WO2004058369A1

WO2004058369A1 - Innovative toy and games therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2004058369A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/000162
Authority: WO
Inventors: Derek John Grul
Original assignee: Promocafe Worldwide Llc
Priority date: 2003-08-13
Filing date: 2004-02-13
Publication date: 2004-07-15
Also published as: WO2004058369B1; AU2004100033A4

Abstract

A toy (A, B) adapted for the playing of a range of games; said toy (A, B) comprising a rolling wheel element (13) provided with an axle element (14) projecting from each side of said wheel element (13); said toy (A, B) urged into rolling motion along a surface by the urging action of the thumb and fingers of an user applied to said axle element (14); and wherein said toy (A, B) is provided as a promotional item within the packaging of food stuffs.

Description

INNOVATIVE TOY AND GAMES THEREFOR

The present invention relates to small low-cost novelty toys which may be distributed as promotional give- aways by inclusion in the packaging of food and snack items for example and, more particularly to sυcb toys which may be used in competitive games. BACKGROUND

There is a long tradition of the delight which young people and not so young people have taken iη competitive play with small or simple toys. Examples may be cited from the hoops and spinning tops of a previous era to the bottle-top based games and recurring yo-yo phases of more recent times. Not infrequently such toys have doubled as vehicles for corporate advertising.

Thus the marketing of food items, particularly those commonly associated with children such as breakfast cereals, sandwich spreads, snack foods and the like has frequently been accompanied by the inclusion of a small toy or collectable item to act as an attraction to purchase.

A difficulty with such inclusions is to make them at low cost yet sufficiently attractive and novel to appeal to young consumers of the product with which they ar^'e included. A further difficulty lies in the devising of inclusions which allow a competitive element in the play with such items. it is an object of the present invention to address the above problems or to at least offer a useful alternative.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Accordingly, in one broad form of the invention, there is provided a toy adapted for the playing of a range of games; said toy comprising a rolling wheel element provided with an axle element projecting from each side of said wheel element; said toy urged into rolling motion along a surface by the urging action of the thumb and fingers of a user applied to said axle element; and wherein said toy is provided as a promotional item within the packaging of food stuffs.

Preferably said toy is provided in disassembled form adapted for assembly by a user.

Preferably components of said disassembled form include a wheel center element, supporting washer elements and an axle element.

Preferably said axle element is assembled from two slats provided with slots extending approximately for half the length of said slars; said slats adapted to assemble together by a sliding mutual fit of said slots so as to form said axle element having a cruciform cross section.

Preferably said wheel center element and said washer elements are provided with cruciform apertures in their respective centers; said cruciform apertures dimensionally equivalent to said cruciform cross section.

.Preferably said axle element is inserted into said cruciform aperture of said wheel center element so as to project equally from either side of said wheel center element.

Preferably said supporting washers are adapted to slide onto each end of said axle element so as to abut each side of said wheel center element.

Preferably said components are releasably provided as press-out parts of a sheet of substrate material.

Preferably said rolling wheel element and said axle element are integrally injection moulded from a suitable plastic polymer. Preferably said toy element is supplied with at least one tyre element; said tyre element adapted for assembly to the periphery of said wheel center element.

Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a promotional toy adapted for the playing of a range of games; said promotional toy comprising a rolling wheel element provided with an axle element projecting from each side of said wheel element; said promotional toy urged into rolling motion along a surface by the urging action of the thumb and fingers of a user applied to said axle elements; and wherein said promotional toy is provided in combination with at least one ramp device .

Preferably said at least one ramp device is adapted for the playing of games by the urging of said promotional toy into rolling motion so as to ascend up curved inclined faces of said at least one ramp device.

Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a promotional toy adapted for the playing of a range of games; said promotional toy comprising a rolling wheel element provided with an axle element projecting from each side of said wheel element; said promotional toy urged into rolling motion along a surface by the urging action of the thumb and fingers of a user applied to said axle element; and wherein said promotional toy is provided in combination with at least one card.

Preferably said at least one card includes indicia defining a game whiαh may be played with said promotional toy on a first side of said at least one card.

Preferably each said at least one card is part of a set of cards.

Preferably each said at least one card carries an image on a second side; said image forming one of a set of collectable images.

Preferably a set of cards of said at least one card supplied i^h said promotional toy is a subset of said set of collectable images,

Preferably said promotional toy is provided in combination with at least one moulded plastic figurine; said figurine one of a set of collectable figurines.

