US20130052906A1

US20130052906A1 - Toy Car Wash Play Set

Info

Publication number: US20130052906A1
Application number: US13/398,878
Authority: US
Inventors: Julian Payne
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 2011-02-24
Filing date: 2012-02-17
Publication date: 2013-02-28

Abstract

A toy car wash play set includes a toy vehicle having a thermochromic material, a track configured for receiving the toy vehicle, and a bubble producing device located proximate to the track. The bubble producing device generates and directs bubbles toward the toy vehicle located on the track. The toy vehicle changes color when contacted by the bubbles from the bubble producing device. In one embodiment, the play set includes a dump tank containing liquid that can be dumped onto the toy vehicle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/446,192, filed Feb. 24, 2011, entitled “Toy Car Wash Play Set,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a toy car wash play set, and in particular, to a toy car wash play set including mechanisms for changing the color of a toy vehicle used with the play set.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various play sets or track sets including ramps configured for receiving wheeled vehicles are known. Some play sets are configured to simulate real life situations, e.g. a parking garage, a service station, etc. In addition, toy vehicles with a thermochromic material that changes color in response to a change in temperature are known.
There is a need for a play set that includes unique features utilizing liquid such as water, and that provides features that retain a child's interest. In addition, there is a need for a play set that provides novel ways for a child to play with a color changing toy vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a toy car wash play set including a toy vehicle and a track configured for receiving the toy vehicle. The track includes a first track portion, a second track portion, and a rotatable platform located between the first track portion and the second track portion. A bubble producing device is located proximate to the platform. The bubble producing device generates and directs bubbles toward the toy vehicle located on the platform. The bubbles engage different portions of the toy vehicle on the platform as the platform rotates.
In one embodiment, the play set further includes an actuator manipulatable by a user and coupled to the platform. The platform rotates when the user manipulates the actuator.
In one embodiment, the play set further includes a roller assembly coupled to the second track portion. The roller is configured to engage the vehicle as the vehicle proceeds along the second track portion.
In one embodiment, the platform includes a lower portion and an upper plate configured to receive the vehicle. The upper plate is pivotally coupled to the lower portion and movable upwardly for discharging the vehicle from the upper plate.
The present invention is also directed to a toy car wash play set including a toy vehicle including a thermochromic material, a track configured for receiving the toy vehicle, and a bubble producing device. The bubble producing device is located proximate to the track, and generates and directs bubbles toward the toy vehicle located on the track. The toy vehicle changes color when contacted by the bubbles from the bubble producing device.
In one embodiment, the bubble producing device includes a central hub rotatable about an axis. Spokes are coupled to and extend outwardly from the central hub. A bubble forming ring is coupled to a distal end of each of the spokes.
The present invention is also directed to a toy vehicle play set including a toy vehicle, a track configured to receive the toy vehicle, and a bucket or dump tank. The track includes a first track portion and a second track portion. The first track portion includes at least one opening therethrough. The dump tank is positioned over the first track portion, and is configured to retain water. The dump tank is automatically actuated by the entry of the toy vehicle onto the first track portion from the second track portion. Upon actuation, the dump tank pours water onto the toy vehicle. At least some of the water from the dump tank passes through the at least one opening. The toy vehicle may include a thermochromic material, which changes the appearance of the vehicle when the water is poured on the toy vehicle from the dump tank.
In one embodiment, the track further includes a removable tray disposed beneath the at least one opening. At least some of the water from the dump tank passes through the at least one opening and is collected by the removable tray.
In one embodiment, the temperature of the bubble solution that is used to generate bubbles can changed to enhance the color changing effect of the bubbles that contact a thermochromic toy vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a toy car wash play set according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the toy car wash play set of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of portions of the toy car wash play set of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a dump station of the toy car wash play set of FIG. 1 showing a bucket of the dump station in an upright position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom fragmentary perspective view of the dump station of FIG. 4 and showing the latch mechanism for retaining the bucket in its upright position;

FIG. 6 illustrates another front perspective view of portions of the toy car wash play set of FIG. 1 showing a tray removed from a cavity of the dump station;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of a bubble station of the toy car wash play set of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 illustrates another perspective view of the bubble station of FIG. 7 showing bubbles engaging a toy vehicle; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of the bubble station of an exit ramp of the toy car wash play set of FIG. 1.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the play set according to the present invention includes a mechanism that can be manipulated by a child to dump a liquid, such as water, onto a toy vehicle. In addition, the play set includes a bubble generating mechanism that generates bubbles that are directed toward a toy vehicle proximate to the bubble generating mechanism. The liquid and bubbles contact or engage the toy vehicle on the play set, as described below.
At least a portion of the toy vehicle includes thermochromic material, which changes color in response to a change in temperature. The play set has different mechanisms for causing the color of the toy vehicle to change. A change in color of the toy vehicle is caused by engaging at least one of a liquid or bubbles with the toy vehicle, provided that the liquid or bubbles are at a different temperature than the outer surface of the toy vehicle.
A toy car wash play set 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The play set 10 includes track 12 configured to receive a toy vehicle 14, a dump station 100 where the toy vehicle 14 may be doused with a liquid (e.g., such as water), and a bubble station 200 where the toy vehicle 14 may be contacted by bubbles.
The dump station 100 is coupled to a base 16 via a strut 18, so that the dump station 100 is elevated from a support surface S. The bubble station 200 is coupled to the base 16 via another strut 20, so that the bubble station 200 is likewise elevated from the support surface S. The base 16 includes an under surface 22 configured to stably rest on the support surface S so that the play set 10 will not easily tip over. In one embodiment, an upper surface 24 of the base 16 includes or defines a track portion 26 along which the vehicle 14 may roll. The track portion 26 extends from a front side 28 of the base 16 to a rear side 30 of the base 16 (see FIG. 2).
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the dump station 100 includes a receiving area 102 coupled to and in between an entrance ramp 32 and another portion 34 of the track 12. In one embodiment, the entrance ramp 32 includes an end 36 pivotally coupled to the receiving area 102 of the dump station 100, and an opposite distal end portion 38. The entrance ramp 32 is movable between a lowered position P1 (shown in FIG. 1) and a raised position P2 (shown in FIG. 3). During play, the toy vehicle 14 may be moved onto the distal end portion 38 of the entrance ramp 32. The entrance ramp 32 may then be lifted upwardly, as shown in FIG. 3, so that toy vehicle 14 rolls from the distal end portion 38 and along the entrance ramp 32 toward the end 36 thereof. From the end 36 of the entrance ramp 32, the vehicle 14 then rolls or may be pushed onto the receiving area 102 of the dump station 100.
In one implementation, the distal end portion 38 of the entrance ramp 32 includes a flange or outwardly extending flap 40 configured to be grasped by a user when moving the entrance ramp 32 between its lowered position P1 (see FIG. 1) and its raised position P2 (see FIG. 3). Once the toy vehicle 14 is disposed within the receiving area 102 of the dump station 100, the entrance ramp 32 may be pivoted back to its lowered position P1.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the dump station 100 includes a dump tank or bucket 104 including sidewalls 106 and a front edge 108 disposed over the receiving area 102. The bucket 104 is supported above the receiving area 102 by a pair of arms 110, 112, and movable between an upright position P3 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) and a tilted position P4 (shown in FIG. 3). The bucket 104 defines a basin 114 configured to retain a liquid, such as water, when disposed in its upright position P3. When the bucket 104 is moved to its tilted position P4, the liquid flows out of the bucket 104, cascading over the front edge 108 and onto the receiving area 102. Each of the arms 110, 112 includes a stop 116, 118 (best shown in FIG. 1), respectively, which is contacted by a corresponding portion of the sidewalls 106 when the bucket 104 is in its fully titled position P4. The stops 116, 118 restrict further downward pivotal movement of the bucket 104 beyond its tilted position P4, thereby ensuring that the front edge 108 remains positioned above the receiving area 102 when the bucket 104 is moved to its titled position P4.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the bucket 104 is retained in its upright position P3 via a latch 120 (shown in FIG. 5). A trigger 122 (shown in FIG. 4) extends outwardly into the receiving area 102. The trigger 122 is coupled to a release member 124 via a post 126. Pivotal movement of the trigger 122 causes the post 126 to rotate, thereby causing the release member 124 to engage and release the latch 120. In turn, the bucket 104 is released from its upright position P3 and moves to its tilted position P4. In one embodiment, the latch 120 includes a cam surface 128 that is engaged by the release member 124, thereby pulling the latch 120 downwardly in direction D1 and releasing the bucket 104 from its upright position P3.
Referring again to FIG. 3, when the vehicle 14 is moved into the receiving area 102, the trigger 122 is actuated by the vehicle 14 and pivoted away from the receiving area 102. In turn, the bucket 104 is moved from its upright position P3 to its tilted position P4, thereby dousing the vehicle 14 with any liquid retained by the bucket 104. The bucket 104 is thus automatically pivoted from its upright position P3 to its tilted position P4 when the vehicle 14 enters the receiving area 102.
Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the dump station 100 includes a tray 130 including a base 132 and a sidewall 134 extending around the base 132, and defining a basin 136 configured to retain liquid. The tray 130 is removably disposed within a cavity 138 provided beneath the receiving area 102. Referring again to FIG. 4, the receiving area 102 includes one or more openings 140, 142, 144 in communication with the cavity 138. When the tray 130 is disposed within the cavity 138 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3), excess liquid dumped from the bucket 104 drains through the openings 140, 142, 144 and into the tray 130. The tray 130 may then be removed from the cavity 138, and the excess liquid therein removed. The empty tray 130 is again slid back into the cavity 138 with sufficient capacity to collect excess liquid from the next bucket full of liquid. The tray 130 may include a handle or pull 146 (see FIG. 6) that extends outwardly from sidewall 134 and is configured to be gripped by a user when sliding the tray 130 into or out of the cavity 138.
In one embodiment, the vehicle 14 includes a thermochromic material that changes color in response to a change in temperature, for example, when contacted by cold or warm liquid. The thermochromic material may be formed into a coating on an exterior surface of the vehicle 14 or a portion of the body of the vehicle 14. The thermochromic material changes color in response to temperature changes, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,923 to Hippely et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Thus, when the toy vehicle 14 with thermochromic material is doused with water by the bucket 104 in the dump station 100, the appearance of the toy vehicle 14 is altered. For example, the color of the toy vehicle 14 may be altered and/or designs, patterns or words on the vehicle 14 may appear or vanish. In order to enhance the effects of the thermochromic material on the vehicle 14, relatively cold or warm water may be disposed in the bucket 104.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the toy vehicle 14 may exit the receiving area 102 of the dump station 100 onto the track portion 34 leading to the bubble station 200. In one implementation, the track portion 34 is angled slightly toward the bubble station 200 so that the vehicle 14 rolls toward the bubble station 200 after exiting the receiving area 102. The bubble station 200 includes a platform 202 between the track portion 34 and an exit ramp 42 of the track 12. The bubble station 200 also includes a bubble producing device 204 proximate to the platform 202, and a basin 206 configured to retain bubble forming solution in between the bubble producing device 204 and the platform 202. Referring again to FIG. 2, the bubble producing device 204 is elevated from the support surface S via another strut 44.
Referring to FIG. 7, the bubble station 200 is illustrated. The platform 202 includes an upper surface 208 defining or including a track portion 210. The platform 202 is rotatable relative to the bubble producing device 204, and also relative to the track 12. In one implementation, the platform 202 is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the support surface S. The platform 202 is rotatable via an actuator knob 212. The actuator knob 212 is coupled to the platform 202, such as via a gearing arrangement, so that rotation of the knob 212 by a user causes the platform 202 to rotate.
