Expandable play set

Abstract

A playset is provided. The playset having: a structure being reconfigurable from a first orientation to a second orientation; a clamping mechanism configured to releaseably secure the structure to an elevated surface; a release mechanism, which when actuated causes the structure to transition from the first orientation to the second orientation and wherein the first orientation defines a first toy vehicle path and the wherein the second orientation defines a second toy vehicle path, the first toy vehicle path being different from the second toy vehicle path.

1 . A playset comprising:
 a structure being reconfigurable from a first orientation to a second orientation;   a clamping mechanism configured to releaseably secure the structure to an elevated surface;   a release mechanism, which when actuated causes the structure to transition from the first orientation to the second orientation and wherein the first orientation defines a first toy vehicle path and the wherein the second orientation defines a second toy vehicle path, the first toy vehicle path being different from the second toy vehicle path.   
     
     
         2 . The playset as in  claim 1 , wherein the playset has a plurality of levels in the first orientation and wherein the first toy vehicle path travels from a top-level of the playset to an intermediary level of the play set to a bottom level of the playset. 
     
     
         3 . The playset as in  claim 1 , wherein the elevated surface is a tabletop. 
     
     
         4 . The playset as in  claim 1 , wherein the clamping mechanism further comprises an adjustable screw and a flange portion. 
     
     
         5 . The playset as in  claim 1 , wherein the playset has a plurality of levels in the first orientation and wherein the first toy vehicle path travels from a top-level of the playset to an intermediary level of the play set to a bottom level of the playset and wherein the top-level and the intermediary level are lowered with respect to the bottom level when the playset transitions from the first orientation to the second orientation. 
     
     
         6 . The playset as in  claim 2 , wherein an inner section comprising the top level and the intermediary level are lowered with respect to the bottom level as the playset transitions from the first orientation to the second orientation and wherein the top level is below the bottom level when the playset is in the second orientation. 
     
     
         7 . The playset as in  claim 2 , wherein the playset further comprises a slow release ratcheting mechanism configured to provide a braking force to the inner section as it transitions with respect to the lower level. 
     
     
         8 . The playset as in  claim 7 , wherein the slow release ratcheting mechanism comprises a rack and gear arrangement that cooperates with a release mechanism, which maintains the playset in the first orientation by preventing movement of the rack and/or gear of the gear arrangement with respect to each other. 
     
     
         9 . The playset as in  claim 7 , wherein the release mechanism has a trigger located in a portion of the vehicle path such that as a toy vehicle is traveling down the vehicle path it can contact the trigger release the release mechanism so that the playset can transition from the first orientation into the second orientation. 
     
     
         10 . A playset comprising:
 a structure having at least a first level and a second level, the second level being located above the first level and at least a portion of the first level being releaseably secured to the structure and capable of movement downward and away from the structure such that the playset transitions from a first configuration to a second configuration, the first configuration being different from the second configuration;   a mechanism for securing the structure to an edge of an elevated surface; and   a trigger for releasing the portion of first level from the structure wherein actuation of the trigger causes the portion of the first level to move downward and away from the structure as the playset transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration.   
     
     
         11 . The playset as in  claim 10 , wherein the trigger when actuated causes a deployable portion of the playset to be released due to gravity forces. 
     
     
         12 . The playset as in  claim 11 , wherein the deployable portion is a pivotally mounted ramp configured to transition from a first closed position to a second open position. 
     
     
         13 . The playset as in  claim 12 , wherein the pivotally mounted ramp a portion of a path a toy vehicle can travel on as it travels from the second level to the first level. 
     
     
         14 . The playset as in  claim 11 , wherein the deployable portion is an item pivotally mounted to a shaft such that once the playset is the second orientation the item oscillates back and forth as it travels downwardly on the shaft. 
     
     
         15 . A playset comprising:
 a structure having at least a first level and a second level, the second level being located above the first level and at least a portion of the first level being releaseably secured to the structure and capable of movement downward and away from the structure to an expanded position;   a mechanism for securing the structure to an edge of an elevated surface; and   a trigger for releasing the portion of first level from the structure wherein actuation of the trigger causes the portion of the first level to move downward and away from the structure towards the expanded position.   
     
     
         16 . (canceled)