U.S. patent application number 11/041030 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-01 for gravity launcher and clamp for trackset.
Invention is credited to Andrews, Mike, Finizza, Michael, Mayer, Mark, Pohlman, Joe K., Sheltman, David A., Tam, Nelson.
Application Number | 20050191938 11/041030 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34889708 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050191938 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sheltman, David A. ; et
al. |
September 1, 2005 |
Gravity launcher and clamp for trackset
Abstract
A toy vehicle launcher and supporting clamp are used in
providing a gravity driven toy vehicle trackset. The clamp utilizes
a ratcheting attachment member which facilitates the rapid sizing
or adjustment for size for attachment to a table edge or the like.
The launcher and clamp further provides a toy vehicle launcher
having a trigger release for gravity driven launch of a toy vehicle
down a coupled track segment. The angle of the toy vehicle launcher
is adjustable to facilitate changes in launch angle and thereby
changes in the amount of energy imparted to the toy vehicle.
Inventors: |
Sheltman, David A.; (Irvine,
CA) ; Pohlman, Joe K.; (Westchester, CA) ;
Finizza, Michael; (Los Angeles, CA) ; Mayer,
Mark; (Woodland Hills, CA) ; Andrews, Mike;
(Los Angeles, CA) ; Tam, Nelson; (Torrance,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Roy A. Ekstrand
MATTEL, INC.
333 Continental Blvd., MI 1220
El Segundo
CA
90245
US
|
Family ID: |
34889708 |
Appl. No.: |
11/041030 |
Filed: |
January 21, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60538856 |
Jan 23, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/429 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 17/24 20130101;
A63H 18/026 20130101; A63H 18/04 20130101; A63H 18/028
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/429 |
International
Class: |
A63H 029/00 |
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A gravity launcher and clamp for trackset comprising: a launcher
station for receiving a to-be-launched toy vehicle defining a
launch path; a fixed jaw having a gripping surface; a movable foot
aligned with said gripping surface; a frame supporting said fixed
jaw; a ratchet mechanism secured to said frame; a threaded
adjustment shaft movable within said ratchet mechanism supporting
said foot for movement toward or away from said fixed jaw; and a
pivot support coupling said frame to said launch station
facilitating variation of the launch angle for said launch
station.
2. The gravity launcher and clamp set forth in claim 1 wherein said
pivot limits pivotal movement to a single axis generally orthogonal
to said launch path.
3. The gravity launcher and clamp set forth in claim 2 wherein said
pivot includes a pivot lever coupled to said launch station used
for said launch angle adjustment.
4. The gravity launcher and clamp set forth in claim 3 wherein said
launcher station includes a trigger launch.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of Provisional Patent
Application 60/538,856 entitled Gravity Launcher and Clamp for
Trackset filed Jan. 23, 2005 on behalf of the applicants of the
present application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to toy vehicle tracksets
and particularly to structure utilized in securing track segments
and other active portions of the trackset to available surfaces
such as table edge or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Toy vehicle tracksets are well known in the art and have
been successfully produced and marketed for many years. Toy vehicle
tracksets are fabricated using a variety of systems for propelling
the toy vehicles. One of the earliest types of toy vehicle
propulsion used on tracksets is powered by a simple gravity
arrangement. Basically, gravity-driven toy vehicle tracksets
utilize a raised portion of the trackset and inclined track
segments extending downwardly therefrom to provide energy to the
toy vehicle as it accelerates under the influence of gravity down
the ramp.
[0004] Thus, a substantial number of toy vehicle tracksets have
been provided by practitioners in the art which, in various ways,
utilize a downwardly inclined or curved track segment upon which
toy vehicles are launched and thereafter accelerate under the
influence of gravity. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,350 issued
to Hippely, et al. sets forth a TRACK FOR TOY VEHICLES having a
track shaped generally to resemble a snake having a snake head at
its lower end. The upper end of the toy vehicle track is secured to
a convenient raised support such as a chair leg or the like using a
removable clamp.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,735,923 issued to Brigham, et al. sets forth
a LOOPED TRAFFIC ACCESSORY having a flexible track for toy vehicles
which utilizes a removable C-clamp for securing the raised portion
of a gravity-powered toy vehicle trackset.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. Re. 15,900 issued to Hetzner sets forth TOY
AMUSEMENT APPARATUS having a toy vehicle trackset supported by a
base frame which includes a vertical riser. The vertical riser
supports an elevated launch portion of the track and a downwardly
inclined ramp.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,762,095 issued to Merino, et al. sets forth
a TOY HILL-CLIMBING SYSTEM having an elongated flexible track which
includes a launcher section together with an upwardly inclined
track portion and a roadway portion simulating rough off-road
terrain. The roadway portion is elevated to a greater height than
the launcher providing an upwardly angled ramp which must be
climbed by the toy vehicles.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,332 issued to Wolf sets forth a RACEWAY
WITH OBSTACLES FOR TOY VEHICLES having a plurality of parallel toy
vehicle tracks which undulate downwardly from a raised launch
portion.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 1,725,536 issued to Marx sets forth an
ACROBATIC TOY having a raised launch portion, a downwardly sloping
ramp and a stunt loop which is traversed by toy vehicles under
gravity power.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 1,703,117 issued to Marx sets forth an
ACROBATIC RACING TOY having a pair of toy vehicle tracks arranged
in parallel fashion and elevated at one end. The lower end of the
toy vehicle tracks is coupled to a spring-loaded stunt device in
each lane.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 1,561,633 issued to Bain sets forth a
MECHANICAL TOY having a toy vehicle trackset including a raised end
and a lower end and a vehicle accelerating loop therebetween.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 1,431,398 issued to Hetzner sets forth a TOY
AMUSEMENT APPARATUS having a base frame supporting a toy vehicle
track defining a loop and an upwardly extending launch ramp. The
upper end of the launch ramp includes a launch station and is
supported by a vertical support which in turn is coupled to the
base frame.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,917 issued to Klitsner and U.S. Pat. No.
3,379,440 issued to Jaffe set forth similar products in which a
rolling sphere or ball is substituted for the gravity-powered toy
vehicles of the above-mentioned prior art tracksets.
[0014] A substantial number of prior art devices which may be
collectively described as "clamps" or "C-clamps" are set forth in
the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,556 issued to Whiteford;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,241 issued to Harrison; U.S. Pat. No. 2,812,789
issued to Hutson; U.S. Pat. No. 870,761 issued to Benson; U.S. Pat.
No. 2,368,843 issued to Kees and U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,604 issued to
Choi variously set forth different structures which are
representative of the clamp structure art.
[0015] Additional devices have been provided by practitioners in
the art to meet various specialized clamping needs. These apparatus
may be generally or commonly described as specialized clamping
devices which are utilized in a particular and specialized clamp
application. Thus, U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,756 issued to Cross; U.S.
Pat. No. 2,301,230 issued to Smith; U.S. Pat. No. 972,480 issued to
Southwick; U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,225 issued to Hall and U.S. Pat. No.
5,049,104 issued to Olsen are representative of such specialized
clamping devices.
[0016] German published application DE19748130A1 sets forth a
WORKPIECE CLAMP WITH ANGLED GUIDE LEG AND LATCHING LEG while French
published application FR2789509A1 sets forth a CLAMP FOR ATTACHING
PRICE TICKETS TO SHELVES.
[0017] While the foregoing described prior art devices have to some
extent improved the art and have in some instances enjoyed
commercial success, there remains nonetheless for a continuing need
in the art for evermore improved functional and effective clamping
apparatus for securing the gravity launcher of a toy vehicle
trackset.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention
to provide an improved toy vehicle trackset. It is a more
particular object of the present invention to provide an improved
gravity operated toy vehicle launcher.
[0019] The present invention provides a novel toy vehicle launcher
and supporting clamp for use in providing a gravity driven toy
vehicle trackset. The novel clamp utilizes a ratcheting attachment
member which facilitates the rapid sizing or adjustment for size
for attachment to a table edge or the like. The launcher and clamp
of the present invention further provides a toy vehicle launcher
having a trigger release for gravity driven launch of a toy vehicle
down a coupled track segment. The angle of the toy vehicle launcher
is adjustable to facilitate changes in launch angle and thereby
changes in the amount of energy imparted to the toy vehicle.
[0020] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a gravity launcher and clamp for trackset comprising: a launcher
station for receiving a to-be-launched toy vehicle defining a
launch path; a fixed jaw having a gripping surface; a movable foot
aligned with the gripping surface; a frame supporting the fixed
jaw; a ratchet mechanism secured to the frame; a threaded
adjustment shaft movable within the ratchet mechanism supporting
the foot for movement toward or away from the fixed jaw; and a
pivot support coupling the frame to the launch station facilitating
variation of the launch angle for the launch station.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The features of the present invention, which are believed to
be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.
The invention, together with further objects and advantages
thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like
elements and in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle
trackset;
[0023] FIG. 2 sets forth a perspective view of an alternate toy
vehicle trackset; and
[0024] FIG. 3 sets forth a perspective view of a gravity launcher
and clamp for use in tracksets such as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
to provide a gravity launched entrance to the trackset.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0025] By way of overview, the present invention gravity launcher
and clamp is utilized in providing a method for inserting a toy
vehicle into a toy vehicle trackset. The inventive launcher may be
used to provide the insertion of a toy vehicle into a booster-type
toy vehicle trackset. Alternatively, the present invention gravity
launcher and clamp may be utilized as the sole energy input to the
toy vehicle trackset in which the toy vehicle is powered solely by
the gravity energy imparted to the toy vehicle using the present
invention gravity launcher and clamp. The gravity launcher and
clamp of the present invention is conveniently securable to a table
edge or the like to provide an elevated position. The launcher
couples to a downwardly inclined track segment to allow the toy
vehicle once released to travel from the launcher to the entrance
ramp of the toy vehicle trackset. A clamp housing supports a
ratcheting clamp utilized in securing the clamp to a table edge. A
pivotal support is formed on the clamp housing and is coupled to a
toy vehicle launch platform. The launch platform includes a
releasable trigger which restrains the toy vehicle in an inclined
position. The launcher is in turn coupled to the entrance ramp of
the toy vehicle trackset. Once the trigger is released, a toy
vehicle restrained thereby is allowed to roll downwardly onto the
track segment and onto the remainder of the trackset.
[0026] FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle
trackset constructed in accordance with the present invention and
generally referenced by numeral 10. Toy vehicle trackset 10
includes a scaffold-type support generally referenced by numeral
11. Support 11 includes a number of base elements such as base 12
which utilize a plurality of support rods such as rod 13. Trackset
10 further includes an intersection 30 supported by scaffold
support 11. Intersection 30 includes an outer ring 31 pivotally
supported upon support 11 and an inner ring 32. Inner ring 32 is
small enough in diameter to fit within the interior of outer ring
31. Inner ring 32 is pivotally secured to outer ring 31. As a
result, both outer ring 31 and inner ring 32 are pivotable both
with respect to each other and with respect to support 11. Outer
ring 32 is coupled to a pair of track portions formed by track loop
22 and track ramp 23. Similarly, inner ring 32 is coupled to one
end of track loop 22 and to track segment 21. Because the end
portions of track loop 22 are spaced from ramp 23 and track segment
21 respectively, a gap or "jump" is formed across outer ring 31 and
inner ring 32. The angle between the jump paths thus formed within
intersection 30 is determined by the pivotal positions of outer
ring 31 and inner ring 32.
[0027] Trackset 10 further includes a booster 15 fabricated in
accordance with conventional fabrication techniques which
accelerates a toy vehicle passing downwardly upon ramp 23. Trackset
10 further includes a flexible multiple apertured panel 16 which in
turn is supported by an adjustable support 17. The remainder of
trackset 10 is coupled by a track segment 19 coupled to panel 16
and forming a U-shaped portion together with a straight track
segment 20. Track segment 20 is coupled to track segment 21.
[0028] Track segment 21, loop portion 22 and ramp 23 are fabricated
to provide a trackway which is highly flexible in use and readily
adjustable to a variety of curves, loops and twists. Thus, for
example, ramp 23 is formed of a track segment 18 comprising an
elongated frame 33 supporting a plurality of guide rail posts such
as posts 34 and 35. Posts 34 and 35 are supported along each side
of frame 33. A pair of flexible generally rod-like rails such as
rails 36 and 37 are secured within posts 34 and 35 as well as the
remaining posts along frame 33. The utilization of frame 33
together with supporting posts such as posts 34 and 35 and flexible
guide rails such as guide rails 36 and 37 provides a track
structure which facilitates bending the resulting track into a
variety of curves, loops, twists and the like which are maintained
in shape due to the secure attachment of guard rails 36 and 37 on
each side of the track frame. In the preferred fabrication of the
track segments, the fit and attachment of the guard rails utilizes
an extremely tight snap-fit attachment for secure holding of the
guard rails. Conversely, the positioning of the guard rails after
the track frame has been shaped as desired allows the snapped in
guard rails to maintain the curvature or twist or other shaping of
the track segment.
[0029] FIG. 2 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle
trackset constructed in accordance with the present invention and
generally referenced by numeral 40. Trackset 40 differs from
trackset 10 in its utilization in a different arrangement of
components and a different combination of components but functions
basically the same. Accordingly, trackset 40 includes a loop
segment 41 supported by a support structure 42 together with a loop
segment 44. Loop segment 44 is coupled between a curved panel 43
having a support 45 and a booster 15. Booster 15 is fabricated in
accordance with conventional fabrication techniques and is used to
accelerate a toy vehicle passing through the booster stage. An
intersection 30 fabricated in the manner described above in FIG. 1
is positioned with an outer ring 31 and an inner ring 32 in a flat
or coplanar relationship. Thus, outer ring 31 is coupled to track
loop 41 and booster 15 while inner ring 32 is coupled to the
remaining end of loop 41 and curved panel 43.
[0030] Loop portion 41 and loop portion 44 of trackset 40 are
fabricated in the above-described manner in which a track frame
supports a plurality of posts which in turn are secured to a pair
of flexible guide rails. It will be noted by examination of FIGS. 1
and 2 that this track structure provides substantial flexibility
and variability in shaping the contours of the trackset.
[0031] In the horizontal configuration of intersection 30 shown in
FIG. 2, the jump portions formed by the respective track segments
are generally coplanar and generally horizontal. This allows
intersection 30 to provide a more conventional toy
vehicle-intersecting jump.
[0032] FIG. 3 sets forth a perspective view of a launcher and clamp
constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally
referenced by numeral 210. Launcher and clamp 210 is shown secured
to the edge of a conventional table 211. Launcher and clamp 210
includes a frame 212 formed of a rigid material such as molded
plastic or the like. Frame 212 includes a fixed jaw 216 positioned
upon the upper surface of table 211 and a ratchet assembly 215
secured beneath table 211 and supported by frame 212. Ratchet
assembly 215 receives a threaded shaft 213 which in turn supports a
foot 214 positioned beneath the lower surface of table 211. Ratchet
215 allows shaft 213 to be quickly moved in a direct sliding
movement to place foot 214 against the undersurface of table 211.
This avoids the need for extensive rotation of shaft 213 to
position foot 214 for clamping attachment. Thereafter, threaded
shaft 213 is rotated to assert the required gripping force upon
table 211 by fixed jaw 216 and foot 214.
[0033] Launcher and clamp 210 further includes a launch station 218
having a releasable trigger latch 219 supported thereon. A toy
vehicle 220 is received upon launcher station 218 and restrained
against gravitational pull by latch 219. A pivot 217 couples
launcher station 218 to frame 212 and allows the angle of launcher
station 218 to be adjusted as desired. The pivotal movement of
launcher station 218 pivots about pivot 217 as indicated by arrows
222. A track segment 221 is coupled to the exit end of launcher
station 218. Toy vehicle 220, once released, travels downwardly in
a launch path as indicated by arrow 218A.
[0034] Thus, with launcher station 218 angled at the desired angle,
toy vehicle 220 is placed within station 218 and is restrained by
latch 219. Once the desired angle of launcher station 218 has been
set, the user releases trigger latch 219 and toy vehicle 220 rolls
downwardly from launcher station 218 onto track segment 221 under
the urging of gravity.
[0035] What has been shown is a convenient gravity launcher and
clamp for use in a toy vehicle trackset. The gravity launcher and
clamp shown is conveniently securable to a table edge or other
convenient supporting surface. The angle of toy vehicle launch and,
as a result, the amount of gravitational force applied to the
launched toy vehicle is adjustable as desired.
[0036] While particular embodiments of the invention have been
shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art
that changes and modifications may be made without departing from
the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the
appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as
fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *