Abstract:
A track a vehicle amusement apparatus and methods are disclosed, the apparatus including a vehicle or vehicles movable over a track assembly supported and elevated by a supporting assembly. A plurality of track sections define the track assembly, and the vehicles have wheels, some positioned above and some below the track and at different locations across the track. Drive track sections of the track assembly include first and second relatively reciprocating track members, the vehicles including independently retractable appendages for releasable engagement with different ones of the track members.

Description:
RELATED INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/795,160 filed Mar. 5, 2004 by the inventor herein and entitled TRACK AND VEHICLE AMUSEMENT APPARATUS AND METHODS. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to toy and model vehicle devices and methods, and, more particularly, relates to toy or model vehicles configured in conjunction with a track to move about the track.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Various toy and/or model train, car or other vehicles used in association with tracks specially adapted thereto have been heretofore known and/or utilized. The various vehicles have included highly accurate scale model vehicles configured to run on electrified rail systems, gravity operated systems utilizing ramps, barriers, or other vehicle movement retention systems, and mechanical systems (wind up or similarly powered vehicles, for example).  
         [0004]     While such heretofore known systems are in wide use, such systems have not usually been well adapted for movement of the vehicle up steep track grades without undue complexity, have not been particularly suitable for a variety of model types that are less common (such as functional roller coaster modeling for example), have not provided track elevation, directing and support systems that are extensive and durable, and/or have utilized drive systems that are complex, expensive or unreliable. Further improvement could thus be utilized.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     This invention provides vehicle and track amusement apparatus and methods for use with toys, models and the like. The apparatus is adapted for facile movement of the vehicle up steep track grades, is simple to implement and use, is well suited for use with less common model types such as functional roller coaster models, and incorporates extensive and durable track elevation, directing and support systems.  
         [0006]     The amusement apparatus includes a plurality of track sections defining a track assembly, with each track section having a top and a bottom surface and first and second relative track elevations (at least at the top surface). A vehicle having at least first and second wheels is adapted for movement on the track assembly, with the first wheel positionable adjacent to the top surface at the first relative track elevation and remaining lateral of the second relative elevation of the track sections. The second wheel is positionable adjacent to the bottom surface of the track sections.  
         [0007]     The vehicle has a front, a rear and opposite sides, and preferably includes third and fourth wheels. The third wheel is positionable adjacent to the bottom surface of the track sections with the second and third wheels each adjacent to a different one of the vehicle sides. The fourth wheel is positionable adjacent to the top surface of the track sections, the first and fourth wheels each adjacent to a different one of the vehicle front and the vehicle rear.  
         [0008]     At least one of the track sections includes first and second relatively reciprocating track members. Each of the track members has an engageable aspect (serially arranged teeth, for example). The vehicle has first and second independently retractable appendages maintained thereon, the first appendage positioned for repeated releasable engagement at the engageable aspect of the first track member when the vehicle is positioned thereat. The second appendage is positioned for repeated releasable engagement at the engageable aspect of the second track member.  
         [0009]     The first track member includes a protrusion engageable by a drive mechanism for causing movement of the first track member relative to the second track member. The drive mechanism includes a rotational drive and means for translating rotational motion to linear motion connected between the drive and the first track member.  
         [0010]     The second track member preferably includes spaced tracks, the first track member movable between the spaced tracks of the second track member. In such a case, the vehicle preferably includes a third independently retractable appendage, the second appendage engageable at one of the spaced tracks and the third appendage positioned for repeated releasable engagement at the other of the spaced tracks.  
         [0011]     The method of this invention provides for moving a model vehicle up an incline on a model track. First and second track members of the model track are relatively reciprocated. A first retractable appendage located at the model vehicle repeatedly releasably engages the first track member and a second retractable appendage located at the model vehicle independently repeatedly releasably engages the second track member. In this way, one track member/appendage combination moves the vehicle up the incline while the other track member/appendage combination prevents backsliding of the vehicle.  
         [0012]     It is therefore an object of this invention to provide improved vehicle and track apparatus and method for use with toys, models and the like.  
         [0013]     It is another object of this invention to provide vehicle and track amusement apparatus and methods adapted for facile movement of the vehicle up steep track grades.  
         [0014]     It is still another object of this invention to provide vehicle and track amusement apparatus and methods well suited for use with less common model types such as functional roller coaster models.  
