US20120064798A1

US20120064798A1 - Ramp Structure for Toy Vehicles

Info

Publication number: US20120064798A1
Application number: US12/879,417
Authority: US
Inventors: John Thaddeus Smokowski; Gerald A. May; David E. Moomaw
Original assignee: Mattel Inc
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 2010-09-10
Filing date: 2010-09-10
Publication date: 2012-03-15

Abstract

A ramp structure for toy vehicles includes an upper track section angled downward toward a first opening, a middle track section disposed beneath the upper track section and angled downward toward a second opening, and a lower track section disposed beneath the middle track section and angled downward toward an exit. The middle track section includes a first engagement plate engageable by a first end of a toy vehicle traveling in a first direction from the upper track section. The lower track section includes a second engagement plate engageable by a second end of the toy vehicle traveling in a second direction, the second end and the second direction being opposite to the first end and the first direction, respectively. The lower ramp section is angled so that the toy vehicle can travel in the first direction to the exit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a ramp structure for toy vehicles, and in particular, a ramp structure defining a zigzag travel path along which a toy vehicle moves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various play sets including a track along which unpowered toy vehicles move are known. For example, some conventional play sets include a track disposed along a single horizontal plane. Such conventional track play sets have long been a source of entertainment for children.
There is a need for a vehicle track play set having different features and a unique track configuration, thereby enhancing a child's enjoyment and play experience. Further, there is a need for a unique and different vehicle track play set suitable for very small children.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a ramp structure for toy vehicles. The ramp structure includes an upper track section, a middle track section, and a lower track section. The upper track section has a first ramp portion angled downward toward a first opening. The middle track section has a second ramp portion angled downward toward a second opening. The second ramp portion includes a first engagement plate that is engaged by a first end of a toy vehicle traveling in a first direction from the upper track section. The first opening is located above and spaced apart from the first engagement plate. The lower track section has a third ramp portion angled downward toward an exit. The third ramp portion includes a second engagement plate that is engaged by a second end of the toy vehicle traveling in a second direction. The second end and second direction are opposite to the first end and the first direction, respectively. The second opening is located above and spaced apart from the second engagement plate. The third ramp portion is angled so that the toy vehicle can travel in the first direction to the exit.
In one embodiment, the toy vehicle has a front portion and a rear portion. The first direction is a forward direction and the second direction is a backward direction relative to the toy vehicle. In one implementation, the toy vehicle includes a rolling element configured to engage and move along the first, second and third ramp portions.
In one embodiment, the upper, middle and lower track sections define a travel path along which the toy vehicle can travel. A switch is disposed along the travel path and actuatable by the toy vehicle as the toy vehicle moves along the travel path. A sensory output is triggered upon actuation of the switch.
In one embodiment, the ramp structure includes a first support member and a second support member. The first engagement plate is coupled to the first support member and the second engagement plate is coupled to the second support member.
In one embodiment, the first ramp portion is substantially parallel to the third ramp portion. In one implementation, the second ramp portion has a first length, and the third ramp portion has a second length greater than the first length.
The present invention also relates to a toy assembly including a toy vehicle having a front portion and a rear portion, and a ramp structure. The ramp structure includes an upper ramp angled downward toward a first opening. The toy vehicle is received on and movable along the upper ramp toward the first opening in a first direction. A first engagement plate is disposed beneath the first opening. The front portion of the toy vehicle engages the first engagement plate after the toy vehicle moves through the first opening. A central ramp is proximate to the first engagement plate and disposed beneath the upper ramp. The central ramp is angled downward toward a second opening. The toy vehicle is movable along the central ramp toward the second opening in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A second engagement plate is disposed beneath the second opening. The rear portion of the toy vehicle engages the second engagement plate after the toy vehicle moves through the second opening. A lower ramp is proximate to the second engagement plate and disposed beneath the central ramp. The toy vehicle is movable along the lower ramp from the second engagement plate in a first direction.
In one embodiment, the ramp structure includes a base configured for engaging a support surface. A first support portion extends upwardly from the base. A second support portion extends upwardly from the base. The upper ramp, the central ramp and the lower ramp are disposed in between the first support portion and the second support portion.
The present invention is also directed to a track assembly including a toy vehicle having a front portion and a rear portion, and a ramp structure. The ramp structure includes a first ramp portion angled downward toward a first opening. The toy vehicle is received on and movable along the first ramp portion toward the first opening in a first direction. An engagement plate is disposed beneath the first opening. The front portion of the toy vehicle engages the engagement plate after the toy vehicle has moved through the first opening. A second ramp portion is proximate to the engagement plate and disposed beneath the first ramp portion. The second ramp portion is angled downward toward an exit. The toy vehicle moves along the second ramp portion toward the exit in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
In one embodiment, the toy vehicle includes a rolling element configured to engage and move along the ramp structure. In one implementation, the rolling element is intermediate the front portion and the rear portion of the toy vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ramp structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ramp structure according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a toy assembly including a toy vehicle and a ramp structure according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a ramp structure according to another embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective view of the ramp structure of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates another perspective view of the ramp structure of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of a toy vehicle usable with the disclosed ramp structures; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 7 and showing portions in phantom.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a ramp structure T1 for toy vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention. Ramp structure T1 includes an upper ramp portion 10, a lower ramp portion 20, and an engagement plate 30. The upper ramp portion 10 is angled downward toward an opening 12. The lower ramp portion 20 is proximate to the engagement plate 30 and disposed beneath the upper ramp portion 10. The lower ramp portion 20 is angled downward toward an exit 22.
A toy vehicle 40 is received on and movable along the upper ramp portion 10 toward the opening 12 in a first direction D1. In one embodiment, the toy vehicle 40 includes a rolling element configured to engage and move along the upper and lower ramp portions 10, 20. A front portion 42 of the toy vehicle 40 engages the engagement plate 30 after the toy vehicle 40 moves through the opening 12. The toy vehicle 40 then moves along the lower ramp portion 20 toward the exit 22 in a second direction D2 different than the first direction D1. In one implementation, the second direction D2 is substantially opposite to the first direction D1. In one implementation, the first direction D1 is a forward direction and the second direction D2 is a backward direction relative to the toy vehicle 40.
FIG. 2 illustrates a ramp structure T2 for toy vehicles according to another embodiment. Ramp structure T2 includes an upper track section 50, a middle track section 60, and a lower track section 70. Ramp structure T2 defines a travel path P1 (shown in dashed line) along which a toy vehicle 80 can travel.
The upper track section 50 has a ramp portion 52 angled downward toward an opening 54. The middle track section 60 has another ramp portion 62 angled downward toward another opening 64. The ramp portion 62 of the middle track section 60 includes an engagement plate 66. The opening 54 of the upper track section 50 is located above and spaced apart from the engagement plate 66 of the middle track section 60. The engagement plate 66 is engaged by an end 82 (e.g. the front end) of the toy vehicle 80 as the toy vehicle 80 travels in a first direction D1 from the upper track section 50.
