Patent Publication Number: US-2019192983-A1

Title: Toy vehicle track system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Tracks for toy vehicles may be specific to the design of the toy vehicle, often being manufactured to include slots as guides. Freely steering toy vehicles on many conventional tracks may not be possible. This is particularly problematic for toy vehicles having more advanced features such as steerable wheels, finger-engageable steering mechanisms, linked turning wheels, and/or wheels with negative camber for improved cornering, as opposed to toy vehicles that are merely pushed by a user and lack steering mechanisms. Thus, the variety of track types is limited and may not be appropriate for toy vehicles with such advanced features that support vehicle steering. Specific track designs may provide various benefits in some design aspects but lack in others. For example, a track composed of one type of material may provide rigid support but fail to allow toy vehicles to gain optimal traction on the surface. Rigid materials such as plastics used in constructing tracks may be injurious during play as well as difficult to walk over or maneuver around when engaging in play, particularly for children. This may be distracting and impede time spent on interaction and creative play, also detracting from a potential for adult-child interaction. In general, toy tracks may be unwieldy to assemble or move, and may come apart easily, thus impeding play. Track constructions may also offer only minimal variety for play driving. For example, conventional tracks may be generally operable only along a single plane of a floor or table surface. 
     SUMMARY 
     A toy vehicle track system is provided. The system may include a plurality of track sections. Each track section may be formed within a section of a regular polygonal grid unit and may have at least two terminal ends at edges of the regular polygonal grid unit. The terminal ends of each track section may include interlocking structures that interlock with interlocking structures of at least a second track section. The plurality of track sections may include at least a straight track section, a curved track section, and a Y-shaped track section. Each track section may be composed of foam. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a toy vehicle track system according to one example implementation. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of a straight track section. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of a curved track section. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of a Y-shaped track section. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  show other example configurations of track sections, including an X-shaped track section in  FIG. 5A , an r-shaped track section in  FIG. 5B , and two r-shaped track sections connected to a Y-shaped track section in  FIG. 5C . 
         FIG. 6  shows a straight track section, a curved track section, and a Y-shaped track section, each track section a section of a regular polygonal grid unit that in one example implementation is hexagonal. Track dimensions according to one example implementation are given. 
         FIGS. 7A-7C  show example implementations of the regular polygonal grid having a hexagonal grid pattern, a rectilinear grid pattern, and a triangular grid pattern. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective of a straight track section, the track section including texturing on at least one surface to simulate the presence of rock protrusions in the track. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the interlocking structures of the track sections connecting to form a dovetail joint, according to one example implementation. 
         FIGS. 10A-10C  depict several possible track layouts using a 20-piece track section kit. 
         FIGS. 11A-11B  depict sketches of the track system according to example implementations, including example implementations of a transitioning track section. 
         FIG. 12  shows a detail of an example implementation of a transitioning track section. 
         FIG. 13  shows an example implementation of a banked track section having banked curves. 
         FIG. 14  depicts an additional possible track layout using a track section kit. 
         FIG. 15  depicts an additional possible track layout using a track section kit that includes track sections having texturing on at least one surface of the track sections. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A toy vehicle track system  12  comprising a plurality of track sections  14  is provided.  FIG. 1  illustrates one example implementation of the toy vehicle track system  12 . In this implementation, a plurality of track sections  14  are connected to form a continuous track on which toy vehicles  40  may be guided. A toy vehicle  40  shown on the track system  12  may be guided along the track by a user via hand power, finger driving, or similar modes of propulsion, as well as downhill coasting along inclined portions of the track in which the vehicle may be released by the user. Several types of track sections  14  are shown in  FIG. 1  and detailed in  FIGS. 2-4  and  FIGS. 5A-5C . Each track section  14  may have at least two terminal ends  24 , although it will be appreciated that in other configurations a track section  14  may have only a single terminal end  24 . Types of track sections  14  may include at least a straight track section  28  as shown in  FIG. 2 , a curved track section  30  as shown in  FIG. 3 , a Y-shaped track section  32  as shown in  FIG. 4 , transitioning track sections  36  as shown in  FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12 , and a U-shaped track section  39  as shown in  FIG. 11B . It will be appreciated that other configurations of track sections  14  may be possible, including X-shaped track sections  62 , r-shaped track sections  64 , track sections that feature jumps or ramps, and other geometries with one or more terminal ends  24 . An example implementation of an X-shaped track section  62  is shown in  FIG. 5A ; an example of an r-shaped track section  64  is shown in  FIG. 5B .  FIG. 5C  depicts two r-shaped track sections  64  connected to a Y-shaped track section  32  at a portion of a track in a connected state. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a geometric configuration of the track sections  14  according to one example implementation. In this implementation, the construction of the track sections  14  is executed to secure precise and tight connection between the track sections  14  and to increase the number of connection permutations possible with a finite number of track sections  14 . These qualities are included among the potential advantages of the example implementation. Each track section  14  may be formed within a section of a regular polygonal grid unit  20  belonging to a regular polygonal grid  34 , the track section  14  having at least two terminal ends  24  at edges  22  of the regular polygonal grid unit  20 . It will be appreciated that the polygonal grid units  20  and the polygonal grid  34  are mathematical objects, and as such, represent idealized geometries. Thus, they are virtual rather than physical in nature. A U-shaped track section  39  may include the sections of a plurality of the regular polygonal grid units  20 . For example, the U-shaped track section  39  may be formed by continuously joining three curved track sections  30 , which may take the form of the U-shaped track section  39  as shown in  FIG. 11B . 
     One potential advantage of this configuration, in addition to those described above, is a regular pattern of connection between track sections  14  that, being geometrically precise, aids in holding the track sections  14  together in the completed track. This feature is particularly important given the stress to which the track may be exposed during repeated assembly/disassembly and play. Additionally, this configuration featuring sections of regular polygonal grid units  20  belonging to a regular polygonal grid  34  may assist younger children in being successful at constructing multi-section track assemblies due to the regular patterning of connections between track sections  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , a width W of the straight track section  30  may be in a range of 5 inches to 6 inches and a length L of the straight track section  30  may be in a range of 11 inches to 12 inches. In one example, the width W may be 5.75 inches and the length L may be 11.6 inches. Dimensions of the regular polygonal grid unit  20  are also indicated in  FIG. 6 . In the example implementation shown in  FIG. 6 , a hexagon that is the regular polygonal grid unit  20  belonging to the regular polygonal grid  34  having a hexagonal pattern may have a length along one side S in a range of 6 inches to 7 inches, a length between two opposite sides SS in a range of 11 inches to 12 inches, and a length between two opposite corners CC in a range of 13 inches to 14 inches. In another example, the length along one side S may be 6.75 inches, the length between two opposite sides SS may be 11.6 inches, and a length between two opposite corners CC may be 13.5 inches. It will be appreciated that other dimensions are also possible as these values are merely exemplary. 
     The terminal ends  24  of each track section  14  may include interlocking structures  26  (e.g., projections  66  and recesses  68 ) that interlock with the interlocking structures  26  of at least a second track section  18 . This is shown, for example, in  FIG. 6  between the curved track section  30 , which is a first track section  16  in this example, and the straight track section  28 , which is the second track section  18  in this example. 
     Each track section  14  may be at least partially or entirely composed of foam. One potential advantage of such a configuration is that the track sections  14  may be deformable and unlikely to produce injury to a user should impact between the user and the track sections  14  occur, whether during track construction, play, or inadvertently when a user moves around or over the track. In a preferred configuration, the foam is ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. The use of this particular material has at least several potential advantages. The texture of EVA foam is such that the track may be sturdy and endure under repeated stress and wear, while also being deformable and less likely to cause injury compared to rigid toy car track materials including hard plastics. The track sections  14  may be placed on various surfaces such as wood, carpet, etc., as EVA foam exhibits a high adhesion to many types of flooring. EVA foam texture and surfaces may also be advantageous in that friction forces between the toy vehicle  40  and the track may be optimal for propulsion of the toy vehicle  40  along the track. A “stickiness” inherent in EVA foam may work in favor of adhering the track sections  14  to each other at the connection areas of the interlocking structures  26 . Track sections  14  may therefore be less likely to separate during play. Additionally, EVA foam is inexpensive to manufacture, decorate, and die cut into desired shapes. 
     It will be appreciated that although a hexagonal grid as shown in  FIG. 6  is a preferred implementation for constructing the track sections  14  from a regular polygonal grid  34 , the regular polygonal grid unit  20  may belong to a regular polygonal grid  34  having a pattern of hexagonal, rectilinear, or triangular, to name a few example implementations as shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C . It will be appreciated that other regular polygonal grids  34  may be implemented, such as those with multiple types of regular polygons and vertices or tiling patterns, as advantageous for track design or inventive play. Freeform designs may also be employed, or combinations of regular and freeform constructions. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective of a straight track section  28 . The perspective shows a side of the track section  14  with a thickness T. In a preferred implementation where the track section  14  is EVA foam, the EVA foam may have a thickness T in a range of ⅜ inches to ½ inches. Also, the EVA foam may be textured on at least one surface of the track section  14 . The straight track section  28  as shown in  FIG. 8  is one example implementation of a track section  14  where texturing simulates the presence of rock protrusions in the track section  14 . Texturing of the track sections  14  may have at least one potential advantage of increasing types of play with a toy vehicle  40  on the track system  12 . 
     Track sections  14  may additionally include banked track sections  58  having banked curves  60  as shown in  FIG. 13 . Banked curves  60  and texturing may be employed to create different simulated road conditions during play with a toy vehicle  40  along the track system  12 . In one example implementation, the track sections  14  may be designed to simulate an asphalt or concrete surface of a street environment or a race-track environment. In the case of simulated street environments, track sections  14  may include markings, texturing, and/or signage typical of city streets or other public roadways. In the case of simulated race-tracks, track sections  14  may include such banked curves  60  and/or markings indicative of professional race-track environments. As another example, the track sections  14  may be designed to simulate a dirt or mud track, including a variety of protrusions, indentations, texturing, and the like. Track sections  14  with different types of texturing and design may be connected to each other; for example, a dirt-track section  72  may be connected to a race-track section  74  that may be connected to an off-road-type track section  76  having simulated rock protrusions as shown in  FIG. 15 . The user may engage with the track system  12  by exercising a choice in the connection of track sections  14  to each other, thus possibly increasing a potential for play. 
     The interlocking structures  26  may connect at least a first track section  16  with at least a second track section  18  to form a dovetail joint  38 . This type of connection is depicted in  FIG. 9 . For the straight track sections  28  and curved track sections  30  as viewed from above a top side  50 , such as those in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , respectively, a projection  66  of the dovetail joint  38  may extend from a distal end of a right-end short edge of each track section and a recess  68  of the dovetail joint  38  may extend from a distal end of a left-end short edge of each track section  14 . In this configuration the interlocking structures  26  may interface interchangeably when oriented with the top side  50  up. One potential advantage of this configuration is that the track sections  14  may be secured to each other sufficiently to endure stress during play and hold together while the track is being used, yet still be easily assembled and disassembled. Furthermore, lane indicators  52  may be included on the top surface of the top side  50  of each track section  14  to indicate at least two lanes  54 ,  56  on each track section  14  as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . In this configuration, the projections  66  of the dovetail joints  38  may extend once per indicated lane of the at least two lanes  54 ,  56  of each track section  14 . Although dovetail joints are illustrated, other types of interlocking joints may be used, such as a dowel joint, finger joint, tongue and groove joint, dado joint, mortise and tenon joint, or bridle joint. 
     The potential advantages of the configurations described may include a great variety of play options with the toy vehicle track system  12 . By taking advantage of the choice of regular polygonal gird  34 , not only may secure and precise connections be possible, but the diversity of track layouts when the track sections  14  are in a connected state may be very large. Thus, forming the track in a connected state with available track sections  14  may become one feature of potential play with the track system  12 .  FIGS. 10A-10C  illustrate several possible track layouts using a 20-piece track section kit. As may be seen, forming the various track layouts presents a user with a variety of choices, expanding a potential for interaction and play with the track system  12 . Building the track into a connected state may become part of the interactive experience with track system  12  in addition to use of the track system  12  with toy vehicles  40 . Also, interaction between multiple users may be encouraged by the possibility for many track layouts, involving cooperation and decision making not only for a track layout design but planning for advantageous use with the toy vehicles  40 . It will be appreciated that a track system  12  may not be limited to 20 pieces, as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , in addition to the configurations described above, the track system  12  may be constructed to include transitioning track sections  36  curved in a direction perpendicular to a flat upper surface of a flat track section. The transitioning track sections  36  may be configured to connect at least a first track section  16  at an angle α relative to at least the second track section  18 , where the angle α may be 90 degrees. This may be advantageous when the track system  12  includes at least one track section  14  that is a wall-mounted track section. In one implementation, a first wall-mounted track section  42  may be connected to at least one floor track section  46 , the first wall-mounted track section  42  and the floor track section  46  connected via at least one transitioning track section  36 . Similarly, a first wall-mounted track section  42  may be connected to at least a second wall-mounted track section  44 , the first wall-mounted track section  42  and the second wall-mounted track section  44  connected via at least one transitioning track section  36 . In such implementations, the transitioning track sections  36  may be designed for routing the track from floor-based track sections to wall-mounted track sections or a wall-mounted track surface  33 , as shown in  FIGS. 11A-11B . The transitioning track section  36  may connect at least a floor-based track section at an angle α relative to either a wall-mounted track section (depicted in  FIG. 11B  as a U-shape track section  39 ) or a wall-mounted track surface  33  (e.g., depicted in  FIG. 11A ). In at least some implementations, transitioning track section  36  may include a rear cutout section that accommodates baseboard trim as may be found in a typical home environment (e.g., as depicted in  FIGS. 11A and 12  for the right-hand track section  36 ). 
     As a first example depicted in  FIG. 11A , a wall-mounted track surface  33  may be mounted to a wall and a user may operate a toy vehicle  40  on the wall-mounted track surface  33 . Wall-mounted track surface  33  may take the form of a contiguous sheet of material upon which a track graphic is printed or otherwise visually depicted. In at least some implementations, TYVEK may be used as the material for the wall-mounted track surface  33  due to its properties as being lightweight, non-stretching, and durable. For example, the SOFT STRUCTURE or “soft hand” form of TYVEK may provide the advantage of not wrinkling when folded, rolled, or compressed for storage, thereby ensuring smooth track surfaces for vehicle play. Where wall-mounted track surface  33  is used, transitioning track section  36  may include a first end (e.g., the floor side) having interlocking structures  26  that interface with interlocking structures  26  of a floor-based track section (e.g., first track section  16 ), and a second end (e.g., the wall side) that forms a ramp that interfaces with the wall-mounted track surface  33  to provide a smooth transition between the floor-based track section and the wall-mounted track surface  33 . 
     As an additional example,  FIG. 11B  depicts the use of wall-mounted track sections in which any of the previously described track sections may be wall-mounted to enable vehicle play on both vertical and horizontal surfaces. For example, a U-shaped track section  39  and transitioning track sections  36  may include interlocking structures  26  at each end to form a track assembly that spans floor and wall surfaces. Where wall-mounted track sections are used, transitioning track section  36  may include a first end (e.g., the floor side) having interlocking structures  26  that interface with interlocking structures  26  of a floor-based track section, and a second end (e.g., the wall side) having interlocking structures  26  that interface with interlocking structures  26  of a wall-mounted track section (e.g., U-shaped track section  39 ). 
     In at least some implementations, a semi-permanent adhesive may be used to secure wall-mounted track surface  33  or wall-mounted track sections to a wall. As an example, BLUESTIK reusable adhesive putty may be used to secure track sections to a wall. However, it will be understood that other suitable adhesives may be used including semi-permanent and permanent adhesives. 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 11A and 12 , wall transitioning track section  37  may be provided that connects wall-mounted track sections or wall-mounted track surfaces  33  between two walls. Wall transitioning track section  37  may include interlocking structures  26  at each end, at one end in combination with a ramp being formed at the other end of the section, or may be omitted with ramps instead being formed at each end of the track section, depending on whether wall-mounted track sections or wall-mounted track surfaces  33  are used. 
     A potential advantage of the floor-to-wall and wall-to-wall configurations is that play with the toy vehicles  40  may be expanded, where a user may be able to route the track in other spatial extensions and move the toy vehicle  40  along a floor or wall continuously. This is in contrast to conventional tracks that are generally designed to be used only in one plane and thus lack the potential advantage of having many spatial configurations. 
     While a variety of track sections are disclosed herein, it will be understood that a variety of different accessory items (e.g., buildings, ramps/jumps, tunnels, stunt items such as loops or rings, or other simulated structures) may be included or used in conjunction with the disclosed track sections  14 . For example, a track section  14  may have an inclined surface portion inclined in a direction perpendicular to a flat upper surface of a flat track section at an angle of inclination β ranging from 10 degrees to 40 degrees to form a ramp  70 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . A ramp  70  with this configuration having an angle of inclination fin the specified range may be appropriate for a ramp track section serving as an upward jump or a downhill coasting incline for toy vehicle  40 . Thus, track sections  14  may be banked or curved in such a way as to increase frictional forces on a toy vehicle  40  that may be released from a user&#39;s power while in motion, thus aiding in keeping the toy vehicle  40  from leaving the surface of the track sections  14 . 
     These accessory items may incorporate the same or similar interlocking structures  26  to interlock with the disclosed track sections, or may exclude the interlocking structures to be used alongside the track sections  14  without interlocking. Additionally, some track sections  14  may take the form of on-ramps or off-ramps that include interlocking structures  26  on a track-interfacing side of that section to enable users to drive a toy vehicle from a floor or wall surface onto a track assembly or from the track assembly onto the floor or wall surface. Additionally, it will be understood that the various track sections  14  and/or accessory items disclosed herein may be packaged as one or more sets for purchase by consumers. These sets may include additional items that promote vehicle play, such as a stop watch, for example. 
     As discussed above, the various implementations of track system  12  may have a number of potential advantages. Choosing an appropriate shape for the regular polygonal grid unit  20  may increase the potential for track layout configurations employed by a user. The thickness T of the track sections  14 , shape of the interlocking structures  26 , texture and “stickiness” of the EVA foam, and precision of the track geometry may help prevent the track sections  14  from becoming unintentionally disconnected during play, provide deformable and cushioning track material favorable to play, maintain sturdiness under stress during use, and be durable over many active play sessions, particularly with regard to the interlocking structures (e.g., projections  66  and recesses  68 ) that may be otherwise prone to tearing. As an example, a thickness of track sections made from EVA foam may be approximately ⅜ inch to approximately ½ inch as measured from the vehicle surface of the track to the underside of the track. In at least some implementations, the EVA foam may be of the same or greater density as typical children&#39;s play mats and/or of the same or lesser density as typical industrial floor tiles. Forming the track in a connected state and using the track with toy vehicles  40  may encourage a variety of problem solving and play for a user as well as interaction between multiple users in planning, design, and play. As the described configuration is also potentially advantageous for adult-child interactive time, it may be less likely to be distracting for or injurious to children or adults given its deformability and ease of construction, thus enhancing the quality of interaction time. 
     It is to be understood that the various embodiments and implementations described herein are exemplary in nature, and that these examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various embodiments and implementations, and other features, configurations, functions, acts, and/or properties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof. It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments and implementations are illustrative and not restrictive. Variations to the disclosed embodiments and implementations that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, now or later presented, or the equivalence of such metes and bounds are embraced by the claims.