Preferably said figurines are' three-dimensional representations of characters depicted as images on said second side of said cards. Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a toy adapted for the playing of a range of games; said toy comprising of a rolling wheel element provided with a spindle element projecting from the centre, of a first side of said wheel element; said toy urged into rolling motion along a surface by the urging action of the thumb and fore fingers of a user applied to said spindle element; and wherein said toy is provided as a promotional item within the packaging of food stuffs.

Preferably said wheel element and said spindle element form an integral uniz.

Preferably said ' integral unit is moulded from an elastomeric material.

Preferably said wheel element comprises a disk-like hub surmounted at its periphery by a tyre-like structure.

Preferably said tyre-like structure is profiled according to a variety of desired rolling characteristics of said toy.

Preferably said wheel element is provided with a circular opening on a second side of said wheel element. Preferably said circular opening provides access to an internal annular groove.

Preferably said circular opening allows insertion of a disc such that the periphery of said disc is nested in said internal annular groove.

Preferably said disc is one of a series of collectable discs .

Preferably individual ones of said series of collectable discs is provided with indicia on at least one side of said discs.

Preferably said indicia includes representations of well- known fictional characters.

Preferably said indicia includes representations of celebrities.

Preferably said toy is provided as a promotional item for inclusion within the packaging of food stuffs.

Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a promotional toy adapted for the playing of a range of games; said promotional toy comprising a disk-like hub provided with a spindle element projecting from the centre of a first side of said disk-like hub and a rim projecting at the periphery from a second side of said disk-like hub; said disk-like hub and said rim forming a cap adapted to fit over the closure cap of a screw top bottle.

Preferably said disk-like hub and said spindle element and said rim form an integral unit.

Preferably said integral unit is formed of an elastomeric material.

Preferably said cap is a close friction fit over said closure cap.

Preferably unscrewing of said closure cap from said screw top bottle may be effected by unscrewing action applied to said rim of said cap.

Preferably said closure cap may be retained within said cap when said closure cap is removed from said screw top bottle to provide rigidity to said rim.

Preferably said closure cap is retained within said cap in its original orientation as first removed from said screw top bottle.

Preferably said closure cap is retained within said cap in a reversed orientation from said original orientation so as to position the outer circular surface of said closure cap substantially flush with said edge.

Preferably the outer edge of said rim is provided with an extension releasably attached to said edge.

Preferably said extension is detached from sai.d edge through said unscrewing of said closure cap.

Preferably a detached state of said extension from said edge indicates interference with said closure cap of said screw top bottle.

Preferably said promotional toy may be urged into rolling action along a surface by the urging action of the thumb and fore fingers of a user applied to said spindle element.

Preferably said closure cap is one of a series of collectable closure caps.

Preferably said outer circular surface of each said closure cap is provided with indicia.

Preferably said indicia includes representations of celebrities. Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention, there Is provided a promotional toy for inclusion with the packaging of food stuffs; said promotional toy comprising a rim eleme adapted for mounting of a tyre to form a rolling wheel -coy; and wherein said rolling wheel toy is urged into rolling action along a surface by the urging action of the thumb and fingers of a user.

Preferably said rolling toy is adapted to the playing of a range of competitive games.

Preferably said rim element is provided with at least one surface adapted to the display of indicia.

Preferably said indicia on any one said rim element is one of a collectable set of indicia.

Preferably said indicia includes representations of we11- known fictional characters.

Preferably said indicia includes representations of celebrities.

Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for the promotion of packaged food stuffs by means of providing a wheeled toy adapted to the playing of a variety of competitive games; said method including the steps of,;

(a) providing within the packaging of said food stuffs a carrier for disassembled components of . said wheeled toy,

(b) providing a set of instructions for playing said variety of competitive games.

Preferably said carrier is a substrate of substantially rigid material.

Preferably said components are press-out portions of said substrate.

Preferably said components include at leas- a hub element and portions for assembly of an axle element,

Preferably said method further includes the provision of a tyre component .

Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention, τ,here is provided a method for the promotion of packaged food stuffs by means of providing a wheeled toy adapted to the playing of a variety of competitive games; said method including the steps of; (a) providing said wheeled toy as an integrally formed central hub with axle elements projecting from each side of said hub.