As shown in FIG. 7, the platform 202 may be rotated so that the track portion 210 is aligned with the track portion 34 leading to the bubble station 200. The vehicle 14 is then receivable on the track portion 210 of the platform 202 from the track portion 34. The platform 202 may then be rotated relative to the bubble producing device 204 so that the track portion 210 is no longer aligned with the track portion 34. Thus, the vehicle 14 may be rotated to a desired orientation relative to the bubble producing device 204, as shown in FIG. 8.
The bubble producing device 204 generates and directs bubbles B toward the toy vehicle 14 when the vehicle is located on the platform 202. The bubbles B engage different portions of the toy vehicle 14 as the platform 202 rotates.
The toy vehicle 14 may include a thermochromic material, such as a thermochromic coating, as described above. The thermochromic material changes color and/or alters the appearance of the vehicle 14 when contacted by the bubbles B from the bubble producing device 204. Alteration of the appearance of the vehicle 14 may be selectively controlled by rotating the platform 202, thereby selectively adjusting the angle and orientation of the vehicle 14 relative to the bubble producing device 204.
With continued reference to FIG. 8, the bubble producing device 204 includes a housing 214 having a front portion 216 and a rear portion 218 (shown in FIG. 2). A bubble maker unit 220 is coupled to the front portion 216 of the housing 214 and rotatable relative thereto. In one implementation, the bubble maker unit 220 is rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the support surface S and substantially perpendicular to the axis about which the platform 202 rotates. The bubble maker unit 220 is supported for partial immersion in bubble solution retained within the basin 206.
In one embodiment, the bubble maker unit 220 includes a central hub 222, a plurality of spokes 224 connected to and radiating outwardly from the central hub 222, and a plurality of bubble forming rings 226. Each of the bubble forming rings 226 is connected to a distal end of a corresponding one of the spokes 224. As the central hub 222 rotates, the bubble forming rings 226 are cyclically immersed in bubble solution retained within the basin 206 and then moved out of the solution.
The basin 206 includes a wall 207 partially supporting the bubble maker unit 220. The wall 207 includes slits or openings 207 a, 207 b, so that bubble solution retained within the basin 206 may freely flow around the bubble forming rings 226. The basin 206 is sufficiently sized so that ice cubes may be retained therein for maintaining the bubble solution at a relatively cold temperature. Any ice cubes within the basin 206 are restricted from engaging and/or blocking the rotation of the bubble maker unit 220 via the wall 207.
The housing 214 defines an internal cavity for containing a motor (not shown) and a battery compartment. Access to the battery compartment is permitted via an associated battery compartment door 230 (shown in FIG. 2). Referring back to FIG. 8, the bubble maker unit 220 is rotated about its axis upon actuation of the motor. A control lever 232 extends outwardly from the housing 214. The control lever 232 is operatively coupled to the motor. The motor may be turned on or off, thereby activating or de-activating rotation of the bubble maker unit 220, upon pivotal movement of the control lever 232.
The motor also drives a fan (not shown) disposed within a chamber provided within the housing 214. Upon actuation of the fan via the motor, air is forced out of the chamber and through discharge nozzles 234, 236 extending outwardly from the front portion 216 of the housing 214. As shown in FIG. 7, the nozzles 234, 236 include air outlets 238, 240, respectively. As the bubble forming rings 226 rotate, they align with and pass by the air outlets 234, 236. Air discharged from the air outlets 234, 236 is forced through the aligned openings defined by the bubble forming rings 226, thereby generating bubbles B from the bubble solution trapped within the rings 226. The generated bubbles B are then blown toward the platform 202 by the air stream created from the air outlets 234, 236, as shown in FIG. 8.
