Patent Publication Number: US-8113122-B2

Title: Trestle support apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/879,898 filed Jan. 11, 2007, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclose generally relates to a model track assembly and specifically to a support apparatus suitable for supporting a conventional trestle for a model track assembly, such as a model railroad track assembly and model racecar track assembly. 
     Hobby enthusiasts for many years have enjoyed the operation of model railroad trains and model racecars, both of the type in which separate track sections are removably joined together to form a closed path designed by the hobbyist over which a model train or racecar will travel. In the simplest form, a section of track includes a pair of spaced apart, electrically conductive rails and an arrangement of ties extending between the rails, the rails being joined together to form the track section into the desired configuration. The rails form a closed electrical circuit when the track sections are joined together in a closed configuration or pattern. Means are provided for supplying electrical energy to the rails of the assembled track sections to energize the model train or racecar traveling thereon. The track sections range in size and shape. There are countless possibilities for individual track sections: some are straight; some feature switching mechanisms; some are curved having various radii; and, some are ascending for connection to another track positioned at a higher level. 
     One of the problems facing designers today is the connection of incoming, ascending segments to other track sections, which are positioned at a different height than the incoming, ascending segments. Generally, track support apparatuses, such as trestles, are used to support such ascending track sections. Trestles may be used individually but are typically arranged in series. For example, a typical figure-8-shaped course includes elevated track sections which cross at the center of the figure-8 at differing levels. The track sections are supported at an incline and decline by gradually ascending and descending trestles. However, prior art support apparatuses fail to provide adequate stability to such track sections ascending above the figure-8-shaped course. 
     It is also popular to suspend model tracks from architectural structures, such as ceilings, within restaurants, retail outlets, homes, and the like. Suspended model railroad tracks are aesthetically pleasing and add substantially to the enjoyment of being in such places. Diners, customers, friends, and relatives all enjoy watching model trains travel upon such suspended tracks. However, suspending model railroad tracks from architectural structures requires custom installation involving attachment of the track sections and support apparatuses to the architectural structure, typically via suspension members. Thus, each track section and support apparatus must be individually installed specifically to suit its particular location. Additionally, it is frequently desirable to install model railroad track outdoors, such as in garden environments, for example. Thus, it would similarly be beneficial to provide support apparatuses for supporting model railroad tracks and trestles above such surfaces as soil, stone, concrete, floors, etc. 
     Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a new and improved trestle support apparatus which overcomes the difficulties with the prior art designs. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a trestle support apparatus for use with a model track assembly is provided. The model track assembly includes track sections and trestles of a first configuration and separate track sections and trestles of a second configuration. The trestle support apparatus comprises an elongated base including an elongated channel dimensioned to releasably receive and support a trestle of a first configuration. First and second stanchions are releasably mounted to the base. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a trestle support apparatus comprises an elongated base including a platform and first and second arms extending outwardly from the platform. The platform and the first and second arms define an elongated channel dimensioned to releasably receive and support a trestle of a first configuration. First and second stanchions are releasably mounted to the base. The first and second stanchions are in spaced apart relation such that at least two parallel track sections can be positioned beneath the base. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a trestle support apparatus comprises an elongated base including an elongated channel dimensioned to releasably receive and support a trestle of a first configuration. First and second stanchions are releasably mounted to the base. Each of the first and second stanchions include a first end section configured to be releasably mounted beneath the base and a second end section configured to be releasably mounted within the elongated channel. 
     Still other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from a reading and understanding of the detailed description of the several embodiments described hereinbelow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, several embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an assembled trestle support apparatus according to the present disclosure, the trestle support apparatus having a first conventional trestle mounted thereto. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of a stanchion of the trestle support apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of the stanchion of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the stanchion of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a base of the trestle support apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevational view, partially broken away, of the base of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view of the trestle support apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating a fastening means for mounting the stanchion to the base. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view of the trestle support apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating an alternative fastening means for mounting the stanchion to the base. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial cross-sectional view of the trestle support apparatus of  FIG. 1  illustrating another alternative fastening means for mounting the stanchion to the base. 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of the trestle support apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing a stanchion of a second trestle support apparatus mounted to the base of the trestle support apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of the trestle support apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing an adaptor mounted thereto for mounting a second conventional trestle to the trestle support apparatus. 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the adaptor of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a stanchion in an expanded position of the trestle support apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of the stanchion of  FIG. 14  in a collapsed position. 
