottom portion between an open position and a closed position.

8. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 7 wherein said top portion and said bottom portion each define an elongated aperture at the center portions thereof.

9. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 8 further including a handle pivotally secured to said bottom portion, said handle providing a simulated grandstand in one position and a carrying handle in an alternate position.

10. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 7 wherein said bottom portion and said top portion are shaped to define an elongated racetrack shape characterized by semicircular ends joined by parallel straightaways.

11. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 10 further including a releasible latch for securing said top portion to said bottom in said closed position

12. A toy vehicle carrycase comprising:

an elongated open-topped bottom portion defining an elongated inner wall, an elongated outer wall, a bottom surface therebetween and a plurality of walls each extending upwardly from said bottom surface and from said inner wall to said outer wall to form a plurality of toy vehicle compartments;

a top portion defining a top inner wall, a top outer wall and a racetrack top surface therebetween, said top portion shaped to correspond to said bottom surface; and

a hinge joining said top portion to said bottom portion.

13. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 12 wherein said racetrack top surface slopes downwardly from said top outer wall to said top inner wall.

14. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 13 wherein said bottom portion and said top portion are shaped to define an elongated racetrack shape characterized by semicircular ends joined by parallel straightaways.

15. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 14 further including a releasible latch for securing said top portion to said bottom in said closed position.

16. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 12 further including a handle pivotally secured to said bottom portion, said handle providing a simulated grandstand in one position and a carrying handle in an alternate position.

17. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 15 further including a handle pivotally secured to said bottom portion, said handle providing a simulated grandstand in one position and a carrying handle in an alternate position.

18. The toy vehicle carrycase set forth in claim 12 further including a releasible latch for securing said top portion to said bottom in said closed position.