Abstract:
A model train track module including track rails supported on a plurality of adjacent connected track bed segments; and a biased connection between the track bed segments. The length of the track module in the direction of the track rails is biased from a minimum track dimension of S when the segments abut one another to a maximum track length of {S+([n−1]×s)}, where n is the number of track bed segments and s is the maximum distance between connected adjacent track bed segments when fully spaced apart. The track rails are adjustable in length and at the segment connections are connected by pins which have a top surface aligned with the top surface of the rail they connect.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a non-provisional patent application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/982,432, filed Apr. 22, 2014, entitled “Model Train Track Module”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE 
     Not Applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to model toy trains, and more particular toward track modules for model toy trains. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Model train railroad tracks with roadbeds are known in the toy train industry, as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,019,289 and 6,796,509. 
     Such tracks typically come in segments or modules which can be interconnected to provide the layout desired. Typically, such segments come in standard sizes which allow various combinations and orientations of the modules to be combined to create regular shapes, such as generally rectangular shapes with curved corners. However, in many layouts it is impossible and/or not desirable to have the tracks in only regular shapes, whether by design or by imperfections in laying out the tracks, particularly in the case of large layouts. Laying out tracks thus can in many instances results in a frustrating result akin to the old joke of the east and west railroads coming together from opposite directions such that their tracks will not align. 
     Accommodating such irregular alignments can require unintended bending of track modules, resulting in potentially damaging stresses, irregularities, and even gaps in the track module roadbed. Specially sized track modules shorter in length than the standard sizes have been used to fill gaps when the standard modules as laid out do not come together at some point. Unfortunately, this requires a large variety of such special modules in order to accommodate the wide variety of gap lengths that might arise in any layout. Further, even these special modules will not fill a gap where the directional orientations of the tracks do not align. 
     The present invention is directed toward providing an inexpensive, easy to use solution to track layout difficulties such as described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a model train track module is provided, including track rails supported on a plurality of adjacent connected track bed segments; and a biased connection between the track bed segments. The length of the track module in the direction of the track rails is biased from a minimum track dimension of S when the segments abut one another to a maximum track length of {S+([n−1]×s)}, where n is the number of track bed segments and s is the maximum distance between connected adjacent track bed segments when fully spaced apart. 
     In one form of this aspect of the present invention, the biased connection between adjacent track bed segments biases the adjacent connected track bed segments away from one another. In a further form, the biased connection between adjacent track bed segments consists of separate biasing springs on opposite sides of the module. 
     In another form of this aspect of the present invention, the track rails are adjustable in length. In a further form, one of the track rails carries electrical power, and the power carrying rail includes an adjustable connection between adjacent track bed segments, where the adjustable connection has a top surface aligned with the top surface of the rails it connects. In a further form, the adjustable connection of the power carrying rail includes a pin extending from the rail of one of the track bed segments, with the pin slidably engaging a corresponding pin extending from the rail of the adjacent track bed segment along a substantially vertical plane, wherein both of the pins have a top surface along their length aligned with the top surface of the power carrying rail from which it extends. 
     In still another form of this aspect of the present invention, n is an integer greater than 2. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a model train track module includes track rails supported on “n” bed segments, the bed sections being arranged in sequence in the direction of the track rails wherein n&gt;2. An adjustable connection between adjacent track bed segments biases adjacent track bed segments toward a spacing of “s” whereby the length of the track module may be adjusted by a distance {(n−1)×s}. 
     In one form of this aspect of the present invention, the connection between adjacent track bed segments consists of separate biasing springs on opposite sides of the module. 
     In another form of this aspect of the present invention, the track rails are also adjustable in length. In a further form, one of the track rails carries electrical power, and the power carrying rail includes an adjustable connection between adjacent track bed segments, with the adjustable connection having a top surface aligned with the top surface of the rails it connects. In a still further form, the adjustable connection of the power carrying rail includes a pin extending from the rail of one of the track bed segments, with the pin slidably engaging a corresponding pin extending from the rail of the adjacent track bed segment along a substantially vertical plane, wherein both of the pins have a top surface along their length aligned with the top surface of the power carrying rail from which it extends. 
     In still another aspect of the present invention, a model train track module includes a plurality of track segments aligned end to end to extend in a lengthwise direction and at least one spring biasing the segments apart. Adjacent segments have lengthwise extending overlapping portions with one of the portions including a lip overlapping a flange of the adjacent segment in a direction lateral to the lengthwise direction to limit the spacing of adjacent segments. 
     In one form of this aspect of the present invention, the model train track module includes two compression springs between opposite sides of adjacent segments, and the overlapping portions of adjacent segments allow unequal spacing between the opposite sides of adjacent segments. 
     In another form of this aspect of the present invention, the plurality of track segments include segments at opposite ends of the module, and the end segments are identical to one another. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a review of the entire specification, including the appended claims and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a track module according to the present invention, with two track bed segments; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the track module of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the  FIG. 1  track module in a compressed, minimal length configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view similar to  FIG. 3 , showing the track module in an expanded configuration; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the intermediate joint of the center rail of  FIGS. 3 and 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the intermediate joint of the center rail of  FIGS. 4 and 6 ; 
         FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b    are perspective views of the connecting intermediate pins of the joint of  FIGS. 5-8 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of track module according to another embodiment of the present invention, with four track bed segments illustrated in a straight, expanded configuration between two conventional track modules; 
         FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIG. 9 , with the track bed segments twisted relative to one another to connect two conventional track modules which are at angles relative to each other; 
         FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , with the track bed segments twisted in a slight S configuration to connect two conventional track modules which are parallel but misaligned; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of two track segments according to the present invention illustrating assembly of the track segments together; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded bottom view of two track segments according to the present invention; and 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the two track segments of  FIG. 13  assembled and in an expanded configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIGS. 1-4  illustrate one embodiment of a track module  20  for use with model trains according to the present invention, including two track bed segments  24 ,  26 . The track bed segments  24 ,  26  may advantageously be molded from non-conductive plastic, to provide the desired appearance of a railroad track bed while also allowing for secure support for connected rails, as well as allowing for safe, desirable electrical wiring and power supply. Advantageously, the track bed segments  24 ,  26  may be provided with lateral power supply lines for use with external design elements, such as LED track signals which may be plugged directly into a power supply outlet in one of the segments and/or remotely located elements such as lit billboards and/or roadside LED displays which may plug into such a power supply outlet near its location. 
     It should be appreciated that the track module  20  may be configured as necessary for ready connection to conventional tracks (see  FIGS. 9-11 ) on either end, with one such configuration illustrated in the Figures. Use with different style tracks would, however, require different connection configurations on the ends, with those illustrated in the drawings being merely exemplary of one such configuration. The connection between track bed segments (e.g.,  24  and  26 ) as disclosed herein is, however, advantageous for a plurality of reasons as described herein. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the track module  20  generally consists of the track bed segments  24 ,  26  supporting a center rail  30  between a pair of outer rails  34 ,  34 ′. In many layouts and model train types, the center rail  30  provides electric power to the train which has a power pick-up beneath the train locomotive which rides on top of the center rail  30 . The rails  30 ,  34 ,  34 ′ may have a substantially U-shaped hollow cross-section with a substantially flat top surface. Feet  36  (see  FIG. 2 ) extend down from the sides of the rails  30 ,  34 ,  34 ′ and extend through openings  38  in the segments  24 ,  26  (see  FIG. 14 ), where the feet  36  are bent outwardly against the underside of the track bed segments  24 ,  26  to retain the rails  30 ,  34 ,  34 ′ on the track bed segments  24 ,  26 . ( FIGS. 5-6  illustrate the feet  36  extending through the segment opening  38  prior to bending.) 
     At the ends of the track module  20 , suitable pins  40  nesting in the outer rails  34 ,  34 ′ may extend from the rails to be telescopically received in the rail of an adjacent track (see  FIGS. 9-11 ) to help align the adjacent rails  30 ,  34 ,  34 ′ so as to provide a continuous path. For example, pin configurations such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,796,509 (the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference) may be used in this regard. However, an advantageous connection between the rails  30 ,  34 ,  34 ′ of adjacent track bed segments  24 ,  26  by connecting pins  44  is described in greater detail below. 
     Advantageous adjustability between the track bed segments  24 ,  26  will now be described. 
     The facing sides of adjacent track bed segments  24 ,  26  in the disclosed embodiment may advantageously be the same, with projections aligned with and received in corresponding slots so that the adjacent segments  24 ,  26  overlap, with some projections received in downwardly open slots and others received in upwardly open slots. For example, as particularly illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a top projection  50  extends from the end of the segments  24 ,  26  on one side of the center rail  30  and an upwardly open slot  52  is on the opposite side of the center rail  30  so that, when slid together, the top projection  50  of segment  24  is received in the slot  52  of segment  26 , and the top projection  50  of segment  26  is received in the slot  52  of segment  24 . Similarly, a lower projection  60  extends from each track bed segment  24 ,  26  and, when mated, fits into a downwardly open slot  62  as particularly illustrated in  FIGS. 13-14 . 
