U.S. patent application number 12/853587 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-24 for track segment for toy motorway.
Invention is credited to Kurt Hesse.
Application Number | 20110042473 12/853587 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41335427 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110042473 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hesse; Kurt |
February 24, 2011 |
TRACK SEGMENT FOR TOY MOTORWAY
Abstract
Track segment (10) for a toy motorway with two lanes (11) is
arranged symmetric to the longitudinal centre axis, along which
respective electric conductor paths (12) are arranged, and with
devices for connecting the track segment (10) to other track
segments (10) of the same type. For the connection of the conductor
paths (12), respective hole-fillet pairs (121) are provided. For
the connection of the track segments (10), at least one hole-pin
pair (14) with a fork-like designed pin (141) and a hole (140)
which corresponds with the pin (141) is provided. The pin (141) is
designed springy. By means of the hole-pin-pair (14), a click-stop
device is provided which connects the track segments (10) and which
is detachable. Furthermore, for the stabilization and guidance of
the connection, at least one hole-fillet pair (13) with a fillet
(131) and a hole (130) that corresponds with the fillet (131) is
provided.
Inventors: |
Hesse; Kurt; (Nuremberg,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kubotera & Associates, LLC
200 Daingerfield Rd, Suite 202
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
41335427 |
Appl. No.: |
12/853587 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
238/10A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 18/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
238/10.A |
International
Class: |
A63H 18/12 20060101
A63H018/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 10, 2009 |
DE |
20 2009 010 750.7 |
Claims
1. A track segment (10) for a toy motorway with two lanes (11)
being arranged symmetric to the longitudinal centre axis, along
which respective electric conductor paths (12) are arranged, and
with devices for connecting the track segment (10) to other track
segments (10) of the same type, wherein, for the connection of the
conductor paths (12), respective hole-fillet pairs (121) are
provided, and wherein, for the connection of the track segments
(10), at least one hole-pin pair (14) with a fork-like designed pin
(141) and a hole (140) which corresponds with the pin (141) is
provided, wherein the pin (141) is designed springy and wherein, by
means of the hole-pin-pair (14), a click-stop device is provided
which connects the track segments (10) and which is detachable, and
wherein furthermore, for the stabilization and guidance of the
connection, at least one hole-fillet pair (13) with a fillet (131)
and a hole (130) that corresponds with the fillet (131) is
provided.
2. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the
fork-like pin (141) is designed integral with the track segment
(10) and comprises two oblong, flat and springy arms (142), at each
free end of which one respective hook (143) is formed, and the pin
(141) and the hole (140) are designed corresponding in such a
manner that, when the pin (141) is completely introduced into the
hole (140), the hooks (143) of the arms (142) protrude from the
hole (140), whereby the click-stop-device is provided.
3. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the hole
(140) for the pin (141) and the hole (130) for the fillet (131)
have approximately the same width and height.
4. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein one
hole-pin pair (14) is arranged distributed on both sides beyond the
lanes (11), and one hole-fillet pair (13) is arranged between the
lanes (11).
5. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein one
hole-pin pair (14) is arranged between the lanes (11), and one
hole-fillet pair (13) is arranged distributed on both sides beyond
the lanes (11).
6. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein two
hole-pin pairs (14) are arranged between the lanes (11), and one
hole-fillet pair (13) is respectively arranged on both sides beyond
the lanes (11).
7. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein two
hole-pin pairs (14) are arranged between the lanes (11), and one
hole-fillet pair (13) is respectively arranged on both sides beyond
the lanes (11).
8. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein at its
sides, the track segment (10) further comprises holes (150) and
lugs (151) which are designed to respectively correspond with each
other, thus providing a hole-lug pair (15), wherein further, a
free, also fork-like designed connection pin (16) is provided which
corresponds with the hole-lug pair (15), and wherein the track
segment (10) is connectable to a track segment (10) of the same
type on according introduction of the connection pin (16) into the
hole-lug pair (15) in such a manner that an at least two-lane toy
motorway is provided.
9. The track segment (10) according to claim 8, wherein the pin
(16) is designed similar to the pin (14) and comprises also two
oblong and springy designed arms (161), at each free end of which
one respective hook (163) is formed, wherein the pin (16) and the
hole (150) and the lug (151) are designed corresponding in such a
manner that, on complete introduction of the pin (16) through the
lug (151) into the hole (150), the hooks (162) of the arms (161)
protrude from the hole (150), such that a click-stop-device is
provided.
10. The track segment (10) according to claim 8, wherein: the pin
(16) has two respective extensions (163) at its front-end which is
positioned adversely to the hooks (162), the extensions being
designed in such a manner that, on the pin (16) being completely
introduced into the lug (151) and the hole (150), the extensions
(163) laterally embrace the lug (151).
11. The track segment (10) according to claim 8, wherein: the pin
(16) is designed flat and arranged in a manner such that it does
not touch a surface onto which the track segment (10) rests.
12. The track segment (10) according to claim 8, wherein the pin
(16) comprises an outer edge (164) which has a recess (165) at its
front end, and, at the front end of the pin (16), a hole (166)
exists in close proximity to the recess for the fixation of a track
segment (10) by means of a fixation means being guided through the
hole (166), at a pin (16) being introduced into a outer lateral
hole (150).
13. The track segment (10) according to claim 8, wherein the
hole-fillet pair (13) and/or the hole-pin pair (14) and/or the
hole-lug pair (15) with the pin (16) are designed in such a manner
that a securely and easily detachable connection can be provided
between track segments (10) without any further aids.
14. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the track
segment (10) is designed in such a manner that it is compatible
with track segments (20) of identical or similar type of at least
one different manufacturer (II).
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT
[0001] The present invention relates to a track segment for a toy
motorway and in particular a track segment which is suitable for
the connection with track segments of the same type of at least two
different manufacturers.
[0002] Track segments for toy motorways are known from the art for
example from DE 3725227 A1.
[0003] The invention is based on the object to provide a track
segment of the type as mentioned above in such a manner, that a
firm and secure connection between the track segments is ensured,
which can be provided in a simple manner, and which is detachable
in a simple manner as well. Herein, it is a particular object of
the present invention to provide a track segment for a toy motorway
which is compatible with track segments of identical or similar
type of at least one different manufacturer.
[0004] The object is solved by the characteristics of the
claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A track segment according to the invention for a toy
motorway particularly comprises two lanes which are arranged
symmetric to its longitudinal centre axis, along which respective
electric conductor paths are arranged, and furthermore a device for
connecting the track segment to other track segments of the same
type, wherein, for the connection of the conductor paths,
hole-fillet pairs are provided which respectively correspond with
each other, and wherein, for the connection of the track segments,
at least one hole-pin pair with a fork-like designed pin and a hole
which corresponds with the pin are provided, and wherein the pin is
designed springy and wherein, by means of the hole-pin-pair, a
click-stop device is provided which connects the track segments and
which is detachable, and wherein furthermore, for the stabilization
and guidance of the connection, at least one hole-fillet pair with
a fillet and a hole that corresponds with the fillet is provided.
Herein, the fork-like pin is designed integral with the track
segment and comprises two oblong, flat and springy arms, at each
free end of which one respective hook is formed, and the pin and
the hole are designed corresponding in such a manner that, when the
pin is completely introduced into the hole, the hooks of the arms
protrude from the hole, whereby the click-stop device is
provided.
[0006] Herein, particularly advantageous, the hole for the pin and
the hole for the fillet have approximately the same width and
height, so that according to the invention the prerequisite for a
compatibility of the track segment, in particular also for a
compatibility with identical or similar components of at least one
different manufacturer, is achieved.
[0007] According to one advantageous embodiment of the present
invention, one hole-pin pair is arranged distributed on both sides
beyond the lanes, and one hole-fillet pair is arranged between the
lanes. Herein, respectively, the hole of the hole-pin pair is
arranged on the one side beyond the lanes, and the pin of the
hole-pin pair is arranged on the other side beyond the lanes.
[0008] Particularly advantageous, the aforementioned embodiment of
the present invention is suitable for the provision of a connection
of the track segment with track segments of identical and similar
type, in particular when the component is designed to contain a
fillet of a compatible track segment with its hole which is
arranged beyond the lanes, and further to click with its pin which
is arranged beyond the lanes into an according hole of the
compatible track segment which is particularly provided by at least
one different manufacturer.
[0009] According to a variation of the aforementioned embodiment of
the present invention, a hole-pin pair is arranged between the
lanes, and furthermore, a hole-fillet pair is arranged distributed
on both sides beyond the lanes, wherein the hole is arranged on the
one side beyond the lanes, and the fillet is arranged on the other
side beyond the lanes.
[0010] According to another advantageous embodiment of the present
invention, two hole-pin pairs are arranged between the lanes, and
one hole-fillet pair is respectively arranged on both sides beyond
the lanes, so that the aforementioned embodiment of the present
invention is particularly suitable for a connection of wide track
segments.
[0011] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the
present invention, the track segment further comprises at its sides
holes and lugs which are designed to respectively correspond with
each other, thus providing a hole-lug pair, and wherein further, a
free, also fork-like designed connection pin is provided which
corresponds with the hole-lug pair, and wherein the track segment
is connectable to a track segment of the same type on according
introduction of the connection pin into the hole-lug pair in such a
manner that an at least two-lane toy motorway is provided.
[0012] Herein, the connection pin is advantageously designed
similar as the aforementioned pin for the longitudinal connection
of the track segment, and comprises also two oblong and springy
designed arms, at each free end of which one respective hook is
formed, wherein the pin and the hole and the lug are designed
corresponding in such a manner that, on complete introduction of
the pin through the lug into the hole, the hooks of the arms
protrude from the hole, such that a click-stop device is provided.
Herein, the pin has particularly advantageously two respective
extensions at its front-end which is positioned adversely to the
hooks, the extensions being designed in such a manner that, on the
pin being completely introduced into the lug and the hole, the
extensions laterally embrace the lug, so that a secure cross
connection of the track segment is possible.
[0013] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the
present invention, the flat designed connection pin comprises a
circumferential edge which has a recess at the connection pin's
front end and which is interrupted, wherein the connection pin
further has a hole at its front end.
[0014] By means of the advantageous hole, a multitude of connection
pins can for example be retained together at a wire, a string, a
key ring, etc.
[0015] The advantageous hole further serves to house a connection
means such as a screw, by which a track segment can be fixed to a
connection pin which is introduced into a hole being located at the
track segments' outer edge, wherein the aforementioned recess of
the circumferential edge advantageously can house the head of a
screw.
[0016] Therein, the connection elements for the longitudinal as
well as the lateral connection are advantageously arranged and
designed in such a manner, that a securely and easily detachable
connection between track segments can be provided without any
further aids such as metal clamps etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are
mentioned in the subclaims and/or the subsequent description which
is accompanied by schematic drawings. Herein shows:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a partial view of a
track segment according to one embodiment of the present invention,
with an enlarged detail view;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a partial view of a
track segment according to a further embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a partial view of a
track segment according to a further embodiment of the present
invention together with a compatible track segment of at least one
further manufacturer;
[0021] FIG. 4 a further schematic representation of the embodiment
of FIG. 3 from another perspective;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a multitude of track
segments from below according to a further embodiment of the
present invention with enlarged detail representations;
[0023] FIG. 6 is an enlarged representation of an advantageous
embodiment of a connection pin for the lateral connection and
fixation of track segments; and
[0024] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a track segment
according to a further embodiment of the present invention from
below, together with a compatible track segment of a further
manufacturer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] With a track segment according to the invention having the
aforementioned features of the mentioned advantageous embodiments
of the present invention, a firm and secure connection between
track segments of identical or similar type is ensured which can be
established in a simple manner, and which is detachable in a simple
manner as well.
[0026] Suitably and advantageously, a track segment according to
the invention is designed in such a manner that it is compatible
with track segments of identical or similar type of at least two
different manufacturers, so that it can advantageously be used
versatile and flexible.
[0027] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a partial view of
a track segment according to one embodiment of the present
invention with the track segment 10 for a toy motorway with two
lanes 11 being arranged symmetric to the longitudinal centre axis,
along which respective electric conductor paths 12 are
arranged.
[0028] The track segment 10 comprises a device for the connection
of the track segment 10 with track segments of identical type,
wherein, for the connection of the conductor paths 12, respective
hole-fillet pairs 121 are provided. For the provision of a securely
and easily provideable and easily detachable connection of the
track segments 10, a hole-pin pair 14 is arranged between the lanes
11, and a hole-fillet pair 13 is provided for stabilization and for
guidance of the connection which is respectively distributed with
its fillet 131 and with its corresponding hole 130 on both sides
beyond the lanes.
[0029] The fork-like pin 141 of the hole-pin pair 14 is designed
integral with the track segment 10 and comprises two oblong, flat
and springy arms 142. At the free end of the arms, one respective
hook 143 is formed, and the pin 141 and the hole 140 are designed
corresponding in such a manner that, when the pin 141 is completely
introduced into the hole 140, the hooks 143 of the arms 142
protrude from the hole 140, so that a stable detachable click-stop
device is provided.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a partial view of
a track segment according to a further embodiment of the present
invention which represents a variation of the aforementioned
embodiment as described regarding FIG. 1, and in which reference
symbols are being used that correspond to FIG. 1 which is why a
repeated detailed description is omitted, and wherein further, for
reasons of clarity, the reference symbol 121 of the hole-fillet
pairs for connection of the conductor paths which are formed
identical as in the embodiment of FIG. 1 was omitted.
[0031] In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 1, two hole-pin pairs
14 are arranged between the lanes 11, and on both sides beyond the
lanes 11 one respective hole-fillet pair 13 is arranged in the
embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0032] The embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 is
particularly well suitable for the provision of a securely and
easily provideable and guided click-stop device which can be
loosened it in a simple manner as well.
The embodiment of FIG. 2 of the present invention is particularly
suitable for the provision of a secure easy-to-handle click-stop
device of a wide track segment 10, whereas the embodiment of FIG. 1
of the present invention is particularly suitable for the provision
of a secure easy to handle click-stop-device of a narrow track
segment 10.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a partial view of
a track segment 10 according to a further embodiment of the present
invention together with a compatible track segment 20 of at least
one further manufacturer, and FIG. 4 shows a further schematic
representation of the embodiment of FIG. 3 from another perspective
without the conductor paths 12. In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, identical
reference symbols corresponding with FIG. 1 are being used, wherein
a repeated detailed description is omitted, and wherein further,
for reasons of clarity, the reference symbol 121 of the hole-fillet
pairs for the connection of the conductor paths was omitted, and it
was further omitted to equip the hole-fillet pairs which are
respectively arranged within the lanes with the reference symbol 13
or 23, respectively. Regarding the hole-fillet pair 23 of the track
segment 20, reference is made to the reference symbol 23 in FIG.
7.
[0034] In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, one
hole-pin pair 14 with the hole 140 and the pin 141 is arranged
distributed beyond the lanes on both sides of the lanes 11, and one
hole-fillet pair 13 is arranged between the lanes.
[0035] Herein, the hole-fillet pair 13 and the pin-pair 14 of the
track segment 10 according to the invention is particularly
advantageous designed and arranged in such a manner, that the track
segment is compatible with a track segment 20 of at least one
further manufacturer II, wherein the track segment 10 is suitably
designed in such a manner, that it can house a fillet 231 of the
compatible track segment 20 with lanes 21 and conductor paths 22
with its hole 114 which is arranged beyond the lanes 11, and that
furthermore, the pin 141 which is arranged beyond the lanes 11 can
engage into an according hole 230 of the compatible track segment
20 and provides a secure connection of the track segments 10 and
20, which furthermore is provideable in a simple manner and
detachable in a simple manner as well.
[0036] For this also, naturally, the dimensions of the track
segment 10 and its lane 11 with the conductor paths 12, and also of
the according hole-fillet pair 13 are particularly compatible with
the lanes 21 and the conductor paths 22 and the hole-fillet pair 23
which is arranged between the lanes of the compatible track segment
20.
[0037] FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a multitude of
track segments 10 according to the invention from below according
to a further embodiment of the present invention together with
enlarged detail representations.
[0038] The track segment 10 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 can be a
track segment 10 according to any of the embodiments according to
the invention as previously described in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, and it
can further comprise the characteristics referred to
hereinafter.
