Toy track set and relay segments

Abstract

A relay segment for a toy track set, the relay segment having: an incoming track segment pivotally mounted to the relay segment for adjustable movement with respect to the relay segment in a first plane; a trigger movably mounted to the relay segment for movement between a first position and a second position, the trigger being located proximate to the incoming track segment such that a portion of the trigger is positioned above the incoming track segment, wherein the portion moves away from the incoming track segment as the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position; and a launching element for launching a vehicle away from the relay segment when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A toy track set for a toy vehicle, comprising:
 a track section having opposed first and second ends;   a first loop section having third and fourth ends, the third end is connected to a first portion of the first end and the fourth end is connected to a first portion of the second end, the first loop section defines a first pathway;   a second loop section having fifth and sixth ends, the fifth end is connected to a second portion of the first end and the sixth end is connected to a second portion of the second end, the second loop section defines a second pathway, the second pathway is different from the first pathway, and the second loop section is spaced from the first loop section;   a booster configured to propel a toy vehicle on the track section toward the first and second loop sections; and   a directional key configured to direct a toy vehicle to alternate travel between the first and second pathways each time a toy vehicle travels along the track section toward the first and second loop sections.   
     
     
         22 . The toy track set of  claim 21 , wherein the directional key includes:
 a path-defining section configured to switch between a first position in which a toy vehicle is directed to travel along the first pathway, and a second position in which a toy vehicle is directed to travel along the second pathway; and   a contact switch configured to switch the path-defining section between the first and second positions.   
     
     
         23 . The toy track set of  claim 22 , wherein the contact switch is positioned along the track section such that a toy vehicle activates the contact switch each time a toy vehicle travels along the track section toward the first and second loop sections. 
     
     
         24 . The toy track set of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a ramp section connected to the track section;   a stop movably attached to the ramp section and configured to move between a launch position in which a toy vehicle is prevented from moving along the ramp section toward the track section, and a release position in which a toy vehicle is allowed to move along the ramp section toward the track section.   
     
     
         25 . The toy track set of  claim 24 , further comprising a trigger configured to move the stop from the launch position to the release position. 
     
     
         26 . The toy track set of  claim 24 , further comprising a direction changer disposed between the ramp section and the track section. 
     
     
         27 . The toy track set of  claim 21 , further comprising an exit track section connected to one of the first and second ends of the track section, wherein the directional key is configured to direct a toy vehicle to the exit track section upon occurrence of one of a predetermined event or a predetermined time.