Toy vehicle track systems and connectors for same

A toy vehicle track section connector has a main body with opposing planar first and second surfaces defined by a central portion, first and second outer portions, and first and second end portions joining the central, first and second portions together. Two smaller posts and a third larger post project from the first surface at positions along the longitudinal centerline and on opposite sides of the transverse centerline of the connector. A plurality of ribs project outwardly from the second surface along the first and second outer sections and first and second end portions and form a frame sized to be received in a channel provided on the bottom side of each track section. A hole and cutout are provided at each end of each track section to receive either smaller post and half the larger post, respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to toy vehicle track systems, and more particularly to track systems for toy vehicle which includes connectors securely joining together adjoining track sections while permitting easier release of the sections from the connector and one another.

Flexible, plastic track or roadway systems for toy vehicles are known in the prior art as exemplified by a patent to Nash et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,487,999, issued Jan. 6, 1970, to the assignee of the present invention, and has been marketed extensively under the trademark “HOT WHEELS.” The track systems disclosed in the above-mentioned patent have functioned exceedingly well for toy vehicles of a relatively small scale; that is, vehicles having a width of about 1 to 1¼ inches while the track section width is about 1½ inches.

A concern for any toy track system is that it be economically manufactured. Since a track system of synthetic resin material provides sufficient durability to withstand abuse and flexibility to allow twisting and curving to enable various track system layouts, it is desirable to develop a track system where as many as possible of the components are fabricated by an extrusion process. Those components which cannot be extruded must, for economic reasons, be easily molded.

Another form of track connector for use with heavier, modified “Hot Wheels” track sections is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,539. It was objects of these track sections and connectors to provide a track system having improved strength and stiffening characteristics and to improve the alignment of abutting track sections for use with larger, heavier toy vehicles. It did so by multiplying the flanges projected from the bottom side of the track sections and providing multiple joined connectors to frictionally engage the multiple flanges. While these modifications achieved their desired objects, they also resulted in the track sections being held more firmly together, making it more difficult for children, especially the youngest children that might use such sets, to break down the connected sections. Moreover, the design of the connectors resulted in a height that elevated the connected ends of the adjoining track sections from the surface supporting the track set, which necessitated the additional depending flanges of the track sections to stiffen them. The combination increased the amount of material needed for each track section and connector as well as complicating their fabrication.

It would be desirable to provide track systems of track sections and connectors that meet the objects of improved alignment and securement of adjoining track sections with easy of manufacture of the components and separation closer to that of the original track system components.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the invention is a one-piece, elongated, molded plastic connector configured to join together at least a pair of identical toy vehicle track sections, the connector comprising: an elongated, planar main body with opposing planar first and second major surfaces defined by an elongated central portion having opposed first and second elongated side edges, first and second elongated outer portions spaced laterally outwardly respectively from the first and second elongated side edges, and first and second end portions joining the central portion and the first and second outer sections at opposing elongated ends of the main body, the main body and central portion having a common longitudinal centerline in an elongated direction between the opposing longitudinal ends, and the main body, the central portion and the first and second outer portions having a common transverse centerline perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline; and first and second posts, projecting outwardly from the planar first major surface of the central portion at positions along the longitudinal centerline and on opposite sides of the transverse centerline.

In another aspect, the invention is the aforesaid connector in combination with at least one elongated flexible track section comprising: a first face portion extending a length of the track section so as to support a toy vehicle between opposing longitudinal ends of the track section and oppositely disposed guide flanges extending essentially the length of the track section and projecting obliquely from the first face portion so as to maintain the toy vehicle on the first face portion of the track section; a second face portion opposite the first face portion and at least two flange elements depending from the second face portion, the flange elements each having a substantially L-shaped cross section facing the other flange element, the at least two flange elements being shaped and spaced sufficiently apart from one another sufficiently to define enclosures for the outer portions of the track connector with the track connector positioned the flange elements; and a closed perimeter opening extending entirely through the track section through the first and second face portions proximal either longitudinal end of the track section, each opening being proximal to and spaced inwardly from an end edge of the longitudinal end supporting the opening, each opening being shaped and sized to closely receive either one of the first and second posts of the track connector received between the at least two flange elements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the stated component and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring now toFIG. 7, there is illustrated a toy vehicle flexible track system10which includes a two adjoining track sections12,12′ connected by a track connector14of the present invention, hidden from view beneath the sections12,12′. As contemplated for its intended use, a number of track sections of various known geometries (straight, curved, branching, etc.) will be connected in a serial fashion with a number of track connectors, one track connector at each abutment of two track sections. The track system may be laid along a flat surface, such as a floor, or it may be attached at some location above a floor, such as a table top, with the remainder of the track sloping downward toward the floor and along the floor. It is also contemplated that various accessories may be included in any track system layout, including specially designed curves jump ramps, loops, lane mergers, and various devices for imparting motion to a toy vehicle.