[0039] A track segment 10 of FIG. 5 advantageously comprises at its
sides holes 150 and lugs 151 which are designed to respectively
correspond with each other, thus providing a hole-lug pair 15, and
wherein further, a free, also fork-like designed connection pin 16
is provided which corresponds with the hole-lug pair 15, wherein
the track segment 10 is connectable to a track segment 10 of the
same type on according introduction of the connection pin 16 into
the hole-lug pair 15 in such a manner that an at least two-lane toy
motorway is provided.
[0040] Herein, the connection pin 16 is advantageously designed
similar as the aforementioned pin 141 for the longitudinal
connection of the track segment 10, and comprises also two oblong
and springy designed arms 161, at each free end of which one
respective hook 162 is formed. The pin 16 and the hole 150 and the
lug 151 are designed corresponding in such a manner that, on
complete introduction of the pin 16 through the lug 151 into the
hole 150, the hooks 162 of the arms 161 protrude from the hole 150,
such that a click-stop device is provided, which can be provided in
a simple manner and which is detachable in a simple manner as well.
Herein, the pin 16 has particularly advantageously two respective
extensions 163 at its front-end which is positioned adversely to
the hooks 162, the extensions being designed in such a manner that,
on the pin 16 being completely introduced into the lug 151 and the
hole 150, the extensions 163 laterally embrace the lug 151, so that
a secure cross connection of the track segment 10 is provided.
[0041] Herein, the pin 16 is advantageously designed flat and
arranged in a manner such that it does not touch a surface onto
which the track segments 10 rest.
[0042] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged representation of a flat designed
connection pin 16 with the arms 161, the hook 162, and the
extensions 163 at the front-end of the connection pin 16, wherein
the flat designed connection pin 16 advantageously has a
circumferential edge 162 which has a recess 165 at the connection
pin's 16 front end and which is interrupted, wherein the connection
pin 16 further has hole 166 at its front end in close proximity of
the recess 165.
[0043] By means of the advantageous hole 166, a multitude of
connection pins 16 can for example be retained together at a wire,
a string, a key ring, etc. in a simple manner.
The advantageous hole 166 further serves to house a connection
means such as a screw, by which a track segment 10 can be fixed to
a connection pin 16 which is introduced into a lateral hole 150
being located at the track segments outer edge, wherein the
aforementioned recess 165 of the circumferential edge 164
advantageously can house the head of a screw.
[0044] FIG. 7 shows a further schematic representation of the
present invention, wherein two hole-pin pairs 14 are arranged
between the lanes 11, and on both sites beyond the lanes 11, a
hole-fillet pair 13 is furthermore respectively arranged. The track
segment 10 according to the invention of FIG. 7 is particularly
suitably being provided in a wide embodiment, as is the track
segment 10 according to the invention of FIG. 2, and the track
segment 10 according to the invention of FIG. 5.
[0045] The track segment according to the invention of FIG. 7
furthermore comprises respectively adversely arranged hole-lug
pairs 15, which respectively cooperate with the connection pin 16
such that an at least two-lane car racetrack can be provided.
[0046] The hole-pin pairs 14 and the hole-lug pair 15 of the
embodiment of FIG. 7 are designed similar as in the aforementioned
embodiments of the present invention, which is why the repeated
description is omitted, and instead, reference is made to what was
said above.
[0047] The hole-lug pair 15 with the hole 150 and the lug 151 is
designed to correspond with the connection pin 16 and cooperates
with it in such a manner, that a long-side and lateral side
connection of the track segments 10 for an at least two-lane toy
racetrack can be provided.
[0048] The embodiments of FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 are further designed in
such a manner that the track segment 10 according to the present
invention (of a manufacturer I) is compatible with the track
segment 20 of at least one further manufacturer II with a hole-hole
pair 27 for provision of a multilane toy car racetrack, wherein the
hole 270 of the hole-hole pair 27 of the track segment 20 of the at
least one further manufacturer II respectively corresponds with the
hole 150 of the hole-lug pair 15. In this manner, it is
advantageously possible to provide an at least two-lane toy
racetrack with track segments 10, 20 of different manufacturers I,
II, wherein the track segments 10, 20 can be connected to each
other not only one after another, but also side by side.
* * * * *