(b) Providing at least one tyre_^ component for use with said wheeled toy. ^■

(c) Providing a set of instructions for playing said variety of competitive games

Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for the promotion of packaged food stuffs by means of providing a wheeled toy adapted to the playing of a variety of competitive games; said method including the steps of;

(a) providing said wheeled toy as a moulded elastomeric wheel element with a spindle projecting from a first side of said wheel element,

(b) adapting .said wheel element to ^'nave a circular opening on a second side of said wheel element; said opening providing access to an internal annular groove, (c) providing at least one disc element for insertion through said circular opening to nest in said internal annular groove,

(d) providing a set of instructions for the playing of said variety of competitive games.

Preferably said disc element is provided with collectable indicia on at least one side of said disc element .

Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for the promotion of a beverage provided in a screw top bottle by means of providing a wheeled toy adapted to the playing of a variety of competitive games; said method including the steps of;

(a) providing said wheeled toy as an elastomeric moulding comprising a disc like hub provided with a spindle element projecting from a first side and a rim projecting from a second sida; said hub element and said rim forming a cap adapted to substantially cover a closure cap of said screw top bottle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of two examples of wheeled toys according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a more detailed view of one of the wheeled toy examples of figure 1

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a disassembled embodiment of a wheeled toy wherein some components are releasably supported in a substrate.

Figure 4 is a further perspective view of a wheeled toy wherein some of the components are releasably supported in a substrate,

Figure 5 is is a perspective exploded view of the aβsembly of the wheeled toy of figure 4.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the wheeled toy of figure 3 when assembled.

Figure 7A is a perspective view from the spindle side of a further preferred embodiment of a wheeled toy.

Figure 7B is a perspective view of the wheeled toy of figure 7A when viewed from the opposite side. J 5

Figure 7C is an elevation view of the wheeled toy of figures 7A and 7B.

Figure ID is a sectioned end elevation view of the wheeled toy of figures 7A, 7B and 7C. Figure B is a perspective view of the wheeled toy of figures 7Λ-7D when fitted with a collectable disc.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of yet a further preferred embodiment of a. wheeled toy when fitted to the closure cap of a bottle. Figure 10 is a side exploded view of the wh eled toy, closure cap and top of the bottle of figure 9,

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a wheeled toy comprised of a rim and mounted tyre assembly.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the wheeled toy of figure 11 with a disc adapted to carry indicia mounted to the rim.

Figure 13 is a preferred first ancillary ramp device for use with the wheeled toys of figures 1 to 10.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a preferred second ancillary ramp device for use with the wheeled toys of figures 1 to 10,

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a further ramp device for use with the wheeled toys of figures 1 to 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The toys and games of the present invention are adapted for distribution either through retail outlets such as toy stores, supermarket chains and the like or as promotional items 'for inclusion with such packaged consumables as snack foods, serials and the like. In both cases the toys and ancillary items supplied with them may be provided with promotional indicia for goods and services of a sponsor for example. A first preferred embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to figure 1 in which is shown two examples of small wheeled toys A and B. Both toys A and B share common features of a central hub 10, a wheel center 11, (in these examples spoked centers) and a rim 12 supporting a tyre 13. As well, the hub 10 is provided with an axle 14 projecting from either side of the hub. Preferably the axla 14 is provided with serrations or projecting ribs 15 as may best be seen in figure 2.

In this embodiment the hub, wheel center, axle and rim of the toy may be formed by injection moulding from a suitable plastic for example. Preferably tyre 13 is moulded of a suitable elastomer and may be interchangeable so that more than one tyre may be supplied with one wheel. Tyres may be adapted for & range of characteristics, including grip and bias for example, to adapt the wheeled toy for various games. Bias tyres have an asymmetrical profile hich induces a wheeled toy to follow a curved path. Other tyre examples may have smooth surfaces or various types of tread pattern.

The preferred diameter of the wheel of the toy is in the range of 15 to 40 mm. The axle 14 projecting from either side of the bub is of a length sufficient for the axle 14 on each side to be grasped and twirled between the first fingers and the thumb of one- hand or both ha^'nds (not shown). In this way the wheeled toys may be imbued with a forward, that is, a rolling away-from a user spin, or a reversing spin.

In a second preferred embodiment, wheeled toys may be supplied in a disassembled form. In at least one preferred form, as may best be seen in figure 3 wherein like features are numbered as for figures 1 and 2, the components making up the wheeled toy are provided in their unassembled form releasably supported in substrate 20. When supplied in this unassembled form, the tyre component 13 may supplied as an optional extra.