         [0015]     It is yet another object of this invention to provide vehicle and track amusement apparatus that are simple to implement and use and that incorporate extensive and durable track elevation, directing and support systems.  
         [0016]     It is still another object of this invention to provide a track and vehicle amusement apparatus including a plurality of track sections each having first and second oppositely facing surfaces and first and second relative track elevations at least at the first surface, the first relative track elevation being located intermediate the second relative track elevation and extending longitudinally the length of each the track section, each track section including connecting structure at opposite ends thereof adjacent to the first relative track elevation, connectors engageable at the connecting structure of the track sections, at least some of the connectors including a fitting at a surface thereof and configured for rotatable engagement therewith, track support and elevation members selectively configurable in various lengths and each including an engaging structure rotatably engageable with a selected the fitting of the some of the connectors, and a first vehicle mountable on the track sections.  
         [0017]     It is another object of this invention to provide a track and vehicle amusement apparatus including a plurality of track sections defining a track assembly, each track section having top and bottom surfaces, at least one of the track sections including first and second relatively reciprocating track members with each of the track members having an engageable aspect, and a first vehicle having at least first and second wheels and first and second independently retractable appendages, the first wheel positionable adjacent to the top surface of the track sections and the second wheel positionable adjacent to the bottom surface of the track sections, the first appendage positioned for repeated releasable engagement at the engageable aspect of the first track member of the at least one of the track sections when the vehicle is positioned thereat, and the second appendage positioned for repeated releasable engagement at the engageable aspect of the second track member of the at least one of the track sections when the vehicle is positioned thereat.  
         [0018]     It is still another object of this invention to provide a method for moving a model vehicle up an incline on a model track including the steps of relatively reciprocating first and second track members of the model track, repeatedly releasably engaging a first retractable appendage located at the model vehicle at the first track member, and independently repeatedly releasably engaging a second retractable appendage located at the model vehicle at the second track member.  
         [0019]     With these and other objects in view, which will become apparent to one skilled in the art as the description proceeds, this invention resides in the novel construction, combination, and arrangement of parts and method substantially as hereinafter described, and more particularly defined by the appended claims, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the herein disclosed invention are meant to be included as come within the scope of the claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     The accompanying drawings illustrate a complete embodiment of the invention according to the best mode so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the apparatus of this invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portion of the track and a set of vehicles (or cars) thereon;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of one of the vehicles of this invention (all vehicles being substantially similar in most cases);  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a second exploded view of the vehicle of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is and exploded view of the drive track mechanism of the apparatus of this invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a second exploded view of the drive track mechanism of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0027]      FIGS. 7A through 7C  are perspective views of track components of the drive track shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ;  
         [0028]      FIGS. 8A through 8C  are perspective views of movable track components of the drive track shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a sectional illustration of the vehicle on the drive track;  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  is a second sectional illustration (at 90° from the section of  FIG. 9 ) of the vehicle on the drive track;  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a partial, cut away, perspective view of a passive track section of the apparatus of this invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is an end view of the track section of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 13  is a front view of the vehicle on a section of the track of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0034]      FIGS. 14A through 14E  are views of the various configurations for sections of the passive track;  
         [0035]      FIG. 15  is a partial exploded view of two track sections and one type of section joiner;  
         [0036]      FIGS. 16A and 16B  are perspective views of two other types of section joiners holding track sections together;  
         [0037]      FIG. 17  is an exploded view of a truss assembly for track elevation, directing and support; and  
         [0038]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the vehicles of this invention suspended from the track.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0039]     Apparatus  25  of this invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1  showing the overall assembly including individual inventive component apparatus and devices as will become apparent as the description proceeds. In the illustrated case, the apparatus is embodied as a functioning model roller coaster having multiple vehicles (or cars) including a lead vehicle  27  and additional vehicles  29  (see also  FIG. 2 ). It should be understood however, that the various apparatus, devices and methods of this invention could be differently configured and modeled for other toy and/or model applications.  
         [0040]     Apparatus  25  includes three basic assemblies, vehicle(s)  27 / 29 , track assembly  31  and supporting assemblies  33 . Track assembly  31  is established by a plurality of linked track sections  35  and includes passive track sections  37  and drive track sections  39  (see also  FIG. 2 ). These track sub-assemblies share some structural characteristics (an overall modified “Y” configuration), but are distinct in many regards and in function as will become apparent as the description proceeds.  
