Toy vehicle carrier

Abstract

A toy vehicle carrier is presented herein. The toy vehicle carrier includes a head, a body coupled to the head, a base coupled to the body, and an accessory coupled to the base. The head is configured to capture the toy vehicle in a closed configuration of the head and to eject the toy vehicle in an open configuration of the head. The body is configured to rotate relative to the base to transition the toy vehicle carrier between a first configuration and a second configuration. The toy vehicle carrier also includes wheels coupled to the base. The wheel includes a protrusion and is configured to rotate about an axis such that the protrusion movably engages the cam surface of the accessory, thereby causing the accessory to rotate relative to the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to toys, and more particularly to a toy vehicle carrier configured to receive, store, and discharge a toy vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Toys provide entertainment for different users, such as children. For example, a toy may include various features that children can play with. An example toy that can entertain children is a toy vehicle that can simulate the look, movement, and / or feel of a real-world vehicle. New toys with new features, such as toys that children can use to interact with existing toy vehicles, can provide additional play value and provide additional entertainment. Therefore, innovative improvements to toys are continually desired. Summary of the invention

[0003] A toy vehicle carrier is provided herein. According to an exemplary embodiment, the toy vehicle carrier includes a body and a head coupled to the body, the body including an interior. The head defines an opening and a passage, the head is configured to transform between a first configuration and a second configuration, and in the first configuration, the toy vehicle is captured via the opening and directed to the interior of the body via the passage, and in the second configuration, the head is configured to discharge the toy vehicle via the passage and the opening.

[0004] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages will be apparent to one skilled in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are included within this description and are within the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The toy vehicle carrier proposed herein may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. Unless the dimensions of the elements in the drawings are specifically marked and described herein, it should be understood that the elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that emphasis is placed on illustrating the principles of the toy vehicle carrier. In the drawings, like reference numerals represent corresponding parts in different figures.

[0006] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A schematic diagram showing a toy vehicle carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0007] Figure 2a-2c shows a perspective side view of a toy vehicle carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application in a first configuration;

[0008] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Shows Figure 2a-2c A perspective side view of a toy vehicle carrier transitioning between a first configuration and a second configuration;

[0009] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2a-2c A perspective side view of a toy vehicle carrier in a second configuration;

[0010] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2a-2c a side view of a head of a toy vehicle carrier;

[0011] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A stereoscopic side view of the head of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration;

[0012] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 A stereoscopic side view of the head in an open configuration;

[0013] Figure 8 Shows Figure 5 A stereoscopic front view of the head of the embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration;

[0014] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 5 A stereoscopic front view of the head of FIG. 1 as it transitions between a closed configuration and an open configuration;

[0015] Fig.10a and Fig.10b Shows Figure 2a-2c A perspective rear view of a body and a base of a toy vehicle carrier;

[0016] Fig.11a and 11b Shows Figure 2a-2c a perspective rear view of a toy vehicle carrier; and

[0017] Fig.12 Shows Figure 2a-2c Close up perspective rear view of the base of a toy vehicle carrier. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In general, a toy vehicle carrier is proposed herein. The toy vehicle carrier includes a head, a body connected to the head, and a base connected to the body. The head is configured to transition between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, the head is configured to capture a toy vehicle via an opening and guide the toy vehicle to the interior of the body via a passage. In the open configuration, the head is configured to discharge the toy vehicle via a track that guides the toy vehicle into the passage and through the opening. The body is configured to rotate relative to the base to transition the toy vehicle carrier between a first configuration and a second configuration. A wheel with a protrusion is connected to the base. In each of the first configuration and the second configuration of the toy vehicle carrier, the wheel is configured to rotate around an axis to move the toy vehicle along a surface. In addition, in the second configuration, the rotation of the wheel around the axis causes the protrusion to movably engage an accessory connected to the base, thereby causing the accessory to rotate relative to the base. Therefore, different configurations associated with the toy vehicle carrier can provide different appearances and interactive features to entertain users (e.g., children). In addition, the movability of different toy vehicle carrier components can further entertain users. In fact, the interactive engagement between the toy vehicle carrier and the toy vehicle can provide diverse playability and improve user experience.

[0019] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a toy vehicle carrier 100 is shown. The toy vehicle carrier 100 includes a head 102 and a body 104 coupled to each other. The toy vehicle carrier 100 is configured to store or contain a toy vehicle 106 via the head 102 and / or via the body 104. For example, the head 102 includes an opening 108. The toy vehicle 106 can pass through the opening 108 to enter the head 102 and enter the toy vehicle carrier. The head 102 includes rollers 110, which are configured to help capture the toy vehicle 106 to be incorporated into the head 102. For example, as further discussed herein, the rollers 110 include paddles or blades configured to engage the toy vehicle 106, and the paddles are configured to move to drive the toy vehicle 106 to move into the opening 108. In addition, the head 102 defines a channel 112 connected to the opening 108, and the channel 112 is configured to guide the toy vehicle 106 from the opening 108 into the interior 114 of the body 104. The body 104 may then hold and store the toy vehicle 106 within the interior 114 .

[0020] For example, the interior 114 of the toy vehicle carrier 100 can facilitate easy transportation of the toy vehicles 106 through the toy vehicle carrier 100. In fact, the interior 114 can be large enough to hold multiple toy vehicles 106 and enable each toy vehicle 106 located in the interior 114 to be transported simultaneously. Additionally or alternatively, the body 104 includes a receptacle 116 that is configured to store and hold the toy vehicles 106 without passing the toy vehicles 106 through the opening 108. To this end, the receptacle 116 may not be connected to the passage 112, and instead, may be easily accessible by a user to enable the toy vehicles 106 to be positioned therein. The toy vehicle carrier 100 is capable of transporting each toy vehicle 106 stored in the interior 114 and in the receptacle 116 to facilitate the transportation of multiple toy vehicles 106.

[0021] The toy vehicle carrier 100 can also be configured to discharge or eject the toy vehicle 106. As an example, the head 102 includes a track 118 extending into the channel 112. The track 118 is configured to receive the toy vehicle 106 and guide the toy vehicle 106 (e.g., by gravity) into the channel 112, through the opening 108, and to the outside of the head 102. Additionally or alternatively, the body 104 includes an outlet 120 connected to the interior 114 of the body 104. The outlet 120 is configured to eject the toy vehicle 106 directly from the interior 114 to the toy vehicle carrier 100. In some embodiments, the outlet 120 is large enough to eject multiple toy vehicles 106 from the interior 114, thereby facilitating access to multiple toy vehicles 106 previously stored in the interior 114 (e.g., after the toy vehicles 106 have been transported to a desired location).

[0022] In certain embodiments, the head 102 is configured to transition between a closed configuration (e.g., a receiving configuration) and an open configuration (e.g., a discharge configuration) to selectively enable the receiving or discharge of the toy vehicle 106. For example, in the closed configuration of the head 102, the track 118 does not extend into the channel 112, thereby preventing the toy vehicle 106 from moving along the track 118 and toward the opening 108. In addition, the closed configuration positions the rollers 110 in the channel 112, further preventing the toy vehicle 106 from moving along the channel 112, such as from the interior 114 of the body 104 toward the opening 108 (e.g., by a paddle). Thus, the closed configuration can maintain the storage of the toy vehicle 106 within the toy vehicle carrier 100. In the open configuration of the head 102, the track 118 extends into the channel 112 to enable the toy vehicle 106 to move along the track 118 and toward the opening 108. In addition, in the open configuration of the head 102, the rollers 110 are positioned outside the channel 112. In this manner, the toy vehicle 106 can move along the channel 112 and toward the opening 108 without interference from the rollers 110. Additionally, positioning the rollers 110 outside of the channel 112 can hinder the rollers 110 (eg, paddles) from engaging any other toy vehicles 106 into the toy vehicle carrier 100.

[0023] The head 102 can be manually transformed (e.g., by manually applied force) between the closed configuration and the open configuration. For example, the head 102 includes an actuator 122. Actuation of the actuator 122 can move the roller 110 away from the channel 112 and move the track 118 to extend into the channel 112 to transform the head 102 to the open configuration. Additionally or alternatively, actuation of the actuator 122 can move the roller 110 into the channel 112 and move the track 118 away from the channel 112 to transform the head 102 into the closed configuration. Thus, the user can use the actuator 122 to selectively place the toy vehicle carrier 110 in the open configuration or the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the actuator 122 is a rod that can be actuated by rotation. In additional or alternative embodiments, the actuator 122 can be a knob, a button, a dial, or any other suitable feature configured to transform the head 102 between the closed configuration and the open configuration. Furthermore, although the present disclosure primarily discusses the use of a single actuator 122 to transition the head 102 between a closed configuration and an open configuration (e.g., a single actuator 122 configured to cause movement of the rollers 110 and the track 118), in other embodiments, multiple actuators 122 may be used to transition the head 102 between a closed configuration and an open configuration (e.g., separate actuators 122 that cause movement of the rollers 110 and the track 118).

[0024] Figure 1bAnother schematic diagram of a toy vehicle carrier 100 having a head 102 and a body 104 coupled to each other is shown. The toy vehicle carrier 100 also includes a base 150 coupled to the body 104. The body 104 and the head 102 coupled to the body 104 are configured to rotate about the base 150 to transition the toy vehicle carrier 100 between a first configuration and a second configuration. For example, rotation of the body 104 away from the base 150 (e.g., to increase the angle between the body 104 and the base 150) transitions the toy vehicle carrier 100 toward the second configuration, and rotation of the body 104 toward the base 150 (e.g., to decrease the angle between the body 104 and the base 150) transitions the toy vehicle carrier 100 toward the first configuration. In additional or alternative embodiments, the body 104 may be moved (e.g., translated) relative to the base 150 in any other suitable manner to transition the toy vehicle carrier 100 between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0025] The toy vehicle carrier 100 may have different appearances in the first configuration and the second configuration. In addition, the toy vehicle carrier 100 may have different functions in different configurations. For example, the head 102, the body 104, and the base 150 may be generally aligned along a plane in the first configuration. Therefore, in the first configuration, each of the head 102, the body 104, and the base 150 may engage with a surface and enable the head 102 to capture a toy vehicle 106 positioned on the surface. As an example, the head 102, the body 104, and / or the base 150 are coupled to wheels to facilitate movement along the surface in the first configuration and facilitate capture of the toy vehicle 106 via the head 102. In the second configuration, the head 102 and the body 104 may no longer engage the surface, and therefore, the head 102 may not be able to capture the toy vehicle 106 positioned on the surface in the second configuration. Alternatively, as further discussed herein, the second configuration may facilitate ejection of the toy vehicle 106 (e.g., through the head 102, through the body 104), such as ejection onto a surface engaged with the base 150.

[0026] The toy vehicle carrier 100 includes an extension 152 configured to facilitate transition of the toy vehicle carrier 100 between a first configuration and a second configuration. For example, the extension 152 is coupled to the body 104 and configured to rotate about the body 104. The extension 152 can be used as a lever to facilitate rotation of the body 104 away from the base 150. In other words, the extension 152 can be used as a lever that enables a user to provide a sufficient amount of force / torque (e.g., by pushing the extension 152) to drive the body 104 to rotate away from the base 150.

[0027] The extension 152 can also be used to maintain the toy vehicle carrier 100 in the first configuration and / or the second configuration. For example, the extension 152 transitions between an extended configuration, in which the extension 152 extends generally away from the body 104 (e.g., the end of the extension 152 is within a first threshold distance from the body 104, such as within 1-5 centimeters (cm)), and a compact configuration, in which the extension 152 extends generally beside the body 104 (e.g., the end of the extension 152 is within a second threshold distance from the body 104, such as more than 10-20 cm). The extended configuration of the extension 152 prevents the body 104 from rotating toward the base 150, while the compact configuration of the extension 152 prevents the body 104 from rotating away from the base 150. Thus, to transform the toy vehicle carrier 100 into the second configuration, the extension 152 can first be transformed into the extended configuration, and then the extension 152 in the extended configuration can be used as a lever to rotate the body 104 away from the base 150. To transform the toy vehicle carrier 100 into the first configuration, the extension 152 can first be transformed into the compact configuration to enable the body 104 to rotate toward the base 150 (e.g., by gravity and / or manually applied force). Thus, the extension 152 can be used to selectively place the toy vehicle carrier 100 in a desired configuration. Although the present disclosure primarily discusses rotating the extension 152 to transform between the compact configuration and the extended configuration, the extension 152 can be moved in any other suitable manner (e.g., in a linear direction) to facilitate the transformation of the toy vehicle carrier 100 between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0028] The toy vehicle carrier 100 also includes an appendage 154 coupled to the base 150. The appendage 154 is configured to move, such as rotate, relative to the base 150. In some embodiments, the movement of the base 150 along the surface can cause the appendage 154 to move relative to the base 150. For example, a wheel having a protrusion is coupled to the base 150. The wheel is configured to rotate about an axis to drive or facilitate the movement of the base 150 (e.g., and the rest of the toy vehicle carrier 100) along the surface. In addition, the rotation of the wheel causes the protrusion to rotate about the axis and movably engage with the appendage 154, thereby driving the movement of the appendage 154 relative to the base 150. That is, the movement of the protrusion by the rotation of the wheel causes the protrusion to adjust the engagement with the appendage 154 and disengage from it. For example, the engagement of the protrusion with the appendage 154 causes the appendage 154 to move in a first direction, and the disengagement of the protrusion from the appendage 154 causes the appendage 154 to move in a second direction (e.g., by gravity). Therefore, the rotation of the wheel causes the corresponding movement of the appendage 154. For example, movement of the appendage 154 due to movement of the base 150 (eg, wheels) along a surface may provide the appearance that the appendage 154 is driving movement of the toy vehicle carrier 100, such as simulating a gait or walking motion.

[0029] The toy vehicle carrier 100 also includes a control system 156 and a sound effect module 158, which are communicatively coupled to each other. The sound effect module 158 is configured to output various sound effects, and the control system 156 is configured to cause the sound effect module 158 to output sound effects. The control system 156 includes a memory 160 and a processor 162 (e.g., a processing circuit). The memory 160 (e.g., a magnetic hard drive, a solid-state hard drive, a semiconductor storage device, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) includes any suitable memory (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory) configured to store data / information, such as software or logic. For example, the memory 160 includes a temporary or non-temporary computer-readable medium that stores instructions that can be executed by the processor 162. The processor 162 (e.g., a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a baseband signal processor) is configured to execute instructions stored on the memory 160 to perform various operations, such as causing the sound effect module 158 to output sound effects.

[0030] In some embodiments, the control system 156 (e.g., the processor 162) is configured to cause the sound effect module 158 to output a sound effect based on the configuration of the toy vehicle carrier 100. For example, the control system 156 is configured to cause the sound effect module 158 to output a first sound effect when the toy vehicle carrier 100 is in a first configuration (e.g., when the toy vehicle carrier 100 in the first configuration moves along a surface), and the control system 156 is configured to cause the sound effect module 158 to output a second sound effect when the toy vehicle carrier 100 is in a second configuration (e.g., when the toy vehicle carrier 100 in the second configuration moves along a surface). Providing different sound effects in different configurations of the toy vehicle carrier 100 can further enhance the entertainment provided by the toy vehicle carrier 100. For example, the sound effects can correspond to the corresponding appearance of the toy vehicle carrier 100 when in different configurations, thereby providing a more realistic presentation of the toy vehicle carrier 100.

[0031] To this end, the control system 156 includes a sensor or switch 164 that is operable to cause the processor 162 to output a specific control signal to cause the sound effect module 158 to output a corresponding sound effect. That is, in a first configuration of the toy vehicle carrier 100, the sensor / switch 164 may cause the processor 162 to output a first signal that causes the sound effect module 158 to output a first sound effect. In a second configuration of the toy vehicle carrier 100, the sensor / switch 164 may cause the processor 162 to output a second signal that causes the sound effect module 158 to output a second sound effect. For example, different configurations of the toy vehicle carrier 100 may also adjust the configuration or position of the sensor / switch 164 so that the sensor / switch 164 changes the operation of the processor 162.

[0032] In additional or alternative embodiments, the control system 156 is configured to cause the sound effect module 158 to output additional sound effects. For example, the control system 156 is configured to cause the sound effect module 158 to output different sound effects when the head 102 and / or the extension 152 are in different configurations. As another example, the control system 156 is configured to cause the sound effect module 158 to output sound effects based on the movement of the toy vehicle 106 relative to the toy vehicle carrier 100 (e.g., the toy vehicle 106 is captured at the head 102, the toy vehicle 106 is ejected from the head 102, the toy vehicle 106 is ejected from the body 104, the movement of the toy vehicle 106 through the body 104, etc.). As yet another example, the control system 156 is configured to cause the sound effect module 158 to output sound effects during the transition between different configurations of the toy vehicle carrier 100 or any component of the toy vehicle carrier 100. The output of such sound effects can further enhance the realistic and entertaining performance of the toy vehicle carrier 100.

[0033] Figure 2a A perspective view of an embodiment of a toy vehicle carrier 200 is shown, which has a head 202 and a body 204 coupled to each other, and a base 206 coupled to the body 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 204 includes a plurality of receptacles 208, each of which is configured to hold a corresponding toy vehicle 210. For example, each receptacle 208 includes a wall 212 that cooperatively defines a space in which the toy vehicle 210 can be positioned, and the wall 212 surrounds the toy vehicle 210 positioned in the space to prevent the toy vehicle 210 from moving outside the receptacle 208, thereby holding the toy vehicle 210 within the receptacle 208 (e.g., during movement of the toy vehicle carrier 200). Thus, the receptacles 208 can enable a plurality of toy vehicles 210 to be transported by the toy vehicle carrier 200. However, each receptacle 208 is exposed to the external environment surrounding the toy vehicle carrier 200. Thus, each of the receptacles 208 is easily accessible to the user so that the user can insert and / or remove a toy vehicle 210 into one of the receptacles 208. For example, the user can selectively remove a first toy vehicle 210 from a first receptacle 208 while positioning a second toy vehicle 210 in a second receptacle 208 to change the toy vehicles 210 held by the toy vehicle carrier 200.

[0034] In addition, the toy vehicle carrier 200 includes a plurality of wheels to facilitate movement of the toy vehicle carrier 200 along a surface (e.g., a floor, a table). For example, the toy vehicle carrier 200 includes body wheels 214 attached to the body 204 by corresponding limbs or arms 216, and base wheels 218 attached to the base 206. The body wheels 214 and the base wheels 218 are configured to rotate to facilitate movement of the toy vehicle carrier 200 along the surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the arms 216 extend along the head 202 and the body 204 so that the body wheels 214 extend alongside the head 202.

[0035] refer to Figure 2a In the illustrated embodiment, the toy vehicle carrier 200 is in a first configuration 220 (e.g., a folded configuration, a prone configuration). In the first configuration 220, the head 202, the body 204, and the base 206 can extend along each other generally about a common axis or plane. To this end, in the first configuration 220, each of the head 202, the body 204, and the base 206 can engage or be adjacent to the surface. As an example, in the first configuration 220, each of the body wheels 214 and the base wheels 218 can engage the surface and rotate near the surface to drive or facilitate movement of the toy vehicle carrier 200 along the surface.

[0036] In addition, the toy vehicle carrier 200 includes an appendage 222 coupled to the base 206 and configured to rotate relative to the base 206. In the first configuration 220 of the toy vehicle carrier 200, the appendage 222 is in a retracted configuration 223. In the retracted configuration 223, the appendage 222 generally extends away from the base wheel 218 and the surface that the base wheel 218 can engage. For example, as described herein, the base wheel 218 includes a protrusion that can movably engage the appendage 222 extending beside or near the base wheel 218. However, in the retracted configuration 223, the appendage 222 is offset from the base wheel 218 and away from the protrusion. Therefore, in the first configuration 220 of the toy vehicle carrier 200, the movement of the appendage 222 relative to the base 206 is blocked by the protrusion.

[0037] The toy vehicle carrier 200 also includes an extension 224 coupled to the body 204. In the first configuration 220 of the toy vehicle carrier 200, the extension 224 generally extends along the body 204 in a compact configuration 225. For example, in the compact configuration 225, the end 226 of the extension 224 can be positioned adjacent to or engaged with the body 204. The compact configuration 225 of the extension 224 can prevent the body 204 from rotating away from the base 206 (e.g., by a stop or linkage system). Thus, the compact configuration 225 of the extension 224 can maintain the toy vehicle carrier 200 in the first configuration 220. As described herein, the extension 224 can be rotated relative to the body 204 to disengage the extension 224 from the compact configuration 225 and enable the body 204 to rotate away from the base 206. For example, the rotation of the extension 224 can enable the toy vehicle carrier 200 to transition from the first configuration 220 to the second configuration. The extension 224 also includes an additional receptacle 228 that can be configured to receive and hold an additional toy vehicle 210. In this manner, the extension 224 also increases the load-bearing capacity of the toy vehicle carrier 200 for holding a toy vehicle 210.

[0038] The toy vehicle carrier 200 also includes a handle or grip 232 extending from the body 204. The handle 232 can help a user move the toy vehicle carrier 200. For example, a user can hold the handle 232 and apply force to the handle 232 to drive the toy vehicle carrier 200 along a surface. The handle 232 can also help a user more easily carry the toy vehicle carrier 200. To accommodate the positioning of the handle 232, the extension 224 includes an opening 234 through which the handle 232 can extend when the extension 224 is in the compact configuration 225.

[0039] Figure 2b A perspective view of the toy vehicle carrier 200 is shown in a first configuration 220, wherein the head 202 is positioned adjacent to a surface on which a toy vehicle 210 may be placed. Thus, in the first configuration 220 of the toy vehicle carrier 200, the head 202 is capable of capturing the toy vehicle 210. For example, the head 202 includes an opening 250 that is configured to receive the toy vehicle 210. When the toy vehicle carrier 200 is in the first configuration 220, the head 202 can be in a closed configuration 252, and in the closed configuration 252, the opening 250 is connected to a channel 254 extending to the body 204. Thus, in the closed configuration 252, the toy vehicle 210 can be moved from the opening 250 to the body 204 via the channel 254. In this way, the head 202 is capable of receiving the toy vehicle 210 for storage in the body 204.

[0040] In addition, the head 202 includes a roller 256 that is positioned in the channel 254 (e.g., adjacent the opening 250) in the closed configuration 252 of the head 202. The roller 256 is configured to drive the toy vehicle 210 to move in an intake direction 258 into the head 202 (e.g., toward the body 204). For example, the roller 256 includes a paddle or blade 260 that is configured to move (e.g., rotate, swivel) in a rotational direction 264 about an axis 262 when the toy vehicle carrier 200 moves in a travel direction 266 that is opposite to the intake direction 258. For example, the movement of the toy vehicle carrier 200 in the travel direction 266 can drive the movement of a linkage system (e.g., a gear) connected to the paddle 260, thereby causing the paddle 260 to move in the rotational direction 264. The paddle 260 is configured to engage a toy vehicle 210 extending into the opening 250 , and rotation of the paddle 260 in the rotational direction 264 drives movement of the toy vehicle 210 along the passage 254 and toward the body 204 .

[0041] The illustrated head 202 includes a cover 268 and a head base 270 coupled to each other. The cover 268 and the head base 270 extend substantially across each other to define an opening 250 and a passage 254 between the cover 268 and the head base 270. The cover 268 and the head base 270 are configured to rotate relative to each other to transition the head 202 between the closed configuration 252 and the open configuration. For example, the cover 268 and the head base 270 can be moved toward each other to transition the head 202 to the closed configuration 252. To this end, when in the closed configuration 252, the opening 250 and the passage 254 cooperatively defined by the cover 268 and the head base 270 are relatively small. In some embodiments, in the closed configuration 252 of the head 202, the movement of the toy vehicle carrier 200 (e.g., in the travel direction 266) can drive the cover 268 to perform some movement relative to the head base 270. For example, in the closed configuration 252, the paddle 260 can movably engage the cover 268. That is, the rotation of the paddle 260 can drive the cover 268 to perform some movement relative to the head base 270. For example, the paddle 260 can alternate between engaging with the cover 268 and disengaging from it. The engagement of the rotating paddle 260 with the cover 268 can drive the cover 268 to move away from the head base 270, while the disengagement of the paddle 260 from the cover 268 can cause the cover 268 to move toward the head base 270 (e.g., by gravity). In this way, the cover 268 can alternate between moving toward the head base 270 and moving away from the head base 270. This movement of the cover 268 relative to the head base 270 can provide a realistic and entertaining appearance of the head 202. For example, the cover 268 and the head base 270 can form a chin appearance, and the movement of the cover 268 relative to the head base 270 can provide the appearance of an eating or chewing action by the head 202 to depict the situation where the head 202 is swallowing the toy vehicle 210.

[0042] Figure 2c A side perspective view of the toy vehicle carrier 200 in the first configuration 220 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the toy vehicle 210 is located in the interior 300 of the chassis 302 of the body 204. For example, the channel 254 of the head 202 is connected to the interior 300 of the chassis 302. Movement of the toy vehicle 210 in the receiving direction 258 (driven by the movement of the paddle 260 of the roller 256) can cause the toy vehicle 210 to move through the channel 254 and into the interior 300. The toy vehicle carrier 200 can store and hold the toy vehicle 210 in the interior 300. The interior 300 can be large enough to hold multiple toy vehicles 210. Therefore, the interior 300 can enable the head 202 to continuously receive multiple toy vehicles 210 in sequence (e.g., without removing the toy vehicles 210 stored in the interior 300 between receiving additional toy vehicles 210).

[0043] Figure 3aThe toy vehicle carrier 200 is shown when transitioning from a first configuration 220 to a second configuration. For example, the extension 224 can be rotated away from the body 204 to transition the extension 224 from the compact configuration 225 and enable the body 204 to move away from the base 206. The rotation of the extension 224 can also drive the movement of the appendage 222. For example, the rotation of the extension 224 can drive the appendage 222 to move toward the base wheel 218 (e.g., via a linkage system).

[0044] Figure 3b The toy vehicle carrier 200 is shown transitioning from the first configuration 220 to the second configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension 224 is in the extended configuration 350, wherein the extension 224 is substantially extended away from the body 204. Additionally, the appendage 222 extends at least partially past a respective one of the base wheels 218. However, the head 202, the body 204, and the base 206 remain substantially extending along a common axis or plane. The extension 224 can be used as a lever to move the body 204 and the head 202 coupled thereto away from the base 206. For example, the toy vehicle carrier 200 can include a stop or wall that blocks further rotational movement of the extension 224 away from the body 204. Thus, a force applied to the extension 224 (e.g., applied to the end 226) in a direction 352 that intersects the extension 224 (e.g., toward the surface on which the toy vehicle carrier 200 is positioned) can cause the extension 224 to drive the body 204 to move away from the base 206, thereby transitioning the toy vehicle carrier 200 to the second configuration.

[0045] Figure 4The toy vehicle carrier 200 is shown in a second configuration 400 (e.g., an expanded configuration, a standing configuration). In the second configuration 400, the base wheels 218 can remain engaged with the surface on which the toy vehicle carrier 200 is positioned, but the body 204 extends away from the base 206 so that the body wheels 214 are offset from the surface. In fact, the body 204 can be positioned relatively more upright in the second configuration 400 than in the first configuration 220. Therefore, gravity can cause the body 204 to move toward the base 206 and cause the toy vehicle carrier 200 to transition toward the first configuration 220. However, in the second configuration 400 of the toy vehicle carrier 200, the extended configuration 350 of the extension 224 can prevent or limit the rotation of the body 204 toward the base 206, thereby maintaining the toy vehicle carrier 200 in the second configuration 400. In some embodiments, the toy vehicle carrier 200 also includes a piston 402 connected to the base 206 and to the body 204 (e.g., to the chassis 302). The piston 402 can support the orientation of the body 204 relative to the base 206 and further maintain the toy vehicle carrier 200 in the second configuration 400. For example, the piston 402 (e.g., a pneumatic piston, a hydraulic piston) can apply resistance to resist movement of the body 204 relative to the base 206 and thus support the orientation of the body 204 relative to the base 206.

[0046] In the second configuration 400, in the deployed configuration 404 of the appendage 222, the appendage 222 extends alongside the base wheel 218. Thus, during movement of the toy vehicle carrier 200, the protrusions of the base wheel 218 can movably engage the appendage 222 to cause the appendage 222 to rotate relative to the base 206 when the appendage 222 is in the deployed configuration 404. Additionally, in the second configuration 400, gravity can cause the toy vehicle 210 positioned within the receptacle 208 to move toward the base 206 (e.g., toward a surface that engages the base 206). However, the wall 212 can prevent the toy vehicle 210 from moving out of the receptacle 208. In other words, in the second configuration 400, the wall 212 maintains the positioning of the toy vehicle 210 within the receptacle 208.

[0047] Additionally, in the illustrated second configuration 400, the arm 216 is positioned to extend the body wheel 214 away from the head 202. That is, in the second configuration 400, the body wheel 214 is not positioned against the head 202. As an example, gravity may cause the arm 216 to move toward the base 206 and away from the head 202, thereby moving the body wheel 214 away from the head 202.

[0048] It should be noted that rotation of the extension 224 toward the body 204 can facilitate transition of the toy vehicle carrier 200 from the second configuration 400 to the first configuration 220. For example, rotation of the extension 224 toward the body 204 to transition the extension 224 to the compact configuration 225 can enable the body 204 to rotate toward the base 206. After the extension 224 has been transitioned to the compact configuration 225, gravity and / or manually applied force can overcome the resistance applied by the piston 402 to drive the body 204 to rotate toward the base 206, thereby transitioning the toy vehicle carrier 200 to the first configuration 220. In other words, gravity and / or manually applied force causes the piston 402 to move to move the body 204 toward the base 206. However, the resistance applied by the piston 402 can slow down the rotation of the body 204 toward the base 206. For example, the piston 402 can moderate the movement of the body 204 toward the base 206 to avoid undesirable collisions between the toy vehicle carrier 200 (e.g., the head 202, the body 204) and a surface on which the toy vehicle carrier 200 is positioned and / or between the body 204 and the base 206. Thus, the piston 402 can help maintain the structural integrity of the toy vehicle carrier 200.

[0049] Rotation of the extension 224 toward the body 204 also drives movement of the appendage 222 away from the base wheel 218. Thus, sufficient rotation of the extension 224 toward the body 204 causes the appendage 222 to deviate from the base wheel 218. Thus, movement of the appendage 222 is no longer driven by the base wheel 218 (e.g., the protrusion).

[0050] Figure 5 A side view of the head 202 of the toy vehicle carrier 200 is shown. In order to visualize the components located within the interior 450 of the cover 268, Figure 5The cover 268 is not shown. As an example, the toy vehicle carrier 200 includes a control system 452 (e.g., memory, processor, sensor, switch, circuit), a sound effect module 454 (e.g., sound emitter, speaker), and a power source 456 located in the interior 450. The control system 452 is configured to cause the sound effect module 454 to output different sound effects. For example, the control system 452 is configured to cause the sound effect module 454 to output a first sound effect in the first configuration 220 of the toy vehicle carrier 200, and the control system 452 is configured to cause the sound effect module 454 to output a second sound effect different from the first sound effect in the second configuration 400 of the toy vehicle carrier 200. The control system 452 may also cause the sound effects module 454 to output additional sound effects, such as different sound effects in the closed configuration 252 and the open configuration of the head 202, different sound effects in the compact configuration 225 and the extended configuration 350 of the extension 224, sound effects during the transition of any component of the toy vehicle carrier 200 between the respective configurations, sound effects during the passage of the toy vehicle 210 through the toy vehicle carrier 200, sound effects during the movement of the toy vehicle carrier 200 along a surface, etc. The sound effects may provide additional interactive entertainment to the user by depicting realistic or engaging sound effects.

[0051] The power supply 456 provides power to enable the control system 452 and / or the sound effect module 454 to operate. For example, the control system 452 can use the power provided by the power supply 456 to operate the sound effect module 454, and the sound effect module 454 can use the power provided by the power supply 456 to output sound effects. In some embodiments, the power supply 456 (e.g., a battery and / or a capacitor) is configured to store power. In additional or alternative embodiments, the power supply 456 can be configured to obtain energy (e.g., solar energy, mechanical energy) from the surrounding environment of the toy vehicle carrier 200 for transmission to enable the control system 452 and / or the sound effect module 454 to operate.

[0052] Although in the illustrated embodiment, the control system 452, the sound effect module 454, and the power supply 456 are described as being located at the head 202, in additional or alternative embodiments, the control system 452, the sound effect module 454, and / or the power supply 456 may be located at any other suitable location, such as at the body 204 and / or the base 206. In fact, the control system 452, the sound effect module 454, and the power supply 456 may be distributed at different locations so that the toy vehicle carrier 200 can be operated to output different sound effects. For example, multiple sound effect modules 454 may be located at different locations adjacent to corresponding components to depict the sound effects actually produced by these components (e.g., a first sound effect module 454 configured to output a chewing sound is located adjacent to the head 202, and a second sound effect module 454 configured to output a driving sound is located adjacent to the base wheel 218). Therefore, the toy vehicle carrier 200 can be embodied to output sound effects in a more realistic manner.

[0053] Figure 6 A perspective side view of the head 202 in a closed configuration 252 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 202 includes a track 500 extending toward the passage 254 and configured to receive the toy vehicle 210. For example, the head 202 includes an entrance opening 502 adjacent to the body 204, and the track 500 extends into the entrance opening 502 and toward the passage 254. Thus, the track 500 can enable the toy vehicle 210 to move along the track 500 and into the entrance opening 502 (e.g., due to the effect of gravity). However, as described herein, the closed configuration 252 of the head 202 prevents the toy vehicle 210 from moving through the passage 254 and out of the head 202 via the opening 250. For example, in the closed configuration 252 of the head 202, the cover 268 and the head base 270 extend closer to each other to reduce the size of the opening 250 and the passage 254, and the roller 256 is located within the passage 254 to prevent the toy vehicle 210 from moving through the passage 254 toward the opening 250. Additionally or alternatively, the head 202 includes a stopper 504 that extends into the track 500 in the closed configuration 252 of the head 202 , and the stopper 504 abuts the toy vehicle 210 to prevent movement of the toy vehicle 210 along the track 500 and into the passage 254 .

[0054] The head 202 includes an actuator 506 that can be actuated to adjust the configuration of the head 202. The illustrated actuator 506 is a rod that is rotatably coupled to the head base 270 and a set of gears 508. The actuator 506 can be rotated to drive a corresponding rotation of the gears 508. The rotation of the gears 508 then moves the various components of the head 202 (e.g., the cover 268 and the head base 270 relative to each other) to adjust the head 202 between the closed configuration 252 and the open configuration. In additional or alternative embodiments, the actuator 506 can include any other suitable actuatable feature configured to drive the movement of the various components of the head 202 (e.g., via the gears 508 or another suitable linkage system) to adjust the head 202 between the closed configuration 252 and the open configuration.

[0055] Figure 7A perspective side view of the head 202 is shown in an open configuration 550. For example, the actuator 506 is actuated (e.g., by a manually applied force) to rotate toward the body 204. Actuation of the actuator 506 drives the rotation of the gear 508 to move the cover 268 and the head base 270 away from each other, thereby increasing the size of the opening 250 and the channel 254. In addition, the rotation of the gear 508 causes the roller 256 to move away from the channel 254 and the stopper 504 to retract from the track 500. Thus, in the open configuration 550 of the head 202, the toy vehicle 210 can move along the track 500, enter the channel 254 via the entry opening 502, and pass through the opening 250 to be ejected from the head 202.

[0056] The actuator 506 can also be actuated to transition the head 202 from the open configuration 550 to the closed configuration 252. For example, rotation of the actuator 506 away from the body 204 rotates the gear 508 to move the cover 268 and the head base 270 toward each other, to move the roller 256 into the channel 254, and to extend the stop 504 into the track 500. Thus, the user can selectively place the head 202 in the closed configuration 252 or the open configuration 550 using the actuator 506.

[0057] Figure 8 A perspective front view of the head 202 is shown in an open configuration 550, wherein the cover 268 and the head base 270 are separated relatively far from each other, and the rollers 256 are moved away from the channel 254 to enable the toy vehicle 210 to move through the channel 254. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the track 500 includes a plurality of segments, wherein an end segment 600 of the track 500 extends into the entry opening 502. In the open configuration 550 of the head 202, the end segment 600 is oriented to extend into the channel 254. For example, the head 202 includes a plate 602 that defines a portion of the channel 254. The plate 602 enables and guides the toy vehicle 210 to move through the channel 254 (e.g., toward the opening 250, toward the body 204). In the open configuration 550 of the head 202, the end segment 600 generally extends toward and is aligned with the plate 602. As such, in the open configuration 550 of the head 202 , the track 500 may guide (eg, via gravity) the toy vehicle 210 through the end segment 600 onto the plate 602 and into the channel 254 .

[0058] Fig. 9A perspective front view of the head 202 is shown when transitioning between the closed configuration 252 and the open configuration 550, wherein the cover 268 and the head base 270 are spaced apart (e.g., by actuation of the actuator 506). Thus, the movement of the toy vehicle 210 through the channel 254 and toward the opening 250 via the track 500 can be at least partially blocked. For example, the end segment 600 of the track 500 is disposed outside the channel 254 and / or extends away from the channel 254. For example, the end segment 600 can be oriented (e.g., rotated) so that the end segment 600 does not extend toward the plate 602 or is not generally aligned with the plate 602. In some embodiments, actuation of the actuator 506 can rotate the end segment 600, and the end segment 600 can extend toward the roller 256 during the transition of the head 202 between the closed configuration 252 and the open configuration 550. To this end, the end segment 600 can prevent the toy vehicle 210 from moving from the track 500 into the channel 254 and out of the open configuration 550 of the head 202 .

[0059] Fig.10a A perspective rear view of the body 204 and base 206 of the toy vehicle carrier 200 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 204 includes a cover 650 attached to the chassis 302 (e.g., between the base wheels 218 and the appendages 222), and the cover 650 extends through and covers an exit of the chassis 302. For example, the exit is configured to expose the interior 300 of the chassis 302 of the body 204 to the surrounding environment, but the cover 650 blocks exposure of the interior 300 at the exit. Thus, the cover 650 prevents the toy vehicle 210 from being removed from the interior 300 through the exit.

[0060] Fig.10b A perspective rear view of the body 204 and base 206 of the toy vehicle carrier 200 is shown, wherein the cover 650 is moved and no longer covers the outlet 700 of the chassis 302. Thus, the outlet 700 exposes the interior 300 of the chassis 302 to the surrounding environment. Thus, the toy vehicle 210 located in the interior 300 can be moved out of the interior 300 (e.g., by gravity) through the outlet 700. For example, the outlet 700 is located near the base 206, and when the toy vehicle carrier 200 is in the second configuration 400, the outlet 700 can face the surface on which the base 206 is positioned to guide the toy vehicle 210 away from the head 202 and out of the interior 300.

[0061] In some embodiments, the movement of the cover 650 is controlled by a switch 702. As an example, the cover 650 is fixed to the chassis 302 by a latch to extend through the outlet 700, and the actuation of the switch 702 releases the cover 650 from the latch to allow the cover 650 to move (e.g., rotate around the chassis 302) and expose the outlet 700. Although the switch 702 is shown as a button in the illustrated embodiment, any suitable feature (e.g., a pin, a touch latch, a knob, etc.) can be used to move the cover 650. In some embodiments, the cover 650 remains attached to the chassis 302 when positioned to expose the outlet 700. In additional or alternative embodiments, the cover 650 can be removed from the chassis 302 to expose the outlet 700. In any case, the user can selectively move the cover 650 relative to the outlet 700 to allow or prevent the toy vehicle 210 from being removed from the interior 300 via the outlet 700.

[0062] Fig.11a A perspective rear view of the toy vehicle carrier 200 is shown in the second configuration 400. The toy vehicle carrier 200 includes a body track 750 extending along the body 204 (e.g., coupled to the chassis 302) and an extension track 752 defined by the extension 224. In the second configuration 400 of the toy vehicle carrier 200, the body track 750 is aligned with the extension track 752. The toy vehicle 210 can travel along the body track 750 and the extension track 752, such as from the body 204 near the head 202 toward the extension 224. The extension track 752 forms an exit 754 at the end 226 of the extension 224 to eject the toy vehicle 210 from the toy vehicle carrier 200.

[0063] In some embodiments, each of the body track 750 and the extension track 752 includes a first lane 756 and a second lane 758, which may be formed by partitions or walls 760. Each lane 756, 758 is configured to receive a separate toy vehicle 210. For example, a pair of toy vehicles 210 may simultaneously move side by side with each other in the respective lanes 756, 758 along the body track 750 and the extension track 752. Such interaction between the toy vehicles 210 and the body track 750 and the extension track 752 may increase the entertainment provided by the toy vehicle carrier 200, for example, by creating a competition-like interaction between different toy vehicles 210.

[0064] The extension track 752 also includes a door or gate 762 located at each lane 756, 758, respectively. Each door 762 is configured to move to create an opening through the extension track 752. The size of this opening is sufficient to enable the toy vehicle 210 to move through it. For example, the toy vehicle 210 traveling along the extension track 752 can fall through the opening without heading toward the exit 754. The track actuator 764 located on the extension track 752 is configured to move the door 762. For example, each door 762 can be held to extend toward the exit 754 by a corresponding latch, and the movement of the track actuator 764 can release one of the corresponding latches to move the corresponding door 762 (e.g., by gravity) and expose the corresponding opening. In fact, as further discussed herein, a specific movement of the track actuator 764 can cause one of the doors 762 of the lanes 756, 758 to move, but does not cause another one of the doors 762 to move. In this way, the track actuator 764 can selectively and individually activate the door 762.

[0065] Fig.11b A perspective rear view of the toy vehicle carrier 200 is shown, providing more detail about the extended track 752. In the illustrated embodiment, the gate 762 of the first lane 756 is moved to create an opening 800 in the extended track 752 at the lane 756. However, the gate 762 of the second lane 758 remains in a position extending toward the exit 754. As an example, the track actuator 764 is moved to move the gate 762 of the first lane 756 but not the gate 762 of the second lane 758.