The lower track section 70 has another ramp portion 72 angled downward toward an exit 74. The ramp portion 72 of the lower track section 70 includes another engagement plate 76. The opening 64 of the middle track section 60 is located above and spaced apart from the engagement plate 76 of the lower track section 70. The engagement plate 76 is engaged by an opposite end 84 (e.g. the rear end) of the toy vehicle 80 as the toy vehicle 80 travels in a second direction D2. In one implementation, the second direction D2 is substantially opposite to the first direction D1. After contacting the engagement plate 76 of the lower track section 70, the toy vehicle 80 is restricted from continued movement in the second direction D2, and instead then proceeds to travel down the ramp portion 72 of the lower track section 70 again in the first direction D1 to the exit 74.
In one embodiment, the ramp portion 52 of the upper track section 50 is substantially parallel to the ramp portion 72 of the lower track section 70. In some embodiments, the ramp portion 52 of the upper track section 50 has a length L1, and the ramp portion 72 of the lower track section 70 has another length L2 greater than the length L1. Similarly, the ramp portion 62 of the middle track section 60 may have a length L3 less than the length L2 of the ramp portion 72 of the lower track section 70.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a toy assembly T3 according to another embodiment. Toy assembly T3 includes a toy vehicle 100 having a front portion 102 and a rear portion 104, and a ramp structure 200.
The ramp structure 200 includes a base 202 configured for engaging a support surface S, and first and second spaced support walls 204, 206 extending upwardly from the base 202. Support wall 204 includes a lower portion 208 coupled to or defining a portion of the base 202, and an upper portion 210. Similarly, support wall 206 includes a lower portion 212 coupled to or defining another portion of the base 202, and an upper portion 214. The support walls 204 define opposing sides 216, 218 of the ramp structure 200.
An upper ramp 220 is disposed between the support walls 204, 206 and proximate to the upper portions 210, 214 thereof. The upper ramp 220 includes an end portion 222 proximate to side 216 of the ramp structure 200, and declines or angles downwardly to another opposite end portion 224. End portion 224 of the upper ramp 220 is spaced from side 218 of the ramp structure 200 to define an opening 226. An engagement plate 228 (shown in phantom) is disposed beneath the opening 226 and spaced from the end portion 224 of the upper ramp 220. In one embodiment, the engagement plate 228 is disposed between the support walls 204, 206 and proximate to or defined by side 218 of the ramp structure 200.
A central ramp 230 is disposed between the support walls 204, 206 and beneath the upper ramp 220. The central ramp 230 includes an end portion 232 proximate to the engagement plate 228, and declines or angles downwardly to another opposite end portion 234. End portion 234 of the central ramp 230 is spaced from side 216 of the ramp structure 200 to define another opening 236. Another engagement plate 238 is disposed beneath the opening 236 and spaced from the end portion 234 of the central ramp 230. In one embodiment, the engagement plate 238 is disposed between the support walls 204, 206 and proximate to side 216 of the ramp structure 200.
A lower ramp 240 is disposed between the support walls 204, 206 and beneath the central ramp 230. The lower ramp 240 includes an end portion 242 proximate to the engagement plate 238, and declines or angles downwardly to another opposite end portion 244. In one embodiment, end portion 244 of the lower ramp 240 extends to side 218 of the ramp structure, so that the lower ramp 240 extends between sides 216, 218. Further, end 244 defines or is coupled to an exit 246 in or through side 218 of the ramp structure 200.
In an exemplary mode of play, the toy vehicle 100 is received on and movable along the upper ramp 220 in a first direction D1, from end 222 toward end 224 thereof and toward the opening 226. The toy vehicle 100 is launched or drops from the upper ramp 220 through the opening 226 via gravity. The front portion 102 of the toy vehicle 100 engages the engagement plate 228 disposed beneath the opening 226 after the toy vehicle 100 moves through the opening 226 (assuming the toy vehicle 100 was positioned on the upper ramp 220 so that its front portion 102 was ahead of its rear portion 104 relative to the decline of the upper ramp 220). Movement of the toy vehicle 100 in the first direction D1 is thereby halted, and the toy vehicle 100 drops onto and engages the central ramp 230.
The toy vehicle 100 then moves along the central ramp 230 in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1, from end 232 to end 234 thereof and toward the opening 236. The toy vehicle 100 is launched or drops from the central ramp 230 through the opening 236 via gravity. The rear portion 104 of the toy vehicle 100 engages the next engagement plate 238 disposed beneath the opening 236 after the toy vehicle 100 moves through the opening 236 (assuming the toy vehicle 100 was positioned on the upper ramp 220 so that its front portion 102 was ahead of its rear portion 104 as noted above). Movement of the toy vehicle 100 in the second direction D2 is thereby halted, and the toy vehicle 100 drops onto and engages the lower ramp 240.
The toy vehicle 100 then moves along the lower ramp 240 in the first direction D1, from end 242 to end 244 thereof and toward the exit 246. The toy vehicle 100 proceeds through the exit 246 and it exits from the ramp structure 200.
As noted above, the front portion 102 of the toy vehicle 100 engages the engagement plate 228 and the rear portion 104 engages the engagement plate 238 when the toy vehicle is oriented with the front portion 102 first along the declined path of the upper ramp 220. Accordingly, in one implementation the first direction D1 may be considered a “forward direction” and the second direction D2 may be considered a “backward direction” relative to the orientation and configuration of the toy vehicle 100. However, the rear portion 104 of the toy vehicle may engage the engagement plate 228 and the front portion 102 may engage the engagement plate 238 when the toy vehicle is oriented with its rear portion 102 first along the declined path of the upper ramp 220 or ahead of its front portion 104. In either case, one of the front and rear portions 102, 104 engages the first engagement plate 228, so that the other of the front and rear portions 102, 104 engages the next engagement plate 238 as the toy vehicle 100 travels along the ramp structure 200.
A toy assembly T4 according to another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. Toy assembly T4 includes a ramp structure 300 defining a travel path along which a toy vehicle, such as toy vehicle 100, moves. In one implementation, the toy vehicle 100 includes a rolling element, such as a wheel or ball, which is configured to engage and move along the travel path of the ramp structure 300.
Similar to the ramp structure 200, the ramp structure 300 includes a base 302 configured for engaging a support surface S. The base 302 includes opposite end portions 304, 306 and opposite side portions 308, 310. A support portion 312 extends upwardly from end 304 of the base 302, and another support portion 314 extends upwardly from end 306 of the base 302. The support portions 312, 314 include lower portions 316, 318 coupled to or defining a portion of the base 302, and upper portions 320, 322, respectively.
An upper ramp 324 is disposed between the support portions 312, 314 and proximate to the upper portions 320, 322 thereof. The upper ramp 324 includes an end 326 coupled to support portion 314, and an opposite end 328. The upper ramp 324 declines or angles downwardly toward support portion 312. As best shown in FIG. 4, end 328 of the upper ramp 324 is spaced from support portion 312 to define an opening 330. An engagement plate 332 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) is disposed beneath the opening 330 and spaced from the end 328 of the upper ramp 324.
A central ramp 334 is disposed between the support portions 312, 314 and beneath the upper ramp 324. The central ramp 334 includes an end 336 coupled to the support portion 312, and an opposite end 338. The central ramp 334 declines or angles downwardly toward the support portion 314. In one embodiment (for example see FIG. 6), the central ramp 334 includes a portion 334 a coupled to and extending outwardly from the support portion 312 at a first angle, and another portion 334 b coupled to and extending outwardly from the portion 334 a at a second angle different from the first angle. For example, portion 334 a may be substantially horizontal or decline at a slight angle relative to the support portion 312, while the angle of decline of portion 334 b is steeper (relative to portion 334 a). Thus, portion 334 a may define a shelf on which the toy vehicle 100 lands before proceeding downwardly on portion 334 b of the central ramp 334. The end 338 of the central ramp 334 is spaced from support portion 314 to define another opening 340 (shown in FIG. 4). As best shown in FIG. 6, another engagement plate 342 is disposed beneath the opening 340 and spaced from the end 338 of the central ramp 334.
Referring to FIG. 5, a lower ramp 344 is disposed between the support portions 312, 314 and beneath the central ramp 334. The lower ramp 344 includes an end 346 proximate to the engagement plate 342, and declines or angles downwardly to another opposite end 348. End 348 is coupled to an opening 350 defined by support portion 312 and proximate to the lower portion 316 thereof, which defines an exit through which the toy vehicle 100 exits from the lower ramp 344.
In one embodiment, the ramp structure 300 includes a switch disposed along the travel path thereof. The switch is actuatable by the toy vehicle 100 as it moves along the travel path of the ramp structure 300. Sensory output, such as music, sound effects, or lights, may be triggered upon actuation of the switch. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a switch 352 may be disposed along the lower ramp 344 and proximate to the engagement plate 342. The switch 352 is positioned on the lower ramp 344 so that the toy vehicle 100 lands on and activates the switch 352 as it is launched or moved from the central ramp 334 and onto the lower ramp 344. Actuation of the switch 352 triggers sound effects and/or music, which are output from an operably associated speaker 354. As shown in FIG. 6, an on-off switch 355 may be provided on the end 306 of the base 302, which is operatively coupled to switches (e.g. switch 352) and the sensory output mechanism for controlling a power supply thereto.
The ramp structure 300 may include additional switches for triggering additional sensory output. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in one embodiment, the ramp structure 300 includes a roller member 356 rotatably coupled to side 308 of the base 302. The roller member 356 is housed in or coupled to an entertainment element 358, which together are configured to resemble a stylized gas pump. Rotation of the roller member 356 relative to the base 302 triggers sensory output, such as music, sound effects, lights, etc., which is output via the speaker 354.
In one embodiment, the ramp structure 300 further includes an exit gate 360 movably coupled or proximate to end 348 of the lower ramp 344. The exit gate 360 is pivotally movable between a lowered or open position (such as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) allowing the toy vehicle 100 to proceed through the opening 350 defined by support portion 312, and a raised or closed position blocking a portion of the opening 350. In one implementation, pivotal movement of the exit gate 360 activates another switch triggering additional sensory output.
The ramp structure 300 may include additional auxiliary entertainment mechanisms coupled thereto. In one embodiment a handle member 362 is coupled to the upper ramp 324 and proximate to the upper portions 320, 322 of the support portions 312, 314. The handle member 362 may be configured to resemble a curved arrow which in one mode of play indicates a starting position for the toy vehicle 100 on the upper ramp 324. The ramp structure 300 may additionally include a cover or shell member 364 disposed above the opening 330 and proximate to the end 328 of the upper ramp 324. The shell member 364 defines a recess through which the toy vehicle 100 passes as it proceeds through the opening 330.
The toy vehicle 100 travels along the upper ramp 324, the central ramp 334, and the lower ramp 344 in a similar manner to that described above and as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the toy vehicle 100 moves along the upper ramp 324 in a first direction D1. The vehicle 100 is launched from the upper ramp 324 and moves through the opening 330 via gravity, engages the engagement plate 332, and drops onto the central ramp 334. The toy vehicle 100 then moves along the central ramp 334 in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. The toy vehicle 100 is launched from the central ramp 334 and moves through the next opening 340 via gravity, engages the engagement plate 342 and actuates the switch 352. The vehicle 100 drops onto the lower ramp 344 and moves therealong in the first direction D1, and is expelled from the exit 350.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in one embodiment the toy vehicle 100 is an unpowered, single-wheeled vehicle having a main body 102 that houses a rolling element, such as a wheel 104. The wheel 104 is intermediate a front portion 102 a and a rear portion 102 b of the main body 102 of the toy vehicle 100. In one implementation, the wheel 104 is mounted on an axle 106 (shown in phantom in FIG. 8) and extends outwardly from an opening 108 disposed in an underside 110 of the main body 102. The wheel 104 may also extend outwardly from another opening 112 disposed in an upper side 114 of the main body 102. In another implementation, the wheel 104 is retained within a cavity defined by the main body 102 within a portion extending outwardly from the opening 108 (and/or the opening 112) and freely movable in any direction. The wheel 104 is engageable with and movable along the ramp structure 300 (or ramp structure T1, T2 or 200).
Thus, the toy vehicle 100 has a relatively limited number of moving components. The size and configuration of the toy vehicle 100 is well suited for use by toddlers and small children. In one embodiment, the toy vehicle 100 includes an internal cavity with movable elements therein, which product a rattle noise when the toy vehicle 100 is shaken.
Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A ramp structure for toy vehicles, comprising:

an upper track section having a first ramp portion angled downward toward a first opening;

a middle track section having a second ramp portion angled downward toward a second opening, the second ramp portion including a first engagement plate that is engaged by a first end of a toy vehicle traveling in a first direction from the upper track section, the first opening being located above and spaced apart from the first engagement plate; and

a lower track section having a third ramp portion angled downward toward an exit, the third ramp portion including a second engagement plate that is engaged by a second end of the toy vehicle traveling in a second direction, the second end and second direction being opposite to the first end and the first direction, respectively, the second opening being located above and spaced apart from the second engagement plate, the third ramp portion being angled so that the toy vehicle can travel in the first direction to the exit.

2. The ramp structure of claim 1, wherein the toy vehicle has a front portion and a rear portion, and first direction is a forward direction and the second direction is a backward direction relative to the toy vehicle.

3. The ramp structure of claim 1, wherein the upper, middle and lower track sections define a travel path along which the toy vehicle can travel, further comprising a switch disposed along the travel path and actuatable by the toy vehicle as the toy vehicle moves along the travel path, a sensory output being triggered upon actuation of the switch.

4. The ramp structure of claim 1, further comprising a first support member and a second support member, the first engagement plate coupled to the first support member and the second engagement plate coupled to the second support member.

5. The ramp structure of claim 1, wherein the first ramp portion is substantially parallel to the third ramp portion.

6. The ramp structure of claim 1, wherein the second ramp portion has a first length, and the third ramp portion has a second length greater than the first length.

7. The ramp structure of claim 1, wherein the toy vehicle includes a rolling element configured to engage and move along the first, second and third ramp portions.

8. A toy assembly, comprising:

a toy vehicle having a front portion and a rear portion; and

a ramp structure including:

an upper ramp angled downward toward a first opening, the toy vehicle being received on and movable along the upper ramp toward the first opening in a first direction;

a first engagement plate disposed beneath the first opening, the front portion of the toy vehicle engaging the first engagement plate after the toy vehicle moves through the first opening;

a central ramp proximate to the first engagement plate and disposed beneath the upper ramp, the central ramp being angled downward toward a second opening, the toy vehicle movable along the central ramp toward the second opening in a second direction opposite to the first direction;

a second engagement plate disposed beneath the second opening, the rear portion of the toy vehicle engaging the second engagement plate after the toy vehicle moves through the second opening; and

a lower ramp proximate to the second engagement plate and disposed beneath the central ramp, the toy vehicle movable along the lower ramp from the second engagement plate in a first direction.

9. The toy assembly of claim 8, wherein the first direction is a forward direction and the second direction is a backward direction.

10. The toy assembly of claim 8, wherein the toy vehicle includes a rolling element configured to engage and move along the ramp structure.

11. The toy assembly of claim 8, wherein the ramp structure defines a travel path along which the toy vehicle can travel, further comprising a switch disposed along the travel path and actuatable by the toy vehicle as the toy vehicle moves along the travel path, a sensory output being triggered upon actuation of the switch.

12. The toy assembly of claim 8, wherein the upper ramp portion is substantially parallel to the lower ramp.

13. The toy assembly of claim 8, wherein the central ramp has a first length, and the lower ramp has a second length greater than the first length.

14. The toy assembly of claim 8, further comprising a base configured for engaging a support surface, a first support portion extending upwardly from the base, and a second support portion extending upwardly from the base, wherein the upper, central and lower ramps are disposed in between the first support portion and the second support portion.

15. A track assembly, comprising:

a toy vehicle having a front portion and a rear portion; and

a ramp structure including:

a first ramp portion angled downward toward a first opening, the toy vehicle being received on and movable along the first ramp portion toward the first opening in a first direction;

an engagement plate disposed beneath the first opening, the front portion of the toy vehicle engaging the engagement plate after the toy vehicle moves through the first opening;

a second ramp portion proximate to the engagement plate and disposed beneath the first ramp portion, the second ramp portion being angled downward toward an exit, the toy vehicle movable along the second ramp portion toward the exit in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

16. The track assembly of claim 15, wherein the first direction is a forward direction and the second direction is a backward direction relative to the toy vehicle.

17. The track assembly of claim 15, wherein the toy vehicle includes a rolling element configured to engage and move along the ramp structure.

18. The track assembly of claim 17, wherein the rolling element is intermediate the front portion and the rear portion of the toy vehicle.

19. The track assembly of claim 15, wherein the ramp structure defines a travel path along which the toy vehicle can travel, further comprising a switch disposed along the travel path and actuatable by the toy vehicle as the toy vehicle moves along the travel path, a sensory output being triggered upon actuation of the switch.

20. The track assembly of claim 15, wherein the first ramp portion has a first length, and the second ramp portion has a second length greater than the first length.