U.S. patent application number 13/788585 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for connector for modular model vehicle tracks.
This patent application is currently assigned to HASBRO, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is HASBRO, INC.. Invention is credited to Stanley Ting Chung Chan, Roger Kwok Wai Wu.
Application Number | 20140206256 13/788585 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51208049 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140206256 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chan; Stanley Ting Chung ;
et al. |
July 24, 2014 |
Connector for Modular Model Vehicle Tracks
Abstract
Modular tracks for model vehicles comprising a plurality of
interconnected track sections, and connectors for interconnecting
the track sections and attaching the track to a support structure
are disclosed. In some embodiments, a modular track for toy
vehicles includes a track section having a top surface for
supporting toy vehicles and a bottom surface opposite the top
surface, a first end with recessed corners on the top surface, and
a connection flange extending downward from the bottom surface at
the first end. The modular track may also include a track section
connector configured to connect and align adjacent track sections,
the connector including a lower receptacle for receiving the
connection flange and an upper receptacle for receiving the
recessed corners.
Inventors: |
Chan; Stanley Ting Chung;
(Tsim Sha Tsui, HK) ; Wu; Roger Kwok Wai; (Tsim
Sha Tsui, HK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HASBRO, INC. |
Pawtucket |
RI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HASBRO, INC.
Pawtucket
RI
|
Family ID: |
51208049 |
Appl. No.: |
13/788585 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61756114 |
Jan 24, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/444 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 19/30 20130101;
A63H 18/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/444 |
International
Class: |
A63H 18/02 20060101
A63H018/02 |
Claims
1. A modular track for toy vehicles comprising: a track section
having a top surface for supporting toy vehicles and a bottom
surface opposite the top surface, a first end with recessed corners
on the top surface, and a connection flange extending downward from
the bottom surface at the first end; and a track section connector
configured to connect and align adjacent track sections, the track
section connector comprising: a frame connecting a first side wall
and an opposing second side wall extending upward from the frame, a
pair of lips extending inward from the first side wall and second
side wall for receiving the connection flange of the first end of
the track section between the lips and the frame; a first support
surface extending outward from the first side wall and a second
support surface extending outward from the second side wall, and a
first upper flange depending from the first support surface and a
second upper flange depending from the second support surface for
receiving the recessed corners of the first end of the track
section between the upper flanges and the first surface and second
surface.
2. The modular track of claim 1, wherein the connection flange has
a substantially t-shaped cross-section.
3. The modular track of claim 1, wherein the connection flange has
a transverse surface spaced apart from the bottom surface of the
track section by a bridge member, the transverse surface being
substantially parallel to the bottom surface.
4. The modular track of claim 3, wherein the connector further
comprising a plurality of rounded protrusions disposed on the first
and second side wall, the plurality of rounded protrusions being
configured to fit into a plurality of pockets in the transverse
surface of the connection flange.
5. The modular track of claim 1, wherein the first upper flange is
connected to the first support surface by a first alignment rail
and the second upper flange is connected to the second support
surface by a second alignment rail, the first alignment rail and
the second alignment rails being spaced apart to provide lateral
alignment and support to the track section, when engaged to the
connector.
6. The modular track of claim 1, wherein the first support surface
and the second support surface each include a flat section which
forms with the first or second upper flanges, respectively, a
receptacle for receiving the recessed corners and a sloped section
which forms a ramp into the receptacle.
7. The modular track of claim 6, wherein the bottom surface of the
track section includes a pair of incline surfaces on each side of
the track section configured to engage the sloped sections of the
first support surface and the second support surface, when the
track section is engaged to the connector.
8. A modular track for toy vehicles comprising: a track section
having a top surface for supporting toy vehicles, the top surface
includes a plurality of recessed corners, a bottom surface opposite
the top surface, and at least one connection flange depending from
the bottom surface; and a track section connector configured to
connect and align adjacent track sections, the track section
connector comprising: a frame connecting a first side wall and an
opposing second side wall extending upward from the frame, a first
receptacle for receiving the connection flange of the tract
section, the first receptacle being defined by the frame and a pair
of lips extending inward from the first and second side walls, and
a second receptacle positioned above the first receptacle for
receiving recessed corners of the track section, the second
receptacle being defined by a first support surface extending
outward from the first side wall and a second support surface
extending outward from the second side wall and a pair of upper
flanges depending from the first support surface and second support
surface of the connector.
