U.S. patent application number 11/040688 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-29 for stunt device for toy vehicle trackset.
Invention is credited to Andrews, Mike, Finizza, Michael, Mayer, Mark, Pohlman, Joe K., Sheltman, David A., Tam, Nelson.
Application Number | 20050287915 11/040688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35506530 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050287915 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sheltman, David A. ; et
al. |
December 29, 2005 |
Stunt device for toy vehicle trackset
Abstract
A spiral stunt device includes a supporting frame having an
upper cross member which in turn defines a helical thread. A
traveler engages the helical thread of the upper support and
further supports a pendulum segment. The pendulum segment extends
downwardly and terminates in a toy vehicle receiver or "caddy". A
first track segment is directed toward one side of the spiral stunt
device which a second track segment is directed toward an offset
portion of the stunt device. As a toy vehicle enters the stunt
device with substantial energy, it is captivated by the toy vehicle
receiver. As the energy of the captivated toy vehicle is
transferred to the receiver and its pendulum support, the receiver
together with the toy vehicle and the pendulum support are caused
to rotate about the horizontal member advancing the traveler on the
helical threads. The resulting lateral movement of the traveler
upon the helical thread aligns the toy vehicle receiver with the
offset track segment. Thereafter, the toy vehicle departs the
receiver and travels down the offset track segment.
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.
MI 1220, 333 CONTINENTAL BLVD.
EL SEGUNDO
CA
90245
US
|
Family ID: |
35506530 |
Appl. No.: |
11/040688 |
Filed: |
January 21, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60538942 |
Jan 23, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/444 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 18/028 20130101;
A63H 18/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/444 |
International
Class: |
A63H 018/00 |
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A spiral stunt device for use in combination with a toy vehicle
and a toy vehicle trackset, said spiral stunt device comprising: an
entry ramp for receiving a moving toy vehicle; an exit ramp; a
support structure; a pendulum pivotally supported by said support
structure; and a toy vehicle caddy secured to and carried by said
pendulum, said toy vehicle caddy having means for receiving and
carrying a toy vehicle, said pendulum absorbing the kinetic energy
of a moving toy vehicle as it moves from said entrance ramp to said
toy vehicle caddy and in response thereto rotating about said
support structure to align said toy vehicle caddy with said exit
ramp and transfer said toy vehicle onto said exit ramp.
2. The spiral stunt device set forth in claim 1 wherein said
entrance ramp and said exit ramp are offset a predetermined
distance and wherein said pendulum moves said distance as it
revolves about said support structure.
3. The spiral stunt device set forth in claim 2 wherein said
pendulum and said support structure includes a spiral mechanism
operative to advance said pendulum along said support structure
said distance upon one or more revolutions of said pendulum.
4. The spiral stunt device set forth in claim 3 wherein said toy
vehicle caddy includes a trigger release operative to restrain a
toy vehicle landing on said toy vehicle caddy and to release a
restrained toy vehicle when said toy vehicle caddy impacts said
exit ramp.
5. The spiral stunt device set forth in claim 4 wherein said entry
ramp and said exit ramp are secured to said support structure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of Provisional Application
60/538,942 entitled SPIRAL STUNT DEVICE FOR TOY VEHICLE TRACKSET
filed Jan. 23, 2004 on behalf of the applicants of the present
invention.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to toy vehicle tracksets
and particularly to stunt apparatus utilized therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Toy vehicle tracksets have been proven to be an extremely
popular and long-lasting category of toys. As toy vehicle tracksets
became more and more competitive, practitioners in the toy arts
have endeavored to enhance the amusement and entertainment value of
such toy vehicle tracksets by employing a variety of devices which
may be generally referred to as "stunt devices". These devices have
included a virtually endless variety of track segment loops, jumps,
collision apparatus and the like. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
3,660,849 issued to Faller sets forth MODEL VEHICLE having a device
for accelerating model vehicles including a track portion movable
relative to a supporting base by a spring mechanism. The track
portion is held in a cocked position against the spring until a toy
vehicle enters the toy vehicle supporting system of the track
portion. A trigger is released as a vehicle enters the track
portion. The released trigger allows the track portion to be
rapidly rotated about a center carrying the toy vehicle in an arc
and depositing it upon a second portion of the toy vehicle
trackset.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,112 issued to Lambert et al. sets forth
a TOY VEHICLE SET HAVING VEHICLE SNATCHING TOY FIGURE in which a
toy vehicle track defines a loop portion therein. A launcher is
supported by and coupled to the toy vehicle track for accelerating
a toy vehicle down the track through the loop and outwardly from
the loop. A toy figure is supported within the interior of the
track loop and includes a simulated animal head and jaw which is
triggered by the toy vehicle movement through the loop. The animal
jaw and head move rapidly to snatch the toy vehicle from the track
loop.
[0005] A substantial number of toy vehicle tracksets utilize one or
more loop portions to increase the amusement and entertainment of
the user. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,146,991 issued to Sano; U.S.
Pat. No. 3,735,923 issued to Brigham et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
3,411,783 issued to Montagna; U.S. Pat. No. 1,431,398 issued to
Hetzner; U.S. Pat. No. 3,209,491 issued to Roeper; U.S. Pat. No.
770,071 issued to Johnson and U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,969 issued to
Zaruba all set forth various examples of looped toy track
systems.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,789 issued to Rehkemper et al. sets
forth a TOY CAR TRACK ASSEMBLY WITH PROPELLING MECHANISM AND
COLLISION COURSE having a closed toy vehicle trackway within which
a upwardly spiraled battery-powered lifting device raises toy
vehicles from one portion of the trackway to a greater height and
thereafter allows the toy vehicles to roll downwardly into a stunt
loop. This stunt loop includes a collision-causing intersection
which creates a mid-air collision course which results from a car
entering the loop as an earlier car traverses the loop.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,953 issued to Hippely et al. sets forth
a TOY VEHICULAR PLAYSET having a transparent hollow barrel-like
member defining open end portions. A toy vehicle track directs an
accelerated vehicle into the interior of the barrel-like device.
Within the barrel-like device, the toy vehicle travels in a
generally cylindrical path and ultimately emerges at the opposite
end onto an exit track portion. The helical path of the toy vehicle
is determined by the speed of the vehicle entering the barrel
interior.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,633,308 issued to Yang sets forth a TOY
INCLUDING A TRACK FOR CAR having a pair of rotating farris wheels
supported in a spaced relationship. A first track portion extends
upwardly from the bottom portion of one ferris wheel to a raised
midpoint and then downwardly to the other ferris wheel. A pair of
toy vehicles extractors transferred the toy vehicles from the
rotating ferris wheels to the track segments.
[0009] A number of toy vehicle sets utilize loop portions in the
trackway which define a gap rather than a continuous loop. Such
gaps are intended to be traversed of "jumped" by high speed toy
vehicles within the trackset. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,961
issued to Muller sets forth a TRACK FOR TOY VEHICLES WITH
JUMPING-OFF AND JUMPING-ON RAMPS in which a base supports a pair of
oppositely positioned generally C-Shaped loop segments which are in
general alignment such that a discontinuous track loop is formed
therebetween a center gap. A toy vehicle entering the loop portion
thus defined is directed by one C-Shaped portion to the gap formed
between the sections causing the vehicle to "jump". The vehicle
path carries the vehicle to the opposite C-Shaped section to
complete the stunt.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,867 issued to Hippely sets forth a TOY
VEHICLE TRACKWAY SET having a track portion and means for
accelerating a toy vehicle thereon. The track portion defines a
vertical loop which transitions to a segment of a horizontal loop.
The horizontal loop segment defines a generally upwardly angled
path which ends abruptly in the interior of the vertical loop. A
catching device defining a generally open container is positioned
at a desired point with respect to the horizontal loop termination.
The object of game play is to position the container such that a
toy vehicle traveling down the trackway upwardly and through the
vertical loop and horizontally in a curved path results in hurtling
the toy vehicle away from the trackset. The user attempts to locate
the open container at the approximate landing point of the toy
vehicle.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,133 issued to Chilton et al. sets forth
an INTERRUPTED INVERTED JUMP LOOP FOR ELECTRIC SLOT CARS having a
pair of generally parallel slot car tracks which form a gapped or
open jump loop. Toy vehicles traveling the track are directed
upwardly and then rearwardly toward the opposing jump loop portion.
The object is to jump the gap in the track loop such that the toy
vehicle lands on the receiving portion of the jump loop and
continues travel.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 783,812 issued to Ancillotti sets forth an
AMUSEMENT APPARATUS having an elevated and downwardly inclined
bicycle track. The bicycle transitions to an upwardly and
rearwardly directed loop segment. A mirror image loop segment is
spaced from the launching segment and is coupled to a further track
portion. A bicycle accelerated down the incline ramp enters the
inclined ramp enters the first loop segment, jumps the gap and is
received upon the receiving loop section.
[0013] U.S. Pat. Re. 32,106 issued to Lemelson and U.S. Pat. No.
4,476,649 issued to Zaruba set forth examples of further prior art
devices generally related to the present invention.
[0014] 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 a continuing need in
the art for evermore interesting, and amusing stunt devices for use
within toy vehicle tracksets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] 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
toy vehicle trackset having a novel vehicle-reactive stunt device
therein.
[0016] The present invention is directed to a spiral stunt device
for use in a toy vehicle trackset. The spiral stunt device includes
a supporting frame having an upper cross member which in turn
defines a helical thread. A traveler engages the helical thread of
the upper support and further supports a pendulum segment. The
pendulum segment extends downwardly and terminates in a toy vehicle
receiver or "caddy". A first track segment is directed toward one
side of the spiral stunt device which a second track segment is
directed toward an offset portion of the stunt device. As a toy
vehicle enters the stunt device with substantial energy, it is
captivated by the toy vehicle receiver. As the energy of the
captivated toy vehicle is transferred to the receiver and its
pendulum support, the receiver together with the toy vehicle and
the pendulum support are caused to rotate about the horizontal
member advancing the traveler on the helical threads. The resulting
lateral movement of the traveler upon the helical thread aligns the
toy vehicle receiver with the offset track segment. Thereafter, the
toy vehicle departs the receiver and travels down the offset track
segment.
[0017] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a spiral stunt device for use in combination with a toy vehicle and
a toy vehicle trackset, the spiral stunt device comprising: an
entry ramp for receiving a moving toy vehicle; an exit ramp; a
support structure; a pendulum pivotally supported by the support
structure; and a toy vehicle caddy secured to and carried by the
pendulum, the toy vehicle caddy having means for receiving and
carrying a toy vehicle, the pendulum absorbing the kinetic energy
of a moving toy vehicle as it moves from the entrance ramp to the
toy vehicle caddy and in response thereto rotating about the
support structure to align the toy vehicle caddy with the exit ramp
and transfer the toy vehicle onto the exit ramp.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] 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:
[0019] FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle
trackset;
[0020] FIG. 2 sets forth a perspective view of an alternative toy
vehicle trackset;
[0021] FIG. 3 sets forth a perspective view of a spiral stunt
device constructed in accordance with the present invention;
and
[0022] FIG. 4 sets forth a perspective view of the present
invention spiral stunt device in motion.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0023] By way of overview, the present invention spiral stunt
device utilizes a support member having an upper cross member upon
which a helical coil is formed. A traveler is supported upon and
engages the helical thread portion. A pendulum extends downwardly
from the traveler and terminates in a toy vehicle receiver at its
lower end. A pair of offset track segments forming an entering ramp
and an offset exit ramp are aligned with the spiral stunt device.
Initially, the traveler aligns the toy vehicle receiver with the
entry ramp. Thereafter, a toy vehicle having substantial energy
proceeds along the entry ramp and is guided to an impact and
capture upon the toy vehicle receiver. As the toy vehicle is
captured within the toy vehicle receiver, an energy transfer takes
place which causes the combined structure of the toy vehicle
receiver, pendulum support and traveler to rotate about the
horizontal support member upon the helical coil segment. This
rotation produces a lateral movement of the entire structure into a
second position in which the toy vehicle receiver is aligned with
the exit ramp trackway segment. As the toy vehicle receiver is
rotated downwardly into alignment with the exit ramp, the toy
vehicle is charged from the receiver and travels away from the
stunt device upon exit ramp.
[0024] 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 10 includes a
scaffold-type support generally referenced by numeral 11. Support
11 includes a number of base elements such as base 12 which
utilizes 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 portion 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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 are flexible
guide rails such s 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 guide 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 guide rails utilizes an
extremely tight snap-fit attachment for secure holding of guide
rails. Conversely, the positioning of the guide rails after the
track frame has been shaped as desired allows the snapped in guide
rails to maintain the curvature or twist or other shaping of the
track segment.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] FIG. 3 sets forth a perspective view of a spiral stunt
device constructed in accordance with the present invention and
generally referenced by numeral 50. Spiral stunt device 50 includes
a included entry ramp 51 and an offset exit ramp 52. Between ramps
51 and 52, a support structure 53 is positioned and further
supports a horizontally disposed spiral mechanism 54. Spiral
mechanism 54 includes a helical thread (not shown) upon which a
traveler 55 is supported so as to engage the helical threads of
spiral mechanism 54. Traveler 55 further supports a downwardly
extending pendulum arm 56 which in turn supports a toy vehicle
receiver 57. In FIG. 3, a typical toy vehicle 58 is shown
captivated within toy vehicle receiver 57. In the configuration
shown in FIG. 3, toy vehicle 58 has just entered toy vehicle
receiver 57. As mentioned above, the energy possessed by toy
vehicle 58 as it traverses entry ramp 51 is transferred to toy
vehicle receiver 57 as the toy vehicle is captivated. This transfer
of energy causes rotation of pendulum arm 56 and traveler 55.
[0031] FIG. 4 sets forth an enlarged perspective view of the
present invention spiral stunt set. As described above, spiral
stunt device 50 includes a support 53 having a spiral mechanism 54
supported in a horizontal position. An entry ramp 51 is coupled to
support 53 together with an offset exit ramp 52 also coupled to
support 53. Spiral mechanism 54 includes an internal helical thread
(not shown) upon which a traveler 55 is engaged. Traveler 55
further supports a pendulum 56 which in turn supports a toy vehicle
receiver 57. A toy vehicle 58 is shown captivated within receiver
57. A trigger release 59 is supported within toy vehicle receiver
57 and its operative to release toy vehicle 58 once alignment with
exit ramp 52 is obtained.
[0032] Thus, in operation, as a toy vehicle such as toy vehicle 58
traverses entry ramp 51 it transfers to toy vehicle receiver 57 and
the energy possessed by the toy vehicle is imparted to toy vehicle
receiver 57. This energy causes the combined structure of toy
vehicle receiver 57, pendulum 56 and traveler 55 to rotate in the
direction indicated by arrow 61. This rotation causes traveler 55
to move in the direction indicated by arrow 62 upon spiral
mechanism 54. After several revolutions, toy vehicle receiver 57 is
aligned with exit ramp 52 and trigger 59 is activated. As trigger
59 is activated, toy vehicle 58 exits receiver 57 and moves onto
exit ramp 52 completing the stunt.
[0033] What as been shown is a novel spiral stunt device for use in
a toy vehicle trackset in which an entertaining rotational carriage
of the toy vehicle takes place transferring the toy vehicle in an
apparently magical manner between two offset ramps.
[0034] 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.
* * * * *