Abstract:
An educational apparatus is traversed horizontally for the purpose of increasing learning capabilities is pictured. The apparatus is in the design of a figure eight lying on its side longitudinally and laterally intersected at its center by a column and row of straight tracks  30 . The apparatus is comprised of tracks, straight  30 , arced  40 , and curved  50 , contiguously connected to one another and an octagon shaped distinct end coupler  96  used as a bridge to connect the non-contiguous ends of tracks, straight  30 , arced  40 , and curved  50 . The distinct end coupler  96  is located in the center of the apparatus. The distinct end coupler  96  is not only a structure used to connect the non-contiguous ends of tracks but also a station from which a human receives instruction prior to traversing the apparatus and a portal used by a walking human to traverse from track to track in the proper direction and sequence, important for basic brain processing methods. The apparatus is designed to be traversed by a human in specific patterns in order to promote, foster, and facilitate the development of brain functions controlling balance, coordination, spatial awareness, and vestibular function thereby increasing learning capabilities. As a result of traversing the apparatus in specific patterns, the human brain will process alphabetic and numeric symbols more efficiently. This is especially important in the development of early childhood learners. The educational importance for the invention is based upon brain research findings that support the link of sensory motor development and increased learning capacity.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Not Applicable 
   Federally Sponsored Research 
   Not Applicable 
   Sequence Listing or Program 
   Not Applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   1. Field of Invention 
   The invention relates to educational equipment over which a human horizontally traverses using its lower limbs to promote, foster, and facilitate learning adapting brain research findings that support the link of movement to learning said educational equipment comprising one or more tracks, straight, arced, or curved, and design apparatuses comprising one or more of said tracks. 
   2. Description of Prior Art and Related Art 
   Apparatuses traversed horizontally by a human have been previously developed for educational, athletic, and therapeutic purposes. These apparatuses include equipment traversed using the upper limbs and the lower limbs. The term horizontal ladder has been used to describe monkey bar like apparatuses traversed using the upper limbs. Refer to U.S. Pat. No. 4,149,712 issued in April of 1979 to Murphy; U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,612 issued in December of 1986 to Gehlbach; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,752 issued in April of 1993 to Frankel. The following discussion will be limited to prior and related art apparatuses traversed using the lower limbs. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,339,920 issued in September of 1967 to Moritz, titled “Child&#39;s Coordination Training Device,” describes an enclosed, rectangular ladder that may be used in horizontal and inclined positions, the latter position with the aid of one or two supports also described in the patent. The ladder is comprised of two elongated, rectangular rails joined together by a series of rungs affixed to the interior sides of the rails and two end boards each affixed to the ends of the rails at each end of the ladder. The rungs and end boards are perpendicularly affixed to the rails serving to hold the opposing rails parallel to one another. The end boards and the rails are of the same height. The ladder is intended to be used in an educational environment to increase perception, attentiveness, and coordination. The author states that learning ability is increased at an earlier age allowing for earlier assimilation of educational material. 
   The prior art ladder is elongated and rectangular in shape whereas the invention comprises tracks that are not only elongated and rectangular but also arced and curved. The prior art ladder has affixed rungs whereas the invention comprises tracks with readily detachable or affixed steps. The prior art ladder is enclosed comprising end boards that hinder entering or exiting a ladder or traversing between ladders whereas the invention is free of end boards removing an obstruction to traversing the tracks. The prior art ladder has no means to connect to another ladder whereas the invention comprises tracks with means to connect to another track. The prior art ladder stands alone whereas the invention comprises design apparatuses comprising tracks, straight, arced, or curved, wherein each apparatus promotes, fosters, and facilitates learning in a far meaningful way than traversing a simple, elongated, enclosed, rectangular ladder. The invention further includes a distinct end coupler. This structure serves multiple purposes. First, it is used as an intermediate joining piece connecting with the ends of two non-contiguous tracks thereby bridging the ends of those tracks. Second, it is used as an agent to traverse from one track to another. Finally, the distinct end coupler is used as a station from which a human receives traversing instructions. The invention further includes an anti-tip device serving to protect a human while a straight track is under foot and as an aid in assembling a straight track. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,582,068 issued in June of 1976 to Hallgren describes exercise and gymnastic equipment horizontally traversed by a human commonly referred to as a balance beam. The invention may be horizontally traversed by a human using the steps of a track or the top of each rail, as a balance beam. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,365,117 issued in December of 1944 to Stafford describes a physical training apparatus developed for the military. An elongated, rectangular ladder is an element of the apparatus. The track is in an elevated, horizontal position that may be traversed by a walking or running human. However, there is no mention whether the ladder is intended to be traversed using the lower limbs. The invention comprises tracks, straight, arced, or curved, horizontally traversed and does not include each element of the physical training apparatus. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,620,185 issued in December of 1952 to Harding describes a climbing and sliding apparatus used outdoors for exercise purposes. A human ascends the rungs of a ladder to a sliding position. The upper and lower limbs are used to ascend the ladder. Both the ladder and slide are elements of the invention. The invention comprises tracks, straight, arced, or curved, horizontally traversed and does not include each element of the climbing and sliding apparatus. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,747,233 issued in July of 1973 to Berryman describes a therapeutic walking apparatus used for therapeutic purposes. A horizontal planar platform is an element of the apparatus. The platform or walkway comprises a plurality of raised footprints upon which a walking human traverses. The footprints are positioned in two rows in an alternating fashion. The apparatus also comprises a single parallel bar attached to the platform and used by the traversing human as an aid. The invention comprises tracks, straight, arced, or curved, horizontally traversed and does not include each element of the therapeutic walking apparatus. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,960 issued in July of 1999 to Cohen describes a therapeutic walking apparatus used for therapeutic purposes. A horizontal planar platform is an element of the apparatus. The platform or walkway comprises a plurality of holes into which steps with dole ends are placed. The steps are positioned in two rows in an alternating fashion. A human traverses the apparatus by either walking upon or over the steps. The apparatus also comprises a set of parallel bars attached to the platform and used by the traversing human as an aid. The invention comprises tracks, straight, arced, or curved, horizontally traversed and does not include each element of the therapeutic walking apparatus. 
   U.S. Pat. App. No. 2004/0009845 filed in January of 2004 by Johnson describes a balance and gait training board apparatus used for therapeutic purposes. The apparatus is comprised of a rectangular shaped planar platform on which detachable hurdles that may be flipped are positioned. The platform is comprised of two half sections coupled together by means independent of the hurdles. Each half section comprises an outer raised wall into which the hurdles are inserted and specifically spaced markings for gait assessment. A human horizontally traverses the apparatus by stepping on or over the hurdles. The invention comprises tracks, straight, arced, or curved, comprising two rails, joined together by steps. The preferred and second embodiments of the invention comprise rails with the means to connect to another track or a distinct end coupler. The invention does not include each element of the balance and gait training board apparatus. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,427 issued in September of 2002 to Myrland describes an agility training ladder. The ladder is comprised of two elongated non-rigid rails capable of folding and substantially planar shaped rungs. The rails are positioned parallel to one another. The ladder is positioned horizontally and traversed by a human primarily by alternatively stepping into rectangles formed by the rails and rungs. The invention comprises tracks, straight, arced, or curved, comprising two rigid rectangular, arced, or curved rails, respectively, joined together by rungs. Each rail comprises a means to connect to other tracks or a distinct end coupler. The invention does not include each element of the agility training ladder. 
   Unpatented prior and related art includes equipment comprising a rectangular foam board. Multiple boards may be arranged in the shape of a rectangular structure traversed horizontally. The boards are held together by hook and loop fabric located on the sides of each board. The invention comprises tracks, straight, arced, or curved, traversed horizontally and design apparatuses comprised of tracks and, if necessary, a distinct end coupler used to bridge the non-contiguous ends of tracks. The invention does not include each element of a rectangular foam board. 
