Abstract:
A toy vehicle track kit which imparts a self-guiding capability to a toy vehicles via guide rails interposed between wheels of toy vehicles. The self-guiding capability also permits passing or side-by-side racing of one toy vehicle with respect to another.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Generally, toy vehicles and toy track racing enjoy a storied history. Many pleasant childhood memories are evoked, for instance, of electric slot-car racing and gravity-based “Hot Wheels” racing. 
     Many children take a liking to toy vehicles of solid, sturdy construction and visual heft as this conveys a sense of durability and reliability that, among other things, constructively reassures children of the likelihood of many years of enjoyment with such vehicles. Such vehicles may be wooden in construction, configured to run on tracks of sizable scale. Such tracks may often deprive children of an otherwise desired level of experiential and vicarious enjoyment, in that a degree of structural and aesthetic bulk is typically imparted to the design of tracks or track segments to permit the vehicles to be guided on the tracks. Similar structural and aesthetic considerations have long applied in the context of toy vehicles and toy tracks that do not involve larger wooden vehicles, as well, resulting overall in a far less than optimal playing experience for the child. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Broadly contemplated herein, in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, is a toy vehicle track kit which imparts a self-guiding capability to toy vehicles via guide rails interposed between wheels of toy vehicles. The self-guiding capability also permits passing or side-by-side racing of one toy vehicle with respect to another. 
     In summary, one aspect of the invention provides a toy vehicle track kit comprising: a toy vehicle, the toy vehicle comprising wheels; a track segment comprising: a base portion; two guide rails extending from the base portion; each the guide rail being disposed and dimensioned for interposition between wheels of the toy vehicle; each the guide rail being disposed and dimensioned for imparting a self-guiding capability to the toy vehicle for travel of the toy vehicle in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal dimension of each the guide rail; each the guide rail being disposed and dimensioned for interposition between wheels of an additional toy vehicle; the two guide rails being relatively disposed and dimensioned for permitting relative travel of the toy vehicle, with a first of the two guide rails interposed between wheels of the toy vehicle, with respect to and past an additional toy vehicle, with a second of the two guide rails interposed between wheels of an additional toy vehicle. 
     Another aspect of the invention provides a toy vehicle track segment comprising: a base portion; two guide rails extending from the base portion; each the guide rail being disposed and dimensioned for interposition between wheels of a toy vehicle; each the guide rail being disposed and dimensioned for imparting a self-guiding capability to a toy vehicle for travel of a toy vehicle in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal dimension of each the guide rail; each the guide rail being disposed and dimensioned for interposition between wheels of an additional toy vehicle; the two guide rails being relatively disposed and dimensioned for permitting relative travel of a toy vehicle, with a first of the two guide rails interposed between wheels of the toy vehicle, with respect to and past an additional toy vehicle, with a second of the two guide rails interposed between wheels of an additional toy vehicle. 
     For a better understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention, together with other and further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the scope of the claimed embodiments of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates in plan view a toy track with several segments. 
         FIG. 2   a - 2   c  provide essentially the same view as  FIG. 1 , but additionally showing two toy vehicles in varying relative positions. 
         FIGS. 3   a - 3   c  illustrate, respectively, a plan view and two side elevational views of a straight toy track segment. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a curved track segment in plan view. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a merge track segment in plan view. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an intersection track segment in plan view. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments of the invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the described exemplary embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or the like in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the various embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, et cetera. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     The description now turns to the figures. The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the figures. The following description is intended only by way of example and simply illustrates certain selected exemplary embodiments of the invention as claimed herein. 
     It should be noted that any flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatuses and methods according to various embodiments of the invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart may convey one or more functions undertaken in a process, while any functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates in plan view a toy track with several segments, in accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, track  100  includes several interconnected straight and curved segments, examples of which are indicated at  102  and  104 , respectively. Straight segment  102  includes male connectors and female connectors  106  and  108 , respectively, configured for mating with compatible female and male connectors, respectively, of other track segments. The track may be formed from wood or from wood in combination with other materials, but of course other types of suitable materials are conceivable within the scope of embodiments of the present invention. 
