Toy track systems, toy track vehicles, and related methodologies

Disclosed is a toy track and vehicle system. Suitably, the trackway is defined by an assembly of a basic block such that users can build a complex three-dimensional (3D) track layout or trackway from the basic block. Preferably, the blocks are configured such that a vehicle can move on any lateral sides of the track layout or trackway.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE OF THE MATERIAL ON THE COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

Reserved for a later date, if necessary.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Invention

The disclosed subject matter is in the field of toy track and vehicle systems.

Background of the Invention

Toy track and vehicle systems are generally known in the art. However, such known systems are either too complicated for young children or too simple for adolescents and adults. So, a need exists for a toy track and vehicle system that is simple and complicated at the option of the user.

DESCRIPTIONS OF RELATED ART

CN2838709Y (published Nov. 22, 2006) discloses a “toy electric roller coaster.” Rollercoasters and related track systems, like the one described in a translation of this document, are complicated toys. In particular, building a roller coaster trackway often requires considerable engineering skills from children and, for some complicated track layouts, users often need multiple parts of different shapes to be together in certain positions. Frequently, such configurations cannot be accomplished with special instructions guide the process. As a result, these roller coaster type toys are typically only used by adolescents (e.g., children 12 years old or older) or adults.

Other problems with rollercoasters type toys are that the tracks are big, hard to assemble, and not usually customizable. In some prior art rollercoaster toys, the rollercoaster trackway is built with support structures that occupy considerable playing space. Often, the toys tracks have difficult to connect parts that must be fixed firmly in position to keep the final layout steady and stiff. The manufacturing of rollercoaster trackways parts is expensive because it requires production of multiple construction elements that should work together in a precise manner. And, often the shape of a rollercoaster trackway must be calculated precisely, which means the final layout options are limited to one or a few. As a result, children do not always have enough room for these toys, have a hard time with the toy setup, cannot modify the layout, and cannot readily increase their creativity and expand their engineering skills.

One additional problem with toy roller coasters is that the vehicle can easily be derailed or else is difficult to attach or remove from the track. Some vehicles derail while making a sharp turn or running in the upside-down position, the vehicle can easily detach the trackway. Precisely calculated shapes of the trackway prevent vehicle derailing and optimize descending of the gravity vehicle. What is essential for the real rollercoaster might be excessive for a toy.

US20190344190A1 (published Nov. 14, 2019) discloses a toy vehicle adapted for running on rails and toy construction system. This is a rollercoaster toy that has all the drawbacks mentioned above. See the LEGO® Rollercoaster at https://www.leao.com/en-us/product/roller-coaster-10261 which consists of hundreds of parts, has a voluminous instruction manual, and has a layout that cannot easily be changed once built; see also K-NEX® roller coasters at http://www.knex.co.uk/toy-roller-coasters, www.basicfun.com/knex, www.voutube.com/watch?v=WthQ1JFrZPQ&t=10s.

CN104141753A (published Nov. 12, 2014) discloses an eccentric shaft driving device. This device drives along two rails, but has a complicated attachment mechanism that is not suitable for toys. Thus, a device is needed that is easy to put on and off the track.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,731,212 (issued Aug. 15, 2017) discloses a toy track system and toy vehicle for moving therein. This innertubular track system offers track layout design freedom but is still not ideal due to the vehicles being obstructed from view while moving innertubularly. Children, adolescents, and adults often prefer a full-time view of their toy vehicle moving around a toy track. See also ZOOM TUBES™. The innertubular design is burdensomely voluminous too and takes up too much space, e.g., in a toy storage box.

USD481424 (issued Oct. 28, 2003) discloses a toy track segment. This track is too simple for adults and only offers two dimensional track layouts. A need exists for a track that is simple to assemble while also offering the ability for elaborate and three-dimensional track layouts.