         [0041]     Vehicles  27 / 29  are illustrated in  FIGS. 2 through 4  (for ease of illustration, only vehicle  27  is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the additional vehicles  29  being substantially similarly constructed except as may be noted herein). In the configuration as a roller coaster model, lead vehicle  27  has passenger vehicles  29  connected thereto. Such models can be made on any selected scale, for example, “O” scale. While not shown, the cars may be provided with model riders that snap into seats  43  of passenger vehicles  29 .  
         [0042]     Each vehicle includes body  44  mounted on truck  45 , wheel holders  47  mounted on truck  45  and wheel holders  48  mounted or integral to truck  45 . Wheels  49  (four are preferred, though fewer could be conceived) are held by holders  47 / 48  (wheels  49   a  at holders  47  and wheels  49   b  at holders  48 ). Independently repeatedly retractable appendages  51   a  and independently repeatedly retractable appendage  51   b  are pivotably mounted at integral mount bars  53  at, but spaced from, the bottom of truck  45 . Drive tab  55  is formed at one end of appendage  51   b  and backslide retention tabs  56  are formed at one end of appendages  51   a . The lowered position of tabs  55 / 56 , relative to truck  45  ensures engagement at drive track sections  39  even at extreme lift angles. Coupler loops  58  are provided at the front and rear of each vehicle (for coupling, in conjunction with a coupling bar snapped over the loops to couple the vehicles—not shown—the vehicles in a vehicle train).  
         [0043]     The cross section of coupler loops  58  and the coupling bars when engaged is round to allow for maximum twist without binding in all directions and creating a single point of contact to minimize friction for maximizing independent movement of each vehicle. Independent movement of each coupled vehicle in these couplings is critical in preventing energy loss.  
         [0044]     Body  44  snaps into truck  45  at latches  61  through truck openings  63 . Wheel mounts  47  include rims  65  mounted in openings  67  through wings  68  of truck  45 , and have wheel shells  69  supporting inner mounts  71 . Inner and outer axle mount detents  73  (not all of which are shown in the FIGURES) are defined in each wheel mount  47  at mounts  71  and rims  65 , respectively. Wheel mounts  48  include wheel supports  75  at each end thereof which extend through openings  77  in truck  45  when mounts  48  are secured thereon. An axle mount detent  79  is formed in each of supports  75  (not all of which are shown in the FIGURES).  
         [0045]     All of the vehicle components are designed to be light weight and low profile to keep a low center of gravity. Wheels  49   a  and  49   b  are preferably made of a heavier material (brass for example) for increasing weight to locate the center of gravity nearest to the track. Each of the four wheels preferable includes dual (minimized) contact surfaces  83  separated by groove  85  as shown with respect to wheels  49   b  (though alternative constructions, as shown with respect to wheels  49   a , could be utilized). The corner edges of the wheels are preferably rounded to keep the wheels slipping (and not climbing out of the trough established by track assembly  31  to help vehicles run true). The wheels&#39; shape also clears any holes in track that may cause slowing. Overall, the wheel configuration locks the vehicles onto the track while leaving a loose enough fit so that the vehicles can maneuver around tight turns, up and down, and over drive track sections  39 .  
         [0046]     Integral wheel axles  87  (one on each side of each wheel) are received at their related axle mount detents  73 / 79  of mounts  47 / 48  and are formed with a sharp point at their outer extremity. This creates a single point of contact closest to the center of the axle that minimizes surface contact and distance per revolution to maximize friction reduction.  
         [0047]     Wheel mounts  47 / 48  are preferably made of a low coefficient of friction plastic such as Delrin. Minimizing friction at wheels  49  (as well as energy loss do to track movement) is critical in order to more nearly establish performance characteristics of the model approaching those of modeled full size system. Wheels  49   b  are oriented and positioned so that the two in-line wheels, one adjacent vehicle front and one adjacent vehicle rear, are located on top of the track as discussed hereinafter. Wheels  49   a  are oriented and positioned to be located beneath the track, one each at each of the vehicle&#39;s opposite sides but oriented toward the center of vehicle(s)  27 / 29  (again as discussed below). Wheels  49   a  are positioned so that they only come in contact with the track when vehicles  27 / 29  are changing directions and leaning to one side.  