     Preferably, segment  102  and analogous segments are configured for imparting a self-guiding capability to wheeled toy vehicles. As such, segment  102  is preferably divided into five longitudinal sections. Two guide rails  110   a/b  preferably extend upwardly from a base portion of segment  102 ; the makeup and functioning of these rails  110   a/b  will be better appreciated and understood from the ensuing discussion. As such, rails  110   a/b  are each preferably configured for imparting a self-guiding capability to a toy vehicle for travel of a toy vehicle in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal dimension of each guide rail. In the context of  FIG. 1 , the direction of travel could be clockwise or counter-clockwise about the track  100 . 
     The rails preferably extend from a base portion that includes outer wheel surfaces  112   a  and  112   b  (each adjacent to rails  110   a  and  110   b , respectively) and inner wheel surface  114 . Preferably, each of the wheel surfaces  112   a/b  and  114  is configured for accommodating wheels of a toy vehicle such that a toy vehicle straddles one of the guide rails  110   a/b . In other words, to permit travel of a toy vehicle about track  100 , the two front wheels of a toy vehicle will flank a guide rail  110   a  or  110   b , and the two rear wheels of a toy vehicle will do the same. 
     Preferably, segment  102  does not include side guide rails extending from wheel surfaces  112   a  and  112   b  at the side edges of segment  102 , in contrast to conventional toy race tracks which may typically include such side guide rails. It will thus be appreciated that the self-guiding capability afforded by rails  110   a/b  is, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, preferably sufficient to ensure that toy vehicles will not jump the guide rails  110   a/b  at reasonable speeds of travel, thereby obviating the need for side guide rails as mentioned. By eliminating such side guide rails, it will be appreciated that an enhanced aesthetic quality can be imparted to toy track  100  in that an unimpeded view of toy vehicles on track  100  can be provided without a potentially unsightly visual interposition of such side guide rails. 
     Preferably, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, rails  110   a/b  will, in cooperation with wheels of a toy vehicle, be sufficient for keeping a toy vehicle on course or on track without the need for any supplemental guiding elements such as a longitudinal slot which might accommodate a downward extension from a toy vehicle. 
     Preferably, segment  102  includes male and female connectors  106  and  108 , respectively, configured for mating with female and male connectors, respectively, of another track segment. The arrangement and shape of male and female connectors  106 / 108  shown in  FIG. 1  is provided merely by way of illustrative and non-restrictive example, and of course other types of connection arrangements are conceivable within the scope of embodiments of the present invention. 
     Indicated at  104  is a curved segment that is preferably configured for connection with other segments, such as one or more straight segments such as that indicated at  102 . Preferably, curved segment  104  includes features similar to straight segment  102 . 
       FIG. 2   a - 2   c  provide essentially the same view as  FIG. 1 , but additionally showing two toy vehicles in varying relative positions. The dotted arrow D shows a counterclockwise direction of travel about track  100  that is considered here for the purposes of illustration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2   a , a first toy vehicle  116   a  includes four wheels  118   a , with guide rail  110   a  being interposed between front and rear pairs, respectively, of the wheels  118   a . Similarly, second toy vehicle  116   b  includes four wheels  118   b , with guide rail  110   ba  being interposed between front and rear pairs, respectively, of the wheels  118   b . The toy vehicles  116   a/b  may include a wooden body and wheels  118   a/b  formed from rubber; however, this is just an example and of course toy vehicles and wheels using other materials are conceivable within the scope of embodiments of the present invention. Toy vehicles  116   a/b  may be propelled in essentially any manner. For instance, they may have a small internal electric or mechanical engine which rotates any or all of the wheels  118   a/b , or they may include a wind-up mechanism which cocks the wheels  118   a/b  for rotational motion, e.g., via a direct wind-up tool that can be turned by hand or via a self-windup mechanism that is activated by pulling a vehicle  116   a/b  rearwardly on a surface whereby motion of the wheels against direction of travel D provides the wind-up or cocking function. 