The toy vehicle 14 may proceed from the platform 202 of the bubble station 200 onto the exit ramp 42. Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the track portion 210 of the platform 202 is defined by or coupled to a plate 242. The plate 242 includes an end 243 pivotally coupled to the upper surface 208 of the platform 202, and an opposite distal end portion 244. The distal end portion 244 of the plate 242 is movable between a lowered position P5 (shown in FIG. 7) and a raised position P6 (shown in FIG. 9). The vehicle 14 is maintained on the plate 242 when the plate 242 is in its lowered position P5. The vehicle 14 may be discharged from the plate 242 by pivoting the distal end portion 244 upwardly to its raised position P6. The vehicle 14 is thereby discharged from the bubble station 200, and rolls off the plate 242 and onto the exit ramp 42 when the plate 242 is properly aligned therewith.
The exit ramp 42 includes an end 46 coupled to and adjacent the platform 202, and another opposite end portion 48 resting on the support surface S. In one implementation, the exit ramp 42 spirals downwardly from the platform 202, around the strut 20 (shown in FIG. 1) supporting the bubble station 200, and to the support surface S.
In one embodiment, a roller assembly 250 is coupled to a central portion 50 of the exit ramp 42. The roller assembly 250 includes spaced side rollers 252, 254 between which the toy vehicle 14 passes, and a top roller 256. The top roller 256 is pivotally coupled to a support bar 258 extending between the side rollers 252, 254. The top roller 256 engages the toy vehicle 14 (e.g., such as the ‘hood’ and/or ‘roof’ of the vehicle 14) as the vehicle 14 passes through the roller assembly 250, thereby removing at least a portion of any bubbles B remaining on the toy vehicle 14. The top roller 256 pivots upwardly slightly when contacted by the vehicle 14 as it passes the roller assembly 250, thereby permitting the toy vehicle 14 to proceed to the end 48 of the exit ramp 42.
It should be understood that the play set 10 may include additional roller assemblies, gates, simulated water sprays, shields, track sections, etc. Further, the play set 10 may include indicia such as directional arrows, circles, and/or brand designs (e.g. the HOT WHEELS® logo), and/or theme decals relating to automobiles. For example, a HOT WHEELS® decal and member 300 configured to resemble flames is coupled and extending upwardly from the housing 214 of the bubble producing device 204, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Further, a splash guard 302 is coupled to and extends upwardly from the receiving area 102 of the dump station 100, as shown in FIG. 4. Another splash guard 304 extends upwardly from and adjacent the platform 202 of the bubble station 200. The splash guard 304 may be transparent, thereby allowing a child to view the vehicle 14 and bubbles B on the platform 202 while retaining at least a portion of the bubbles B within the area above and around the platform 202. Another guard or shield 306 may be provided adjacent and behind the bucket 104 of the dump station 100, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
In one exemplary mode of play, the bucket 104 can be filled with warm water by a child. The child can pour the warm water into the bucket 104 using the catch tray located beneath the platform. A toy vehicle 14 with thermochromic properties can be driven onto the entrance ramp. A child can raise up the entrance ramp, thereby causing the toy vehicle 14 to advance to the first stage of the play set. As the toy vehicle drives below the bucket 104, the bucket 104 automatically tips and the warm water pours over the toy vehicle 14, changing its color. The openings in the platform allow the excess water to drain into the catch tray beneath the platform. The catch tray can be removed by sliding the tray forward using its handle.
The toy vehicle 14 can be rolled forward onto the circular platform. Proximate to the rotating platform is a container for containing liquid. Two ice cubes can be dropped into the container and a bubble solution added as well. After a short amount of time, the bubble solution cools down. A child can activate the bubble producing mechanism to create bubbles that blow forward onto the car. As the bubble solution is cool, the bubbles themselves will be cold enough to cause a change in color on the toy vehicle 14 where the bubbles contact the toy vehicle 14. As a result, selective locations on the toy vehicle 14 will change color based on the contact of the bubbles with the body of the toy vehicle 14. A child can rotate the platform with the actuator so that all sides of the toy vehicle become covered in bubbles. When the toy vehicle 14 reaches the color and/or pattern desired by the child, the child can tip the plate on which the toy vehicle is located so the toy vehicle rolls down the spiral ramp. The car wash rollers wipe the bubbles away from the toy vehicle, thereby revealing the custom color effect.
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.
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 disclosed invention be construed broadly.

Claims

1. A toy car wash play set, comprising:

a toy vehicle;

a track configured for receiving the toy vehicle, the track including a first track portion, a second track portion, and a rotatable platform located between the first track portion and the second track portion; and

a bubble producing device located proximate to the platform, the bubble producing device generating and directing bubbles toward the toy vehicle located on the platform, the bubbles engaging different portions of the toy vehicle on the platform as the platform rotates.

2. The toy car wash play set of claim 1, further comprising:

an actuator manipulatable by a user and coupled to the platform, the platform rotating when the user manipulates the actuator.

3. The toy car wash play set of claim 2, wherein the actuator is rotatable relative to the platform.

4. The toy car wash play set of claim 1, further comprising:

a roller assembly coupled to the second track portion, the roller assembly being configured to engage the vehicle as the vehicle proceeds along the second track portion.

5. The toy car wash play set of claim 1, wherein the platform includes a lower portion and an upper plate configured to receive the toy vehicle, the upper plate being movably coupled to the lower portion.

6. The toy car wash play set of claim 5, wherein the upper plate is pivotally coupled to the lower portion and movable upwardly for discharging the toy vehicle from the upper plate.

7. The toy car wash play set of claim 1, wherein the toy vehicle includes a color changing effect on a portion of the toy vehicle, the portion of the toy vehicle changing its color when contacted by bubbles from the bubble producing device.

8. The toy car wash play set of claim 7, wherein the toy vehicle includes a thermochromic material that provides the color changing effect.

9. A toy car wash play set, comprising:

a toy vehicle including a thermochromic material;

a track configured for receiving the toy vehicle; and

a bubble producing device located proximate to the track, the bubble producing device generating and directing bubbles toward the toy vehicle located on the track, the toy vehicle changing color when contacted by the bubbles from the bubble producing device.

10. The toy car wash play set of claim 9, wherein the bubble producing device includes a central hub rotatable about an axis, spokes coupled to and extending outwardly from the central hub, and a bubble forming ring coupled to a distal end of each of the spokes.

11. The toy car wash play set of claim 9, wherein the track includes a platform located proximate to the bubble producing device, and the play set further comprises:

12. The toy car wash play set of claim 11, wherein the platform includes a lower portion and an upper plate configured to receive the toy vehicle, the upper plate being movably coupled to the lower portion and pivotally coupled to the lower portion, the upper plate being movable upwardly for discharging the toy vehicle from the upper plate.

13. A toy vehicle play set, comprising:

a toy vehicle including a thermochromic material;

a track configured to receive the toy vehicle, the track including a first track portion and a second track portion; and

a dump tank positioned over the first track portion, the dump tank configured to retain a liquid and be automatically actuated by the entry of the toy vehicle onto the first track portion from the second track portion, wherein upon actuation, the dump tank pours liquid onto the toy vehicle, thereby changing the appearance of the toy vehicle when the liquid is poured on the toy vehicle from the dump tank.

14. The toy vehicle play set of claim 13, wherein the first track portion includes an opening therethrough.

15. The toy vehicle play set of claim 14, wherein at least some of the liquid from the dump tank passes through the opening in the first track portion.

16. The toy vehicle play set of claim 13, further comprising:

a removable tray disposed beneath the opening, at least some of the water from the dump tank passes through the opening and is collected by the removable tray.

17. The toy vehicle play set of claim 13, wherein the track includes a platform, and the play set further comprises:

18. The toy vehicle play set of claim 17, wherein a temperature of the bubble solution that is used to generate bubbles can changed to enhance the color changing effect of the bubbles that contact the toy vehicle.

19. The toy vehicle play set of claim 17, further comprising:

20. The toy vehicle play set of claim 17, wherein the toy vehicle changes color when contacted by the bubbles from the bubble producing device.