[0066] For example, movement (e.g., rotation) of the track actuator 764 in the first direction 802 into the first lane 756 causes the door 762 of the first lane 756 to move without causing the door 762 of the second lane 758 to move. The toy vehicle 210 moving through the second lane 758 may drive the track actuator 764 to move in the first direction 802. For example, the track actuator 764 includes a first cam surface 804 that extends into the second lane 758 in an unactuated configuration (e.g., where the track actuator 764 is not in contact with any toy vehicle 210). Movement of the toy vehicle 210 through the second lane 758 at the extended track 752 (e.g., along the door 762 of the second lane 758) may cause the toy vehicle 210 to contact the first cam surface 804 and apply a force that causes the first cam surface 804 to move in the first direction 802. Thus, movement of the toy vehicle 210 along the extended track 752 at the second lane 758 causes the door 762 at the first lane 756 to move. However, the contact between the toy vehicle 210 and the first cam surface 804 may not interfere with the movement of the toy vehicle 210 along the second lane 758. Therefore, the toy vehicle 210 at the second lane 758 may continue to travel along the extension track 752 toward the exit 754.

[0067] Similarly, movement of the track actuator 764 into the second lane 758 in the second direction 806 can cause the door 762 of the second lane 758 to move without moving the door 762 of the first lane 756. As an example, the track actuator 764 includes a second cam surface 808 that extends into the first lane 756 in an unactuated configuration, and movement of the toy vehicle 210 through the first lane 756 at the extended track 752 (e.g., along the door 762 of the first lane 756) can cause the toy vehicle 210 to contact the second cam surface 808 and apply a force that causes the track actuator 764 to move in the second direction 806. That is, movement of the toy vehicle 210 at the first lane 756 along the extended track 752 causes the door 762 at the second lane 758 to move. The toy vehicle 210 located in the first lane 756 can then continue to travel along the extended track 752 toward the exit 754.

[0068] In this way, when the toy vehicles 210 pass through the lanes 756, 758 side by side with each other, one of the toy vehicles 210 may contact and actuate the track actuator 764 and continue to move toward the exit 754, while the toy vehicle 210 that does not contact the track actuator 764 may fall through the opening formed by the movement of the door 762 caused by the actuation of the track actuator 764. For example, the toy vehicle 210 that is located in the front and can travel along the extension track 752 may contact the track actuator 764 first. In this way, the different movements of the toy vehicles 210 relative to the extension track 752 (e.g., along the extension track 752, through the extension track 752 through the opening) can further enhance the racing-like features of the main body track 750 and the extension track 752 to increase the entertainment provided by the toy vehicle carrier 200.

[0069] Fig.12 A perspective rear view of the base 206 of the toy vehicle carrier 200 is shown in a first configuration 220 of the toy vehicle carrier 200. In particular, Fig.12An interface between one of the base wheels 218 and one of the appendages 222 extending above the base wheel 218 is shown. As an example, the base wheel 218 located farthest from the head 202 (e.g., furthest back) can be configured to engage the appendage 222. The base wheel 218 includes a protrusion 850 extending laterally outward from the toy vehicle carrier 200 so that the protrusion 850 can engage the appendage 222. During movement of the toy vehicle carrier 200, the base wheel 218 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis 852. The rotation of the base wheel 218 about the rotation axis 852 causes the protrusion 850 to revolve about the rotation axis 852. The revolving of the protrusion 850 can adjust the distance between the protrusion 850 and the appendage 222. As an example, the protrusion 850 can alternate between moving toward the appendage 222 and moving away from the appendage 222 during the revolving about the rotation axis 852. Therefore, the protrusion 850 can movably engage the appendage 222 to drive the corresponding movement of the appendage 222.

[0070] For example, the protrusions 850 are configured to movably engage the cam surfaces 854 of the appendage 222. In particular, rotation of the protrusions 850 about the rotation axis 852 causes each protrusion 850 to engage the cam surface 854 and drive the appendage 222 to rotate toward the body 204, and disengage the cam surface 854 and enable the appendage 222 to rotate away from the body 204 (e.g., by gravity). In this way, due to the rotation of the base wheel 218, the appendage 222 can alternate between rotating toward the body 204 and rotating away from the body 204, thereby causing the protrusions 850 to movably engage the cam surfaces 854. As described herein, this movement of the appendage 222 can provide the appearance of a gait or walking motion to enhance the realistic depiction of the appendage 222-driven motion of the toy vehicle carrier 200.

[0071] The illustrated base wheel 218 includes two protrusions 850 that are spaced apart at opposite ends of the base wheel 218. That is, the protrusions 850 are circumferentially offset 180 degrees relative to each other. In this way, the protrusions 850 alternately engage the cam surfaces 854 to drive movement of the appendage 222. However, in other embodiments, there may be any suitable number of protrusions 850 (e.g., one protrusion 850, three or more protrusions 850) positioned in any suitable manner (e.g., evenly or irregularly distributed around the base wheel 218) to movably engage the appendage 222 and cause the desired movement of the appendage 222.

[0072] Although the toy vehicle carrier presented herein has been shown and described in detail and with reference to its specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, as it is apparent that various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and within the scope and category of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features in one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment. That is, it is believed that the above disclosure covers a plurality of different embodiments with independent utility. Although each of these embodiments is disclosed in a preferred form, the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein should not be considered restrictive, as there may be many variations. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and / or characteristics disclosed herein. Therefore, the appended claims should be interpreted broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure set forth in the following claims.

[0073] It should also be understood that the toy vehicle carriers or portions thereof described herein may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as plastic, foamed plastic, wood, cardboard, pressed paper, metal, soft natural or synthetic materials, including but not limited to cotton, elastomers, polyesters, plastics, rubber, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Suitable plastics may include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and the like. Suitable foamed plastics may include foamed or extruded polystyrene, foamed or extruded polypropylene, EVA foam, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0074] Furthermore, it should be understood that terms that may be used herein, such as "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "side," "height," "length," "width," "up," "down," "interior," "exterior," "inner," "outer," etc., merely describe reference points and do not limit the present disclosure to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, the term "exemplary" is used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as an example should not be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as an example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] In addition, when used in this article, the term "include" and its derivatives (such as "including", etc.) should not be understood as exclusive, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that the described and defined objects may include further elements, steps, etc. Similarly, when any description mentions "one" or "first" element or its equivalent, such disclosure should be understood to include the combination of one or more such elements, and neither requires nor excludes two or more such elements. At the same time, when used in this article, the term "approximately" and its equivalent terms (such as "approximately", etc.) should be understood to indicate values ​​very close to the above terms. That is, deviations within a reasonable range from the exact value should be accepted, because those skilled in the art will understand that such deviations from the values ​​shown are inevitable due to inaccurate measurements, etc. This also applies to the terms "roughly", "about" and "substantially". For example, the term "approximately" can represent a tolerance of plus or minus 0.002 inches, 0.001 inches, or up to 0.005 inches. This also applies to the terms "roughly", "about" and "substantially". Additionally, for purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase "A and / or B" means (A), (B), or (A and B), and the phrase "A, B and / or C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0076] Finally, the technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to material objects and specific examples of actual nature that significantly improve the field of technology and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] [the function] ..." or "steps for [performing] [the function] ...", then those elements should be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, those elements should not be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. A toy vehicle carrier, characterized in that: include: The main body, including the interior; a head coupled to the body, the head defining an opening and a passage, wherein the head is configured to capture a toy vehicle through the opening and to direct the toy vehicle through the passage toward the interior of the body; a base coupled to the body, wherein the body is configured to pivot relative to the base about a first axis; and A wheel is coupled to the body and is configured to rotate about a second axis parallel to the first axis to facilitate movement of the body along a surface, wherein the body is configured to pivot relative to the base about the first axis to lift the wheel away from the surface.

2. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The head includes a roller configured to engage the toy vehicle and rotate about a third axis to guide the toy vehicle toward the interior of the body.

3. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: An actuator, wherein the roller is disposed in the channel in a first configuration of the head, and the actuator is configured to transition the head from the first configuration to a second configuration and move the roller out of the channel to avoid contact with the toy vehicle in the second configuration.

4. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 3, characterized in that: The head includes a track including a segment that extends into the channel to guide the toy vehicle into the channel toward the opening in the second configuration and that is outside of the channel in the first configuration.

5. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 3, characterized in that: The head includes a cover and a head base that cooperate to define the opening and the channel, the actuator is configured to rotate the cover and the head base toward each other to transition the head to the first configuration, and the actuator is configured to rotate the cover and the head base away from each other to transition the head to the second configuration.

6. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: An additional wheel is included that is coupled to the base, wherein the additional wheel is configured to remain in contact with the surface when the body is pivoted relative to the base about the first axis to lift the wheel away from the surface.

7. A toy vehicle carrier, characterized in that: include: configured to capture and eject a head of a toy vehicle; a body coupled to the head and configured to store the toy vehicle captured by the head; as well as a base coupled to the body, wherein the body is configured to rotate relative to the base to transition the toy vehicle carrier between a first configuration and a second configuration, the body is configured to rotate away from the base to lift the head relative to the base and transition the toy vehicle carrier to the second configuration, and the body is configured to rotate toward the base to drop the head relative to the base to transition the toy vehicle carrier to the first configuration.

8. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that: Also includes: A wheel is coupled to the base and is configured to rotate to facilitate movement of the base along a surface.

9. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 8, characterized in that: Also includes: An accessory is rotatably coupled to the base, the accessory including a cam surface, wherein the wheel includes a protrusion, and rotation of the wheel causes the protrusion to movably engage the cam surface of the accessory to cause the accessory to rotate relative to the base.

10. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that: Also includes: A piston is coupled to the body and the base, wherein the piston is configured to support the body relative to the base to slow down rotational movement of the body relative to the base in at least one rotational direction.

11. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that: The body is configured to rotate toward the base and decrease the angle between the body and the base to transform the toy vehicle carrier to the first configuration, and the body is configured to rotate away from the base and increase the angle between the body and the base to transform the toy vehicle carrier to the second configuration.

12. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 11, characterized in that: Also includes: An extension member rotatably connected to the body, wherein the extension member is constructed to rotate relative to the body to transition between a compact structure and an extended structure, the extension member is constructed to prevent the body from rotating away from the base in the compact structure, and the extension member is constructed to prevent the body from rotating toward the base in the extended structure.

13. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 12, characterized in that: The extension extends alongside the body in the compact configuration and the extension extends away from the body in the extended configuration.

14. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that: Further including: A controller and a sound effect module, wherein the controller is configured to cause the sound effect module to output a first sound effect when the toy vehicle carrier is in the first configuration, and the controller is configured to cause the sound effect module to output a second sound effect different from the first sound effect when the toy vehicle carrier is in the second configuration.

15. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that: The head is coupled to a first end of the body, the base is coupled to a second end of the body opposite the first end, and the body includes an outlet at the second end configured to expel the toy vehicle away from the body and out of the toy vehicle carrier.

16. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that: include: wheels configured to engage a surface and facilitate movement of the toy vehicle carrier along the surface in the first configuration of the toy vehicle carrier; as well as An arm couples the wheel to the body, wherein the body is configured to rotate away from the base to move the arm away from the surface to transition the toy vehicle carrier to the second configuration and disengage the wheel from the surface in the second configuration.

17. A toy vehicle carrier, characterized in that: include: a body including an interior configured to store a toy vehicle; a base coupled to the body, wherein the body is configured to move relative to the base to transition the toy vehicle carrier between a first configuration and a second configuration; and configured to capture a head of the toy vehicle, wherein, in the first configuration, the body, the base, and the head are at least partially aligned along a common plane such that the body, the base, and the head are configured to engage a surface, and wherein in the second configuration, the base extends along a plane different from the plane along which the body and the head extend such that the base is configured to engage the surface and the body and the head are configured to extend away from the surface.

18. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 17, characterized in that: include: an attachment coupled to the base and configured to move relative to the base; as well as A wheel is coupled to the base and includes a protrusion, wherein the wheel is configured to rotate about an axis so that the protrusion movably engages the accessory and moves the accessory relative to the base, wherein the accessory has a cam surface and the wheel is configured to rotate about the axis so that the protrusion engages the cam surface of the accessory to rotate the accessory relative to the base.

19. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 17, characterized in that: include: an attachment coupled to the base and configured to move relative to the base; as well as a wheel coupled to the base and including a protrusion, wherein the wheel is configured to rotate about an axis to cause the protrusion to movably engage the appendage and move the appendage relative to the base, wherein movement of the body relative to the base to transition the toy vehicle carrier to the second configuration positions the appendage next to the wheel so that the protrusion movably engages the appendage, and movement of the body relative to the base to transition the toy vehicle carrier to the first configuration moves the appendage away from the wheel to prevent the protrusion from movably engaging the appendage.

20. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 19, characterized in that Also includes: an extension coupled to the body, wherein the extension is configured to rotate relative to the body so as to allow and prevent movement of the body relative to the base to transition the toy vehicle carrier between the first configuration and the second configuration, rotation of the extension away from the body drives movement of the appendage toward the wheel, and rotation of the extension toward the body drives movement of the appendage away from the wheel.

21. A toy vehicle carrier, characterized in that: include: a body including an interior configured to store a toy vehicle, wherein the body includes a first track configured to receive the toy vehicle; a base coupled to the body, wherein the body is configured to move relative to the base to transition the toy vehicle carrier between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein, in the first configuration, the base extends along the body and, in the second configuration, the body extends away from the base; and an extension member coupled to the body and configured to rotate relative to the body, wherein the extension member includes a second track configured to receive the toy vehicle, the extension member extends along the body in the first configuration of the toy vehicle carrier, and the extension member extends away from the body in the second configuration of the toy vehicle carrier to align the first track of the body with the second track of the extension member.

22. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 21, characterized in that The body includes features configured to release the toy vehicle along the first track toward the second track in the second configuration of the toy vehicle carrier.

23. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 21, characterized in that Also includes: a switch extending from the first track of the body; as well as A cover is configured to prevent one or more toy vehicles from moving out of the interior of the body, wherein the switch is configured to actuate the cover to move the cover and expose the interior of the body to release the one or more toy vehicles from the interior of the body.

24. The toy vehicle carrier according to claim 21, characterized in that The second track includes: a door configured to transition between a first position and a second position, wherein the door covers an opening formed through the second track in the first position and the door exposes the opening formed through the second track in the second position; and An actuator is configured to move the door from the first position to the second position in response to actuation of the actuator, wherein movement of the toy vehicle along the second track is configured to contact the actuator to cause the actuation of the actuator.

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