Referring to the variousFIGS. 7-10, a toy vehicle T will generally ride upon a generally planar, first or upper or top face portion16of the track sections12,12′ and will be maintained and guided on the upper face portion by two guide flanges18and20, which are integrally connected to the upper or top face portion16and which project obliquely from the face portion16of each section12. Except for openings which will be described, the depicted straight track sections12,12′ have an essentially uniform cross-section throughout its length so as to be easily extruded. As already mentioned, the upper face portion16is the roadway on which the toy vehicle T will move and the guide flanges18,20keep the toy vehicle T confined to the track section12. It is contemplated that the width of the upper face16is greater than the width of the corresponding toy vehicle T so that the toy vehicle may move in response to a lateral component of movement causing the vehicle to come into contact with one or the other of the two guide flanges. A preferred width for just the upper face is about 2 inches, while the overall width of the track section is about 2⅜ inches. By being located in an oblique fashion, a properly designed toy vehicle will have little area contact with the guide flanges so as not to cause an excessive frictional engagement.

Opposite the upper face portion16is a second or lower or bottom face portion22from which extends two flange elements24,26. The flange elements24,26extend parallel to a longitudinal centerline13aof the track section12and strengthen and stiffen the track section. The flange element24,26form a channel indicated at28which defines a receptacle for the receipt of the track connector14. Each of the flange elements24,26has a generally L-shaped cross section and the flange elements24,26form with the lower face22, facing C-shaped enclosures at the side edges of the channel28such as the enclosure30formed by the flange element24and an opposite portion of the lower face22and enclosure32formed by the flange element26and an opposite portion of the lower face22.

The track section12described thus far is well known. According to the invention, a closed perimeter opening or “hole”34and an open perimeter cutout36are provided extending entirely through the track section12, through the upper and lower face portions16,22, at each longitudinal, connectable end of the track section12. In the case of the depicted straight track section12, hole34is provided proximal to and cutout36is provided in each longitudinal end edge35of the section12, centered between the guide flanges18,20and flange elements24,26. The holes35and cutouts36are symmetric with respect to the longitudinal centerline13aand a transverse centerline13bof the track section12. The hole34is circular and cutout36is semicircular for convenience but each could be of different shapes. As straight track sections12are typically cut from longer, continuous extensions (i.e. extrusions), the holes and cutouts can be cut at the same time by the same cutting operation, if desired.

Referring now to variousFIGS. 1-6, to achieve an improved alignment between abutting track sections12,12′ for stiffening the track section end portions and for providing an improved frictional engagement, the track connector14includes an elongated, planar main body37with opposing, planar, upper/first and lower/second major surfaces38,39. The planar main body37is generally rectangular with four angled corner edges74,76,84,86, each being transverse to both a longitudinal centerline15aof the connector14and a transverse centerline15bperpendicular to longitudinal centerline15aof the connector14.

The planar main body37is defined by coplanar elongated central portion40with first and second elongated side edges42,44, first and second elongated outer portions50,60spaced laterally outwardly respectively from the first and second side edges42,44, and first and second end portions70,80joining the central portion40and the first and second outer portions50,60at, and defining opposing elongated ends of the main body37and the connector14. The end portions70,80have respective distal edges72,82, between angled edges74,76and84,86, respectively.

The main body37, central portion40and end portions70,80have a common longitudinal centerline15ain the elongated direction. The main body37and the central and first and second outer portions40,50,60all have a common transverse centerline15bperpendicular to the longitudinal centerline15a. The centerlines15a,15bare parallel to the plane of the main body37and thus each of its planar major sides38,39and each of the portions40,50,60,70,80.

First and second posts45,46project outwardly from the planar first major surface38of the central portion40at positions along the longitudinal centerline15aand symmetric with respect to the transverse centerline15b, and are mirror images of one another with respect to the transverse centerline15b. Each of the first and second posts preferably has a circular cross section at the planar first major surface38and a respective top surface45a,46a, most distal to the planar first major surface38, with a bevel45b,46bextending downward from approximately midpoints of the top surfaces45a,46atowards the end portion70,80, respectively, most proximal to the post45,46. Each post maintains a short, semicircular surface below the bevel to engage with the track section12it is connecting.

A third post47projects outwardly from the planar first major surface38between the first and second posts45,46, centered with respect to the longitudinal and transverse centerlines15a,15b. The third post has a cross section at the first major surface38larger in area than the circular cross section of each of the first and second posts45,46. Preferably, the cross section of the third post47at the first major surface38is circular although it could have other shapes. Preferably also, the third post47is hollow and defines a circular recess48in the planar second major surface39.