     It should thus be appreciated that adjacent track segments  24 ,  26  overlap so as to be secured relative to one another in the vertical direction. Further, it should be appreciated that the mating projections  50 ,  60  and slots  52 ,  62  provide some flexibility, whether as a result of some flexibility of the material and/or tolerances and relative sizing so that adjacent segments  24 ,  26  may not only move together and apart in the direction of the rails  30 ,  34 ,  34 ′ but may also twist somewhat (i.e., adjacent track bed segments  24 ,  26  may be moved apart and/or together slightly different distances than the other side). 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 5, 6, 13 and 14 , each segment  24 ,  26  includes a flexible arm  70  on one side of the center rail  30 , with a lip  72  on the end of the arm  70 . The arm  70  is aligned with a downwardly extending flange  76  on the adjacent segment  26 ,  24  such that, when the segments  24 ,  26  are mated together, the lip  72  will overlap with the flange  76  (see particularly  FIG. 6 ) and thus retain the segments  24 ,  26  together and prevent them from being pulled apart in the horizontal direction. If it is desired to disassemble the segments  24 ,  26 , the arms  70  could, of course, be manually manipulated to pull the lips  72  below the flange  76 . 
     Advantageously, enclosures may be defined above the arms  70  and beneath the top of the segments  24 ,  26 , each having a compression spring  80  abutting the flange  76  on one end and the base of the arm  70  on the other, whereby the force bearing on the opposite ends biases the track bed segments  24 ,  26  apart. The segments  24 ,  26  when pushed fully together thus are configured as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , and when biased fully apart, the segments  24 ,  26  are as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , with the lip  72  engaging the flange  76 , with a range of possible spacing “s” between the segments. Providing such springs  80  on both sides of the track module  20  thus independently biases both sides apart, thereby allowing separate separation distances and thus some relative twisting as previously noted. 
     Thus, track modules  20  may accommodate a variety of different conditions which might be encountered in layouts. For example, a track module  20 ′ having four track bed segments  24 ,  24 ′,  26 ,  26 ′ is illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11  adjoining conventional tracks  90  having different non-standards alignments. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the track module  20 ′ filling a gap “S” between two aligned conventional tracks  90 . It should be appreciated that when each segment has an effective length “L”, a four segment track module  20 ′ may reliably fit a gap “S” in the range of 4L to 4L+3s. 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , not only may such track modules  20  readily fit a range of gaps, but the relative twisting of adjacent segments  24 ,  26  may similarly allow such modules  20  to accommodate slight curves where necessary to connect misaligned ( FIG. 11 ) and/or slightly angled ( FIG. 10 ) tracks  90  in a layout. 
     Reference will now be had to the connection of the rails  30 ,  34 ,  34 ′ between the adjustable track bed segments  24 ,  26  by connecting pins  44 . Details of these connecting pins  44  are not illustrated in the Figures for the outer rails  34 ,  34 ′, with such detail being shown in the Figures for the center rail  30 , but it should be understood that the same configuration of connecting pins  44  can advantageously be used with the outer rails  34 ,  34 ′ as well. 
     Specifically, as particularly shown in  FIGS. 5-8 and 8   a - b , the connecting pins  44  (which may be of electrically conductive material) include a base  100  which is suitably secured to a track bed module  24 ,  26 , with the base  100  also received inside the U-shaped hollow of the associated rail  30 . The portions of the pins  44  extending out of the rail U-shaped hollow expand out on both sides and on the top a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the bent material forming the rail  30 ,  34 ,  34 ′ to present a top surface  104  in particular which is aligned with the top surface of the rails  30 ,  34 ,  34 ′. A uniform top surface of the rails  30 ,  34 ,  34 ′ and pins  44  thus ensures constant good electrical contact and thus electrical “continuity” between the locomotive and any power supplying rail  30 ,  34 ,  34 ′ even through the spaces where the rail is defined by the connecting pins  44 . 
     The connecting pins  44  also include longitudinal ends  108  which are reduced in width (see  FIGS. 7, 8 and 8   a - b ) so that the ends  108  extending from adjacent track bed segments  24 ,  26  slidably engage one another along a generally vertical plane. A lip  110  may also be advantageously provided on the longitudinal ends  108  to facilitate a conductive contact between the pins  44  even when the track bed segments  24 ,  26  are slightly twisted such as previously described and shown in  FIGS. 10-11 . Conventional pin connections could in some layouts be used to connect some rails of the track bed segments  24 ,  26  should the above advantages of the connecting pins  44  not be required. 
     It should be appreciated that the provision of a relatively few number of track modules may facilitate connection of a virtually infinite variety of gaps in conventional tracks layouts. Moreover, it should similarly be appreciated that providing identical mating sides for adjacent segments would allow track modules of three or more segments to be provided with only two module configurations—a center configuration, such as  24 ′,  26 ′ in  FIGS. 9-11  and an end configuration such as  24 ,  26 . 
     Assembly of such segments as needed for a particular layout could be easily done by the layout builder as the need is encountered, without requiring special designs or “make do” pieces when such connection issues are encountered. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the module  20  will automatically fit itself appropriately into the encountered shape by the action of the biasing compression springs. 
     Additionally, it should be appreciated that advantageous track modules according to the present invention could be used with a variety of track and locomotive types and sizes, including designs with more or less than three rails.