9. The modular track of claim 8, wherein the connection flange has
a substantially t-shaped cross-section.
10. The modular track of claim 8, wherein the connection flange has
a transverse surface spaced apart from the bottom surface of the
track section by a bridge member, the transverse surface being
substantially parallel to the bottom surface.
11. The modular track of claim 10, wherein the connector further
comprising a plurality of rounded protrusions disposed on the first
and second side wall, the plurality of rounded protrusions being
configured to fit into a plurality of pockets in the transverse
surface of the connection flange.
12. The modular track of claim 8, wherein the first upper flange is
connected to the first support surface by a first alignment rail
and the second upper flange is connected to the second support
surface by a second alignment rail, the first alignment rail and
the second alignment rails being spaced apart to provide lateral
alignment and support to the track section, when engaged to the
connector.
13. The modular track of claim 8, wherein the first receptacle is
formed by the first and second upper flanges and flat sections of
the first support surface and the second support surface, and
wherein each of the first support surface and the second support
surface further includes a sloped section which forms a ramp into
the first receptacle.
14. The modular track of claim 13, wherein the bottom surface of
the track section includes a pair of incline surfaces on each side
of the track section configured to engage the sloped sections of
the first support surface and the second support surface, when the
track section is engaged to the connector.
15. A modular track for toy vehicles comprising: a track support
structure having a plurality of track coupling sections; a track
section having a top surface for supporting toy vehicles, the top
surface includes a plurality of recessed corners, a bottom surface
opposite the top surface, and at least one connection flange
depending from the bottom; and a track section connector configured
to connect and align adjacent track sections, the track section
connector comprising: a frame connecting a first side wall and an
opposing second side wall extending upward from the frame, a first
receptacle for receiving the connection flange of the tract
section, the first receptacle being defined by the frame and a pair
of lips extending inward from the first and second side walls, and
a second receptacle positioned above the first receptacle for
receiving the recessed corners of the track section, the second
receptacle being defined by a first surface extending outward from
the first side wall and a second surface extending outward from the
second side wall to the side walls and a pair of upper flanges
depending from the first surface and second surface of the
connector; and a pin extending downward from the frame for
insertion into an aperture at a track coupling section of the
support structure to connect the track section received in the
crack section connector to the track support structure.
16. The modular track of claim 15, wherein the connection flange
has a substantially t-shaped cross-section.
17. The modular track of claim 15, wherein the connection flange
has a transverse surface spaced apart from the bottom surface of
the track section by a bridge member, the transverse surface being
substantially parallel to the bottom surface.
18. The modular track of claim 17, wherein the connector further
comprising a plurality of rounded protrusions disposed on the first
and second side wall, the plurality of rounded protrusions being
configured to fit into a plurality of pockets in the transverse
surface of the connection flange.
19. The modular track of claim 15, wherein the first upper flange
is connected to the first support surface by a first alignment rail
and the second upper flange is connected to the second support
surface by a second alignment rail, the first alignment rail and
the second alignment rails being spaced apart to provide lateral
alignment and support to the track section, when engaged to the
connector.
20. The modular track of claim 15, wherein the first receptacle is
formed by the first and second upper flanges and flat sections of
the first support surface and the second support surface, and
wherein each of the first support surface and the second support
surface further includes a sloped section which forms a ramp into
the first receptacle.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/756,114, filed on Jan. 24, 2013, and
the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] This patent specification relates to a modular track for
model vehicles, and more particularly to connectors for joining
individual track sections to form a modular track for model
vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Modular tracks for model vehicles are generally constructed
from a plurality of track sections interconnected with one another.
Various types of systems for connecting adjacent track sections
have been developed. These systems, however, suffer from a number
of shortcomings. For example, some of the existing connection
systems may be difficult to manipulate and thus are not suitable
for children and some adults. Some existing systems are also not
able to prevent lateral movement of track sections relative to one
another. Accordingly, there is still a need for an improved system
for connecting adjacent track sections of a modular track.