The connector14further includes a plurality of elongated ribs58,68,78,88projecting outwardly from the planar second major surface39along the first and second outer sections50,60and along the first and second end portions70,80, respectively. Two longer ribs58,68project from the planar second major side39along inner side edges54,64of the first and second outer portions50,60facing the elongated side edges42,44, respectively, of the central portion40. Ribs58,68are parallel to one another and equal in length. Two shorter ribs78,88extend from end portions70,80parallel to the transverse centerline15band between adjoining ends of the two longer ribs58,68such that the two longer ribs and the two shorter ribs are connected end to end to form an integral hollow rib frame96with a continuous, unbroken, closed circumference. A fifth rib98is also preferably provided extending from the end portions70,80and the central portion40along the longitudinal centerline15abetween the two shorter ribs78,88for additional stiffening. Fifth rib98spans the recess48of the third post47and extends the full depth of the recess48.

Protrusions56,66are located on inner edges54,64of the outer portions50,60at the transverse centerline15band face side edges42,44, respectively, of central portion40where the edges42,44are flared outwardly to accommodate the third post47with the maximum extend of flaring being along the transverse centerline15b.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 10, each of the first and second posts45,46is essentially identical in size and shape to each hole34proximal each longitudinal end of each track section12. Each half of the third post47, on either side of the transverse centerline15b, is essentially identical in size and shape to the cutout36at each longitudinal end of each track section12,12′ so that the posts45,46can be received in holes34and the third post47received in a circular opening defined by the two semicircular cutouts36at adjoining ends of two of the track sections12,12′. The fit between posts45,46and holes34is preferably selected for a desired positive degree of frictional engagement. There need not be comparable or any frictional engagement between the third post47and the adjoining cutouts36but it should be appreciated that the closer the fit between the third post47and each cutout36, combined with the fit between either post45,46and the hole adjoining the cutout, the more rigidly the track section12,12′ is held in parallel alignment with the connector14and with the end of any other track section held by the remaining end of the connector. To that end, the minimum distance between each post45,46and the third post47can be selected to be slightly less than the minimum distance between the hole34and cutout36at each longitudinal end of the track section so that the portion of the track section12hole34and cutout36can be held in a degree of compression between the third post47and one of the other posts45,46, if desired.

Referring toFIG. 9, it can be seen that the two longer ribs68,78are spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the spacing between the inner edges of the inwardly turned distal portions of each of the flange elements24,26so that the rib frame96slides between and fits closely with those inner edges while the remainder of the outer portions50,60outward of the ribs58,68are received in the respective enclosures30,32. The connectors14and track sections12are sufficiently flexible so that an end portion70or80of the connector14can be inserted into a longitudinal end of a track section12, with the angled corner edges74,76or84,86helping to align the ends, and the connector14slid into the bottom channel28with the outer portions50,60sliding into the enclosures30,32until the post45or46engages with the proximal hole34. The depth of the ribs58,68,78,88is preferably no greater than the thickness of the inwardly turned distal portions of the flange elements24,26so that the bottommost surfaces of the flange elements24,26and the ribs58,68,78,88are essentially flush. Also, the separation of the outer sides of the longer ribs58,68is nearly equal to the separation of the innermost distal edges of the flange elements24,26so that the rib frame96maintains the longitudinal centerline13aof the engaged track section12parallel to that15aof the connector14and thus to that13aof the second track section12′ attached to the connector. Again, each of these various parts of the track sections12and connectors14can be dimensioned for the materials used to provide a desired amount of frictional force and engagement between the mating elements.

Separation of a pair of joined track sections12,12′ is assisted by the provision of the third post47. Referring toFIG. 10, the top surface47aof the third post47is sufficiently large so as to be able to receive the end of a child's thumb, which can be used to push inwardly/downwardly on the top of the third post47while holding and bending the two joined track sections12,12′ away from the upper major surface38of the connector14, until the holes34separate from the first and second posts45,46. This separation is aided by the provision of the bevels45b,46b, to the top surface45a,46a, of each post45,46, which minimize the distance the inward edge of each hole34has to side in contact with the circular outer surface of each post45,46.

It should be readily apparent that with the present track system there is interference engagement between the new track connector14and joined track sections12,12′, as well as frictional engagement, to more securely hold together and maintain in alignment the joined track sections12,12′. Further because of the provision of the rib frame, the connected track sections12,12′ are aligned more truly and that alignment maintained during use. The new sets remain relatively easy and less expensive to manufacture than other improvement options tried before.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the scope of the presently disclosed invention.