Abstract:
A track section for use on a substantially planar surface including a plurality of spaced segments, each of the plurality of spaced segments defining at least one groove in at least one surface thereof, each of the plurality of spaced segments defining an orifice to receive a cable captured by a first end connector on a first end and captured by a second end connector on a second end and wherein the track section flexes on the substantially planar surface.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The subject disclosure relates to children&#39;s toy train sets, and more particularly to an improved flexible track. 
     2. Background of the Related Art 
     Many variations of toy train sets have been suggested in the past. Techniques for fabrication have included using wood, plastic, metal or a combination of the same. Typically, toy train sets are assembled and played with either on the floor or a table. 
     Generally, wooden toy train sets include sections of wood toy train track which are of various shapes and sizes. A young child needs to easily interconnect the various shapes and sizes to form the desired pattern over which to roll the toy train. The more sophisticated and complex the track pattern becomes, the more the child enjoys assembly and play therewith. 
     Toy train tracks are commercially available from a multitude of companies such as BRIO® Corporation having an office in Milwaukee, Wis. and Learning Curve International, L.L.C. of Chicago, Ill. Track sections available from these and other companies include straight as well as curved sections, cross and switch sections, as well as ascending and descending track sections. Bridges, ramps and track supports of various kinds are often provided to allow elevating the track sections. Toy train track components and systems are described in the patent literature, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,841,104 to Adell and U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,812 to Ernst. 
     Suspension bridges have been developed to interconnect with wooden toy train track sections. Generally, a suspension bridge has a pair of stanchions for supporting each end of a suspension bridge section. In a suspension bridge (commercially available from BRIO® Corporation of Milwaukee), the suspension bridge section has a plurality of segments fixed in place by two lengths of cord disposed through a series of holes aligned in parallel in the segments. As a result, the suspension bridge section has a limited ability to flex in a vertical direction. 
     In view of the above, there are opportunities to improve based upon the prior art of toy train tracks. For example, previous track sections required many expensive specialized pieces to create desired shapes. Therefore, a need exists for an improved toy train track section that permits easy and efficient track assembly and can solve problems of mismatch. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a toy track section for play on a substantially planar surface including a plurality of spaced segments. Each of the plurality of spaced segments defines at least one groove in at least one surface thereof and an orifice formed therethrough. A cable extends through the orifices formed through the plurality of segments. A first end connector captures a first end of the cable and a second end connector captures a second end of the cable. The cable permits the plurality of segments to flex relative to each other on the substantially planar surface. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention includes a toy track which includes a plurality of elongated segments. Each of the plurality of elongated segments has opposed upper and lower surfaces and an outer peripheral wall extending between the upper and lower surfaces defining opposing lateral wall portions. Each of the plurality of elongated segments also has a length along a first axis and a width along a second axis. The first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis and each of the plurality of segments is adapted and configured to allow the toy track section to flex in a plane defined by the first axis and the second axis. 
     These and other unique features of the system disclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a toy train track section according to the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of alternative end connectors for an embodiment of a toy train track section according to the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a first embodiment of a toy train track section according to the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section view taken along line  3 — 3  of FIG. 1A; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section view taken along line  4 — 4  of FIG. 1A; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a second embodiment of a toy train track section according to the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section view taken along line  6 — 6  of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a third embodiment of a toy train track section according to the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section view taken along line  8 — 8  of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a fourth embodiment of a toy train track section according to the present disclosure; and 
     FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a fifth embodiment of a toy train track section according to the present disclosure. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present disclosure overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with toy train tracks. The advantages, and other features disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention. 
     Referring to FIG. 1A, a first embodiment of a toy train track section generally designated  100  is illustrated. Section  100  has a plurality of segments  102 ( a )-( n ) which collectively form two grooves  104   a  and  104   b  for the opposing wheels of a toy train to ride within. A cable  106  secures and aligns each segment  102 ( a )-( n ) in position along axis “y”. Furthermore, each segment  102 ( a )-( n ) can independently rotate about cable  106 . Collars  112 ( a )-( m ) (wherein m=n+1) create spacing between segments  102 ( a )-( n ). The variables “n” and “m” represent the numbers of segments  102  and collars  112 , respectively, and are in no way intended to limit the potential length of toy train track segment  100 . In a preferred embodiment, segments  102 ( a )-( n ) are made from wood, cable  106  is made from a nonelastic material such as stainless steel or the like and collars  112  are made from a molded plastic. In an alternative embodiment, no collars are provided and the spacing of individual segments  102 ( a )-( n ) is not uniform in nature. Segments  102 ( a )-( n ) have opposed upper and lower surfaces,  105  and  107 , respectively. An outer peripheral wall  109  extends between the upper surface  105  and the lower surface  107 . 