SUMMARY
[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a modular track
for model vehicles comprising a plurality of interconnected track
sections, and connectors for interconnecting the track sections and
attaching the track to a support structure.
[0005] According to some embodiments, a modular track for toy
vehicles includes a track section having a top surface for
supporting toy vehicles and a bottom surface opposite the top
surface, a first end with recessed corners on the top surface, and
a connection flange extending downward from the bottom surface at
the first end. The modular track may also include a track section
connector configured to connect and align adjacent track sections,
the track section connector comprising a frame connecting a first
side wall and an opposing second side wall extending upward from
the frame, a pair of lips extending inward from the first side wall
and second side wall for receiving the connection flange of the
first end of the track section between the lips and the frame; a
first support surface extending outward from the first side wall
and a second support surface extending outward from the second side
wall, and a first upper flange depending from the first support
surface and a second upper flange depending from the second support
surface for receiving the recessed corners of the first end of the
track section between the upper flanges and the first surface and
second surface.
[0006] According to some embodiments, a modular track for toy
vehicles includes a track section having a top surface for
supporting toy vehicles, where the top surface includes a plurality
of recessed corners, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and
at least one connection flange depending from the bottom surface.
The modular track may further include a track section connector
configured to connect and align adjacent track sections, the track
section connector including a frame connecting a first side wall
and an opposing second side wall extending upward from the frame, a
first receptacle for receiving the connection flange of the tract
section, the first receptacle being defined by the frame and a pair
of lips extending inward from the first and second side walls, and
a second receptacle positioned above the first receptacle for
receiving recessed corners of the track section, the second
receptacle being defined by a first support surface extending
outward from the first side wall and a second support surface
extending outward from the second side wall and a pair of upper
flanges depending from the first support surface and second support
surface of the connector.
[0007] According to some embodiments, a modular track for toy
vehicles includes a track support structure having a plurality of
track coupling sections, a track section having a top surface for
supporting toy vehicles, the top surface includes a plurality of
recessed corners, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and at
least one connection flange depending from the bottom; and a track
section connector configured to connect and align adjacent track
sections, the track section connector including a frame connecting
a first side wall and an opposing second side wall extending upward
from the frame, a first receptacle for receiving the connection
flange of the tract section, the first receptacle being defined by
the frame and a pair of lips extending inward from the first and
second side walls, and a second receptacle positioned above the
first receptacle for receiving the recessed corners of the track
section, the second receptacle being defined by a first surface
extending outward from the first side wall and a second surface
extending outward from the second side wall to the side walls and a
pair of upper flanges depending from the first surface and second
surface of the connector; and a pin extending downward from the
frame for insertion into an aperture at a track coupling section of
the support structure to connect the track section received in the
crack section connector to the track support structure.
[0008] In some embodiments, the connection flange of the modular
track has a substantially t-shaped cross-section.
[0009] In some embodiments, the connection flange of the modular
track has a transverse surface spaced apart from the bottom surface
of the track section by a bridge member, the transverse surface
being substantially parallel to the bottom surface. In some
embodiments, the connector may include a plurality of rounded
protrusions disposed on the first and second side wall, the
plurality of rounded protrusions being configured to fit into a
plurality of pockets in the transverse surface of the connection
flange.
[0010] In some embodiments, in the modular track of the present
disclosure, the first upper flange is connected to the first
support surface by a first alignment rail and the second upper
flange is connected to the second support surface by a second
alignment rail, the first alignment rail and the second alignment
rails being spaced apart to provide lateral alignment and support
to the track section, when engaged to the connector.
[0011] In some embodiments, in the modular track of the present
disclosure, the first support surface and the second support
surface each include a flat section which forms with the first or
second upper flanges, respectively, a receptacle for receiving the
recessed corners and a sloped section which forms a ramp into the
receptacle. In some embodiments, the first receptacle is formed by
the first and second upper flanges and flat sections of the first
support surface and the second support surface, and wherein each of
the first support surface and the second support surface further
includes a sloped section which forms a ramp into the first
receptacle.
[0012] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the track section
includes a pair of incline surfaces on each side of the track
section configured to engage the sloped sections of the first
support surface and the second support surface, when the track
section is engaged to the connector.