         FIG. 16  is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an adaptor in a first position for use with the trestle support apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of the adaptor of  FIG. 16  in a second position. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross sectional view of the adapter of  FIG. 17  taken generally along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. All references to direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the trestle support apparatus illustrated in the drawings and should not be construed as limiting. It will also be appreciated that the various identified components of the trestles and support apparatus disclosed herein are merely terms of art that may vary from one model track manufacturer to another and should not be deemed to limit the present disclosure. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  illustrates a trestle support apparatus, generally designated by reference numeral  10 , in accordance with the present disclosure. The trestle support apparatus  10  includes an elongated base  12  and first and second stanchions or legs  14  and  16 , respectively, releasably mounted to the base. The first and second stanchion  14 ,  16  are of equal height and such height can differ depending on the configuration of the ascending track sections mounted to the trestle support apparatus. In this embodiment, the trestle support apparatus is generally U-shaped and the first and second stanchions  14 ,  16  stand in spaced apart relation such that at least two parallel track sections can be positioned under the base. The trestle support apparatus can be fabricated out of a durable material, such as a plastic material. As will be described in greater detail below, the base  12  is configured such that the first and second stanchions  14 ,  16  are connectable to the base at several predetermined locations along its longitudinal extent. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the base  12  includes an elongated platform  20  having opposed end sections  22 ,  24  and opposed side edges  26 ,  28 . First and second arms  30  and  32 , respectively, are connected to opposed side edges and extend outwardly therefrom. Each arm  30 ,  32  includes a respective upwardly extending side wall  40 ,  42  and a respective inwardly extending top wall  44 ,  46 . The arms and the base platform together define an elongated channel  50 . As will be described in greater detail below, the channel is dimensioned to releasably receive a first conventional trestle T of a first configuration and/or an adapter  200  ( FIG. 12 ) configured to support a second conventional trestle T′ of a second configuration. 
     Each end section  22 ,  24  of the platform  20  includes a first partial row of equally spaced apart first apertures  60  formed therethrough and a second partial row of equally spaced apertures  62  formed therethrough. The apertures  60 ,  62  are dimensioned to receive conventional fasteners F ( FIG. 1 ) which secure the first and second stanchions  14  and  16  to the base  12 . Particularly, and as shown in  FIG. 7 , a top wall  66  of each stanchion  14 ,  16  includes at least one threaded aperture which aligns with one of the apertures  60 ,  62  located on the base. In the depicted embodiment, the top wall includes a pair of threaded apertures  68 ,  70 . Each fastener extends through one of the base apertures  60 ,  62  and threadingly engages one of the stanchion apertures  68 ,  70 . 
     It should be appreciated that alternate means for securing the stanchions to the base are also contemplated. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the support apparatus  10  can have a Lego®-like configuration wherein one of the base  12 ′ and the stanchions  14 ′,  16 ′ includes coupling protrusions  80  and the other includes receiving cavities  82 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 9 , one of the base  12 ″ and the stanchions  14 ″,  16 ″ can include a pin-like projection  86  and the other can include a complementary socket  88 . Alternatively, one of the base and the stanchions can include a head (not shown) having a squared dovetail shape and the other can include a complementary channel (not shown). 
     As will also be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art, the first and second stanchions  14 ,  16  can be generally identical, and thus only first stanchion  14  will be described in further detail herein. With reference now to  FIGS. 2-4 , first stanchion  14  is generally rectangular in shape and includes the top wall  66 , a bottom wall  90 , opposed side walls  92 ,  94  and opposed front and back walls  96 ,  98 . It should be appreciated that alternate shapes and configurations of the stanchions are contemplated. For example, the stanchions of the present disclosure may be configured to have round, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc., cross-sections. Further, the stanchions can be molded to have a trestle-like configuration similar to one of the first or second conventional trestles. Provided on at least one of the front and back walls is a mounting aperture. In the depicted embodiment, each front and back wall  96 ,  98  includes a respective mounting aperture  100 ,  102 . Each mounting aperture extends diagonally though the stanchion and is dimensioned to receive a conventional fastener (not shown) for securing the stanchion to a generally flat, subjacent surface, such as a floor. 