     Still referring to FIG. 1A, section  100  terminates in male and female connectors  108  and  110 , respectively. Male connector  108  has a protrusion  114  for engaging a bore in a female end connector, e.g., of an adjoining track section. Female connector  110  has a bore  116  for receiving a protrusion in a male end connector of an adjoining track section. Therefore, by varying the length and combination of end connectors, section  100  can be easily integrated with any combination of similar or complimentary train track sections. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1B, a top view of alternative end connectors is illustrated. End connectors  170  are unisex and identical. Each end connector  170  has a finger  172  and defines a cavity  174  to capture the finger  172  of an adjacent track section. Additionally, track sections may terminate in segments having opposing hook and loop locking fabric or magnets located on end connectors in order to sufficiently engage adjoining segments 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, a top view of a first embodiment, according to FIG. 1A, illustrates the flexibility of section  100 . Section  100  can be shaped into lines, semi-circles, sinewaves and like arcs, and may be used in combination with other segments, e.g., segments fabricated according to conventional techniques and according to the present disclosure to create a desired pattern. Despite flexing of section  100  in a horizontal plane defined by axis “x” and “y” in FIG. 1A, grooves  104   a  and  104   b  still effectively guide opposing wheels of a toy across each segment  102 ( a )-( n ) of section  100 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, cross-sectional views along lines  3 — 3  and  4 — 4  of FIG. 1A are illustrated in FIG.  3  and FIG. 4, respectively. Female connector  110  includes a hole  120 , which receives cable  106  and intersects aperture  122 . A cable stop sleeve  124  is crimped onto cable  106  within aperture  122 . As a result, the end of cable  106  is securely located within hole  120  between aperture  122  and bore  116 . Therefore, the end of cable  106  will not scratch or be accessible by a child playing with section  100 . Cable stop sleeve  124  may be fabricated from a variety of material, e.g., brass, steel, aluminum and the like. Although not shown, the other end of cable  106  is similarly captured within male connector  108 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, grooves  104   a  and  104   b  are formed in the top and bottom side of female connector  110  to create symmetry about the “x” axis. Therefore, even though female connector  110  may rotate about cable  106 , alignment of grooves  104   a  and  104   b  will still be maintained with adjacent segments. Moreover, male connector and segments  102 ( a )-( n ) are symmetrical about the “x” axis. Therefore, grooves  104   a  and  104   b  effectively guide opposing wheels of a toy across the entire length of section  100  regardless of which grooved sides of segments  102 ( 10 )-( n ) are upwardly positioned. When the segments  102 ( a )-( n ) are rectangular as shown, the outer peripheral wall defines opposing lateral wall portions. As shown, outer peripheral wall portions  111   a  and  111   b  form opposing sides of the segments. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon review of the subject disclosure, the portions of the outer peripheral wall  109  between portions  111   a  and  111   b  will also form opposing lateral wall portions. 
     In another embodiment, a track section may consist of a single symmetrical substantially rectangular segment. Thus, ease of assembly is facilitated because a small child does not need to orient a particular side upwardly. Further, engagement of male and female end connectors in not required because the single symmetrical substantially rectangular segments simply abut each other. It is envisioned that the single symmetrical substantially rectangular segment may be adapted and configured to engage other segments with end connectors, hook and loop locking fabric, magnets or the like. 
     Still referring to FIG. 4, it is also envisioned that each segment may be of two-piece construction. For example, the two pieces may comprise segment portions above and below the “x” axis; thus, each piece would be identical. Preferably, the two pieces may be adhered to each other, e.g., with a glue or other adhesive, and hole  120  may be drilled therein. Additionally, it is envisioned that two piece end connectors may sandwich the end of cable  106  between the two pieces, thereby simplifying the cable retention method and reliably securing the cable end. 
     Furthermore, it will be appreciated that a cross-section profile may have different groove configurations which are symmetrical about the “x” axis. For example, a single groove or three grooves may be provided in order to accommodate a ball or a tricycle, respectively. It is envisioned that many types of toys may be adapted to travel upon the toy track disclosed herein. Some examples include, but are by no means are limited to, animals, bobsleds, buses, cars, people, trucks and vans. 
     Turning to FIG. 5, a top view of a second embodiment of a toy track section  200  is illustrated. Section  200  has a plurality of segments  202 ( a )-( n ) which collectively form two grooves  204   a  and  204   b  for the opposing wheels of a toy train to ride within. Section  200  terminates in a female connector  208 . It is envisioned that a male connector or combination thereof could be utilized to terminate section  200 . Band  206  secures and positions each segment  202 ( a )-( n ) and end connectors. In the preferred embodiment, band  206  is made from a nonstretch flexible material that will not allow end connectors or segments  202 ( a )-( n ) to substantially rotate about axis “y”. 
     Still referring to FIG. 5, section  200  flexes into various arcs and linear segments to create a desired pattern. Despite flexing of section  200 , grooves  204   a  and  204   b  still effectively guide opposing wheels of a toy across the entire length of section  200 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view along line  6 — 6  of FIG. 5 is illustrated. Segment  202   a  has a rectangular notch  220  which is adapted to receive band  206 . Preferably, the edge of band  206  is permanently glued into notch  220  along the entire length of each segment  202 ( a )-( n ). Although not shown, it will be appreciated that each segment  202 ( a )-( n ) and the opposing end connectors define rectangular notches and are also glued to band  206 . Preferably, band  206  is rectangularly shaped in order to help prevent segments  202 ( a )-( n ) from rotating. 
     Turning to FIG. 7, a top view of a third embodiment of a toy track section  300  is illustrated. Although monolithic, section  300  has a plurality of segments  302 ( a )-( n ) which collectively form two grooves  304   a  and  304   b  for the opposing wheels of a toy train to ride within. Section  300  terminates in a female connector  308 . It is envisioned that a male connector or combination could be utilized to terminate section  300 . In a preferred embodiment, section  300  may be fabricated from a variety of materials such as molded plastic, wood, metal or the like. 
     Still referring to FIG. 7, pairs of opposed key-shaped slots  306 ( a )-( m ) and  307 ( a )-( m ) separate segments  302 ( a )-( n ). When toy train section  300  is linear along axis “y”, slots  306 ( a )-( m ) and  307 ( a )-( m ) are perpendicular to the plane defined by the “x” and “y” axis. Diametrical webs  312 ( a )-( m ) remain to connect each pair of opposing slots  306 ( a )-( m ) and  307 ( a )-( m ). As a result, each segment  302 ( a )-( n ) will rotate about the “z” axis as shown in FIG.  8 . As a result, section  300  can also be shaped into various arcs and linear segments to create a desired pattern and despite flexing section  300 , grooves  304   a  and  304   b  still effectively guide opposing wheels of a toy across the entire length of section  300 . 
     In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 9 depicts a top view of a toy train track section designated generally by reference numeral  400 . Track section  400  has a plurality of segments  402 ( a )-( n ) which collectively form grooves to guide a toy train. The variable “n” represents the numbers of segments and is in no way intended to limit the length of track section  400 . A cable  406  secures and aligns each segment  402 ( a )-( n ) in position along axis “y”. 
     Still referring to FIG. 9, segments  402 ( a )-( n ) can rotate about cable  406 . Segments  402 ( a )-( n ) are substantially rectangular in shape. Protrusion  412 ( a )-( n ) on each segment provides spacing between segments  402 ( a )-( n ) in order to allow the track section  400  to flex into arcs while maintaining a groove to guide a toy. Protrusions  412 ( a )-( n ) may be of any functional shape, e.g., dome, hemi-tubular and the like. 
     In another embodiment, each segment  402 ( a )-( n ) may have a hollow to complement each protrusion. Hollows may be of any functional shape, e.g., cone, trough and the like. In still another embodiment, each segment  402 ( a )-( n ) may be ferrous and each protrusion  412 ( a )-( n ) may be magnetic. Therefore, segments  402 ( a )-( n ) can remain attached without having a cable therethrough. It is envisioned that the end segments of track section  400  may have protrusions to maintain spacing and further be adapted to engage other segments by any sufficient means. 
     With reference to FIG. 10, a further embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. Track section  500  has a plurality of segments  502 ( a )-( n ) which collectively form grooves to guide a toy. The variable “n” represents the numbers of segments and is in no way intended to limit the length of track section  500 . A cable  506  secures and aligns each segment  502 ( a )-( n ) in position along axis “y”. 
     Still referring to FIG. 10, each segment  502 ( a )-( n ) has six sides, e.g., hexagonal. Two sides of segments  502 ( a )-( n ) are of equal length and parallel axis y. The remaining four sides are diagonal to axis y to form a point at the location where cable  506  passes through each segment  502 ( a )-( n ). As a result, gaps  514 ( a )-( m ) are formed to allow track section  500  to flex into arcs as well as straight sections as desired while maintaining a groove to guide a toy. In another embodiment, each segment  502 ( a )-( n ) has five sides, e.g., pentagonal. Preferably, pentagonal segments form a point only on one side at the location where cable  506  passes through. It is envisioned that the end segments of track section  500  may have two diagonal sections to create a point to maintain spacing and further be adapted to engage other segments by any sufficient means. 
     Having thus described several embodiments, it will be observed that at least the following advantages are accomplished. Ease of assembly is achieved by the symmetry of the segments which rotate about a cable and the various end connectors. A multitude of shapes may be formed from a single section. The resulting sophisticated patterns enhance enjoyment from building and playing with the track patterns. Further, the track sections can integrate with conventional pieces to augment and enhance current sets as well as easily solve mismatches. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.