[0013] Further features and advantages will become more readily
apparent from the following detailed description when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The present disclosure is further described in the detailed
description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of
drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments.
The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis
instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of
the presently disclosed embodiments, and wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a prospective view of an embodiment track of the
present disclosure including a plurality of interconnected track
sections.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a track
section of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a track
section of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of a track section of
the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a track section
of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a track
section connector of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 6B is a top view of an embodiment of a track section
connector of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 6C is a bottom view of an embodiment of a track section
connector of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 7A illustrates steps for engaging an embodiment of a
track section of the present disclosure with an embodiment of a
track section connector of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 7B also illustrates steps for engaging an embodiment of
a track section of the present disclosure with an embodiment of a
track section connector of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a track section
connector of the present disclosure engaged to an embodiment of a
track section of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of a track section
connector of the present disclosure engaged to an embodiment of a
track section of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
track section connector of the present disclosure engaged to an
embodiment of a track section of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a track section
connector of the present disclosure engaged to an embodiment of two
track sections of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a top view of an embodiment of a track section
connector of the present disclosure engaged to an embodiment of two
track sections of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a close-up view of an embodiment of a track
section connector of the present disclosure being connected to an
embodiment of a track support structure of the present
disclosure.
[0031] While the above-identified drawings set forth presently
disclosed embodiments, other embodiments are also contemplated, as
noted in the discussion. This disclosure presents illustrative
embodiments by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous
other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled
in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles
of the presently disclosed embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The following description provides exemplary embodiments
only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or
configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the following description
of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art
with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary
embodiments, it being understood that various changes may be made
in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended
claims.
[0033] Specific details are given in the following description to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it
will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the
embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For
example, systems, processes, and other elements in the invention
may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to
obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances,
well-known processes, structures, and techniques may be shown
without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the
embodiments. Further, like reference numbers and designations in
the various drawings indicate like elements.
[0034] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be
described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow
diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block
diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a
sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in
parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations
may be re-arranged. A process may be terminated when its operations
are completed, but could have additional steps not discussed or
included in a figure. Furthermore, not all operations in any
particularly described process may occur in all embodiments. A
process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a
subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a
function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function
to the calling function or the main function.
[0035] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be
implemented, at least in part, either manually or automatically.
Manual or automatic implementations may be executed, or at least
assisted, through the use of machines, hardware, software,
firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or
any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware,
middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to
perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a machine readable
medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks.
[0036] In reference to FIG. 1, aspects of the present disclosure
relate to a modular modular track for model vehicles, such as
trains or cars. FIG. 1 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of a
modular track 100 formed by a plurality of track sections 110a,
110b interconnected with one another by a connector 200. The shapes
of adjacent track sections 110a, 110b may vary as long as a
continuous, substantially smooth track is formed to enable model
vehicles to travel along the track with minimal interruptions. In
some embodiments, the modular track 100 may be supported by a track
support structure 300. In some embodiments, the modular track 100
may connect to the track support structure 300 by attaching the
connector 200 to the track support structure 300 at a track
coupling section 302.
[0037] In reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, each
track section 110 has a first end 114 and a second end 116. Each
track section 110 further includes a top surface 118 and a bottom
surface 120. The track section 110 can be straight, arched, or
curved. The track section 110 can be either planar or three
dimensional. In some embodiments, the plurality of track sections
100 may have various shapes to form a continuous track of any
desired shape, including, but not limited to, oval, circle, figure
eight loops or another shape.
[0038] Each track section 110 further includes a first surface 118
and a second surface 120. In some embodiments, the top surface 110
may be modelled as a thoroughfare along which model vehicles can
travel. In some embodiments, the second surface 120 may also be
made to resemble a thoroughfare, preferably different than that of
the first surface 118. In some embodiments, the first surface 118
and the second surface 120 are configured such that the toy track
may be used with either one of the surfaces facing upward and the
opposite surface actions as supporting surface. For the ease of
description, the surface facing upwards so that the vehicles can
drive on that surface may be referred to herein as the top or upper
surface, while the surface facing downward may be referred to
herein as the lower or bottom surface. This naming convention also
applies to other features of track sections.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the top surface 118
may include a first recessed corner 124a and a second recessed
corner 124b at the first end region 114. The first recessed corner
124a includes a first open end 123a and a first abutting surface
127a. The second recessed corner 124b includes a second open end
123b and a second abutting surface 127b. In some embodiments, the
corners of the top surface 118 may not be solid or leveled with the
rest of the top surface 118.