     A groove  110 ,  112  is located on each front and back wall  96 ,  98  of the stanchion  14 . As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the grooves are spaced from the bottom wall  90  a predetermined distance such that a stanchion  14 ′″ of a second trestle support apparatus can be mounted to trestle support apparatus  10 . More particularly, the grooves are dimensioned to slidingly receive at least a portion of each respective top wall  44 ,  46  of each arm  30 ,  32  of the base  12 . Once positioned in the channel  50 , the top walls provide stability against deflecting forces directed to the second trestle support apparatus. This allows for the stacking of the trestle support apparatuses, which, in turn, allows for the placement of additional ascending track sections. To reduce the weight of the trestle support apparatus  10 , each stanchion  14 ,  16  can include at least one through hole  120 . 
     With reference again to  FIG. 1 , the mounting of the first conventional trestle T to the trestle support apparatus  10  is illustrated. A portion of the trestle is slidingly inserted in the channel  50  such that the trestle can be positioned at various locations along the longitudinal extent of the base  12 . To secure the trestle in the channel, the respective side walls  40 ,  42  of the arm  30 ,  32  include an array of apertures  122 ,  124 , which can be in registry with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures  122 ,  124  are threaded. As shown in  FIG. 6 , at least one fastener F′, such as a thumb screw, can be threaded into one of the apertures such that an end section of the fastener F′ engages the trestle, which, in turn, prevents the longitudinal movement of the trestle T in the channel. It should be appreciated that alternate means for securing the trestle are contemplated. For example, an elongated member, such as a rod having a threaded end, can be inserted through one of the apertures such that the threaded end threadingly engages the other aperture. 
     As indicated previously, and with reference to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , an adapter  200  can be mounted to the trestle support apparatus  10 . In the depicted embodiment, the adapter is generally rectangular in shape; although, it should be appreciated that alternate shapes and configurations are contemplated. The adapter includes a pair of longitudinally extending grooves  202  and  204  located on opposed sides  210  and  212 . Similar to the grooves  110 ,  112  of the stanchions  14 ,  16 , and as shown in  FIG. 12 , the adapter grooves  202 ,  204  are dimensioned to slidingly receive at least a portion of each respective top wall  44 ,  46  of each arm  30 ,  32  of the base  12 . A top wall  220  of the adapter can be configured to mate to the specific type of second conventional trestle T′ being mounted thereto. For example, the second conventional trestle can be a conventional LGB® track top mounting pier TP mounted atop a LGB® layer pier LP. As such, the top wall includes a plurality of spaced apart mounting openings  224  adapted to receive downwardly extending projections (not shown) located on a bottom surface of one of the top pier and the layer pier. The top wall further includes a plurality of threaded apertures  226  for receiving conventional fasteners which can secure one of the second conventional trestle to the adapter. To reduce the weight of the adapter  200 , at least one through hole  250  can be located on the top wall. 
     To mount the adapter  200  to the base  12 , the adapter is slidingly inserted in the channel  50  such that the second conventional trestle mounted thereto can be positioned at various locations along the base  12 . Similar to the securing of the first conventional trestle to the base, at least one fastener F′ is then threaded into one of the apertures  122 ,  124  located on the base  12  such that an end section of the fastener engages one of the side walls  210 ,  212  of the adapter. This prevents the longitudinal movement of the adapter in the channel. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , an additional embodiment of a stanchion  300  for use with the trestle support apparatus  10  is illustrated. 
     The stanchion  300  comprises at least two interconnected sections, which can be telescopically received within and secured to each other so that the stanchion has an extended position ( FIG. 14 ) and a collapsed position ( FIG. 15 ). In the depicted embodiment, the stanchion includes a first elongated member  310  and a second elongated member  312  moveably connected to and projecting from the first elongated member. The first elongated member  310  is generally rectangular in shape and includes a top wall  320 , a bottom wall  322 , opposed side walls (only side wall  324  being illustrated) and opposed front and back walls  328 ,  330 . Again, it should be appreciated that alternate shapes and configurations of the stanchion  300  is contemplated. Extending longitudinally from the top wall towards the bottom wall is a socket  340 . Adapted to cooperate with the first elongated member  310  is the second elongated member  312 . The second elongated member includes a top wall  350  and a longitudinally extending body  352  which is so sized as to fit in the socket  340  of the first elongated member. The top wall  350  has a larger dimension than the body  352  so that in the collapsed position an outer surface  356  of the top wall is generally contiguous with an outer surface  360  of the first elongated member  310 . 
     Similar to the previous embodiment, to secure the stanchion  300  to the base  12 , the top wall  350  includes a pair of threaded apertures  360 ,  362  which align with the apertures  60 ,  62  located on the base  12 . Fasteners extend through the base apertures and threadingly engages the stanchion apertures. Again, it should be appreciated that alternate means for securing the stanchion to the base are also contemplated. Provided on the front and back walls  328 ,  330  are respective mounting aperture  368 ,  370 . The mounting apertures extend diagonally though the stanchion and are each dimensioned to receive a conventional fastener for securing the stanchion to a generally flat, subjacent surface. Grooves  374 ,  376  are located on the respective front and back walls  328 ,  330  of the stanchion  300  which allow for the stacking of at least two trestle support apparatuses. 
     A locking structure  390  selectively locks the second elongated member  312  in a desired position in relation to the first elongated member  310 . In the depicted embodiment, located adjacent the top wall  320  of the first elongated member  310  is a threaded aperture  392 . A fastener F″, such as a thumb screw, can be threaded into the aperture  392  such that an end section of the fastener frictionally engages the body  352  of the second elongated member  312 , which, in turn, prevents the longitudinal movement of the second elongated member in the socket  340 . 
     It should be appreciated that alternate means for releasably locking the elongated members together are also contemplated. For example, a single aperture can be formed along an exterior periphery of the body  352  and is selectively and slidably aligned with one of a plurality of openings formed along an exterior periphery of the first elongated member  310 . An outwardly biasing spring-loaded clip portion can be inserted within the body so that an outwardly biasing button portion selectively projects through the single aperture and one of the plurality of openings of the overlapping first elongated member. The overall length of the collapsible stanchion  300  may be adjusted simply by pressing the button portion inwardly and then axially sliding the first and second elongated members relative to one another until a desired opening of the plurality of openings aligns over the single aperture, at which point the button portion will again project downwardly through the aperture and one of the plurality of openings snapping the first and second elongated members in place. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 16-18 , an additional embodiment of an adapter  400  for use with the trestle support apparatus is illustrated. 
     Similar to adapter  200 , adapter  400  is generally rectangular in shape; although, it should be appreciated that alternate shapes and configurations are contemplated. The adapter comprises a first section  402  and a second section  404  movably connected to the first section. The rotation of the second section relative to the first section allows a trestle which is supported on the second section to transverse the base  12  at various angles. The first section  402  includes a pair of longitudinally extending cutouts  410  and  412  located on opposed sides  420  and  422 . The cutouts allow the sides  420 ,  422  of the adapter to be slidingly received within the channel  50  of the base  12 . A top wall  430  of the second section is configured to mate to the specific type of the second conventional trestle being mounted thereto. The adapter  400  further includes means  440  for rotating the second section  404  relative to the first section  402 . For example, a shoulder screw  450  can be inserted through an aperture  452  located on the first section so that the threaded end section of the screw threadingly engages an aperture  456  of the second section. The shoulder screw allows the second section  404  to rotate relative to the first section  402 . It should be appreciated that alternate means for rotating the second section are also contemplated. 
     The present disclosure has been described with reference to the above embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. For example, it should also be appreciated that the trestle support apparatus  10  can be easily suspended from a ceiling. In this suspended embodiment, the stanchions  14 ,  16  are mounted in the base channel  50  in a similar manner described above. The stanchions can then be secured to the ceiling via conventional manners. The components of the trestle support apparatus can be color-coded for ease of assembly. It is intended that the present disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.