   Unpatented prior and related art includes equipment comprising an elongated, rectangular pathway comprised of rungs immediately strung together by a cord. The pathway is traversed horizontally. The invention comprises tracks, straight, arced, or curved, traversed horizontally and does not include each element of the pathway. 
   Unpatented prior and related art includes equipment comprising straight and curved foam boards each board comprising connecting elements located at each end of a board. When the boards are joined, a balance beam is created that may be traversed horizontally in a straight or curved pattern. The invention comprises tracks, straight, arced, or curved, traversed horizontally and does not include each element of a straight or curved board. 
   Objects and Advantages 
   The primary object of the invention is to provide educational equipment that promotes, fosters, and facilitates learning adapting brain research findings that support the link of movement to learning. The result achieved by a human traversing a track or an apparatus, comprising tracks, is increased sensory motor development, longer focus and attention, coordination of motor skills, better balance in the vestibular system, awareness of basic rhythmic patterns, and improved learning readiness. The basic design of the tracks, including the shapes and colors of the steps, and the designs of the apparatuses provide the framework for the development of academic concepts including, but not limited to, color, shape, and number recognition, basic math operations, early literacy, reading readiness, handwriting skills, map skills, time concepts, and other basic early childhood curriculum. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide educational equipment that may be used simultaneously by more than one human thereby developing team concepts, peer help, and cooperation skills resulting in better social behavior and life skills. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide educational equipment with multiple uses diversifying the learning experience. A track and the apparatuses comprising tracks must be designed to accommodate lateral, longitudinal, circular, or elliptical traversing using the steps or a rail as a balance beam. A track and the apparatuses comprising tracks must be able to accommodate the stride, familiarity, and traversing method of different users. Accordingly, the distance between the steps, the height of the steps, and the distance between the rails should be adjustable. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a convenient, simple means to connect a track directly to another track or indirectly to another track with the aid of a distinct end coupler. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a means whereby a track or an apparatus, comprising tracks, may be easily assembled or disassembled or modified by adding or removing steps without the necessity of dismantling the track. 
   A further object of the invention is to provide increased safety beyond the design itself in an effort to avoid shifting or tipping of a track or apparatus comprising tracks while under foot. 
   Still another object of the invention is to provide educational equipment that may be easily transported and stored. 
   SUMMARY 
   The invention comprises tracks, straight, arced, or curved, distinct end couplers, an anti-tip device, and various design apparatuses comprising tracks and one or more distinct end couplers, if necessary. The invention is horizontally traversed by a human using the steps of a track or a rail as a balance beam. As a result learning is promoted, fostered, and facilitated. The invention is a significant improvement over prior art. 

   
     DRAWINGS—FIGURES 
     In the drawings, closely related figures share the same numbers but different alphabetic suffixes. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a prior art enclosed, rectangular ladder. 
       FIG. 2A  shows a topside view of a straight track. 
       FIG. 2B  shows a perspective view of a rectangular rail comprising a single row of elements located in whole or part at the interior side of the rail into or through which steps are inserted. 
       FIG. 2C  shows a perspective view of a rectangular rail wherein said rail comprises two rows of elements located in whole or part at the interior side of the rail into or through which steps are inserted. 
       FIG. 3A  shows a topside view of an arced track. 
       FIG. 3B  shows a perspective view of an arced rail comprising a single row of elements located in whole or part at the interior side of the rail into or through which steps are inserted. 
       FIG. 3C  shows a perspective view of an arced rail wherein said rail comprises two rows of elements located in whole or part at the interior side of the rail into or through which steps are inserted. 
       FIG. 4A  shows a topside view of a curved track. 
       FIG. 4B  shows a perspective view of a curved rail comprising a single row of elements located in whole or part at the interior side of the rail into or through which steps are inserted. 
       FIG. 4C  shows a perspective view of a curved rail wherein said rail comprises two rows of elements located in whole or part at the interior side of the rail into or through which steps are inserted. 
       FIG. 5A  shows a perspective view of a readily detachable rung with an oval shaped colored footing. 
       FIG. 5B  shows a perspective view of a readily detachable rung with a rectangular shaped colored footing. 
       FIG. 6C  shows a perspective view of a readily detachable rung with a triangular shaped colored footing. 
       FIG. 6A  shows a perspective view of an anti-tip device. 
       FIG. 6B  shows how an anti-tip device is used in the assembly of a straight track. 
       FIG. 7A  shows a perspective view of a distinct end coupler comprising a diamond shaped planar surface. 
       FIG. 7B  shows a perspective view of a distinct end coupler comprising an octagon shaped planar surface. 
       FIG. 7C  shows a perspective view of a distinct end coupler comprising a rectangular shaped planar surface. 
       FIG. 8  shows a top side view of tracks comprising the design of a figure eight lying on its side using a diamond shaped distinct end coupler. 
       FIG. 9  shows a top side view of tracks comprising the design of a figure eight lying on its side using an octagon shaped distinct end coupler. 
       FIG. 10  shows a top side view of tracks comprising the design of a figure eight lying on its side longitudinally intersected at its center by a column of straight tracks using an octagon shaped distinct end coupler. 
       FIG. 11  shows a topside view of tracks comprising the design of a figure eight lying on its side longitudinally and laterally intersected at its center by a column and a row of straight tracks using an octagon shaped distinct end coupler. 
       FIG. 12  shows a topside view of tracks comprising the design of a circle enclosing a plus sign using rectangular shaped distinct end couplers. 
       FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a straight track with affixed rungs. 
       FIG. 14  shows a perspective view an arced track with affixed rungs. 
       FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of a curved track with affixed rungs. 
       FIG. 16A  shows a perspective view of an affixed rung with an oval shaped colored footing. 
       FIG. 16B  shows a perspective view of an affixed rung with a rectangular shaped colored footing. 
       FIG. 16C  shows a perspective view of an affixed rung with a triangular shaped colored footing. 
       FIG. 17  shows a topside view of a straight track with affixed rungs and without track connecting elements. 
       FIG. 18  shows a topside view of an arced track with affixed rungs and without track connecting elements. 
       FIG. 19  shows a topside view of a curved track with affixed rungs and without track connecting elements. 
       FIG. 20  shows a topside view of tracks comprising the design of a figure eight lying on its side. 
       FIG. 21  shows a topside view of tracks comprising the design of two non-contiguous sets of connected arced and curved tracks each in the shape of a horseshoe located on the left and right sides of the design the open ends of each horseshoe shaped set of tracks located directly opposite and laterally positioned to one another and two non-contiguous straight tracks centrally located on the upper and lower sides of the design directly opposite and longitudinally positioned to one another, all of the horseshoe shaped sets of tracks and straight tracks border an octagon shaped open area in the middle of the design. 
       FIG. 22  shows a topside view of tracks comprising the design of two non-contiguous sets of connected arced and curved tracks each in the shape of a horseshoe located on the left and right sides of the design, within each of which a straight track is laterally and centrally positioned the ends of the each straight track abutting or lying at the interior sides of the horseshoe shaped set of tracks, the open ends of each horseshoe shaped set of tracks directly opposite and laterally positioned to one another and two non-contiguous straight tracks centrally located on the upper and lower sides of the design directly opposite and longitudinally positioned to one another, all of the horseshoe shaped sets of tracks, inclusive of the partially enclosed laterally positioned straight tracks, and the longitudinally positioned straight tracks border an octagon shaped open area in the middle of the design. 
       FIG. 23  shows a topside view of tracks comprising the design of a circle enclosing a plus sign. 
   

   DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS 
   
       
         20  Prior art enclosed, rectangular ladder 
         21  Prior art elongated, rectangular rail 
         22  Prior art rung 
         23  Prior art rectangular end board 
         30  Preferred embodiment of a straight track 
         31  Preferred embodiment of a rectangular rail 
         32  Interior side of a rectangular rail 
         33  Top side of a rectangular rail 
         34  Exterior side of a rectangular rail 
         35  Bottom side of a rectangular rail 
         36  End of a rectangular rail 
         40  Preferred embodiment of an arced track 
         41  Preferred embodiment of an arced rail 
         42  Interior side of an arced rail 
         43  Top side of an arced rail 
         44  Exterior side of an arced rail 
         45  Bottom side of an arced rail 
         46  End of an arced rail 
         50  Preferred embodiment of a curved track 
         51  Preferred embodiment of a curved rail 
         52  Interior side of a curved rail 
         53  Top side of a curved rail 
         54  Exterior side of a curved rail 
         55  Bottom side of a curved rail 
         56  End of a curved rail 
         60  Track connecting element 
         61  Interfitting male connector, rail end 
         62  Interfitting female connector, rail end 
         63  Step insertion element 
         64  Square shaped rung insertion element 
         65  Upper row of square shaped rung insertion elements 
         66  Lower row of square shaped rung insertion elements 
         67  Anti-slide element 
         70  Readily detachable step, with geometrically shaped colored footing 
         71  Readily detachable rung 
         72  Affixed flange 
         73  Squared rung closure, with affixed flange 
         74  Geometrically shaped rung footing 
         75  Squared rung closure, with a threaded female fastener 
         76  Threaded male flange fastener 
         77  Readily detachable rung, oval shaped colored footing 
         78  Readily detachable rung, rectangular shaped colored footing 
         79  Readily detachable rung, triangular shaped colored footing 
         80  Anti-tip device 
         81  Elongated, rectangular shaped planar surface 
         82  Work holder area 
         83  Anti-tip element 
         84  Exterior work stop abutment 
         85  Interior work stop abutment 
         86  Step insertion element, exterior abutment 
         87  Square shaped rung insertion element, exterior abutment 
         90  Geometrically shaped distinct end coupler 
         91  Planar surface of distinct end coupler 
         92  Interfitting male connector, distinct end coupler side 
         93  Interfitting female connector, distinct end coupler side 
         94  Elongated bridging stripe, distinct end coupler 
         95  Distinct end coupler, diamond shaped 
         96  Distinct end coupler, octagon shaped 
         97  Distinct end coupler, rectangular shaped 
         130  Second embodiment of a straight track 
         131  Second embodiment of a rectangular rail 
         140  Second embodiment of an arced track 
         141  Second embodiment of an arced rail 
         150  Second embodiment of a curved track 
         151  Second embodiment of a curved rail 
         170  Affixed step, with geometrically shaped colored footing 
         171  Affixed rung 
         174  Geometrically shaped affixed rung footing 
         177  Affixed rung, oval shaped colored footing 
         178  Affixed rung, rectangular shaped colored footing 
         179  Affixed rung, triangular shaped colored footing 
         230  Third embodiment of a straight track 
         231  Third embodiment of a rectangular rail 
         240  Third embodiment of an arced track 
         241  Third embodiment of an arced rail 
         250  Third embodiment of a curved track 
         251  Third embodiment of a curved rail 
     
  
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   PREFERRED EMBODIMENT—FIGS.  2 A,  2 B,  3 A,  3 B,  4 A,  4 B,  5 A,  5 B,  5 C 
   The invention is an improvement to prior art.  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of prior art, an enclosed rectangular shaped ladder  20  traversed horizontally by a human. The elements of said ladder consist of two elongated rigid, rectangular rails  21  each rail of equal dimensions. The rails are joined by rungs  22  of equal length, perpendicularly affixed to the interior side of each rail serving to hold the rails in a fixed parallel relationship to each other. Each affixed rung is of a height substantially the same. The rails are also held in place by two rectangular, rigid end boards  23  equal in height to the rails. 
   A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises straight  30 , arced  40 , and curved  50  tracks, each track comprising two rails joined together by readily detachable steps with a geometrically shaped colored footing  70  and a means  60  to connect to other tracks. Said preferred embodiment is described below and claimed in independent Claim  1 . For purposes of the specification and claims, an arc is defmed as a segment of a circle, and a curve is defined as a line deviating from straightness. 
     FIG. 2A  shows a topside view of a straight track  30 . Said straight track comprises two rigid, rectangular rails each rail  31  of substantially equal dimensions joined together by readily detachable steps  70 . Each rail  31  comprises step insertion elements  63  located in whole or part at the interior side  32  of a rail into which a step  70  is inserted. An element  63  may accommodate the insertion of a step  70  into or through the interior side of the rail  32 , the top side of the rail  33 , or the exterior side of the rail  34 . The drawing depicts a straight track  30  comprising two rigid, rectangular rails  31  joined together by readily detachable rungs  71 , a type of step  70 . Each rail  31  comprises square shaped rung insertion elements  64  into which a rungs  71  with squared closures  75  are inserted. The elements  64  bore through each rail  31  from the exterior side  34  to the interior side  32 . 
   The straight track comprises elements  60  used to effect connections to a contiguous track or tracks, straight  30 , arced  40 , or curved  50 , or to a distinct end coupler  90 , thereby bridging the non-contiguous ends of tracks. The drawing depicts two interfitting male connections  61  in the shape of a tenon comprising the ends of each rail located at one end of the straight track and two interfitting female connections  62  in a shape corresponding to a recessed tenon comprising the ends of each rail located at the opposite end of the track. 
   The straight track is free of end boards as an element thereof removing an obstruction associated with prior art  23 . The obstruction hinders entering or dismounting a track or traversing two connected tracks. 
     FIG. 2B  shows a perspective view of a rectangular rail  31 . Each rail comprises step insertion elements  63  located in whole or part at the interior side of the rail  32 . An element  63  may accommodate the insertion of a step  70  into or through the interior side of the rail  32 , the top side of the rail  33 , or the exterior side of the rail  34 . The drawing depicts a single row of square shaped rung insertion elements  64  that accommodate rungs  71  with squared closures  75 . Said elements  64  bore through the rail from the exterior side  34  to the interior side  32 . 
   The ends of each rectangular rail  36  are comprised of an interfitting male connection  61  in the shape of a tenon and an interfitting female connection  62  in a shape corresponding to a recessed tenon. These elements are used to effect connections with contiguous rails of tracks, straight  30 , arced  40 , or curved  50 , or to a contiguous distinct end coupler  90 , thereby bridging the non-contiguous rails of tracks. 
   The surface of the top side of a rectangular rail  33  may be may be smooth or semi-rough. An anti-slide element  67  is affixed to the bottom side of the rail  35 . 
     FIG. 3A  shows a topside view of an arced track  40 . Said arced track comprises two oblong, rigid, arced rails each rail  41  of substantially equal height and width joined together by readily detachable steps  70 . Each rail  41  comprises step insertion elements  63  located in whole or part at the interior side  42  of a rail into which a step  70  is inserted. An element  63  may accommodate the insertion of a step  70  into or through the interior side of the rail  42 , the top side of the rail  43 , or the exterior side of the rail  44 . The drawing depicts an arced track  40  comprising two rigid, arced rails  41  joined together by readily detachable rungs  71 , a type of step  70 . Each rail  41  comprises square shaped rung insertion elements  64  into which a rungs  71  with squared rung closures  75  are inserted. The elements  64  bore through each rail  41  from the exterior side  44  to the interior side  42 . 
   The arced track comprises elements  60  used to effect connections to a contiguous track or tracks, straight  30 , arced  40 , or curved  50 , or to a distinct end coupler  90 , thereby bridging the non-contiguous ends of tracks. The drawing depicts two interfitting male connections  61  in the shape of a tenon comprising the ends of each rail located at one end of the arced track and two interfitting female connections  62  in a shape corresponding to a recessed tenon comprising the ends of each rail located at the opposite end of the track. 
   The arced track is free of end boards as an element thereof removing an obstruction associated with prior art  23 . The obstruction hinders entering or dismounting a track or traversing two connected tracks. 
     FIG. 3B  shows a perspective view of an arced rail  41 . Each rail comprises step insertion elements  63  located in whole or part at the interior side of the rail  42 . An element  63  may accommodate the insertion of a step  70  into or through the interior side of the rail  42 , the top side of the rail  43 , or the exterior side of the rail  44 . The drawing depicts a single row of square shaped rung insertion elements  64  that accommodate rungs  71  with squared closures  75 . Said elements  64  bore through the rail from the exterior side  44  to the interior side  42 . 
   The ends of each arced rail  46  are comprised of an interfitting male connection  61  in the shape of a tenon and an interfitting female connection  62  in a shape corresponding to a recessed tenon. These elements are used to effect connections with contiguous rails of tracks, straight  30 , arced  40 , or curved  50 , or to a contiguous distinct end coupler  90 , thereby bridging the non-contiguous rails of tracks. 
   The surface of the top side of an arced rail  43  may be smooth or semi-rough. An anti-slide element  67  is affixed to the bottom side of the arced rail  45 . 
     FIG. 4A  shows a topside view of a curved track  50 . Said curved track comprises two oblong, rigid, curved rails each rail  51  of substantially equal height and width joined together by readily detachable steps  70 . Each rail  51  comprises step insertion elements  63  located in whole or part at the interior side  52  of a rail into which a step  70  is inserted. An element  63  may accommodate the insertion of a step  70  into or through the interior side of the rail  52 , the top side of the rail  53 , or the exterior side of the rail  54 . The drawing depicts a curved track  50  comprising two rigid, curved rails  51  joined together by readily detachable rungs  71 , a type of step  70 . Each rail  51  comprises square shaped rung insertion elements  64  into which a rungs  71  with squared closures  75  are inserted. The elements  64  bore through each rail  51  from the exterior side  54  to the interior side  52 . 
   The curved track comprises elements  60  used to effect connections to a contiguous track or tracks, straight  30 , arced  40 , curved  50 , or to a distinct end coupler  90 , thereby bridging the non-contiguous ends of tracks. The drawing depicts two interfitting male connections  61  in the shape of a tenon comprising the ends of each rail located at one end of the curved track and two interfitting female connections  62  in a shape corresponding to a recessed tenon comprising the ends of each rail located at the opposite end of the track. 
   The curved track is free of end boards as an element thereof removing an obstruction associated with prior art  23 . The obstruction hinders entering or dismounting a track or traversing two connected tracks. 
     FIG. 4B  shows a perspective view of a curved rail  51 . Each rail comprises step insertion elements  63  located in whole or part at the interior side of the rail  52 . An element  63  may accommodate the insertion of a step  70  into or through the interior side of the rail  52 , the top side of the rail  53 , or the exterior side of the rail  54 . The drawing depicts a single row of square shaped rung insertion elements  64  that accommodate rungs  71  with squared closures  75 . Said elements  64  bore through the rail from the exterior side  54  to the interior side  52 . 
   The ends of each curved rail  56  are comprised of an interfitting male connection  61  in the shape of a tenon and an interfitting female connection  62  in a shape corresponding to a recessed tenon. These elements are used to effect connections with contiguous rails of tracks, straight  30 , arced  40 , or curved  50 , or to a contiguous distinct end coupler  90 , thereby bridging the non-contiguous rails of tracks. 
   The surface of the top side of a curved rail  53  may be smooth or semi-rough. An anti-slide element  67  is affixed to the bottom side of the curved rail  55 . 
     FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C show perspective views of rungs  71 , a type of step  70 , with oval  77 , rectangular  78 , and triangular  79  shaped colored footings, respectively. Each rung comprises an affixed flange  72  on the end of a first squared rung closure  73 , a geometrically shaped footing  74 , a second squared rung closure with a threaded female fastener  75 , and a threaded male flanged fastener  76  that is screwed into the second squared rung closure  75 . Each rung  71  is of substantially equal length and, when secured to the rails, of substantially equal height. 
   The preferred embodiment of the invention further includes additional features described below. Each additional feature is represented in a dependent claim identified in Claims  2  through  8  and shown in  FIGS. 2C ,  3 C,  4 C,  6 A,  7 A,  7 B,  7 C,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , or  12 . 
     FIG. 2C  shows a perspective view of a rectangular rail  31  wherein said rectangular rail comprises step insertion elements  63  located in whole or part at the interior side of the rail  32  in a pattern that permits the steps to be varied in height. An element  63  may accommodate the insertion of a step  70  into the interior side of the rail  32 , the top side of the rail  33 , or the exterior side of the rail  34 . The drawing depicts two rows of square shaped rung insertion elements  64  that accommodate rungs  71  with squared closures  75 . The upper row of elements  65  is located directly over the lower row of elements  66 . Insertion of a rung  71  into an element  64  located on either the upper  65  or lower  66  row and into the corresponding element  64  of the opposing rail results in the height of the rungs being varied. Said elements  64  bore through the rail from the exterior side  34  to the interior side  32 . In all other respects, this rectangular rail is identical to the rectangular rail shown in  FIG. 2B . 
     FIG. 3C  shows a perspective view of an arced rail  41  wherein said arced rail comprises step insertion elements  63  located in whole or part at the interior side of the rail  42  in a pattern that permits the steps to be varied in height. An element  63  may accommodate the insertion of a step  70  into the interior side of the rail  42 , the top side of the rail  43 , or the exterior side of the rail  44 . The drawing depicts two rows of square shaped rung insertion elements  64  that accommodate rungs  71  with squared closures  75 . The upper row of elements  65  is located directly over the lower row of elements  66 . Insertion of a rung  71  into an element  64  located on either the upper  65  or lower  66  row and into the corresponding element  64  of the opposing rail results in the height of the rungs being varied. Said elements  64  bore through the rail from the exterior side  44  to the interior side  42 . In all other respects, this arced rail is identical to the arced rail shown in  FIG. 3B . 
     FIG. 4C  shows a perspective view of a curved rail  51  wherein said curved rail comprises step insertion elements  63  located in whole or part at the interior side of the rail  52  in a pattern that permits the steps to be varied in height. An element  63  may accommodate the insertion of a step  70  into the interior side of the rail  52 , the top side of the rail  53 , or the exterior side of the rail  54 . The drawing depicts two rows of square shaped rung insertion elements  64  that accommodate rungs  71  with squared closures  75 . The upper row of elements  65  is located directly over the lower row of elements  66 . Insertion of a rung  71  into an element  64  located on either the upper  65  or lower  66  row and into the corresponding element  64  of the opposing rail results in the height of the rungs being varied. Said elements  64  bore through the rail from the exterior side  54  to the interior side  52 . In all other respects, this curved rail is identical to the curved rail shown in  FIG. 4B . 
   The preferred embodiment of the invention further includes an anti-tip device  80  for use with a straight track  30 .  FIG. 6A  shows a perspective view of said anti-tip device. The anti-tip device comprises an elongated, rectangular shaped planar surface  81  and two work holder areas  82 . Each work holder area is in the shape of a rectangular rail  31  and bordered by two raised elongated work stop abutments, a tall exterior work stop abutment  84  comprising step insertion elements  86  and a shorter interior work stop abutment  85 . The drawing depicts square shaped rung insertion elements  87 . The anti-tip element  83  is comprised of the portions of the planar surface  81  extending out from each exterior work stop abutment  84 . An anti-slide element  67  is affixed to the bottom side of the anti-tip device. 
   The preferred embodiment of the invention further includes a geometrically shaped distinct end coupler  90 .  FIG. 7A  shows a perspective view of a diamond shaped distinct end coupler  95 .  FIG. 7B  shows a perspective view of an octagon shaped distinct end coupler  96 .  FIG. 7C  shows a perspective view of a rectangular shaped distinct end coupler  97 . Each distinct end coupler  90  comprises a planar surface  91  comprising elongated stripes  94  connecting the non-contiguous ends of two tracks in a visual sense. Each side of a distinct end coupler comprises either two interfitting male connections  92  in the shape of a tenon or two interfitting female connections  93  in a shape corresponding to a recessed tenon. These elements are used to effect connections with one or more contiguous tracks, straight  30 , arced  40 , or curved  50 , thereby bridging non-contiguous tracks. An anti-slide element  67  is affixed to the bottom side of each distinct end coupler. 
   The preferred embodiment of the invention further includes various design apparatuses each apparatus traversed horizontally by a human. Said apparatuses are shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12 . Each apparatus comprises a straight track  30  or tracks, an arced track  40  or tracks, or a curved track  50  or tracks, or a combination thereof. Each track comprising an apparatus is connected to one or more contiguous tracks or to a distinct end coupler  90 , thereby bridging the non-contiguous ends of tracks. 
     FIG. 8  shows a topside view of the preferred embodiment of the invention in the design of a figure eight lying on its side. The apparatus is comprised of tracks contiguously connected and a diamond shaped distinct end coupler  95  used as a bridge to connect the non-contiguous ends of tracks. The distinct end coupler is located at the center of the apparatus. 
     FIG. 9  shows a topside view of the preferred embodiment of the invention in the design of a figure eight lying on its side. The apparatus is comprised of tracks contiguously connected and an octagon shaped distinct end coupler  96  used as a bridge to connect the non-contiguous ends of tracks. The distinct end coupler is located at the center of the apparatus. 
     FIG. 10  shows a topside view of the second embodiment of the invention in the design of a figure eight lying on its side longitudinally intersected at its center by a column of straight tracks. The apparatus is comprised of tracks contiguously connected and an octagon shaped distinct end coupler  96  used as a bridge to connect the non-contiguous ends of tracks, including the column of straight tracks  130 . The distinct end coupler is located at the center of the apparatus. 
     FIG. 11  shows a topside view of the second embodiment of the invention in the design of a figure eight lying on its side longitudinally and laterally intersected at its center by a column and row of straight tracks. The apparatus is comprised of tracks contiguously connected and an octagon shaped distinct end coupler  96  used as a bridge to connect the non-contiguous ends of tracks, including the column and row of straight tracks  130 . The distinct end coupler is located at the center of the apparatus. 
     FIG. 12  shows a topside view of the preferred embodiment of an apparatus in the design of a circle enclosing a plus sign. Each arced track  40  comprising the circle is connected to one or more contiguous arced tracks or connected to one or more tracks, straight or arced, with the aid of a rectangular shaped distinct end coupler  97 . Each straight track  30  comprising the plus sign is connected to one or more contiguous straight tracks or connected to one or more tracks, straight or arced, with the aid of a rectangular shaped distinct end coupler  97 . A distinct end coupler  97  is located at the center of the plus sign bridging the non-contiguous ends of four straight tracks. Four distinct end couplers  97  are located at the ends of the plus sign each distinct end coupler intersecting and connecting with the circle of arced tracks bridging the non-contiguous ends of straight and arced tracks. 
   Operation—Preferred Embodiment 
   1. Traversing a Track, Tracks, or an Apparatus 
   The preferred embodiment of the invention is an article of educational equipment horizontally traversed by a human. The invention comprises tracks, straight  30 , arced  40 , or curved  50 . A single track may be traversed. A track may be connected to a contiguous track or tracks, straight, arced, or curved, and the combination of tracks traversed. A track may be connected to a contiguous distinct end coupler  90  bridging one end of the track to the end of a non-contiguous track or tracks, straight, arced, or curved. The combination of tracks and the distinct end coupler are then traversed. Contiguous tracks and tracks with the aid of one or more distinct end couplers may be joined together to create an apparatus in a design shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , or  12 . The apparatus is then traversed. 
   A human may traverse the geometrically shaped colored footings of the steps  70  of a track, straight, arced, or, curved, or walk upon the top side of either rail using the rail as a balance beam. The distance between the steps  70  may be adjusted to accommodate the stride of a human. The height of each step  70  is substantially the same if the rails comprising the track comprise level step insertion elements  63 . The height of each step may vary if the rails comprising the track comprise step insertion elements  63  that are not level. The ability to adjust the height of the steps  70  increases the level of difficulty associated with traversing a track. An anti-slide element  67  is affixed to the bottom sides of each rail, distinct end coupler  90 , and anti-tip device  80  preventing a track from shifting while under foot. 
   In addition to bridging the non-contiguous ends of tracks, a distinct end coupler  90  is used as an agent to traverse from one track to another. The planar surface  91  comprises elongated stripes  94  visually connecting non-contiguous ends of tracks thereby assisting a traversing human. A distinct end coupler is also used as a station on which a human stands while receiving instructions prior to traversing a track or apparatus. 
   An anti-tip device  80  may be employed to prevent tipping of a straight track  30  while under foot. An anti-tip device provides protection in two ways. First, an anti-tip element  83  is comprised of the portions of the elongated, rectangular planar surface  81  that extend out from each exterior work stop abutment  84 . Second, the sides of each rectangular rail  31  lie adjacent to the exterior  84  and interior  85  work stop abutments gaining support. Additionally, each rail may be attached to the exterior work stop abutment  84  if the steps  70  are inserted through step insertion elements  86  comprising the abutment  84 . 
   2. Assembling a Track 
   A track, straight  30 , arced  40 , or curved  50 , is assembled by placing the bottom side of each rail on a flat surface directly opposite one another. To join the rails, readily detachable steps  70  are inserted into opposing step insertion elements  63  located in whole or part at the interior side of each rail. Each drawing in  FIGS. 2A ,  3 A, and  4 A depicts a track, straight  30 , arced  40 , or curved  50 , comprising two rails joined together by readily detachable rungs  71 . Each drawing in  FIGS. 2B ,  3 B, and  4 B depicts a rail, rectangular  31 , arced  41 , or curved  51 , comprising a single row of square shaped rung insertion elements  64  located in whole or part at the interior side of each rail that accommodate rungs  71  with squared closures  75 . A rung  71  is inserted into the exterior side of a rail and pushed through the rail exiting its interior side and subsequently inserted into the opposite rail at its interior side and pushed through the rail exiting its exterior side whereupon the rung is secured by means of a threaded male flanged fastener  76  screwed into the squared rung closure  75 . 
   Each drawing in  FIGS. 2C ,  3 C, and  4 C depicts a rail comprising two rows of square shaped rung insertion elements  64  located in whole or part at the interior side of each rail that accommodate rungs  71  with squared closures  75 . The upper row of elements  65  is directly over the lower row  66 . A rung is perpendicularly inserted into or through an element  64  located on either the upper row  65  or lower row  66  of a rail and subsequently inserted into the corresponding row of the opposing rail. The height of the rung steps may be varied. Otherwise, the method of installing or removing rungs is the same as that described in the above paragraph for a rail with a single row of elements  64 . 
   After the steps  70  are secured and the track assembled, the steps are positioned length-wise in a perpendicular or diametrical relationship to each rail, are incapable of rotating or shifting horizontally, and serve to hold the rails in a fixed equidistant relationship to each other. Each readily detachable step  70  may be installed or removed without the necessity of dismantling a track. 
   A straight track may also be assembled with the aid of an anti-tip device  80 . Refer to  FIG. 6B . The anti-tip device is positioned on a flat surface. Each rectangular rail  31  of a straight track is positioned upon the anti-tip device, within each work holder area  82 , and directly opposite one another. Each work holder area is bordered by an exterior  84  and interior  85  work stop abutment. The exterior work stop abutments  84  are each comprised of two rows of step insertion elements  86  into which steps  70  are inserted. The drawing depicts exterior work stop abutments  84  comprised of square shaped rung insertion elements  87 . The drawing also depicts a readily detachable rung  71  with a squared rung closure  75  which is inserted through the square shaped rung insertion element  87  comprising one of the exterior work stop abutments  84 , through the square shaped rung insertion elements  64  comprising each rail, and finally through the square shaped rung insertion element  87  comprising the other exterior work stop abutment. Assembly of the track is complete when the rungs are fastened joining the opposing rails together in a fixed parallel relationship. 
   3. Connecting a Track to Another Track or Distinct End Coupler 
   The ends of each track, straight  30 , arced  40 , or curved  50 , are either comprised of two interfitting male connections  61  in a shape of a tenon or two interfitting female connections  62  corresponding to a recessed tenon. The assembled tracks are positioned on a flat surface. The act of connecting contiguous tracks is accomplished by lifting a track, straight, arced, or curved, and positioning the tenons  61  of the lifted track into corresponding tenon shaped recesses  62  of a contiguous track. 
   A track may also be connected to a contiguous distinct end coupler  90 . Each side of a distinct end coupler comprises two matching elements used to effect connections to a contiguous track. The two matching elements are two interfitting male connections in a shape of a tenon  91  or two interfitting female connections in a shape corresponding to a recessed tenon  92 . The assembled track and distinct end coupler are positioned on a flat surface. The act of connecting the track and the distinct end coupler is accomplished by lifting the track and positioning the tenons  61  of the lifted track into corresponding tenon shaped recesses  92  of the distinct end coupler or placing the tenon shaped recesses  62  of the lifted track around the tenons  91  of the distinct end coupler. 
   Each apparatus arranged in the designs shown in FIGS.  8 , 9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12  is assembled by connecting contiguous tracks and one or more distinct end coupler as described above. 
   DESCRIPTION—SECOND EMBODIMENT—FIGS.  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 A,  16 B, and  16 C 
   The second embodiment of the invention comprises straight  30 , arced  40 , and curved  50  tracks, each track comprising two rails joined together by affixed steps with geometrically shaped colored footings  170  and comprising a means  60  to connect to other tracks. Said second embodiment is described below and claimed in independent claim  9 . 
     FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a straight track  130 . Said straight track comprises two rigid, rectangular rails each rail  131  of substantially equal dimensions joined together by affixed, colored steps  170 . The drawing depicts affixed, colored rungs  171  comprising geometrically shaped footings  174 . Each rung  171  is of substantially equal length and affixed perpendicularly at the interior side of each rectangular rail  131  serving to hold the rails in a parallel relationship to each other. 
   The straight track comprises elements  60  used to effect connections to a contiguous track or tracks, straight  130 , arced  140 , or curved  150 , or to a distinct end coupler  90 , thereby bridging the non-contiguous ends of tracks. The drawing depicts two interfitting male connections  61  in the shape of a tenon located at one end of the straight track and two interfitting female connections  62  in a shape corresponding to a recessed tenon located at the opposite end of the track. 
   The surface of the top side of the elongated rail  131  may be smooth or semi-rough. An anti-slide element  67  is affixed to the bottom side of the elongated rail. 
   The straight track is free of end boards as an element thereof removing an obstruction associated with prior art  23 . The obstruction hinders entering or dismounting a track or traversing two connected tracks. 
     FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of an arced track  140 . Said arced track comprises two oblong, rigid, arced rails each rail  141  of substantially equal height and width joined together by affixed, colored steps  170 . The drawing depicts affixed, colored rungs  171  comprising geometrically shaped footings  174 . Each rung  171  is of substantially equal length and diametrically affixed length-wise at the interior side of each arced rail serving to hold the directly opposing rails in an equidistant relationship to each other. 
   The arced track comprises elements  60  used to effect connections to a contiguous track or tracks, straight  130 , arced  140 , or curved  150 , or to a distinct end coupler  90 , thereby bridging the ends of tracks. The drawing depicts two interfitting male connections  61  in the shape of a tenon located at one end of the arced track and two interfitting female connections  62  in a shape corresponding to a recessed tenon located at the opposite end of the track. 
   The surface of the top side of the arced rail  141  may be smooth or semi-rough. An anti-slide element  67  is affixed to the bottom side of the arced rail. 
   The arced track is free of end boards as an element thereof removing an obstruction associated with prior art  23 . The obstruction hinders entering or dismounting a track or traversing two connected tracks. 
     FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of a curved track  150 . Said curved track comprises two curved, oblong, rigid rails each rail  151  of substantially equal height and width joined together by affixed, colored steps  170 . The drawing depicts affixed, colored rungs  171  comprising geometrically shaped footings  174 . Each rung  171  is of substantially equal length and diametrically or otherwise affixed length-wise at the interior side of each curved rail serving to hold the directly opposing rails in an equidistant relationship to each other. 
   The curved track comprises elements  60  used to effect connections to a contiguous track or tracks, straight  130 , arced  140 , or curved  150 , or to a distinct end coupler  90 , thereby bridging the ends of tracks. The drawing depicts two interfitting male connections  61  in the shape of a tenon located at one end of the arced track and two interfitting female connections  62  in a shape corresponding to a recessed tenon located at the opposite end of the track. 
   The surface of the top side of the curved rail  151  may be smooth or semi-rough. An anti-slide element  67  is affixed to the bottom side of the curved rail. 
   The curved track is free of end boards as an element thereof removing an obstruction associated with prior art  23 . The obstruction hinders entering or dismounting a track or traversing two connected tracks. 
     FIGS. 16A ,  16 B, and  16 C show perspective cross-section views of affixed rungs  171 , a type of step  170 , with oval  177 , rectangular  178 , and triangular  179  shaped colored footings, respectively. A rectangular rail  131  is used as a backdrop although an arced or curved rail may have been depicted. Each rung is affixed length-wise at the interior side of each rail serving to hold the directly opposing rails in a fixed relationship to one another. 
   The second embodiment of the invention further includes additional features described below. Each additional feature is represented in a dependent claim identified in Claims  10  through  15  and is depicted in  FIGS. 6A ,  7 A,  7 B,  7 C,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , or  12 . 
   The second embodiment of the invention further includes an anti-tip device  80  for use with a straight track  130 .  FIG. 6A  shows a perspective view of said anti-tip device. The anti-tip device comprises an elongated, rectangular shaped planar surface  81  and two work holder areas  82 . Each work holder area is in the shape of a rectangular rail  31  and bordered by two raised elongated work stop abutments, a tall exterior work stop abutment  84  and a shorter interior work stop abutment  85 . The drawing depicts rectangular shaped rung insertion elements  87 , which are not used in this embodiment of the invention. The anti-tip element  83  is comprised of the portions of the planar surface  81  extending out from each exterior work stop abutment  84 . An anti-slide element  67  is affixed to the bottom side of the anti-tip device. 
   The second embodiment of the invention further includes a geometrically shaped distinct end coupler  90 .  FIG. 7A  shows a perspective view of a diamond shaped distinct end coupler  95 .  FIG. 7B  shows a perspective view of an octagon shaped distinct end coupler  96 .  FIG. 7C  shows a perspective view of a rectangular shaped distinct end coupler  97 . Each distinct end coupler  90  comprises a planar surface  91  comprising elongated stripes  94  connecting the non-contiguous ends of two tracks in a visual sense. Each side of a distinct end coupler comprises either two interfitting male connections  92  in the shape of a tenon or two interfitting female connections  93  in a shape corresponding to a recessed tenon. These elements are used to effect connections with one or more contiguous tracks, straight  130 , arced  140 , or curved  150 , thereby bridging non-contiguous tracks. An anti-slide element  67  is affixed to the bottom side of each distinct end coupler. 
   The second embodiment of the invention further includes various design apparatuses each apparatus traversed horizontally by a human. Said apparatuses are shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12 . Each apparatus comprises a straight track  130  or tracks, an arced track  140  or tracks, or a curved track  150  or tracks, or a combination thereof Each track is connected to one or more contiguous tracks or to a distinct end coupler  90 , thereby bridging non-contiguous ends of tracks. 
     FIG. 8  shows a topside view of the second embodiment of the invention in the design of a figure eight lying on its side. The apparatus is comprised of tracks contiguously connected and a diamond shaped distinct end coupler  95  used as a bridge to connect the non-contiguous ends of tracks. The distinct end coupler is located at the center of the apparatus. 
     FIG. 9  shows a topside view of the second embodiment of the invention in the design of a figure eight lying on its side. The apparatus is comprised of tracks contiguously connected and an octagon shaped distinct end coupler  96  used as a bridge to connect the non-contiguous ends of tracks. The distinct end coupler is located at the center of the apparatus. 
     FIG. 10  shows a topside view of the preferred embodiment of the invention in the design of a figure eight lying on its side longitudinally intersected at its center by a column of straight tracks. The apparatus is comprised of tracks contiguously connected and an octagon shaped end coupler  96  used as a bridge to connect the non-contiguous ends of tracks, including the column of straight tracks  30 . The distinct end coupler is located at the center of the apparatus. 
     FIG. 11  shows a topside view of the preferred embodiment of the invention in the design of a figure eight lying on its side longitudinally and laterally intersected at its center by a column and row of straight tracks. The apparatus is comprised of tracks contiguously connected and an octagon shaped distinct end coupler  96  used as a bridge to connect the non-contiguous ends of tracks, including the column and row of straight tracks  30 . The distinct end coupler is located at the center of the apparatus. 
     FIG. 12  shows a topside view of the second embodiment of the invention in the design of a circle enclosing a plus sign. Each arced track  140  comprising the circle is connected to one or more contiguous arced tracks or connected to one or more tracks, straight or arced, with the aid of a rectangular shaped distinct end coupler  97 . Each straight track  130  comprising the plus sign is connected to one or more contiguous straight tracks or connected to one or more tracks, straight or arced, with the aid of a contiguous rectangular shaped distinct end coupler  97 . A distinct end coupler  97  is located at the center of the plus sign bridging the non-contiguous ends of four straight tracks. Four distinct end couplers  97  are located at the ends of the plus sign each distinct end coupler intersecting and connecting with the circle of arced tracks bridging the non-contiguous ends of straight and arced tracks. 
   Operation—Second Embodiment 
   1. Traversing a Track, Tracks, or an Apparatus 
   The second embodiment of the invention is an article of educational equipment horizontally traversed by a human. The invention comprises tracks, straight  130 , arced  140 , or curved  150 . A single track may be traversed. A track may be connected to a contiguous track or tracks, straight, arced, or curved, and the combination of tracks traversed. A track may be connected to a contiguous distinct end coupler  90  bridging one end of the track to the end of a non-contiguous track or tracks, straight, arced, or curved. The combination of tracks and the distinct end coupler are then traversed. Contiguous tracks and tracks with the aid of one or more distinct end couplers may be joined together to create an apparatus in a design shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , or  12 . The apparatus is then traversed. 
   A human may traverse geometrically shaped colored footings of the steps  170  of a track or walk upon the top side of either rail using the rail as a balance beam The height of each step  170  is substantially the same. An anti-slide element  67  is affixed to the bottom sides of each rail distinct end coupler  90 , and anti-tip device  80  preventing a track from shifting while being traversed. 
   In addition to bridging the non-contiguous ends of tracks, a distinct end coupler  90  is an agent used to traverse from one track to another. The planar surface  91  comprises elongated stripes  94  visually connecting non-contiguous ends of tracks thereby assisting a walking human. A distinct end coupler is also used as a station on which a human stands while receiving instructions prior to traversing a track or apparatus. 
   An anti-tip device  80  may be employed to prevent tipping of a straight track  30  while under foot. An anti-tip device provides protection in two ways. First, an anti-tip element  83  is comprised of the portions of the elongated, rectangular planar surface  81  that extend out from each exterior work stop abutment  84 . Second, the sides of each rectangular rail  31  lie adjacent to the exterior  84  and interior  85  work stop abutments gaining support. 
   2. Connecting a Track to Another Track or Distinct End Coupler 
   The ends of each track, straight  130 , arced  140 , or curved  150 , are either comprised of two interfitting male connections  61  in a shape of a tenon or two interfitting female connections  62  corresponding to a recessed tenon. The tracks are positioned on a flat surface. The act of connecting contiguous tracks is accomplished by lifting a track, straight, arced, or curved, and positioning the tenons  61  of the lifted track into corresponding tenon shaped recesses  62  of a contiguous track. 
   A track may also be connected to a contiguous distinct end coupler  90 . Each side of a distinct end coupler comprises two matching elements used to effect connections to a contiguous track. The two matching elements are two interfitting male connections in a shape of a tenon  91  or two interfitting female connections in a shape corresponding to a recessed tenon  92 . The track and distinct end coupler are positioned on a flat surface. The act of connecting the track and the distinct end coupler is accomplished by lifting the track and positioning the tenons  61  of the lifted track into corresponding tenon shaped recesses  92  of the distinct end coupler or placing the tenon shaped recesses  62  of the lifted track around the tenons  91  of the distinct end coupler. 
   Each apparatus arranged in the designs shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12  is assembled by connecting contiguous tracks and one or more distinct end coupler as described above. 
   DESCRIPTION—THIRD EMBODIMENT— FIGS. 17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  16 A,  16 B, and  16 C 
   The third embodiment of the present invention comprises straight  230 , arced  240 , and curved  250  tracks, each track comprising two rails joined together by affixed steps with geometrically shaped colored footings  170 . Said third embodiment is described immediately below and claimed in independent Claim  16 . 
     FIG. 17  shows a topside view of a straight track  230 . Said straight track comprises two rigid, rectangular rails each rail  231  of substantially equal dimensions joined together by affixed, colored steps  170 . The drawing depicts affixed, colored rungs  171  comprising geometrically shaped footings  174 . Each rung  171  is of substantially equal length and perpendicularly affixed at the interior side of each rectangular rail serving to hold the rails in a parallel relationship to each other. The surface of the top side of the rectangular rail  231  may be smooth or semi-rough. 
   The straight track is free of end boards as an element thereof removing an obstruction associated with prior art  23 . The obstruction hinders entering or dismounting a track or traversing two connected tracks. 
     FIG. 18  shows a topside view of an arced track  240 . Said arced track comprises two oblong, rigid, arced rails each rail  241  of substantially equal height and width joined together by affixed, colored steps  170 . The drawing depicts affixed, colored rungs  171  comprising geometrically shaped footings  174 . Each rung  171  is of substantially equal length and diametrically affixed length-wise at the interior side of each arced rail serving to hold the directly opposing rails in an equidistant relationship to each other. The surface of the top side of the arced rail  241  may be smooth or semi-rough. 
   The arced track is free of end boards as an element thereof removing an obstruction associated with prior art  23 . The obstruction hinders entering or dismounting a track or traversing two connected tracks. 
     FIG. 19  shows a topside view of a curved track  250 . Said curved track comprises two curved, oblong, rigid rails each rail  251  of substantially equal height and width joined together by affixed, colored steps  170 . The drawing depicts affixed, colored rungs  171  comprising geometrically shaped footings  174 . Each rung  171  is of substantially equal length and diametrically or otherwise affixed length-wise at the interior side of each curved rail serving to hold the directly opposing rails in an equidistant relationship to each other. The surface of the top side of the curved rail  251  may be smooth or semi-rough. 
   The curved track is free of end boards as an element thereof removing an obstruction associated with prior art  23 . The obstruction hinders entering or dismounting a track or traversing two connected tracks. 
     FIGS. 16A ,  16 B, and  16 C show perspective cross-section views of affixed rungs  171 , a type of step  170 , with oval  177 , rectangular  178 , and triangular  179  shaped colored footings, respectively. A rectangular rail  231  is used as a backdrop although an arced or curved rail may have been depicted. Each rung is affixed length-wise at the interior side of each rail serving to hold the directly opposing rails in a fixed relationship to one another. 
   The third embodiment of the invention further includes additional features described below. Each additional feature is represented in a dependent claim identified in Claims  17  through  20  and is depicted in  FIGS. 20 ,  21 ,  22 , and  23 . 
   The third embodiment of the invention further includes various design apparatuses each apparatus traversed horizontally by a walking human. Said apparatuses are shown in  FIGS. 20 ,  21 ,  22 , and  23 . Each apparatus comprises a straight track or tracks  230 , an arced track or tracks  240 , or a curved track or tracks  250 , or a combination thereof 
     FIG. 20  shows a topside view of the third embodiment of the invention in the design of a figure eight lying on its side. The apparatus is comprised of one or more straight, arced, or curved tracks. 
     FIG. 21  shows a topside view of the third embodiment of the invention in the design of two non-contiguous sets of connected arced and curved tracks each in the shape of a horseshoe located on the left and right sides of the design the open ends of each horseshoe shaped set of tracks directly opposite and laterally positioned to one another and two non-continuous straight tracks centrally located on the upper and lower sides of the design directly opposite and longitudinally positioned to one another, all of the horseshoe shaped sets of tracks and straight tracks border an octagon shaped open area in the middle of the design. The apparatus is comprised of one or more straight, arced, or curved tracks. 
   FIG  22  shows a topside view of the third embodiment of the invention in the design of two non-contiguous sets of connected arced and curved tracks each in the shape of a horseshoe located on the left and right sides of the design, within each of which a straight track is laterally and centrally positioned the ends of the each straight track abutting or lying at the interior sides of the horseshoe shaped set of tracks, the open ends of each horseshoe shaped set of tracks directly opposite and laterally positioned to one another and two non-continuous straight tracks centrally located on the upper and lower sides of the design directly opposite and longitudinally positioned to one another, all of the horseshoe shaped sets of tracks, inclusive of the partially enclosed laterally positioned straight tracks, and the longitudinally positioned straight tracks border an octagon shaped open area in the middle of the design. The apparatus is comprised of one or more straight, arced, or curved tracks. 
     FIG. 23  shows a topside view of the third embodiment of the invention in the design of a circle enclosing a plus sign. The circle is comprised of one or more arced tracks  240 . The plus sign is comprised of two or more straight tracks  230 . The arced and straight tracks may be connected to one another. 
   Operation—Third Embodiment 
   Traversing a Track, Tracks, or an Apparatus 
   The third embodiment of the invention is an article of educational equipment horizontally traversed by a walking human. The invention comprises tracks, straight  230 , arced  240 , or curved  250 . A single track may be traversed. A track may be joined to one or more tracks, straight, arced, or curved, and the combination of tracks traversed. Tracks may be joined together to create an apparatus in a design shown in  FIGS. 20 ,  21 ,  22 , or  23 . The apparatus is then traversed. 
   A human may traverse the colored, geometrically shaped step  170  of a track or walk upon the top side of either rail using the rail as a balance beam. The height of each step  170  is substantially the same. 
   Advantages of the Embodiments of the Invention 
   From the descriptions above, a number of advantages of the embodiments of the invention over prior art become apparent: 
   Each embodiment comprises straight, arced, and curved tracks. 
   Each track of the preferred embodiment comprises two rails that are joined together by readily detachable steps. One or more steps may be removed without the necessity of dismantling the track. The steps may be adjusted to accommodate the stride of a walking human. If the rails of a track comprise step insertion elements that are not level, the height of the rungs may be varied increasing the traversing challenge. 
   Each embodiment comprises steps with colored footings that are oval, rectangular, or triangular shaped. 
   Each track of the preferred and second embodiments comprise track connecting elements used to effect connections with one or more contiguous tracks or a contiguous distinct end coupler. 
   Each embodiment comprises tracks that are free of end boards removing an obstruction associated with prior art. The obstruction would otherwise hinder entering or dismounting a track or traversing two connected tracks. As regards the preferred embodiment, the removal of the end boards also increases versatility as the rails of a straight track may be widened or narrowed to accommodate teaching methods and traversing alternatives, such as by wheelchair. 
   The preferred and seconds embodiments further include an anti-tip device used with a straight track that prevents tipping of the track while being traversed. In the preferred embodiment, the anti-tip device is also used as an aid in the assembly of a straight track. 
   The preferred and second embodiments further include a geometrically distinct end coupler, an intermediate structure that bridges the non-contiguous ends of two or more tracks, straight, arced, or curved. In addition to bridging the ends of tracks, a distinct end coupler is used as an agent to traverse from one track to another as a station on which a human stands while receiving instructions prior to traversing a track or tracks. 
   The preferred and second embodiments further include a number of apparatuses using the design of a figure eight lying on its side. The apparatuses are comprised of tracks, straight, arced, or curved, contiguously connected and a distinct end coupler used as a bridge to connect the non-contiguous ends of tracks. The apparatuses described in the third embodiment comprise tracks but not a distinct end coupler. A human traverses the steps or rung footings or a rail, using the rail as a balance beam, performing specific routines that are intended to increase learning capabilities. The functions of these design apparatuses are in addition to those functions that are accomplished with tracks, straight, arced, or curved, not used in combination. For example, a human traverses the apparatuses forming the letters of the alphabet, and, as a result, the brain is imprinted with the letters of the alphabet. 
   The preferred and second embodiments further include an apparatus in the design of a circle enclosing a plus sign. The apparatus is comprised of tracks, arced and straight, contiguously connected and a distinct end coupler used as a bridge to connect the non-contiguous ends of tracks. The apparatus described in the third embodiment comprise tracks but not a distinct end coupler. A walking human traverses the steps or rung footings or a rail, using the rail as a balance beam, performing specific routines that are intended to increase learning capabilities. The functions of the design apparatus are in addition to those functions that are accomplished with tracks, straight, arced, or curved, not in combination. For example, a walking human traverses the circle as if it was a timepiece or map. 
   CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
   Accordingly, the invention is a significant improvement over prior art promoting, fostering, and facilitating the learning process. The invention comprises tracks, straight, arced, and curved, and design apparatuses comprising tracks. The tracks comprise unique elements. Each rail comprises elements used to effect connections to other tracks and elements into or through which readily detachable rungs are inserted. The invention also comprises distinct end couplers used to connect non-contiguous tracks and an anti-tip device used with a straight track to avoid tipping. 
   Based upon brain research findings that supports the link of movement to learning, the result achieved by a human traversing a track or an apparatus, comprising the tracks, is increased sensory motor development, longer focus and attention, coordination of motor skills, better balance in the vestibular system, awareness of basic rhythmic patterns, and improved learning readiness. The basic design of the tracks, including the shapes and colors of the rungs, and the designs of the apparatuses provide the framework for the development of academic concepts including, but not limited to, color, shape, and number recognition, basic math operations, early literacy, reading readiness, handwriting skills, map skills, time concepts, and other basic early childhood curriculum. Because the tracks are traversed while practicing academic concepts, the learning is anchored in the brain for better memory retention and retrieval as a human has combined physical and cognitive domains. 
   If humans jointly participate in a track activity including the assembly of a track, building an apparatus of tracks, traversing a track or an apparatus, or disassembly of a track or an apparatus, team concepts, peer help, and cooperation skills are developed resulting in better social behavior and life skills. 
   The material used to manufacture a rail, a distinct end coupler, and an anti-tip device must be sturdy, durable, color-safe, and weather resistant. An assembled track should be light in weight making the track easy to assemble and dismantle, connect to other tracks or couplers, transport, and store. However, a track must be of a sufficient weight to avoid shifting while under foot. The material used to manufacture a rung must also be sturdy, durable, color-safe, and weather resistant. A step or rung must be capable of withstanding a considerable weight. If the tracks are used outdoors, the material used to manufacture the rails, steps, and rungs must be heavier and rust resistant. 
   Although the description above contains much specificity, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but merely providing illustrations of some of the embodiments of this invention. For example, the shapes of rails and the shape and location of the elements comprising rails including the step insertion and track connecting elements, the shapes of steps, the shapes of distinct end couplers and the elements comprising a coupler, and the designs of the apparatuses are not limited to the shapes, locations, and designs shown in the drawings. The methods used to install readily detachable steps or connect tracks are not limited to those shown or described. 
   Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.