         [0048]     Lead vehicle  27  includes all three of appendages  51  required to lift the vehicles in conjunction with drive track sections  39 . Additional vehicles  29  may also include appendages  51 , or may only some appendages  51  (drive appendage  51   b , backslide prevention appendages  51   a , or only one of each, for example) or no appendages  51  at all. Drive tab  56  at appendage  51   a  is located in the center of the vehicle between the in-line wheels  49   b  so that it will engage a corresponding drive strip track member of drive track sections  39  as discussed hereinbelow. Drive tabs  55 / 56  have a 90° bend at the end to ensure engagement with the teeth of the respective track members of the drive track sections. The end of the bend of drive tabs  55 / 56  is tapered and rounded on the backside to ensure minimum drag around track assembly  31  and to ensure disengagement from the teeth of drive track sections  39  as the vehicles move forward, while the front edges of the ends of tabs  55 / 56  are flat to help lock into the teeth, as discussed below. The snap on openings in appendages  51  are oriented so that the direction of loading will not cause binding or failure at the pivot. The outer drive tabs operate the same as center tab but engage the track teeth.  
         [0049]     Lead vehicle  27  of this embodiment does not carry modeled people and may be designed to enclose a light and sound card with batteries. The sound card has a reed switch or Hall effect device that activates the card as it passes over magnets placed selectively into track sections  35 . The sound card produces recorded dialog or sound effects (screams for example) when triggered. The card may also be provided with lights (head lights, for example) such as LED&#39;S.  
         [0050]     Track sections  35  of track assembly  31  all have in common a modified “Y” cross section characterized by a central support channel  91  and dual side supports  93 , upper and lower surfaces  95  and  97 , and first and second relative track elevations  99  and  101 , respectively (see  FIGS. 10 and 12 ). A central trough  103  is defined by the relative elevations  99 / 101  at upper surface  95  of track sections  35 .  
         [0051]     As shown in  FIGS. 5 through 10 , drive/lift mechanism  105  is utilized to operate drive track sections  35 / 39 , and includes drive platform  107  including track guide  109  and housing  111 . Platform  107  houses motor  113 , having rotational to linear motion translation assembly  115  including gearbox  117  (the motor in the case of a roller coaster model is geared down to create a slow climb to the top of the ramp—approximately 40 seconds), rotary linkage  119 , bar linkage  121 , and track shuttle  123  connected therewith as shown. A DC adapter (not shown) may also be maintained in platform  107 . Bar linkage  121  is pivotably mounted at one end at the outer circumference of rotary linkage  119 , as shown, and at it other end receives one mounting pin  125  of shuttle  123 . In this way, rotation of linkage  119  connected with motor  113  is translated to linear, reciprocating motion of shuttle  123  when the shuttle is mounted through slidable guide opening  127  at the bottom of track guide  109 . Shuttle  123  is further guided by the slidable receipt of pins  125  in guide slot  128  established by structure at housing  111 .  
         [0052]     Guide opening  129  is of a size sufficient to accommodate the full extent of reciprocating motion of shuttle  123  enabled by linkages  119 / 121 . Shuttle  123  includes mounting posts  131  and  133  at the upper surface thereof (and thus exposed through opening  129  when shuttle  123  is mounted).  
         [0053]     Drive/lift mechanism  105  drives drive track sections  39 . Drive track sections  139 , when assembled, include first and second relatively reciprocating track members  141  and  143 . Track members  141  (members  141   a  and  141   b ) are integral to side supports  93  (see  FIG. 10 ) and have an engageable upper aspect (teeth  145 , for example, though other engageable arrangements could be utilized). Drive track sections  39  work like a ratchet mechanism in association with appendages  51  of vehicle(s)  27 / 29 . Teeth  145  at track members  141   a  and  141   b  engage tabs  56  of appendages  51   a  to prevent vehicle(s)  27 / 29  from sliding backward down drive track sections  39 . Drive strip track members  143  are slidably held at trough  103  of track member  141  by slidable clips  147  through guide slots  149  (of a length sufficient to allow the full extent of reciprocation of track member  143 ). Each clip has a shoulder  151  at both clip arms at an upper extent thereof (see  FIG. 8 ) that clips beneath slots  149 . A properly positioned pair of clips  147  are in turn received in mounting posts  131  and  133  of shuttle  123 .  
         [0054]     Members  143  are flexible (to allow movement along curves) and have an engageable aspect (such as teeth  145 ) at the upper surface thereof. Drive strip track members  143  shuttle back and forth (reciprocate) relative to track members  141  for moving vehicle(s)  127 / 129  up an incline. Tab  55  of retractable appendage  51   b  repeatedly releasably engages track member  143 . At each engagement of tab  55  with teeth  145  vehicle(s)  27 / 29  are carried forward with track member  143  as it moves forward under the influence of drive/lift mechanism  105 . As vehicle(s)  27 / 29  are being moved forward, tabs  56  of appendages  51   a  repeatedly retract to allow unimpeded passage of tabs  56  up track members  141   a  and  141   b . When track member  143  reciprocates backward, tab  55  is disengaged repeatedly allowing the unimpeded rearward movement of track member  143 , and tabs  56  of appendages  51   a  engage teeth  145  at track members  141   a  and  141   b  thus preventing backsliding of the vehicle during the period between forward reciprocations of track member  143  (see  FIGS. 9 and 10 ).  
         [0055]     Drive track members  141  include differently contoured sections ( FIG. 1 ), including straight track  161  ( FIG. 7A ), arced track  163  ( FIG. 7B ) and upwardly curved track  165  ( FIG. 7C ). Straight track  161  is used at drive platform  107  and between track  165  and  163 . Upwardly curved track  165  (about a 60° track section in this embodiment, flexible up to about 80° for example) begins the upward climb. Track  163  is typically the last drive track section  39  and begins the downward curve after the entire lift (in this embodiment, approximately 120° arc is utilized).  
         [0056]     The drive track sections  39  in combination are designed so that vehicles  27 / 29  are always pushed up and over the top curve section until vehicles start their own free fall on passive track sections  37 . In one embodiment having only a single drive vehicle  27  (i.e., provided with appendages  51 ), this is done with up to 5 vehicles  27 / 29  per vehicle train (by providing additional vehicles  29  having appendages  51 , a greater number of vehicles  27 / 29  may be provided per vehicle train). Drive track sections are connected and supported the same as regular track (as discussed hereinafter). Drive strip track members  143  are attached to each other with built in connectors  167  with a hole at their center held in recessed square pockets  169  having a small post at its center for receipt in the center holes of connectors  167  (see  FIG. 8 ). This type of connection allows for a solid connection under load in both directions of motion, and is seamless in appearance and very easy to assemble. Lead strip  171  includes a ramped leading edge  173  allowing smooth forward travel of vehicle(s)  27 / 29  thereover and connector  167  at its opposite end ( FIG. 8A ). Central strips  175  ( FIG. 8B ) include both connectors  167  and pockets  169  at opposite ends. Trailing strip  177  includes only pocket  169  at one end.  
         [0057]     While backsliding could be prevented utilizing only a single appendage  51   a , locking into teeth  145  on both sides of track member  141  keeps vehicle(s)  27 / 29  running straight when being lifted.  
         [0058]     Passive track sections  37  are illustrated in  FIGS. 11 through 14 . Each track section has a modified “Y” shape in this embodiment (like many full size coasters tracks or monorails). This type of constructions provides strength, rigidity and best tracking of vehicles through straight, twisted and/or curved sections. Moreover, the track can also be inverted and used for hanging or swinging variation of vehicles (as shown in  FIG. 18 ). Track sections  37  are preferably made of Polypropylene for its low coefficient of friction on moving vehicles. Polypropylene also provides rigid yet flexible qualities allowing flexibility on track layouts and snap joint features. Each track section may be provided with a hole located somewhere along trough  103  for holding a small magnet used as a switch activator for sound electronics as discussed above.  
         [0059]     Curved sections  181  ( FIG. 14E ) are banked. Although the tracks are somewhat flexible, transition sections  185  and  187  (FIGS.  14 C and  14 D—providing different twist directions), are designed to fit between banked curves and longer straight sections  189  ( FIG. 14A -which may come in various lengths). This is also required for vehicles to maintain momentum and run true on the track assembly, and prevents twisted track sections from putting undesirable loading into track layout and individual track connections. Sweep section  191  ( FIG. 14B ) is used at the bottom of downhill runs.  
         [0060]     Wheels  49  are mounted both top and bottom of track sections  35  and account for the bulk of the vehicle  25 / 27  weight. Because the top wheels  49   b  ride in trough  103  (i.e., at track elevation  101  of top surface  95  and remaining lateral of track elevations  101 ) their centerlines are very near the centerlines of the bottom wheels  49   a . This results in the center of gravity being very low on the track assembly  31  as desired.  
         [0061]     All track sections  35  of this invention are easy to assemble utilizing snap joint connections  195  at section ends (see  FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrating connections of sections  37  though the same connecting systems are utilized with drive track sections  39 ). Each connection  195  includes interlocking ribs  197  (male and female at adjoining track section ends) to provide seamless joints. This will ensure a smooth ride with least resistance to the rolling vehicles. Connectors  201  are receivable in the adjoining connections  195  of track section  35  to be linked (three different types,  201   a ,  201   b  and  201   c , shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 A and  16 B, respectively,  201   b  and  201   c  having a different secondary purpose beyond track interconnection). Connectors  201  include spaced connector blocks  203  and  205  extending from deck  207 , each block receivable in a different one of the adjacent connections  195  to lock the track section linkage.  
         [0062]     One example of the supporting assemblies  33 , used to elevate and support track assembly, is illustrated in  FIG. 17  used in association with track sections  37  (the same supporting assemblies can be utilized with track section  39 ). Support assembly  33  includes one of connectors  201   b  or  201   c  at both its top and bottom (providing for one leg—connector  201   b —or two leg—connector  201   c —support systems extending from either or both the top or bottom of assembly  33  as may be appreciated). Assemblies  33  are thus positionable at track section linkages selected to support the track assembly  31  for dynamic loading when placed at proper angles or for raising and lowering adjoined track sections to adjust inclines. Assemblies  33  can also be twisted to control pitch of adjoining track sections.  
         [0063]     Each assembly  33  preferably includes two rigid end members  211  and one central ribbed (outer ribs for ease of handling) locking member  212  (preferably plastic extrusions) cut to various lengths. End members  211  are of a size to snugly receive end fitting  213  having engaging structures  215  thereat (ball receiving structures, for example, to snugly but pivotably and rotatably receive rubberized balls  217  integrally formed at connectors  201   b  or  201   c ). Members  211  and  212  are both oval in shape with hollow centers. The opening at the ends of member  212  are larger than the outside diameter of members  211  allowing members  211  to slide freely inside member  212 . The oval shape allows for the tubes to telescope to exact length and then be locked into position by twisting member  212  relative to members  211 . The twisting forces the major diameter of members  211  to interfere with the minor diameter of member  212 . A small rib (not shown) is added to the outside of member  211  and inside of member  212  to act as stops while in maximum lock position.  
         [0064]     The end fittings  213  have the same shape as the member  212  for a similar locking technique. End fittings  213  may each be provided with a small post (not shown) located in between the flanges of engaging structures  215  that also engages rubberized ball  217  to increase contact for holding any end fitting  213  at any position it has been set in. Twisting end fitting  213  can control the track pitch. By changing the angle of engagement the pitch of the track will change as desired. Members  211  are preferably 3-6″ long, member  212  being cut to length as desired.  
         [0065]     Balls  217  are over molded with a low durometer rubber that create a high friction surface used for holding set positions. Multiple ball connectors  201   c  are used for locations requiring multiple supporting assemblies  33  or for horizontal links between track sections needing additional stability. Ground base  221  includes connection  223  (having a structure like that of a paired set of connections  95  when engaged at engaging ribs  195  and  197 . Connection  223  receives connector  201   b  or  201   c  with same fit as found at the upper track sections connections  95 , and include tabs (not shown) at the interior thereof that snap over connector rib  225  to assure securement of base  221  with the assembly.  
         [0066]     Base  221  preferably includes a Velcro “hook side” strip on its bottom surface  227  for assembly layouts on carpeted floors. Base surface  227  is preferably recessed for the Velcro “hook side” so that base sits flat on hard flooring. The recessed area may be designed to flex so that it can be pushed into carpet and grab the fiber loops. Other base mounting options (attaching adhesive backed Velcro “loops side” to tile flooring for bases to attach to, or holes at each corner for fasteners such as screws, nails or pins, and the like) could be utilized.  
         [0067]     Support assembly  33  not designed for any specific track assembly  31  layout. It is designed for more creative use with the ability to place and position assemblies such that they can stabilize any configuration given general guidelines.  
         [0068]     An alternative embodiment  235  of vehicles  25 / 27  are shown in  FIG. 18 . These vehicles are designed for suspended roller coaster car modes (i.e., where the track is generally above the vehicles), and included suspended seats  237 . These structures (as well as all track sections) are similar in most regards to those previously described (appendages  51  would probably require biasing toward drive track sections teeth  145  engagement). Additional support structures apparent to those skilled in the art for use with assemblies  33  would be required to hang track assembly  31 .