DE828508 (published Jan. 17, 1952) discloses a high-wire toy. Such toys are limited to horizontal tracks (i.e., wires) and are difficult to put on and take off the track.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of this disclosure is to describe a toy track and vehicle system with building blocks that are simple to manufacture and use while also providing freedom to construct elaborate three-dimensional multi-lane trackways for a vehicle to drive along. It is further an object of this document to describe a toy track and vehicle system where users can build a complex three-dimensional track layout or trackway from a few simple building blocks where the blocks are configured such that a vehicle can move on any lateral sides of the track layout or trackway. In view of the foregoing, one embodiment may include at least one style of a simple building block, e.g., with a 45 deg curve, for assembling multiple blocks into a track system or trackway. In a preferred embodiment, the block has an X-shaped sagittal section. In this embodiment, a rail may suitably be formed at each tip of each arm of the X-shape. Such a configuration suitably provides four symmetrical rails. Assembling multiple blocks can result in the construction of complex and complicated structures with four distinct tracks or trackways for enhanced entertainment value (e.g., track with different shapes, straight, twisted or twisted curve. Additional building elements include track support elements which enable the track to be built upwards, including along existing structures. preferably, the final assembly is steady and able to sustain considerable weight.

It is further an object to disclose an improved toy vehicle with hyperboloid wheels that are capable of releasable attachment to any adjacent two of the four rails of the x-shaped block such that the vehicle is capable of running on any of the four sides of the x-shaped block. In a preferred embodiment, the toy vehicle has a swiveling midsection so that it can twist thereby to run along a twisted trackway. Suitably, the vehicle includes a battery powered motor to drive the vehicle along the trackway.

In the figures, the following reference numerals represent the associated component outlined below:1000—block1100—cylinder1110—coaxial hole1120—diametrical hole1200—arm1210—rail1211—mortise (hole)1212—tenon (peg)2000—center post3000—dowel4000—vehicle4100—guide-car4110—wheel4120—axle4200—caboose4210—wheel4300—hole4400—rod

It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are not necessarily made to scale but are representative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed generally is a toy track and vehicle system. Suitably, the trackway is defined by an assembly of a basic block such that users can build a complex three-dimensional (3D) track layout or trackway from the basic block. Preferably, the blocks are configured such that a vehicle can move on any lateral sides of the track layout or trackway. The details of this system are disclosed below with reference to the figures.

FIG.1is a perspective view of an exemplary block1000for constructing an elaborate or simple trackway (not shown inFIG.1).FIGS.2through4are respectively, back, side, and front views of the block1000. As shown, the block1000is X-shaped or has an X-shaped cross-section. Suitably, each arm1200of the X-shaped block1000frames a cylinder1100that has a coaxial hole1110and four diametrical holes1120(or two pairs of diametrical holes). Additionally, each arm1200features a rail1210with a mortise1211on one side and a tenon1212on the other side.

FIG.5is a side view of an assembly of two exemplary blocks1000. As shown, the blocks1000are assembled by aligning the cylinder1100and rails1210of one block1000with the cylinder1100and rails of another block, such that the cylinders1100of each block1000are coaxially interfaced while the tenons1212of block's rails1210mate with the mortises1211of the other block's rails1210. This assembly process is explained in more detail below with reference toFIGS.14A through15B.

FIG.6is a see-through perspective view of an exemplary block1000for constructing an elaborate or simple trackway (not shown inFIG.6).FIGS.7through9are respectively, back, side, and front views of the block1000. All the details of the block1000ofFIGS.1through4are shown inFIGS.6through8, butFIGS.6through8further show the internal features of the block1000. As shown, the cylinder1100that has a coaxial hole1110and four diametrical holes1120. Additionally, each arm1200features a rail1210with a mortise1211that defines a cutout with a similar shape corresponding to a tenon1212on the other side of the rail1210.

FIG.10is a side view of an assembly of two exemplary blocks1000. LikeFIG.5,FIG.10shows that the blocks1000are assembled by aligning the cylinder1100and rails1210of one block1000with the cylinder1100and rails of another block1000, such that the cylinders1100of each block1000are coaxially interfaced while the tenons1212of block's rails1210mate with the mortises1211of the other block's rails1210. Suitably, the tenons1212can be seen within the mortises1211.

FIG.11Ais a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an exemplary block. As shown, the alternative block1000is also X-shaped or has an X-shaped sagittal section. Unlike the initial embodiment, the alternative embodiment is defined by a forty-five degree curve or one eighth of a circle. As with the earlier embodiment, each arm1200of the block1000frames a cylinder1100that has a coaxial hole1110and four diametrical holes1120(or two pairs of diametrical holes). Again, each arm1200features a rail1210with a mortise1211on one side and a tenon1212on the other side.FIG.11Bis a side view of an assembly of two of the alternate embodiments of the exemplary block. The alternative version of the blocks is assembled in a similar manner to the initial embodiment ofFIGS.1through10.

FIG.13is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of an exemplary block. As shown, the alternative block1000is once again X-shaped or has an X-shaped sagittal section. Unlike the previous two embodiments, this particular alternative embodiment of the block is defined by a ninety degree curve or one forth of a circle and a ninety degree twist. As with the earlier embodiment, each arm1200of the block1000frames a cylinder1100that has a coaxial hole1110and four diametrical holes1120(or two pairs of diametrical holes). Again, each arm1200features a rail1210with a mortise1211on one side and a tenon1212on the other side.

FIGS.14A and15Aare respectively an exploded side view and an exploded see-through side view of an assembly of two embodiments of the exemplary block.FIGS.14B and15Bare respectively a side view and a see-through side view of the assembly of two blocks1000depicted inFIGS.14A and15A. As shown in these four figures, the assembly is defined by two blocks1000, a center post2000with nubs3000.FIG.15Cshows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the center post2000. When assembled, the post is provided into the coaxial holes1110of a cylinder1100of each block1000such that the cylinders1100of each block1000are coaxially interfaced while the tenons1212of block's rails1210mate with the mortises1211of the other block's rails1210. Suitably, a nub3000is provided through a pair of the cylinders' diametric holes1120so that the assembly is more securely connected. Suitably, the center post2000may preferably be long enough for the coupled railway structure to be rigid and stiff at the joint.FIG.15Dshows various perspective views of assembled blocks or directions in which the blocks might be connected.

FIGS.5,10,14B and15Billustrate a construction of four independent railways. Suitably, the four railways are the result of the two blocks1000being preferably connected such that the rails1210of the blocks1000are aligned. As shown, the blocks are configured such that four railways are provided due to the lateral sides of the block provide two adjacently parallel rails which can accommodate a vehicle (i.e., the vehicle can move on any lateral sides of the block assembly). See, e.g.,FIGS.33A through33Ddiscussed in greater detail below. In other words, a vehicle can travel from block to block along any one of the four sides of a given block assembly. Additionally, the railways can be formed in a closed loop such that the vehicle can continuously move around the particular railway. See, e.g.FIG.16which shows a closed circular railway defined by an assembly of eight, forty-five degree curved blocks; see alsoFIGS.18A and18Bwhich show elaborately assembled railways formed of a plurality of blocks defined by different curve and twist angles relative to the straight block of, e.g.,FIG.1.

The elaborate construction of a closed loop is suitably facilitated by a proportional relationship between all of the various embodiments of the exemplary block. For instance,FIG.17Ais a dimensional comparison of two combined blocks of the first embodiment of the exemplary block and two combined blocks of the second embodiment of the exemplary blocks. As shown, the radius of curvature of an exemplary curved block is such that the axial height of two curved blocks is equal to the height of two straight blocks. For another instance,FIG.17Bis a comparison of two combined blocks of the second embodiment of the exemplary block and an alternate embodiment of the exemplary block. As shown, the height and curvature of a twisted and curved block is preferably equal to the height and curvature of two twisted blocks. In a final instance,FIG.17Cis a comparison of three combined blocks of the first embodiment of the exemplary block and an alternate embodiment of the exemplary block. This figure shows that the height of three straight blocks is equal to the height of a single twisted straight block. As alluded to above, the proportional relationship of the blocks enables elaborate closed loop railways, including closed loop railways like those shown inFIGS.18A and18B.

It should be observed that the railways may be three-dimensional in so far as the vehicle may travel on any side of the block and due to blocks being positioned such that the railways are headed vertically, obliquely, or horizontally above ground. While some railway constructions are self-supporting, it is contemplated that railways may extend above ground in a vertical, oblique or horizontal direction to such an extent that the track cannot support itself. When such a scenario is presented, a track support may be provided. For instance,FIGS.19Athrough D respectively show: an upright, side support for an above ground or suspended railway; an upright, top support for an above ground or suspended railway; an upright, bottom support for an above ground or suspended railway; and, a hanger support for an above ground or suspended railway.FIGS.20and21illustrate the coupling of an upright to a block or railway. As shown inFIG.20, the upright features two receptacles while the block or railway features four pairs of rails (i.e., two adjacent rails). Suitably, any pair of the four pairs of rails can be provided into the receptacles such that the rail is removably and securely affixed to the upright or hanger. For instance,FIG.22Ais an assembly of an upright, side support and two suspended railways;FIG.22Bis an assembly of an upright, top support and two suspended railways;FIG.22Cis an assembly of an upright, bottom support and two suspended railways; andFIG.22Dis an assembly of a hanger support and two suspended railways.

It should be appreciated that by assembling various embodiments of straight, curved, and twisted blocks into elaborate railways, suspended or above (off) ground portions of the railway may be supported by the uprights and hangers. This principle is illustrated inFIG.23which shows an assembly of two straight railways and upright, side, top, bottom supports and a hanger. The principle is further illustrated byFIG.24which shows a perspective view of elaborate above ground or suspended railways supported by uprights and hangers.

As discussed above, a toy vehicle travel from block to block along any one of the four railways provided an assembly of blocks.FIG.25is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a toy vehicle4000for traversing railways of this disclosure.FIG.26is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a chassis of the toy vehicle4000for traversing railways of this disclosure. In some embodiments (discussed in further detail below in connection withFIGS.38A-G), the chassis itself could be considered a gravity driven vehicle and, as a result, the chassis and the vehicle may be referred to in this document interchangeably. As shown, the vehicle4000features a two-wheeled guide-car4100and a two-wheeled caboose4200that are rotatably coupled together between the front of the caboose4200and that rear of the guide-car4100.FIG.27is an exploded side view of the toy vehicle4000, which shows the caboose4200and guide-car4100separated from one another.FIG.28is an exploded front view of the guide-car4100and exploded view of the caboose4200of a toy vehicle.

Referring toFIGS.25-28, the caboose4200suitably houses a motor (not shown), which is configured to drive or rotate the axles (SeeFIG.26) of the caboose's4200two wheels4210.FIG.25shows an on-off switch for the motor (not shown) on the topside of the caboose4200. Still referring toFIGS.26through28, the guide car4100suitably features two axles4120on either side of the guide-car4100with each axle coupled to each wheel4110so that the wheels may freely spin one way or the other around the axles4120. As shown inFIGS.27and28, the caboose4200and the guide-car4100feature a hole4300wherein a rod4400may be placed such that the caboose4200and guide-car4100are rotatably coupled to one another. The operation of the rod4400is illustrated inFIGS.29A through29C. As shown inFIG.29A, an untwisted toy vehicle4000has a guide-car4100with zero degree yaw, pitch or roll relative to the caboose4200.FIGS.29B and29Cshow a twisted toy vehicle4000with a guide-car4100that has various degrees of roll relative to the caboose4200. It should be appreciated that the rod4400may be coupled to the caboose4200via a ball joint (not shown) such that the guide-car4100may be pitched or yawed there around relative to the caboose4200.

FIG.30illustrates perspective, front and side views of a hyperbolic wheel of the toy vehicle. As shown the hyperbolic nature of the wheel enables the wheel to engage a railway. When two wheels are positioned parallel to each other, the wheels can engage a railway of the blocks described above.FIG.31Ais an expanded view of the toy vehicles wheel system expanded and above a block or railway prior to engagement.FIG.31Bis a closed view of the toy vehicle's wheel system coupled to a block or railway.FIG.32Ais a front view of the wheels system of a toy vehicle coupled to a railway.FIG.32Bis a perspective view of the wheels system of a toy vehicle coupled to a railway. When so engaged, the toy vehicles motor (not shown) may drive the axles of the wheels such that the vehicle moves one way or the other along the railway via automotive power from the caboose. Suitably, the wheels are made of rubber or other flexible material so that a gripping interface between the wheels and railway is established. Of course, it should be noted and understood that a hyperbolic wheel is not the only type of wheel that could be used to accomplish an interface between a wheel and a rail. For instance, a conical wheel or an ovular wheel, or a cylindrical wheel may serve to interface with a rail that has angular edges instead of a round tip as illustrated in the preferred embodiment.

As discussed above, a toy vehicle may be attached to any one of four railways of a block or assembly of blocks. This principle is illustrated inFIGS.33A-33D. in particular,FIG.33Ais a front view of a toy vehicle on a first railway of a block;FIG.33Bis a front view of a toy vehicle on a second railway of a block;FIG.33Cis a front view of a toy vehicle on a third railway of a block;FIG.33Dis a front view of a toy vehicle on a fourth railway of a block. As discussed above, the vehicle's guide-car4100may pitch, twist, or yaw relative to the caboose4200as it travels from block to block along a railway.FIG.34Ais a perspective view of a toy vehicle twisting along a twisted railway.FIG.34Bis another perspective view of a toy vehicle twisting along a twisted railway.FIG.34Cis an environmental view of wheels operating over a block or trackway, and (as shown) the wheels turn (e.g., in the direction of the arrows) on the chassis around the axle so that the vehicle may move in one direction or another along a block or trackway. In one embodiment, the wheels may rotate at different speeds such that a differential is accomplished during automotive maneuvers. Finally,FIG.35is a perspective view of a toy vehicle traversing an elaborate, closed loop railway.

As discussed above, a railway may be suspended above ground via uprights. An alternate embodiment of the upright might be a magnetized or adhesive clip for attaching a railway to a wall or other structure.FIG.36Ais a perspective view of a magnetized or adhesive support for attaching tracks to a wall or structure.FIGS.36Bthrough G are respectively another perspective view, another perspective view, a bottom view, front view, top view, and a side view of the magnetized or adhesive support. As shown, a magnet or adhesive may be provided to within the receptacle that is illustrated as going through the piece from bottom to top.FIG.37Ais a perspective view of a toy vehicle and track situated on a structure.FIG.37Bis a perspective view of a toy vehicle and track situated on a vertical wall.

As described above, a toy vehicle may include a motor. However, a motor is not necessary for operation of a vehicle along a railway.FIGS.38A through38Care perspective views of a gravity driven toy vehicle. As discussed earlier, a gravity driven vehicle may be defined by a chassis of a vehicle that simply moves along the track in response to gravity.FIGS.38D-Gillustrate a side view, front view, top view and bottom view of the chassis or gravity driven vehicle. As with its motorized counterpart, the gravity driven vehicle features a guide-car and a caboose, each part having two hyperbolic wheels. The wheels have axles so that the wheels can freely rotate one way or the other. The wheels may be attached to a railway as described above and driven down the railway via gravity.FIG.39is a perspective view of the gravity driven toy vehicle at the top of an inclined railway. As shown inFIGS.38A-39, the chassis may feature a weight (not shown) so that gravity is more likely to overcome the force of friction between the wheels and trackway.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives might be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration. In particular:FIG.40Ais a second embodiment of an X-shaped sagittal section of a block that is configured to provide four railways to a vehicle that operates hyperbolic wheels;FIG.40Bis a third embodiment of an X-shaped sagittal section of a block that is configured to provide four railways to a vehicle that operates with round wheels (e.g., wheels provided into two adjacent depressions in the sidewalls of the blocks); and,FIG.40Cis a square-shaped sagittal section of a block that is configured to provide four railways to a vehicle that operates conical wheels (e.g., a vehicle that travels along railways defined by two adjacent corners of the square section).FIG.41is an exploded view of an assembly of blocks with a square-shaped sagittal section.FIG.42is an exploded view of an assembly of blocks with a triangular sagittal section. In this embodiment, only three railways are provided, where each side of the triangular section defines two adjacent rails of a railway.FIG.43is an assembled view of several railways defined by an assembly of blocks with a square sagittal section. It should also be understood that multiple cars can be assembled on the track into a train. In particular, a motorized vehicle may be assembled to a gravity driven vehicle such that the motorized vehicle becomes the engine of the resulting train, whereby the gravity driven vehicle is dragged by the automotive forces of the motor driven vehicle. It should also be appreciated that the hyperbolic wheel could instead be a wheel with a U-shaped groove, a V-shaped groove, or any groove of any geometry such that the groove cooperates with a rail to retain a vehicle on a railway.

All original claims submitted with this specification are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.