Substrate 20 may be of any suitable material but in at least one preferred form is made from relatively rigid plastic sheet or laminate. The components of the wheeled toy are of the same material and thickness as the supporting substrate 20 and are held in place in the substrate by tabs (not shown) which may be readily broken by the application of light pressure to release the components from the substrate.

In this preferred embodiment of the invention the axle is provided in two parts as flat slat elements 15 and 16. As best

in figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, slat elements 15 and 16 are provided with slots 17 and 18 respectively extending along half the length of the slats and of a width equal to or just slightly less than the thickness of substrate 20. By means of slots 17 and 18 slats 15 and 16 are assembled together to form axle 19 (as may be seen in figure 6) which then has a cruciform cross section. In this embodiment two additional hub components in the form of washers 21 are supplied for assembly on either side of wheel center 11 to aid in supporting the wheeled toy axle 19.

Wheel center 11 and supporting washers 21 are provided with matching cruciform apertures adapted to receive axle 19 as a friction or sliding fit. Thus axle 19 is inserted into wheel center 11 to the mid-point of axle 19 and supporting washers 21 are pushed onto each end of axle 19 until seated against each side of wheel center 11. Finally, tyre 13 may be assembled to the periphery of wheel centre 11 by means of internal annular groove 24 of tyre 13 mating with outer edge 23 of wheel centre 11.

As a toy in use, when assembled the outer ends of spindle 19 are grasped between the thumb and the first and second fingers of each hand so as to impart a rotational impetus to the spindle and hence the wheel centre and tyre.

When the wheeled toy is then dropped to some suitable planar surface (not shown) it will roll for some distance, that distance being a function of the skill of the player and the degree of induced rotation. Thus competitions may be held between several players to see who can induce the longest distance traveled by his or her toy.

The wheel centre component of the wheeled toy of the thus far described embodiments may be in the form of a solid disc or alternately as illustrated in figures 1, 2, 3 and 6, comprise a number of spokes connecting a rim portion to a central hub.

In a third preferred embodiment of the invention a wheeled toy 30 may take the form shown in figure 7. In this preferred embodiment the wheeled toy is formed in one piece from an elastomeric material and comprises a wheel element

31 and a spindle element 32 projecting from one side of wheel element 31. As best seen in the cross sectional view of figure 7D, wheel element 31 is formed of a disc-like hub 33, from whiαh spindle element 32 projects, and is surmounted at its periphery by a tyre-like structure 34. The opposite side of the wheel element 31 is provided with an opening 37 giving access to an internal annular groove 35,

Disc-like hub 33 may be formed so as to simulate a variety of wheel centre designs such as spokes and other popular wheel centres such as typically seen on vehicles. Opening 37 allows the insertion of one of a series of collectable discs 36 to nest at the periphery in internal annular groove 35 as shown in figure 8. Collectable discs 36 may show images of well-known fictional characters or celebrities for example and may be included in the packaging of snaσk foods .and cereals for example. When inserted, a collectable disc 36 provides a degree of rigidity to the elastomeric wheeled toy.

Thus this embodiment allows a user to induce a spinning motion to the wheeled toy by twirling the single projecting spindle 32 and allowing the wheeled toy to drop to a suitable surface. The inserted disc 36 allows competition between players who may then be represented by their favorite characters as indicated on particular discs.

In a fourth preferred embodiment of a wheeled toy 40 as shown in figures 9 and 10, a wheel element 41 is comprised of a disc-like hub 42 from which projects a spindle element 43. The periphery 44 of disc-like hub 42 supports a projecting rim 45 so that disc-like hub 42 and rim 45 form a cap which has an internal diameter and a depth so as to substantially cover the closure cap 46 of a screw top 50 of bottle 47. preferably this embodiment of a wheeled toy is also formed as one piece from an elastomeric material and may be dimensioned so as to be a close friction fit over the closure cap 46 of the bottle 47 with which the wheeled toy 40 is to be supplied. The unscrewing of the closure cap 46 may then be effected by grasping and turning the rim 45 of the wheeled toy 40.

In at least one preferred form of this embodiment, the periphery 48 of the rim 45 is provided with a tamper-proof extension 49 attached to the periphery 48 by friable lugs 51 for example, so that the unscrewing action applied to the wheeled toy 40 causes the tamper-proof extension 49 to detach from the rim 45 thereby indicating that the bottle 47 has been opened or interfered with.

When no longer required for the sealing of the bottle, the closure cap 46 and elastomeric wheeled toy 40 may be used as a rolling toy. The closure cap 46 may be left inserted within the rim 45 of the wheeled toy 4C to provide rigidity to the rim. The closure cap may be left in its original orientation or reversed, that is, so that the top surface 52 of the closure cap 46 is substantially flush with the periphery 48 of the rim 45. In at least one preferred form of the present embodiment the top surface 52 of closure cap 46 is provided with one of a collectable series of indicia so as to give a distinct character to the wheeled toy.

In use the wheeled toy 40 may be urged into rolling motion by grasping and twirling the spindle element 43 between the fingers and thumb of one hand.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention, any of the above described wheeled toys may be supplied together with an ancillary low ramp device, an example of which is shown in figure 31. In at least one preferred form, ancillary low ramp device 70 may be made of injection moulded plastic and is preferably of a similar height to the diameter of the wheeled toy with which it is supplied, although it may be significantly higher or lower. The ancillary low ramp device 70 in conjunction with a wheeled toy as previously described is adapted to various games as will be explained in more detail below.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a wheeled toy 60 as shown in figures 11 and 12 comprising a rim element 61 to which may be mounted any one of a range of tyres 62. Rim element 61 may take the form of a planar disc 63 (such as shown in figure 12) or be moulded or cast so as to closely resemble the road wheel of a vehicle (as shown in figure il).

Tyres may have a variety of profiles (not shown) so as to induce a variety of rolling and grip characteristics to the wheeled toy. One method which may be employed by a user to set this embodiment of the wheeled toy into - rolling motion, is to grasp the toy between the fingers and thumb of the hand (not shown) and flicking it so as to land rotating onto a suitable surface.

In at least one preferred form of the present embodiment at least one side of the rim element may be provided with a surface adapted to receive indicia. The surface may the surface of a disc affixed to the rim element. In at least one preferred form the disc is releasably attached to the rim element so that discs with preferred indicia may be exachanged as desired. In yet another preferred form the disc may take the place of the rim element so that the tyre is mounted directly to the periphery of the disc. Discs may form collectable sets of indicia, each set directed at a theme such as for example famous sporting figures. n a still further preferred embodiment of the invention, a wheeled toy may be supplied with an ancillary high ramp device 80, an example of which is shown in figure 12. In at least one preferred form, ancillary high ramp device 80 is supplied in a disassembled form of suitable sheet material comprising a flexible ramp surface 81 and ramp supports 82, These may be clipped together lor assembly, for example by a series of projecting tabs 83 on each of ramp supports 82 engaging in slots 34 in ramp surface 81. In at least some preferred forms of this embodiment, ramp surface 81 may be supplied with more than one set of ramp supports 82 having various curvatures so as to allow a variety of ramp shapes to be assembled. In at least one preferred form, ramp surface 81 is provided with a series of transverse and vertical lines to aid in adding variation and interest to games involving the ancillary high ramp device 80 as explained below. in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, additional optional ancillary items may be provided. These may include curved ramps as shown in figure 13 following horizontal arcs of various radii of curvature, vertical loops and roller coasters (not shown) for example. in a yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention, wheeled toys are supplied with game instructions. These may be printed in booklet form for example, or in at least one preferred form, instructions comprise a set of cards with the one side presenting instructions for a suggested wheeled toy game and the other side images of a collectable series natυre, such as for example representations of hero characters from television, films or books. Sets of such cards may be supplied as various subsets of a larger series allowing users of the wheeled toys to compare and swap cards so as to build up a complete favoured collection.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention, wheeled toys may be supplied with small figurines (not shown) moulded in plastic. These may be of the same characters as represented on the card sets as described in the above embodiment, and used in wheeled toy games as described below.

Examples of suggested wheeled toy games 1. Games with the ancillary low ramp Each contestant spins a wheeled toy from a set distance away from an ancillary low ramp, aiming for the ramp, The winner is that contestant whose wheeled toy jumps the ramp and travels the furthest distance beyond it. In a more difficult version of this game contestants use a bias tyre on their wheeled toy. The contestant who can climb the ramp starting the wheeled toy from a set distance away is the winner. 2. Games with ancillary high ramp

Each contestant spins a wheeled toy from a set distance away from an ancillary high ramp, aiming for the ramp. The winner is that contestant whose wheeled toy travels furthest up the ramp as indicated by transverse lines across the ramp.

In a more difficult variation of this game, each contestant again spins a wheeled toy from a set distance away from an ancillary high ramp, aiming for the ramp. The winner is that contestant whose wheeled toy travels furthest up the ramp and between a nominated pair of vertical lines marked on the ramp. 3. Other suggested wheeled toy games "Chicken"

Contestants lino up opposite each other at a distance of two metres and on the count of three, contestants spin their wheeled toys as fast as possible and try to effect a head-on crash. The game may be played as teams of two players each; the winning team decided by which one has the most head-on collisions ut of an agreed number of contests.

"Roller Coaster"

The wheeled toy is spun with maximum back-spin and allowed to drop to a hard floor or ground surface. On the bounce the contestant flicks his or her foot under the wheeled toy and tries to catch it in the hand. "Dreg Race"

Two or more contestants race their wheeled toys to a predetermined finish line. First across the line is the winner. "Time Trial"

A short marked course is set out on a hard surface such as a school desk or table. Time trials using a watoh or stop watch determine the fastest wheeled toy. "Grand Prix"

Chalk is used to mark out spaced-apart lines to set out a path. The path may be straight or curved- Contestants roll their wheeled toys in turn trying to stay between the lines for the maximum distance. When a contestant's wheeled toy leaves the course, he or she must, on the next turn, start from that point. The winner is the first to reach the end of the path. "Demolition Derby" Set up a selection of figurines in a space and assign points to individual figurines. Contestants take turns in running their wheeled toys through the group of figurines collecting the assigned points of any they manage to knock over. When none remain the contestant with the highest number of points is the winner, "Monster Truck Challenge"

Set up a pair of ancillary low ramps back to back and with a space between them. Contestants attempt to jump one ramp and land on, and run down, the other. To add interest and difficulty, obstacles may be placed between the two ramps. "Stunt Challenge"

Combine various ramps, loops and other ancillary devices to create the most challenging and longest wheeled toy run. "Park the Car"

On a table, set up an eating fork with its tines facing upwards. Contestants attempt to roll their wheeled toys to "park" between the tines, "Yo-yo, or Forward/reverse"

The wheeled toy is spun with the maximum possible reverse spin and thrown forward. The contestant who achieves the maximum forward distance and has the wheeled toy returning to him or her is the winner.

"Hit and Run"

Figurines are set up in an agreed pattern. Contestants take turns to attempt a wheeled toy run through the figurines. If a figurine is hit that contestant is eliminated.

"Crash Test Dummy"

Contestants spin their wheeled toys from a marker and run them into a solid vertical surface. The wheeled toy bouncing back the furthest wins.

"Road Rage"

Contestants A, B and C take part with initially A and

B acting as "road ragers". "Innocent" contestant C spins his wheeled toy and races for a finishing line. Immediately

A and 3 try to knock C of course with their wheeled toys.

If either A or B succeeds, they swap places for a next run with C.

"The Reversing Nightmare" Set up an ancillary low ramp at some little distance ahead of, and to one side of a contestant, and with its slope facing away. The contestant spins his or her wheeled toy with reverse, spin throwing it forward so that it passes to the side of the ramp but then runs backward, up and over the ram .

"The Wheel Barrow"

Use any available garden wheel barrow to race a wheeled toy along its bottom and up bhe front incline. The contestant whose wheeled toy reaches closest to the upper rim without going over wins. "The 360 Spin-Out"

Spin the wheeled toy while holding it at 45 degrees to a horizontal surface. Drop the wheeled toy onto the surface so that an end of its axle and the tyre rim both contact the surface and the wheeled toy "spins out" 360 degrees or more. A wheeled toy which spins on its ax3e end only is disqualified. "Reverse 360"

Similar to the "360 Spin-Out" but effected with an underhand reverse spin.

The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A toy adapted for the playing of a range of games; said toy comprising a rolling wheel element provided with an axle element projecting from each side of said wheel element; said toy urged into rolling motion along a surface by the urging action of the thumb and fingers of a user applied to said axle element; and wherein said toy is provided as a promotional item within the packaging of food stuffs.

2. The toy of claim 1 wherein said toy is provided in disassembled form adapted for assembly by a user.

3. The toy of claim 2 wherein components of said disassembled form include a wheel center element, supporting washer elements and an axle element.

4. The toy of claim 3 wherein said axle element is assembled from two slats provided with slots extending approximately for half the length of said slats; said slats adapted to assemble together by a sliding mutual fit of said slots so as to form said axle element having a cruciform cross section.

5. The toy of claim 3 or 4 wherein said wheel center element and said washer elements are provided with cruciform apertures ^' in their respective centers; said cruciform apertures dimensionally equivalent to said cruciform cross section.

6. The toy of claim 4 or 5 wherein said axle element is inserted into said cruciform aperture of said wheel center element s as to project equally from either side of said wheel center element.

7. The toy of any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein said supporting washers are adapted to slide onto each end of said axle element so as to abut each side of said wheel center element.

8. The toy of any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein said components are releasably provided as press-out parts of a sheet of substrate material.

9. The toy of claim I wherein said rolling wheel element and said axle element are integrally injection moulded from a suitable plastic polymer.

10. The toy of any one of claims 2 to 9 wherein said toy element is supplied with at least one tyre element; -said tyre element adapted for assembly to the periphery of said wheel center element.

11. A promotional toy adapted for the playing of a range of games; said promotional toy comprising a rolling wheel element provided with an axle element projecting from each side of said wheel clement; said promotional toy urged into rolling motion along a surface by the urging action of the thumb and fingers of a user applied to said axle elements; and wherein said promotional toy is provided in combination with at least one ramp devic .

12. The promotional toy of claim 11 wherein said at least one ramp device is adapted for the playing of games by the urging of said promotional toy into rolling motion so as to ascend up curved inclined faces of said at least one ramp device.

13. A promotional toy adapted for the playing of a range of games; said promotional toy comprising a rolling wheel element provided with an axle element projecting from each side of said wheel element; said promotional toy urged into rolling motion along a surface by the urging action of the thumb and fingers of a user applied to said axle clement; and wherein said promotional toy is provided in combination with at least one card.

14. The promotional toy of claim 13 wherein said at least one card includes indicia defining a game which may be played with said promotional toy on a first side of said at least one card.

15. The promotional toy of claim 14 wherein each said at least one card is part of a set of cards.

16. The promotional toy of claim 14 or 15 wherein each said at least one card carries an image on a second side; said image forming one of a set of collectable images .

17. The promotional toy of any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein a set of cards of said at least one card supplied with said promotional toy is a subset of said set of collectable images.

18. The promotional toy of any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein said promotional toy is provided in combination with at least one moulded plastic figurine; said figurine one of a set of collectable figurines.

.9. The promotional toy of claim 17 wherein said figurines are three-dimensional representations of characters depicted as images on sa d second side of said cards.

20. A toy adapted for the playing of a range of games; said toy comprising of a rolling wheol element provided with a spindle element projecting from the centre of a first side of said wheel element; said toy urged into rolling motion along a surface by the urging action of the thumb and fore fingers of a user applied to said spindle element; and wherein said toy is provided as a promotional item within the packaging of food stuffs.

21. The toy of claim 20 wherein said wheel element and said spindle element form an integral unit.

22. The toy of claim 21 wherein said integral unit is moulded from an elastomeric material.

23. The toy of claim 20 or 21 wherein said wheel element comprises a disk-like hub surmounted at its periphery by a tyre-like structure.

24. The toy of claim 23 wherein said tyre-like structure is profiled according to a variety of desired rolling characteristics of said toy.

25. The toy of any one of claims 20 to 24 wherein said wheel element is provided with a circular opening on a second side of said wheel element.

26. The toy of claim 25 wherein said circular opening provides access to an internal annular groove.

27. The toy of claim 25 or 26 wherein said circular opening allows insertion of a disc such that the periphery of said disc is nested in said internal annular groove.

28. The toy of claim 27 wherein said disc is one of a series of collectable discs.

29. he toy of claim 28 wherein individual ones^' of said series of collectable discs is provided with indicia on at least one side of said discs.

30. The toy of claim 29 wherein said indicia includes representations of well-known fictional characters,

31. he toy of claim 29 wherein said indicia includes representations of celebrities.

32. The toy of any one of claims 20 to 31 wherein said toy is provided as a promotional item for inclusion within the packaging of food stuffs.

33. A promotional toy adapted for the playing of a range of games; said promotional toy comprising a disk-like hub provided with a spindle element projecting from the centre of a first side of said disk-like hub and a rim projecting at the periphery from a second side of said disk-like hub; said disk-like hub and said rim forming a cap adapted to fit over the closure cap of a screw top bottle.

34. The promotional toy of claim 33 wherein said disklike hub and said spindle element and said rim form an integral unit.

35. he promotional toy of claim 34 wherein said integral unit is formed of an elastomeric material.

36. The promotional toy of any one of claims 33 to 35 wherein said cap is a close friction fit over said closure cap.

37. The promotional toy of any one of claims 33 to 36 wherein unscrewing of said closure cap from said screw top bottle may be effected by unscrewing action applied to said rim of said cap.

38. The promotional toy of any one of claims 33 to 37 wherein sai.d closure cap may be retained within said cap when said closure cap is removed from said screw top bottle to provide rigidity to said rim.

39. The promotional toy of any one of claims 33 to 38 wherein said closure cap is retained within said cap in its original orientation as first removed from said screw top bottle.

40. he promotional toy of claim 39 wherein said closure cap is retained within said cap in a reversed orientation from said original orientation so as to position the outer circular surface of said closure cap substantially flush with said edge.

41. The promotional toy of any one of claims 33 to 40 wherein the outer edge of said rim is provided with an extension releasably attached to said edge.

42. he promotional toy of claim 41 wherein said extension is detached from said edge through said unscrewing of said closure cap.

43. The promotional toy of claim 41 or 42 wherein a detached state of said extension from said edge indicates interference with said closure cap of said screw top bottle.

44. The promotional toy of any one of claims 33 to 43 wherein said promotional toy may be urged into rolling action along a surface by the urging action of the thumb and fore fingers of a user applied to said spindle element.

45. The promotional toy of any one of claims 33 to 44 wherein said closure cap is one of a series of collectable closure caps.

46- The promotional toy of claim 40 wherein said outer circular surface of each said closure cap is provided with indicia,

47. The promotional toy of claim 46 wherein said indicia includes representations of well-known fictional characters.

48. The promotional toy of claim 46 or 47 wherein said indicia includes representations of celebrities.

49. A promotional toy for inclusion with the packaging of food stuffs; said promotional toy comprising a rim element adapted for mounting of a tyre to form a rolling wheel toy; and wherein said rolling wheel toy is urged into rolling action along a surface by the urging action of the thumb and fingers of a user.

50, he promotional toy of claim 49 wherein said rolling toy is adapted to the playing of a range of competitive games.

51. The promotional toy of claim 49 or 50 wherein said rim element is provided with at least one surface adapted to the display of indicia.

52. he promotional toy of claim 51 wherein said indicia on any one said rim element is one of a collectable set of indicia.

53. The toy of claim 51 or 52 wherein said indicia includes representations of well-known fictional characters.

54. The toy of claim 51 or 52 wherein said indicia includes re-presentations of celebrities.

55. A method for the promotion of packaged food stuffs by means of providing a wheeled toy adapted to the playing of a variety of competitive games; said method including the steps of;

(c) providing within the packaging of said food stuffs a carrier for disassembled components of said wheeled toy,

(d) providing a set of instructions for playing said variety of competitive games.

56. The method of claim 55 wherein said carrier is a substrate of substantially rigid material.

57. The method of claim 56 wherein said components are press-out portions of said substrate.

58. The method of any one of claims 55 to 57 wherein said components include at least a hub element and portions for assembly of an axle element.

59. The method of claim 55 wherein said method further includes the provision of a tyre component.

60. A method for the promotion of packaged food stuffs by means of providing a wheeled toy adapted to the playing of a variety of competitive games; said method including the steps of;

(d) providing said wheeled toy as an integrally formed central hub with axle elements projecting from each side of said hub.

(e) Providing at least one tyre component for use with said wheeled toy.

(f) Providing a set of instructions for playing said variety of competitive games

61. A method for the promotion of packaged food stuffs by means of providing a wheeled toy adapted to the playing of a variety of competitive games; said method including the steps of;

(e) providing said wheeled toy as a moulded elastomeric wheel element with a spindle projecting from a first side of said wheel element,

(f) adapting sai.d wheel element to have a circular opening on a second side of said wheel element; said opening providing access to an internal annular groove, (g) providing at least one disc element for Insertion through said circular opening to nest in said internal annular groove,

(h) providing a set of instructions for the playing of said variety of competitive games.

62. The method of claim 61 wherein said disc element is provided with collectable indicia on at least one side of said disc element.

63. A method for the promotion of a beverage provided in a screw top bottle by means of providing a wheeled toy adapted to the playing of a variety of competitive games; said method including the steps of;

(b) providing said wheeled toy as an elastomeric moulding comprising a disc like hub provided with a spindle element projecting from a first side and a rim projecting from a second side; said hub element and said rim forming a cap adapted to substantially cover a closure cap of said screw top bottle.