     In  FIG. 2   a , with respect to the direction of travel D, vehicle  116   b  is shown as being behind vehicle  116   a .  FIG. 2   b  provides essentially the same view as  FIG. 2   a , with vehicle  116   b  being shown as even or side-by-side with respect to vehicle  116   a .  FIG. 2   c  provides essentially the same view as  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , with vehicle  116   b  being shown as ahead of vehicle  116   a . It will thus be appreciated from  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c  that, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, guide rails  118   a/b  are relatively disposed and dimensioned to permit relative travel of toy vehicle  116   b  past the other toy vehicle  116   a  while rail  110   a  is interposed between wheels  118   a  of vehicle  116   a  and rail  110   b  is interposed between wheels  118   b  of vehicle  116   b.    
     The disclosure now turns to  FIGS. 3   a - 6  and a discussion of individual components or segments of a toy race track in accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Various physical dimensions are discussed in the ensuing discussion, and it should be understood that these are provided by way of non-restrictive and illustrative examples only, with the understanding that the exact dimensions shown need not necessarily be applied to bring about the functional features of embodiments of the present invention discussed herethroughout. 
       FIGS. 3   a - 3   c  illustrate, respectively, a plan view and two side elevational views of a straight toy track segment  102  by way of illustrating more detail thereof. Segment  302  may be essentially similar in general makeup to that indicated at  102  in  FIGS. 1-2   c ; numerals referencing similar components as in  FIGS. 1-2   c  are advanced by  200 . All three figures may be referred to jointly. A sample dimension a, or a length of segment  102  from apex to apex of male connectors  306 , may be about 105 mm. A sample width b, that is, a transverse longitudinal dimension of segment  302 , may be about 82.7 mm. An overall sample thickness c, measured with respect to guide rails  310   a/b , may be about 13.2 mm, while a sample thickness d, measured with respect to wheel surfaces  312   a/b  and  314 , may be about 10 mm. 
     Preferably, dimensions of the guide rails  310   a/b  and wheel surfaces  312   a / 312   b / 314  may be similar to or compatible with those of one or more segments with which segment  302  may connect (such as a curved segment  404  as shown in  FIG. 4 ). Such dimensions may also preferably be compatible with those of a track segment (with which segment  302  may connect) lacking guide rails that are to be interposed between wheels of a toy vehicle. For instance, wheel surfaces  312   a / 312   b / 314  may transition into a flat portion of another toy track segment, wherein, to ensure that a toy vehicle stays on course, the other toy track segment may include side guide rails at the longitudinal edges of the segment for lack of guide rails that are to be interposed between wheels of a toy vehicle. 
     Furthermore, segment  302  may connect with narrower individual track segments that each are configured for accommodating solely one toy vehicle, wherein such a narrower track segment may include side guide rails at the longitudinal edges thereof for lack of any guide rail to be interposed between wheels of a toy vehicle. Segment  302  may in fact connect with two such narrower individual track segments substantially in parallel, wherein a toy vehicle, traveling with respect to guide rail  310   a  such that guide rail  310   a  is interposed between wheels of the toy vehicle, transitions onto a first of two such parallel segments while another toy vehicle, traveling with respect to guide rail  310   b  such that guide rail  310   b  is interposed between wheels of the toy vehicle, transitions onto a second one of the two such substantially parallel segments. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a curved track segment  404  in plan view, by way of illustrating more detail thereof. Segment  404  may be essentially similar in general makeup to that indicated at  102  in  FIGS. 1-2   c ; numerals referencing similar components as in  FIGS. 1-2   c  are advanced by  300 . A sample dimension e, or an overall transverse dimension measured from an apex of a mail connector  406  to an outer corner of segment  404 , may be about 90.5 mm. A sample inner radius of curvature f of segment  404  may be about 91.3 mm while a sample outer radius of curvature g of segment  404  may be about 173.3 mm. 
     Preferably, dimensions of the guide rails  410   a/b  and wheel surfaces  412   a / 412   b / 414  may be similar to or compatible with those of one or more segments with which segment  404  may connect (such as a straight segment  302  as shown in  FIGS. 3   a - c ). Such dimensions may also preferably be compatible with those of a track segment (with which segment  404  may connect) lacking guide rails that are to be interposed between wheels of a toy vehicle. For instance, wheel surfaces  412   a / 412   b / 414  may transition into a flat portion of another toy track segment, wherein, to ensure that a toy vehicle stays on course, the other toy track segment may include side guide rails at the longitudinal edges of the segment for lack of guide rails that are to be interposed between wheels of a toy vehicle. 
     Furthermore, segment  404  may connect with narrower individual track segments that each are configured for accommodating solely one toy vehicle, wherein such a narrower track segment may include side guide rails at the longitudinal edges thereof for lack of any guide rail to be interposed between wheels of a toy vehicle. Segment  404  may in fact connect with two such narrower individual track segments substantially in parallel, wherein a toy vehicle, traveling with respect to guide rail  410   a  such that guide rail  410   a  is interposed between wheels of the toy vehicle, transitions onto a first of two such parallel segments while another toy vehicle, traveling with respect to guide rail  410   b  such that guide rail  410   b  is interposed between wheels of the toy vehicle, transitions onto a second one of the two such substantially parallel segments. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a merge track segment in plan view, in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, merge track segment  517  is configured for permitting two different travel paths of toy vehicles to merge with one another, such that travel of one or more toy vehicles from a first track segment (such as a segment  302  from  FIGS. 3   a - c ) may merge into travel of one or more toy vehicles from a second track segment (such as a segment  302  from  FIGS. 3   a - c ). Segment  517  may include features essentially similar in general makeup to those of a segment  102  from  FIGS. 1-2   c ; numerals referencing similar components as in  FIGS. 1-2   c  are advanced by  400 . 
     Merge segment  517  preferably includes a first “mainline” portion  517   a  and a second “branch” portion  517   b , wherein branch portion  517   b  curves to merge into the straighter orientation of mainline portion  517   a . Mainline portion  517   a  includes guide rails  510   a/b  which are interrupted to accommodate the merging of branch portion  517   b . Branch portion  517   b , for its part, preferably includes components similar and analogous to those found in mainline portion  517 , including: a first outer wheel surface  512   c  similar and analogous to mainline outer wheel surface  512   a ; a second outer wheel surface  512   d  similar and analogous to mainline outer wheel surface  512   b ; an inner wheel surface  514   a  similar and analogous to mainline inner wheel surface  514 ; guide rails  510   c/d  similar and analogous to mainline guide rails  510   a/b , and male/female connectors  506   a/b  similar and analogous to mainline male/female connectors  506 / 508 . 
     To accommodate the merging with branch portion  517   b , mainline portion  517   a  preferably includes cuts or openings  512   e  in guide rails  510   a/b  so as to accommodate wheels of a toy vehicle. These cuts/openings  512   e  may be flush with wheel surfaces  512   a/b  and  514  so that a toy vehicle traveling from or to branch portion  517   b  may enjoy a smooth transition while continuing to be guided by a guide rail or portion thereof. An island  510   e , preferably similar in height to guide rails  510   a/b/c/d , will preferably be interposed between wheels of a toy vehicle as a toy vehicle transitions from guide rail  510   d  to guide rail  510   b  or vice versa. 
     A sample dimension h, or an overall transverse dimension measured from an apex of male connector  506   a  to the outer longitudinal edge of wheel surface  512   b , and/or from an outer corner of branch segment  517   b  to an apex of a male connector  506  as shown, may be about 90.5 mm. 
     Preferably, dimensions of the guide rails  510   a/b/c/d  and island  510   e  as well as of wheel surfaces  512   a / 312   b / 512   c / 512   d / 514 / 514   a  may be similar to or compatible with those of one or more segments with which segment  517  may connect (such as a straight segment  302  as shown in  FIGS. 3   a - c  or a curved segment  404  as shown in  FIG. 4 ). Such dimensions may also preferably be compatible with those of a track segment (with which segment  517  may connect) lacking guide rails that are to be interposed between wheels of a toy vehicle. For instance, wheel surfaces  512   a / 312   b / 512   c / 512   d / 514 / 514   a  may transition into a flat portion of another toy track segment, wherein, to ensure that a toy vehicle stays on course, the other toy track segment may include side guide rails at the longitudinal edges of the segment for lack of guide rails that are to be interposed between wheels of a toy vehicle. 
     Furthermore, segment  517  may connect with narrower individual track segments that each are configured for accommodating solely one toy vehicle, wherein such a narrower track segment may include side guide rails at the longitudinal edges thereof for lack of any guide rail to be interposed between wheels of a toy vehicle. Segment  517  may in fact connect with two such narrower individual track segments substantially in parallel, wherein a toy vehicle, traveling with respect to guide rail  510   a  (or  510   c ) such that guide rail  510   a  (or  510   c ) is interposed between wheels of the toy vehicle, transitions onto a first of two such parallel segments while another toy vehicle, traveling with respect to guide rail  510   b  (or  510   d ) such that guide rail  510   b  (or  510   d ) is interposed between wheels of the toy vehicle, transitions onto a second one of the two such substantially parallel segments. 
     In a variant embodiment in accordance with the present invention, branch portion  517   b  may be configured and dimensioned solely to accommodate one toy vehicle, such that there is only one guide rail (e.g., similar in dimensioning and positioning to guide rail  510   c ) flanked by two wheel surfaces (e.g., in similar positions as indicated at  512   c  and  514   a ). This single-track branch portion might then only include one connection medium, such as a single female connector in a similar position as  508   a.    
     In yet another variant embodiment in accordance with the present invention, branch portion  517   b  may be configured and dimensioned essentially as shown in  FIG. 5 , e.g., as a “double-track” component, while mainline portion  517   a  may be configured and dimensioned as a “single-track” component, that is, for solely accommodating one toy vehicle. Thus, such a variant embodiment would involve a “double-track” merging into a “single-track”, wherein individual elements such as guide rails and wheel surfaces could be configured and dimensioned as appropriate to facilitate such a function. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an intersection track segment in plan view. Preferably, intersection track segment  619  is configured for permitting two different travel paths of toy vehicles to intersect with one another. The intersection of paths is shown here as being perpendicular, but other angles of intersection are conceivable within the scope of embodiments of the present invention. Segment  619  may include features essentially similar in general makeup to those of a segment  102  from  FIGS. 1-2   c ; numerals referencing similar components as in  FIGS. 1-2   c  are advanced by 500. 
     Preferably, as shown, intersection segment  619  may be generally square in orientation so as to accommodate connections with four other segments (or pairs of track segments) on all four sides. For the purposes of the present discussion, the four sides of segment  619  shown in  FIG. 6  may be referred to as “north”, “south”, “east” and “west” in accordance with cardinal directions and as corresponding, respectively to an upward direction, a downward direction, a rightward direction and a leftward direction in the drawing. 
     Generally, segment  619  is preferably configured to permit the passage of a toy vehicle from west to east (or vice versa) and from north to south (or vice versa). Both generalized paths of travel essentially intersect at an interior passage region  622 , which may be considered to be the space within the dotted square in the drawing. 
     Each of the north, south, east and west sides of segment  619  preferably includes male and female connectors  606 / 608  for connection with other segments. Also preferably included at each of the north, south east and west sides of segment  619  are stub or truncated portions of guide rails  610   f , of outer wheel surfaces  612   e  and of inner wheel surfaces  614   b . Preferably, these stub portions  610   f / 612   e / 614   b  are compatible with guide rails and wheel surfaces of segments with which intersection segment  619  may connect, such as a straight segment  302  as shown in  FIGS. 3   a - c . Thus, guide rail stubs  610   f  may be cooperable with guide rails  310   a/b  such as shown in  FIGS. 3   a - c , such that a height of guide rail stubs  610   f  at the edges of segment  619  is similar to functionally compatible with a height of guide rails of another segment with which segment  619  is to be connected. Similarly, wheel surface stubs  612   e / 614   b  may be dimensioned to be flush with wheel surfaces  310   a / 310   b / 314  such as shown in  FIGS. 3   a - c.    
     Preferably, guide rail stubs  610   f  taper in height from the outer edges of segment  619  towards passage region  622 , whereupon the guide rail stubs  610   f  are essentially flush with the surface of passage region  622 . Preferably, each guide rail stub  610   f  is aligned with an opposite guide rail stub  610   f  so that a toy vehicle may reliably travel across the passage region  622  from one guide rail stub  610   f  to the other. 
     Indicated at  620  are cylindrical holes or recesses into which streetlight accessory parts can be placed, but may be used for essentially any functional purpose. 
     A sample dimension j, or an overall transverse dimension measured from a major portion of one side of segment  619  to the major portion of an opposite side of segment  619 , may be about 151 mm. A sample dimension k, or an overall transverse dimension measured between apices of male connectors  606 , may be about 185 mm. A sample diameter m of holes/recesses  620  may be about 29.6 mm. 
     As mentioned above, preferably, dimensions of the guide rail stubs  610   f  as well as those of wheel surface stubs  612   e / 614   b  may be similar to and compatible with those of one or more segments with which segment  619  may connect (such as a straight segment  302  as shown in  FIGS. 3   a - c ). Such dimensions may also preferably be compatible with those of a track segment (with which segment  517  may connect) lacking guide rails that are to be interposed between wheels of a toy vehicle. For instance, wheel surface stubs  612   e / 614   b  may transition into a flat portion of another toy track segment, wherein, to ensure that a toy vehicle stays on course, the other toy track segment may include side guide rails at the longitudinal edges of the segment for lack of guide rails that are to be interposed between wheels of a toy vehicle. 
     Furthermore, segment  619  may connect with narrower individual track segments that each are configured for accommodating solely one toy vehicle, wherein such a narrower track segment may include side guide rails at the longitudinal edges thereof for lack of any guide rail to be interposed between wheels of a toy vehicle. Segment  619  may in fact connect with two such narrower individual track segments substantially in parallel, wherein a toy vehicle, traveling with respect to a first guide rail stub  610   f , such that first guide rail stub  610   f  is interposed between wheels of the toy vehicle, transitions onto a first of two such parallel segments while another toy vehicle, traveling with respect to a second guide and parallel guide rail stub  610   f , such that second guide rail stub  610   f  is interposed between wheels of the toy vehicle, transitions onto a second one of the two such substantially parallel segments. 
     As mentioned above, an intersection track segment  619  need not necessarily be configured as shown in  FIG. 6 . For instance, an intersection track segment may be configured to accommodate two intersecting paths of toy vehicle travel that are not substantially perpendicular to one another. Furthermore, it is conceivable to configure an intersection track segment to accommodate three or more intersecting paths of toy vehicle travel. For instance, a hexagonal intersection track segment could be configured to accommodate three intersecting paths of toy vehicle travel that, e.g., may be offset at angles of 60 degrees with respect to one another or an octagonal intersection track segment could be configured to accommodate four intersecting paths of toy vehicle travel that, e.g., may be offset at angles of 45 degrees with respect to one another. 
     The disclosure hereinabove has focused on toy track systems that permit two toy vehicles to travel or race side-by-side or in parallel with respect to one another over segments that are configured to accommodate two such vehicles engaged in such travel. It should be understood and appreciated that embodiments of the present invention certainly allow for a greater number of toy vehicles, such as three or four or more to vehicles, to travel or race side-by-side or in parallel with respect to one another over segments that are configured to accommodate three or more such vehicles engaged in such travel. Features, dimensions and relative dimensions of tracks and track segments as discussed and illustrated herein can thus certainly be construed as being applicable to segments that permit three or more vehicles to travel or race side-by-side or in parallel with respect to one another. 
     It should further be appreciated that track segments as discussed and contemplated herein can certainly be configured and dimensioned to freely connect and functionally cooperate with single-track segments of other toy track systems or kits. Connections and interfaces with single-track segments can be appreciated from the foregoing discussion. Thus, an intermingling of track segments from different toy track systems or kits becomes possible, thus enhancing the variety of overall track configurations that can be constructed. 
     This disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain principles and practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.