[0040] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the underside of the
recessed corners 124a, 124b may include sloped or ramp section 125
to facilitate engagement between the track section 110 and the
connector 200, as is described below. In some embodiments, the
sloped or ramp section 125 may also facilitate alignment of top
surfaces of adjacent track sections connected by the connector 200.
In some embodiments, the top surface 118 may include one or more
rails 122 to facilitate attachment of model vehicles to the track
100.
[0041] In reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the bottom
surface 120 of the track section 110 may be of any shape or
configuration suitable for connection to the connector 200. In some
embodiments, a connection flange 126 extends downward from the
bottom surface 120 for connecting the track section 110 to the
connector 200. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the
connection flange 126 has be substantially t-shaped, formed by a
bridge 128 extending from the bottom surface 120 and a transverse
surface 130 supported by the bridge 128. In some embodiments, the
transverse surface 130 is substantially parallel to the bottom
surface 120. In some embodiments, the bridge 128 is substantially
perpendicular to the bottom surface 120 and is substantially
perpendicular to the transverse surface 130, thus positioning the
transverse surface 130 in a substantially parallel relation to the
bottom surface 120. In some embodiments, the bridge 128 connects to
the transverse surface 130 substantially along a centerline of the
transverse surface 130. The connection flange 126 may be of
dovetail shape instead of "T" shaped. In this manner, the
connection flange may slide into a dovetail glove provided on the
corresponding receptacle, as is described below.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the transverse
surface 130 may include a narrow section 132 and a broad section
134. The narrow section 132 and the broad section 134 may be
connected by a transition section 136, which may form pockets 137,
139 between the narrow section 132 and the broad section 134 of the
transverse surface 130. The pockets 137, 139 may be configured to
engage retaining means of the connector 200, as is described above.
In some embodiments, the transition section 136 may have rounded or
curved edges so that the pockets 137, 139 are concave. In some
embodiments, a leading edge 140 of the narrow section 132 may be
substantially aligned with a leading edge 142 of the track section
110.
[0043] In some embodiments, the second end 116 of the track section
110 may be symmetrical to the first end 114. That is, in some
embodiments, the top surface 118 maybe recessed at the corners at
the second end 116. The second end 116 may also include a
connection flange, similar to the connection flange 126 of the
first end 114. In some embodiments, the second end 116 of the track
section 110 may not be symmetrical to the first end 114. In some
embodiments, the second end 116 of the track section 110 may
include connective features different than those of the first end
114. In some embodiments, the second end 116 of the body portion
110 may include no connective features at all.
[0044] In reference to FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C, the connector
202 includes a frame 202 having a top side 204 and a bottom side
206. The frame 202 connects a first side wall 208 and an opposing
second side wall 210 extending upward from the frame 200. The
connector 200 includes a first end 214 into which a first track
section 110a can be received to engage the connector 200 and a
second end 216 into which a second track section 110b can be
received to engage the connector 200. The first end 214 and the
second end 216 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical depending on the
connective features of the first track section 110a and the second
track section 110b.
[0045] In reference to FIG. 6A, the connector 200 may include a
first or lower receptacle 218 configured to engage the connection
flange 126 of a track section 110 to connect the track section 110
to the connector 200. The first receptacle 218 may include a pair
of lips 220a, 220b extending inward from the first side wall 208
and second side wall 210 for receiving the connection flange 126 of
the track section 110 between the lips 220a, 220b and the top side
204 of the frame 202. The first receptacle 218 is thus defined by
the pair of lips 220a, 220b, the first and second side walls 208,
210 and the frame 202. In some embodiments, the lips 220a, 220b may
extend from the top of the side walls 208, 210, respectively. In
some embodiments, the lips 220a, 220b may be substantially
perpendicular to the side walls 208, 210, respectively. In some
embodiments, the lips 220a, 220b may be substantially parallel to
the frame 202. In some embodiments, the lips 220a, 220b may be
sloped toward the center of the connector 200 in relation to the
frame 202.
[0046] In reference to FIG. 6A, the connector 200 may further
include a second or upper receptacle 230 positioned above the first
receptacle 218 and configured to receive the recessed corners 124a,
124b of a track section 110 to connect the track section 110 to the
connector 200. In some embodiments, the second receptacle 230 is
formed between a first supporting surface 232 extending outward
from the first side wall 208 and a second supporting surface 234
extending outward from the second side wall 210 and a pair of upper
flanges 244, 246 depending from the first supporting surface 232
and the second supporting surface 234. The recessed corners 124a,
124b can be inserted into the second receptacle 230 between the
supporting surfaces 232, 234 and the upper flanges 244, 246. When
the track section 110 is received in the connector 200, the bottom
surface 120 of the track section 110 may rest on the supporting
surfaces 232, 234, and thus the supporting surfaces 232, 234
provide support to the track section 110. In some embodiments, when
the corners of the top surface 118 are not recessed, the second
receptacle 230 may have no upper flanges 244, 246.
[0047] In some embodiments, the first supporting surface 232 may be
disposed on the top of the first side wall 208. In some
embodiments, the second supporting surface 234 may be disposed on
the top of the second side wall 210. In some embodiments, the first
supporting wall 234 has a first inner section 236 and a first outer
section 238. Similarly, the second supporting wall 234 has a second
inner section 240 and a second outer section 242.
[0048] In some embodiments, the first and second inner sections
236, 240 are substantially flat or leveled. In some embodiments,
the first and second inner sections 236, 240 are substantially
perpendicular to the side walls 208, 210. In some embodiments, the
first and second inner sections 236, 240 are substantially
perpendicular to the frame 202. In some embodiments, the second
receptacle 230 may only be formed along a section of the first and
second supporting surfaces 232, 234. In some embodiments, to form
the second receptacle 230, the upper flanges 244, 246 may be
shorter than the supporting surfaces 232, 234 so that the upper
flanges 244, 246 extend over only a section of the supporting
surfaces 232, 234. In some embodiments, to form the second
receptacle 230, the upper flanges 244, 246 have a length similar to
the length of the inner sections 236, 240 and are positioned only
over the inner sections 236, 240 of the supporting surfaces 232,
234. That is, the length of the second receptacle 230 is limited to
the length of the inner sections 236, 240 of the supporting
surfaces 232, 234.
[0049] In some embodiments, the first and second outer sections
238, 242 are sloped toward the center of the connector 200 to form
a ramp to facilitate inserting a track section 110 into the second
receptacle 230. In some embodiments, the outer sections 238, 242
are shaped to correspond to the sloped sections 125 of a track
section 110 such that when the track section 110 is received in the
second receptacle 230, the track section 110 is leveled and fully
supported by the supporting surfaces 232, 234.
[0050] In some embodiments, the upper flanges 244, 246 can be
connected to the supporting surfaces 232, 234 by alignment rails
248, 250 extending upward from the supporting surfaces 232, 234. In
some embodiments, the distance between the alignment rails 248, 250
is substantially equal to the width of the track section 110. In
this manner, when the track section 110 is engaged with the
connector 200, the track section 110 fits snugly between the
alignment rails 248, 250 so that the alignment rails 248, 250
center and align the track section 110 in a desired position.
During use, the alignment rails 248, 250 may also provide lateral
support to the track section 110. In some embodiments, the second
receptacle 230 may be defined by the first and second supporting
surfaces 232, 234, upper flanges 244, 246 and alignment rails 248,
250.
[0051] In reference to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, to connect the track
section 110 to the connector 200, the first end 114 of the track
section is inserted into the connector 200. To that end, as shown
in FIG. 7A, the first end 114 of the track section 110 is aligned
with the first end 214 of the connector 200. The bottom surface 120
of the track section 110 may then be positioned on top of the
supporting surfaces 232, 234 between the alignment rails 248, 250.
Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, the first end 114 of the track section
110 may then be advanced forward toward the center of the connector
200. As the first end 114 of the track section 110 is advanced
forward, the connection flange 126 is received in the first
receptacle 218 between the lips 220a, 220b, the frame 202 and the
side walls 208, 210. Simultaneously, the recessed corners 124a,
124b are received in the second receptacle 230 between the
supporting surfaces 232, 234 and the upper flanges 244, 246.
[0052] In some embodiments, the first receptacle 218, the second
receptacle 230, or both can be sized so there is a tight fit
between the first receptacle 218, the second receptacle 230, or
both and the corresponding connective features of the track section
110, which may prevent vertical movement of the track section 110
when engaged to the connector 200. In some embodiments, the first
receptacle 218 is sized such that when the connection flange 126 is
inserted into the first receptacle 218, the connection flange 126
fits tightly into the first receptacle. To adjust the size of the
first receptacle 218, the distance between the lips 220a, 220b and
the frame 202, the distance between the first side wall 208 and
second side wall 210, or both can be varied. In some embodiments,
the distance between the lips 220a, 220b and the frame 202 may be
substantially similar or only slightly larger than the height of
the connection flange 126. In some embodiments, the distance
between the first side wall 208 and second side wall 210 may be
substantially similar or only slightly larger to the width of the
transverse section 130. In some embodiments, the second receptacle
230 is sized such that when the recessed corners 124a, 124b are
inserted into the second receptacle 230 between the supporting
surfaces 232, 234 and the upper flanges 244, 246, the recessed
corners 124a, 124b fit tightly between the supporting surfaces 232,
234 and the upper flanges 244, 246. In some embodiments, the
distance between the supporting surfaces 232, 234 and the upper
flanges 244, 246 may be substantially the same or only slightly
larger than the width of the recessed corners 124a, 124b.
[0053] In reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10, the track
section 110 can be advanced forward until the abutting surfaces
127a, 127b of the recessed corners 124a, 124b are pressed against
side edges of the 245, 247 of the upper flanges 244, 246. At that
position, the track section 110 is fully engaged to the connector
200, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0054] Referring back to FIG. 6A, the connector 200 may be provided
with retaining means to ensure that the track section 110 remains
engaged to the connector during the operation of the track. In some
embodiments, the connector may include protrusions 211a, 211b along
the first side wall 208 and the second side wall 210, respectively.
When the track section 110 engages the connector 200, the
protrusions 211a, 211b may be configured to fit into pockets 137,
139 of the connection flange 126 to secure the track section 110 in
place in the connector 200, as shown in FIG. 9. In some
embodiments, the protrusions 211a, 211b may be rounded to fit into
concave pockets 137, 139, but the protrusions 211a, 211b and the
pockets 137, 139 may be of any other shape as long as the
protrusions 211a, 211b and the pockets 137, 139 are correspondingly
shaped to enable the protrusions 211a, 211b to mate with the
pockets 137, 139.
[0055] Referring back to FIG. 6A, in some embodiments, the
connector 200 may include a stopper 212 disposed on the frame 202
at or near the first end 214 of the connector. When the connection
flange 126 is fully received in the first receptacle 218 of the
connector 200, the stopper 212 is positioned behind the transverse
surface of the connection flange 126, as shown in FIG. 10. The
stopper 212 thus prevents the track section 110 from sliding
backward, out of the connector 200. In some embodiments, the
stopper 213 is a pyramid, but other shapes are also possible.
[0056] The second end 216 of the connector 200 may be symmetrical
to the first end 214 of the connector 200, including all the
features described above in connection with the first end 214. In
this manner, the connector 200 may be used to connect two track
sections 110a and 110b having the same connective features, as
shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. When the track sections 110a, 110b
are connected by the connector 200, the connector 200 aligns the
top surfaces of the track sections 110a, 110b to form a continuous,
substantially smooth track to enable model vehicles to travel along
the track. In some embodiments, the upper flanges 220a and 220b are
sized so that, when the track sections 110a, 110b are connected by
the connector 200, the top surfaces of the upper flanges 220a and
220b are at the level of the top surfaces 118a, 118b of the track
sections 110a, 110b.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 13, the connector 200 is utilized to
attach track sections 110 engaged to the connector 200 to the track
support structure 300. In some embodiments, the track support
structure 300 may include a plurality of track coupling sections
302, at which the connector may attach to the track support
structure 300. In some embodiments, each track coupling section 302
may include an aperture 304. On the other hand, the connector 200
may include a pin 260 extending downward from the bottom side 206
of the frame 202 of the connector 200, the pin 260 being configured
to be inserted into an aperture 304 for attaching the connector
200, and thus track sections engaged to the connector, to the track
support structure. Other means for coupling the connectors 200 to
the track coupling sections 302 may also be used. In some
embodiments, to connect the connector 200 to the support structure
300, the connector 200 and the support structure 300 may include
corresponding ball and socket to form a ball and socket joint. In
some embodiments, a hook may be employed to hang the connector 200
from the support structure 300. In some embodiments, the connector
200 may be provided with one or more C-shaped clips that can snap
onto the support structure 300.
[0058] In some embodiments, a modular track for toy vehicles
includes a track section having a top surface for supporting toy
vehicles and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first end
with recessed corners on the top surface, and a connection flange
extending downward from the bottom surface at the first end. The
modular track may also include a track section connector configured
to connect and align adjacent track sections, the track section
connector comprising a frame connecting a first side wall and an
opposing second side wall extending upward from the frame, a pair
of lips extending inward from the first side wall and second side
wall for receiving the connection flange of the first end of the
track section between the lips and the frame; a first support
surface extending outward from the first side wall and a second
support surface extending outward from the second side wall, and a
first upper flange depending from the first support surface and a
second upper flange depending from the second support surface for
receiving the recessed corners of the first end of the track
section between the upper flanges and the first surface and second
surface.
[0059] In some embodiments, a modular track for toy vehicles
includes a track section having a top surface for supporting toy
vehicles, where the top surface includes a plurality of recessed
corners, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and at least
one connection flange depending from the bottom surface. The
modular track may further include a track section connector
configured to connect and align adjacent track sections, the track
section connector including a frame connecting a first side wall
and an opposing second side wall extending upward from the frame, a
first receptacle for receiving the connection flange of the tract
section, the first receptacle being defined by the frame and a pair
of lips extending inward from the first and second side walls, and
a second receptacle positioned above the first receptacle for
receiving recessed corners of the track section, the second
receptacle being defined by a first support surface extending
outward from the first side wall and a second support surface
extending outward from the second side wall and a pair of upper
flanges depending from the first support surface and second support
surface of the connector.
[0060] In some embodiments, a modular track for toy vehicles
includes a track support structure having a plurality of track
coupling sections, a track section having a top surface for
supporting toy vehicles, the top surface includes a plurality of
recessed corners, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and at
least one connection flange depending from the bottom; and a track
section connector configured to connect and align adjacent track
sections, the track section connector including a frame connecting
a first side wall and an opposing second side wall extending upward
from the frame, a first receptacle for receiving the connection
flange of the tract section, the first receptacle being defined by
the frame and a pair of lips extending inward from the first and
second side walls, and a second receptacle positioned above the
first receptacle for receiving the recessed corners of the track
section, the second receptacle being defined by a first surface
extending outward from the first side wall and a second surface
extending outward from the second side wall to the side walls and a
pair of upper flanges depending from the first surface and second
surface of the connector; and a pin extending downward from the
frame for insertion into an aperture at a track coupling section of
the support structure to connect the track section received in the
crack section connector to the track support structure.
[0061] The disclosure has been described with reference to
particular preferred embodiments, but variations within the spirit
and scope of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art.
It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely
for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as
limiting of the present disclosure. While the present disclosure
has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is
understood that the words which have been used herein are words of
description and illustration, rather than words of limitation.
Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as
presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope
and spirit of the present disclosure in its aspects. Although the
present disclosure has been described herein with reference to
particular means, materials and embodiments, the present disclosure
is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein;
rather, the present disclosure extends to all functionally
equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the
scope of the appended claims.
[0062] All patents, patent applications, and published references
cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety. While the methods of the present disclosure have been
described in connection with the specific embodiments thereof, it
will be understood that it is capable of further modification.
Furthermore, this application is intended to cover any variations,
uses, or adaptations of the devices and methods of the present
disclosure, including such departures from the present disclosure
as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the
devices and methods of the present disclosure pertain, and as fall
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *