Kinetic toy

Abstract

A kinetic toy in which a ball rolls down a trackway from an upper location to a lower location and is automatically returned to the upper location for recycling, the toy including an accesory, such as a ball-operated switch, adapted for quick-connection on the trackway, and a collector trackway arrangement for collecting the ball at a lower level, the accesary per se, and tracks per se for the collector trackway arrangement.

Description

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a kinetic toy, more particularly a toy of the rolling ball type in which a ball rolls down a trackway from an elevated upper-level position to a terminal lower-level position, the ball being automatically recycled for operation in cycles, one after another.

Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision of a construction toy of the class described made up of individual parts which are readily assembled in various configurations, including trackway parts which are assembled to form a trackway and an accessory adapted to be mounted in a selected position on the trackway; the provision of such a toy with such an accessory which is ball-operated, e.g. an accessory which functions as a switch for changing the pathway of the ball; the provision of a ball-operated switch per se adapted for quick and easy mounting on an existing trackway; the provision of such a ball-operated accessory with means such as a pendulum set in motion for visual interest by a ball impinging on the accessory; the provision for such a toy having an elevator for raising the ball from the lower-level terminal position to an elevated upper-level position of means for collecting the ball at a lower level and directing it to the elevator for being raised by the elevator; the provision of such a collecting means which eliminates or reduces the need for precision in construction of the toy; the provision of such a collecting means which enables construction of the toy in expanded length; the provision of such a collecting means adapted to act as a catch-all for unintended ball drops; and the provision of track members for assembly to form tracks for constituting such collection means, which tracks may be referred to as collector tracks and which may be included in a kit of parts for constructing the toy.

In general, as to the accessory phase of the invention, what is involved is the addition to the kinetic toy shown in the said parent copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/719,951 of an accessory mounted by quick-connection means on one of the track members of the toy constructed as shown therein. The toy is constructed of a plurality of individual parts and comprises a frame comprising a plurality of frame members and connectors interconnecting ends of the frame members, the frame members and connectors being constructed for quick assembly thereof, and the frame being adapted to stand upright on a generally horizontal supporting surface. A trackway for the ball is supported by the frame for travel of the ball by rolling down the trackway from an elevated position at an upper level with respect to the frame to a terminal position at a lower level with respect to the frame. The trackway comprises a plurality of individual track members assembled end-to-end and constructed for quick assembly end-to-end. Means supported by selected frame members supports the trackway for the travel of the ball, being constructed for quick assembly with said selected frame members and being constructed for quick assembly of selected track members therewith. An elevator assembled with the frame has components constructed for quick assembly with selected members of the frame, said elevator having a lower end positioned at said terminal position for receiving the ball after its descent down the trackway and an upper end at said elevated position for raising the ball to said elevated position for ensuing travel of the ball down said trackway, means being provided for driving said elevator.

The accessory phase of the invention further involves the accessory per se apart from its mounting on a track member of the toy, the accessory in general having means for quick-connection on the trackway of a kinetic toy of the rolling ball type with the accessory above the trackway, as will appear.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

In general, as to the collector track phase of the invention, the invention involves the configuration of the toy as above described with the trackway comprising an upper and a lower trackway construction, with the upper trackway construction comprising a plurality of individual track members assembled end-to-end, the lower trackway construction comprising a plurality of individual track members assembled end-to-end and with said lower trackway construction being supported by the frame in such position and so inclined as to receive a ball dropping down from the upper trackway construction and to guide the ball for rolling down thereon for delivery to said elevator at the lower end thereof.

The collector track phase of the invention further involves a track per se for assembly end-to-end with other tracks to construct the collector trackway for the kinetic construction toy, said track comprising a molded plastic member of such shape in transverse cross section as to have a relatively thin generally flat rigid bottom and relatively thin generally flat rigid sides extending up from the bottom defining a channel for rolling of the ball down the track, the bottom having a width W, the sides of the track having upper edges at a height H as measured from the upper surface of the bottom of the track, the ratio of W/H being at least of the order of four, the track having means for quick connection thereto end-to-end of another track of similar construction and means for quick connection thereof to a support therefor. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a kinetic toy to which an accessory of this invention may be applied, the toy being shown as constructed in one possible configuration and as viewed from what may be referred to as the front of the construction;

FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of the toy as viewed from what may be referred to as the back or rear of the construction;

FIG. 3 is a view of a connector for certain columns and beams of the construction, showing in phantom four beams and a column interconnected thereby;

FIG. 4 is top plan view of a part referred to as a straight track such as used in the construction, shown per se;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the FIG. 4 track;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the FIG. 4 track;

FIG. 7 is an end view of the FIG. 4 track (the right end as viewed in FIG. 4);

FIG. 8 is a transverse section of the FIG. 4 track generally on line 8--8 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9A is a view on a larger scale than FIG. 9 showing the end-to-end connections of two tracks;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a 45.degree. curved track such as used in the construction, on a larger scale than FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation of the FIG. 10 track;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a 90.degree. curved track such as used in the construction, on a smaller scale than FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of the FIG. 12 track;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a 180.degree. curved track such as used in the construction, on the scale of FIG. 4;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation of the FIG. 14 track;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a bracket having a track connector slidable thereon such as used in the construction;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation of the FIG. 16 arrangement;

FIG. 18 is a view in cross-section on line 18--18 of FIG. 16 showing how a track such as shown in FIGS. 4-9 is mounted on the slidable connector shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18A is a view similar to FIG. 18 showing a modification of the slidable connector;

FIG. 19 is a view showing in solid lines a side elevation of a part of a multi-part screw or worm such as used in the elevator of the construction, and showing in phantom how additional parts are assembled therewith in the construction;

FIG. 19A is a plan view of the screw part shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 20 is a semi-diagrammatic view showing the assembly of FIG. 19 screw parts to form the screw and the assembly of certain elevator parts with parts omitted to reduce the height of the view;

FIG. 21 is a view in elevation of the rear of a back plate part constituting one of an assembly of back plate parts for forming the back plate of the elevator in the construction;

FIG. 22 is a side elevation of the back plate part shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a view of the back plate part of FIGS. 21 and 22 in transverse section on line 23--23 of FIG. 21, showing how the part clips onto a column of the construction, the column being shown in phantom;

FIG. 23A is a view generally on line 23A--23A of FIG. 20, on a larger scale than FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a view in side elevation of a part constituting one of an assembly of parts for forming a front cover of the elevator;

FIG. 25 is a view in elevation of the elevator cover part shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 taken on line 25--25 of FIG. 26;

FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of the elevator cover part shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a plan view of a base for the elevator such as used in the construction;

FIG. 28 is a view in rear elevation of the base taken on line 28--28 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a view in side elevation of the base as viewed from the left of FIG. 28;

FIGS. 30 and 31 are vertical sections taken generally on lines 30--30 and 31--31 of FIG. 29, showing how the lower end of the elevator screw is assembled with the base;

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a top for the elevator such as used in the construction;

FIG. 33 is a view in side elevation of the elevator top shown in FIG. 32 as viewed on line 33--33 of FIG. 32;

FIGS. 34 and 35 are enlarged vertical sections taken generally on lines 34--34 and 35--35 of FIG. 32;

FIG. 36 is a view in side elevation of an articulated trackway member (for constructing the trackway with a change in slope), showing in phantom an angled position of two components of the member;

FIG. 36A is an enlarged fragment of FIG. 36;

FIG. 37 is a top plan of the FIG. 36 member;

FIG. 37A is an enlarged frament of FIG. 37;

FIG. 38 is a transverse section of the FIG. 30 part taken generally on line 38--38 of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a top plan of a trackway part comprising a track with what may be referred to as a ball drop end;

FIG. 40 is an end view of FIG. 39 as viewed from the right end of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a longitudinal section of the FIG. 39 part taken on line 41--41 of FIG. 39;

FIG. 42 is a view in side elevation of a trackway part for switching the ball from one route to another;

FIG. 43 is a view in section on line 43--43 of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a plan of another trackway part for switching the ball from one route to another;

FIG. 45 is a view in section on line 45--45 of FIG. 44, on a larger scale than FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is an end view of FIG. 44 as viewed on line 46--46 of FIG. 44;

FIG. 47 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing a modification of the quick-connection means at the ends of the track;

FIG. 48 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the FIG. 47 modification;

FIG. 49 is an enlarged end view of the modification shown in FIGS. 47 and 48, particularly the left end thereof;

FIG. 50 is an enlarged fragment of FIG. 47;

FIG. 51 is a view in side elevation, with parts broken away and shown in section, of a trackway accessory comprising means for switching the ball for travel in opposite directions;

FIG. 51A is a view in section on line 51A--51A of FIG. 51;

FIG. 52 is a view generally in section on line 52--52 of FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 is a view corresponding to FIG. 51 showing a moved position of parts, also with parts broken away and shown in section;

FIG. 54 is a view in horizontal section on a horizontal plane above the level of the elevator base of a modified version of the kinetic toy as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 involving provision of what may be referred to as a collector track arrangement including assemblies of collector track parts for directing a ball to the elevator base;

FIG. 54A is a view in side elevation of FIG. 54;

FIG. 55 is a top plan view on a larger scale than FIGS. 54 and 54A of a straight collector track part per se such as shown in FIGS. 54 and 54A;

FIG. 56 is a view in side elevation of the FIG. 55 straight collector track part;

FIG. 57 is an end view of the FIG. 55 part;

FIG. 58 is a view in transverse section of the FIG. 55 part on line 58--58 of FIG. 55;

FIG. 59 is a bottom plan of the FIG. 55 part;

FIG. 60 is a top plan view of a 90.degree. curved collector track part per se;

FIG. 61 is a bottom plan of the FIG. 60 part;

FIG. 62 is an end view of the FIG. 60 part;

FIG. 63 is a view in section of the FIG. 60 part on line 63--63 of FIG. 60; and

FIG. 64 is an enlarged fragmentary view in plan showing a quick-connection detail of the parts shown in FIGS. 55 and 60.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, first more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a toy in which an accessory and/or collecting means of this invention may be used is constructed of a plurality of individual parts detachably connected together as shown to comprise a frame designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 1 comprising a plurality of individual frame members and connectors interconnecting ends of the frame members, the frame members and connectors being constructed for quick assembly thereof without tools to form the frame, said frame being adapted to stand upright on a generally horizontal supporting surface such as the floor of a room or a table. A trackway designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 3 is supported by the frame for travel of a ball B by rolling down the trackway from an elevated starting position indicated generally at 3a at an upper level with respect to the frame (at the upper end of the trackway) to a terminal position 3b at a lower level with respect to the frame (at the lower end of the trackway). As will be described in detail, the trackway comprises a plurality of track members assembled end-to-end and constructed for quick assembly end-to-end without tools. Means such as generally indicated at 5 supported by selected frame members supports the trackway for the travel of the ball, this means being constructed for quick assembly with said selected frame members, said track members being constructed for quick assembly of selected track members with said trackway supporting means. An elevator indicated generally at 7 assembled with the frame has components constructed for quick assembly with each other and with selected members of the frames, having a lower end positioned at said terminal ball position 3b for receiving the ball after its descent down the trackway and an upper end at said elevated starting position 3a of the ball for delivery of the ball to said elevated position 3a for ensuing travel (rolling) of the ball down the trackway. At 9 (see FIG. 31) is indicated means constituted by an electric motor for continuously driving the elevator when the toy is placed in operation.

The frame 1 is built up of a plurality of frame members each designated 11 constituting columns of the frame, a plurality of frame members each bearing the generic reference numeral 13 constituting beams (crossbeams) of the frame and a plurality of connectors (corner pieces) each bearing the generic reference numeral 15, the columns, beams and connectors being constructed for quick assembly (quick connection) thereof with the connectors at the meeting ends (corners) of the columns and beams, with the columns extending generally vertically in horizontally spaced relation and held in such position by the beams. As herein illustrated, each of the columns 11 is constituted by a tube, more particularly a length of relatively thin-walled high impact polystyrene (HIPS) tubing of circular cross section, e.g. a tube 13.5 inches long, having an outside diameter (OD) of 18.5 mm and an inside diameter (ID) of 16 mm. Each of the beams 13 is also constituted by a tube, more particularly a length of the same tubing as the columns. The beams are supplied in two lengths; long beams 13a (e.g. 13.5 inches long) and short beams 13b (e.g. 6.75 inches long). The corner connectors are all generally alike in comprising a cubic block designated 17 with extensions 19 (see FIG. 3) of cruciform cross-section from a number of sides of the block adapted for a frictional fit in the ends of the tubular columns and beams, each extension having a tapered end 20. As appears in FIGS. 1 and 2 there are several types of corners and several types of corner connectors, as follows:

(1) connectors 15a having the cruciform extensions 19 from two sides of the cubic block 17 thereof for a corner where one beam and one column are joined together with the beam and column at right angles to one another; (2) connectors 15b having the cruciform extensions 19 from three faces of the cubic block 17 thereof for a corner where two beams and one column are joined together with the beams at right angles to one another in a horizontal plane and the column extending vertically; (3) connectors 15c having the cruciform extensions 19 from four faces of the cubic block where two beams and two columns are joined together with the beams at right angles to one another and one column extending vertically up and the other vertically down from the corner, or where three beams and one column are joined together; (4) connectors 15d having the cruciform extensions 19 from five faces of the cubic block where three beams and two columns are joined together with two of the beams in horizontal alignment extending from the block in a horizontal plane and the third beam extending from the block at right angles to said two beams, and with the columns in vertical alignment one extending up and the other down from the corner; and (5) connectors 15e having the cruciform extensions 19 from all six faces of the cubic block where four beams and two columns are joined together with the four beams extending out horizontally in four directions and the columns in vertical alignment one extending up and the other down from the corner.

Only connector 15e (the connector with six extensions 19) is detailed in the drawings (FIG. 3), and how the connectors 15a-15d are configured may be readily deduced therefrom. The number of corner parts for a kit may be reduced by supplying only parts 15d and 15e.

The corner connectors 15a-5e are preferably molded of a high impact plastic, such as an acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene copolymer (ABS), with the extensions 19 thereof of the cruciform cross-section as illustrated in FIG. 3 dimensioned for a sliding frictional fit in the ID of the tubular columns 11 and beams 13a, 13b. The aforementioned kit of parts may include a suitable number and variety of the frame and corner parts for erection of a frame in various configurations, the frame herein illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprising a first three-bay tier indicated generally at T1 constituting the lower tier of the frame, a second three-bay tier indicated generally at T2 above the lower tier constituting the intermediate tier of the frame, and third a two-bay tier indicated generally at T3 above the second tier constituting the upper tier of the frame. The bays are indicated generally at B1, B2 and B3; it will be observed that the upper tier T3 comprises only two bays, namely bays B2 and B3. The elevator 7 extends heightwise on one face of the frame which may be referred to as the front of the frame, the other face therefore being referred to as the rear of the frame. The frame may be described as having a bottom level L1, a second level L2, a third level L3 and a top level L4. At each of levels L1, L2 and L3 it comprises a front series of three long beams 13a and a rear series of three long beams 13a connected end-to-end by appropriate connectors 15, and three short beams 13b extending front-to-rear between connectors 15 at the ends of the long beams. At level L4, the frame includes a front series of two long beams 13a and a rear series of two long beams 13a connected end-to-end by appropriate connectors 15, and three short beams 13b extending front-to-rear between the connectors 15 at the ends of the long beams at said level L4. In each of tiers T1 and T2 there are four columns at the front and four at the back extending vertically between the connectors 15 which interconnect the beams at levels L1, L2 and L3. In tier T3, there are three columns at the front and three at the rear extending vertically between the connectors 15 which interconnect the beams at levels L3 and L4. The frame 1 is shown as it appears standing upright on the aforesaid generally horizontal supporting surface such as a floor, the blocks 17 of the corner connectors 15 at the bottom of the frame (the corner connectors at the bottom level L1) bearing on said surface. Outrigger constructions such as generally indicated at 20F and 20R each assembled from one of the column members, two of the short beams and two corner connectors, are provided at the front and rear of the frame for keeping it from tipping over.

As noted above the trackway 3 comprises a number of types of individual track members which are assembled end-to-end and constructed for quick assembly end-to-end without tools. As herein illustrated, one type of track member, referred to as the long track, is shown per se in FIGS. 4-9, designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 21. This track comprises an elongate molded plastic member, preferably molded of ABS plastic, generally of V-shape in cross section, (see FIGS. 7 and 8) having a rail 23 extending the length thereof at the bottom and sides each designated 25 extending up from the bottom rail 23 diverging in upward direction, each at an angle of about 45.degree. off vertical. As seen in FIGS. 4-6, the sides 25 are triangulated, in the configuration of a Warren truss having parallel upper and lower chords. Means designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 27 is provided at each end of the elongate member for quick connection thereto end-to-end of another track of similar construction. The elongate member is molded with a downwardly opening groove 29 in the bottom rail 23, this groove in cross-section as shown in FIG. 8 being of arcuate form, extending on an arc of somewhat greater than 180.degree. so that its width at the bottom is somewhat greater than the width just above the bottom for a purpose that will appear. This groove may be referred to as an undercut groove. The bottom rail has upper side portions 31 extending slightly above a curved portion 33 adjacent the top of the rail, forming spaced rail heads on which the ball rolls. The groove 29 extends somewhat less than the full length of the lower rail 23, the latter having end heads each designated 35 at the ends of the groove. The track 21 further has upper rails each designated 37 at the upper edges of the inclined sides 25 of the track, each of these upper rails, as appears in FIGS. 7 and 8, being generally of inverted channel shape in transverse cross section, substantially throughout their length.

The aforementioned means for quick connection to a track 21 of another track 21 of similar construction in end-to-end relation comprises snap-fit means indicated generally at 39 at the ends of the lower rail 23 and friction fit means indicated generally at 41 at the ends of the upper rails 37. The snap-fit means comprises a projection 43 of semi-circular shape as viewed from either side of the track 21 extending endwise outwardly from the end head 35 of the lower rail at each end of the track. The projection 43 at each end of the lower rail is of tapered conformation tapering outwardly from the respective end head, thus being generally of wedge shape in plan as appears in FIG. 9. The track 21 is molded with a recess 45 in each end head 35 extending inwardly from the respective outer end of the track, this recess having a shape complementary to the shape of the projection or wedge 43. The latter overlaps (partially blocks) the recess 45 thereby providing a shoulder 47 at the outer end of the recess engageable by the shoulder of a projection or wedge 43 inserted in the recess. Here it may be noted that, with the track 21 molded of suitable plastic, the end head 35 is adapted to widen on insertion of the wedge 43, thus permitting the insertion. As appears in FIGS. 4 and 6, the projection or wedge 43 at one end of the track is at the opposite side of the recess 45 at that end of the track from the arrangement at the other end.

The friction fit means 41 (which assists in maintaining the end-to-end alignment of tracks 21 assembled end-to-end) comprises a tongue 53 (preferably a split tongue) extending outwardly endwise from one end of one of the upper rails 37 and a recess 55 in the other end of said one upper rail track a similar but oppositely arranged tongue and recess at the other end of the track. The tongues are molded for a friction fit in the recesses 55. As appears in FIGS. 4 and 6, the tongues and recesses are arranged oppositely at the ends of the upper rails, i.e., at the left end of the track as viewed in FIG. 4 the tongue 53 is on the rail 37 at the top of the left end of the view and the recess 55 is in the rail 37 at the bottom of the left end of the view, and at the right end of the view, the relationship is reversed. The arrangement is such tat on assembly of two tracks 21 end-to-end, the tongue 53 at the end of one track is entered with a friction fit in the recess 55 at the respective end of the other track, and the tongue of said other track is entered with a friction fit in the recess at the respective end of said one track.

A kit of parts for construction of the toy may comprise a number of the long tracks 21, one or more of each of a short track (not shown since it corresponds to the long track 21 only shorter), a track 59 curved through a 45.degree. arc of a circle as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a track 61 curved through a 90.degree. arc of a circle as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and a track 63 curved through a 180.degree. arc of a circle (a semicircle) as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The short track and each of the curved tracks may be made like the long track, and the same reference numbers are used for the parts of these tracks as are used for the parts of the long track. The outside upper rails of the curved tracks are higher than the inside upper rails as appears in FIGS. 11, 13 and 15 to prevent the ball from jumping off as it rounds the curve.

The aforesaid means 5 supported by selected members of the frame 1 for supporting the trackway 1 comprises a plurality of brackets each designated in entirety by the reference numeral 65 and each comprising a beam 67 shown as being of cruciform cross-section molded of plastic, preferably ABS plastic, with a generally C-shaped clip 69 at one of the beam (see FIGS. 16 and 17). This clip is so dimensioned relative to the outside diameter of each of the tubular columns 11 as to be adapted for quick assembly with a column by snap-fitting it on a column and, as so quick-assembled with a column at a selected elevation with respect to the column, to be rotatable about the column at that elevation to a selected angle with respect to the frame in a horizontal plane, and to be maintained in its selected elevated angulated position by its spring grip on the column. As shown, the clip has divergent end surfaces 71 at its open side for facilitating snapping it on to a column. A track connector 73 (see FIGS. 16-18) is slidable on the beam 67 of the bracket to a selected position along the length of the bracket for mounting a track such as any selected one of the tracks 21, the stated short track, or curved track, 59, 61, 63 on the bracket. The connector 73 comprises a slide 75 molded of plastic (e.g. ABS) generally of inverted U-shape having a top 77 slidable on the top of the vertical part of the cruciform section beam, sides 79 straddling the horizontal part of the cruciform section beam and inwardly directed lips 81 at the lower ends of the sides in slidable engagement with the lower surface of the horizontal part of the cruciform section beam. Extending up from the top of the slide 73 is a post 83 having a tapering upper end surmounted by a ball 85 adapted for snap fit in the undercut bottom groove 29 of the lower rail 23 of the track. The construction is such as to enable quick-connection of a bracket 65 to a column at a selected elevation and angle with the cruciform-section beam 67 of the bracket cantilevered out from the column, and quick connection of a track to the bracket with the track spaced a selected distance from the column and at a selected inclination. FIG. 18A shows a modification with a taller post 83a.

The elevator 7 is in the nature of an Archimedes screw conveyor, comprising a screw or worm designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 87 extending vertically within a housing designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 89 from the stated lower terminal position 3b up to the stated elevated starting position 3a (see particularly FIGS. 1 and 20). The screw 87 and housing 89 extend upward from a molded plastic base 91. The screw is assembled, e.g. of six individual parts, one of which, designated 93 in its entirety, is shown in FIG. 19 as comprising a helical screw flight 95 on a central tube 97. The helical flight and the central tube are molded in one piece of plastic, preferably ABS, on a metal shaft 99. The central tube has mitered ends as indicated at 101 and 103. The center shaft 49 projects upward at one end out of the center tube 97 as indicated at 105 and terminates short of the lower end of the tube to provide a socket 107 for reception of the projecting end 105 of another part 93 in line therewith as shown in phantom in FIG. 19 and as shown in FIG. 20A. Thus, as to the assembly of the six screw parts 93 to form the screw 87 as diagrammed in FIG. 20, the lowermost of the parts has its socket 107 at the lower end of the assembly and the projecting shaft end 105 of each of the parts above the lowermost part is inserted in the socket 107 of the next part above, with a driving connection established by the miters 101 and 103 at the meeting ends of the tubes 97, and with the projecting end 105 of the shaft of the uppermost part extending up at the upper end of the assembly. The flight on each screw member is so formed that when the members are assembled the flights form a continuous screw.

The housing 89 comprises an elongate back plate designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 109 and an elongate transparent front cover 111 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 20 and 23A), each assembled from individual parts. Thus, the back plate 109 comprises an assembly of a number of elongate back plate parts, one of which, designated 113 in its entirety, is shown in FIGS. 21-23, said parts 113 being arranged vertically end-to-end on the frame 1. The front cover 111 similarly comprises an assembly of a number of elongate front cover parts, one of which, designated 115 in its entirety, is shown in FIGS. 24-26, these cover parts being arranged vertically end-to-end on the front of the back plate 109 enclosing the screw 87. Each back plate part 113 is preferably molded of plastic (e.g. ABS) comprising an elongate web 117 having a width somewhat greater than the diameter of the screw 87, the web having a front face 119 and a back face 121, and flanges 122 extending back from the back face. Each back plate is molded with means generally designated 123 adjacent its upper and lower ends for quick-connection of the plate to a column or columns 11 of the frame 1. Each quick-connection means 123 comprises a pair of arms each designated 125 extending out from the back face 121 of the plate adjacent the respective end of the plate forming a clip for clipping on a column and seats such as indicated at 127 on the back face each having a curved surface for engagement with the column when the plate is clipped on the column (see FIG. 23A). For maintaining the plates in coplanar end-to-end relation when clipped to the columns, each plate is formed with a tongue 131 and a notch 133 at one end and a tongue 135 and notch 137 at the other end, the tongue and notch at said one end being arranged in opposite relation to the tongue and notch at the other. The arrangement is such as to provide for assembly of the plate parts 113 clipped to a series of aligned columns 11 in vertical series end-to-end with the tongues of each intermediate plate part of the series engaged in the notches of the adjacent plate parts for maintaining the plate parts in said coplanar end-to-end relationship. Each plate 113 has a stiffening rib 139 extending vertically on its front face.

Each front cover part 115 (see FIGS. 24-26) is molded of a suitable transparent plastic (e.g. transparent ABS plastic) generally of U-shape in transverse (horizontal) cross section having sides each designated 141 and a semi-circularly curved front 143. The sides are molded with hook formations such as indicated at 145 at intervals along their edges for snap-hooking interengagement with the back plates in holes 147 (see FIG. 21) in the back plates. The curved front wall 143 of each cover part 115 has a tongue 149 and a notch 151 at one end and an oppositely arranged tongue 149 and notch 151 at the other end, the arrangement being such as to provide for assembly of the cover parts with each other (and with the series of back plates) with interengagement of tongues and notches for alignment purposes. Each cover part is formed with a ball inlet 153 in one of the sides 141 thereof adjacent one end constituting its lower end.

The base 91 of the elevator 7 (see FIGS. 27-31) is molded of plastic (e.g. ABS) being formed as a hollow body having a vertical peripheral wall 155 generally C-shaped in horizontal cross-section having a semicircular portion as indicated at 157 constituting what may be regarded as the front wall of the base and vertical straight (flat) sides each designated 159. At the rear the base has vertical flat walls each designated 161 extending inward in a vertical plane from the rear edges 163 of the flat sides 159 of the base. These rear walls 161 terminate short of one another. Walls 165 extend toward the front of the base from the edges of the walls 161, defining a recess 167 extending toward the front of the base from the rear. The base has a top 169 formed to provide a ball guide channel 171 which curves around for somewhat more than 180.degree. of arc and slopes down from an upper end indicated at 171a at one side of the base to a lower end indicated at 171b at the other side of the base. Within the recess 167 the base has a stepped formation generally indicated at 175 including a horizontal wall 177 having an opening 179 therein. Within the base is the electric motor 9, e.g. a gear motor, having an output shaft 181 extending up through the opening 179. On this shaft is a coupling 183 for establishing a driving connection with the lower end of the lower elevator screw part. The motor ouput shaft 181 extends up out of the coupling, fitting in the socket 107 at the lower end of the lower screw part. The coupling has a mitered upper end formation 184 complementary to the miter at the lower end of the screw for establishing a driving connection. Suitable provision is made for turning the motor on and off, it being understood that the motor is maintained in operation for as long as the toy is to be operated. The walls 159 of the base are formed with notches 185 extending up from their lower edges closely adjacent the rear edges 163 of the walls 159 for assembly of the base with a beam 13 at the bottom of the frame as illustrated in FIG. 1. In assembling the toy, the lower end of the elevator (the lower end of the lowermost back plate, the lowermost front cover part and the lowermost screw part) are received in the recess 167. The lower end of the lowermost back part plate 113, and the lower end of the lowermost front cover part 115 bear on the horizontal wall 177, the screw shaft being socketed in the socket 183 on motor output shaft as above described. In this assembly, the ball inlet 153 of the lowermost cover part 115 is registered with a ball passage 185 in the base at the low end of the channel 169 at the top of the base, the arrangement being such that a ball dropping into the channel will roll around and down in the channel and pass through the passage 185 and the ball inlet 153 to the position where it is engaged by the screw for being raised by the screw to the top of the elevator.

At its upper end, more particularly at the upper end of its upper part, the screw 87 is journalled for rotation on a vertical axis in an elevator top member which may be referred to as the elevator head, designated in its entirety by the reference character 187 (see FIGS. 32-35). This top member or head 187 is molded of plastic, (e.g. ABS). It is formed with what may be referred to as a cap 189 for the upper end of the elevator back plate assembly and front cover assembly, the cap having a skirt 191 around part of its periphery which extends down on the outside of the upper end of the upper front cover part. The cap is formed with a downwardly opening socket 193 at one side thereof, which is its rear side, for receiving with a friction fit the projection 19 of the connector 15 at the upper end of the uppermost column 11 on which the elevator 7 (more particularly the upper elevator back plate 113) is mounted. Thus, the cap extends forward from that column at the upper end thereof, and as appears in FIG. 34 is formed with a downwardly opening recess 195 in which the upper end of the screw 87, more particularly the projecting end 105 of the screw shaft 99 at the upper end of the screw, is journalled for rotation on the vertical axis of the screw. It will be apparent that the elevator head is so mounted on the frame that the recess 195 is coaxial with the output shaft of the motor 9. Adjacent the recess, the cap 189 is formed with a ball exit 197 for delivery by the screw of the ball from the upper end of the screw to a delivery chute 199 at one side of the head 187 at position 3a, the ball rolling down this chute and dropping off its outer end onto the first of the tracks of the trackway at the upper end of the trackway.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the assembly may include one or more trackway parts indicated at 201 for constructing the assembly with a change in the slope of the trackway, one of these parts being illustrated per se in FIGS. 36-38, and being constituted by an articulated track member comprising a first track 203 and a second track 205 each corresponding generally to the track 21 in comprising an elongate molded plastic (e.g. ABS) member generally of V-shape in cross-section having a bottom rail again designated 23, sides again designated 25 and upper rails again designated 37. Each of the tracks 203 and 205 is illustrated as having a first end indicated at 203a, 205a and a second end 203b, 205b. The upper rails 37 of each track project beyond the transverse planes of the ends of the bottom rail 23 at the first end of the track, the sides 25 of each of the tracks being mitered at the track ends 203a and 205a as indicated at 209, extending in angulated relation from the projecting end of the upper rail 37 to the end of the bottom rail 23. The two tracks are pivotally interconnected end-to-end at the projecting ends of the upper rails 37 for swinging movement about an axis extending transversely with respect to the tracks, this pivotal interconnection being effected by forming the first track 203 at the projecting end 207 of each upper rail 37 thereof at the stated first end of track 203 as a clevis 211, forming the track 205 at the projecting end of each upper rail 37 thereof at the stated first end of 205a of track 205 with a tongue 213 and pivot pins 215 extending laterally outwardly on both sides of each tongue, each clevis being spread apart for entering the pins 215 in recesses 217 in the sides thereof. At 219 is indicated a flexible member, more particularly a flexible plastic (e.g. Nylon) strap, extending between the lower rails of the two tracks 203 and 205 at the stated first ends 203a, 205a thereof. The bottom rail of each track 203, 205 is formed with a flat upper surface 221 at the stated first end of each track and the rail heads 31 of the bottom rail of each track are slotted as indicated at 223 at opposite sides of each of the flat surfaces. The strap is formed with laterally extending ears 225 at its ends, these ears being slidable in the slots 223. Means 27 at the second end of each track 203 and 205 provides for quick interconnection therewith of another track of the trackway. The bottom rail 23 of each track 203, 205 is formed with the groove 29 for quick interconnection thereof to the post 83 on a bracket 65. The construction of the articulated trackway part 201 is such that one of the tracks 203, 205 may be angled with respect to the other (as shown in phantom in FIG. 36) for providing a change in the slope of the trackway at a selected point (namely, at the meeting ends of the angled tracks 203, 205), the flexible strap 219 bending and sliding relative to the tracks in accordance with the angling of the parts and bridging the space between the adjacent (but spaced) first ends of the lower rails 23 of the two tracks and thus forming a bridge for rolling of the ball thereon from the lower rail 23 of the one track to the lower rail 23 of the other.

Referring to FIGS. 39-41, there is shown a trackway part adapted for use in the trackway at a point where the ball is to drop off, this part comprising a track 227 with what may be referred to as a ball-drop end at 229 constituting a free end. The track 227 is shown as corresponding generally to the track 21 in comprising an elongate molded plastic (e.g. ABS) member generally of V-shape in cross-section having a bottom rail again designated 23, sides again designated 25 and upper rails again designated 37. At its ball-drop or free end 229, the track has a head 231 having a downwardly directed ball passage 233 therein having an open lower end 235. At its other end, the track 227 has means 27 providing for quick interconnection thereof to another track of the trackway with the track 227 inclined downward toward its ball-drop end for rolling of the ball down the track to its ball-drop end, where the ball is directed through said passage to drop straight down.

As illustrated herein, the trackway 3 is constructed with diverse routes for the ball B and includes ball-operated means for switching from one route to another on alternate descents of the ball. Two types of such ball-operated switch means or switches are disclosed, the first shown in FIGS. 42 and 43 designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 237 being operable by a ball dropping down (as from the ball-drop end of the aforesaid track 227), and the second shown in FIGS. 44 and 45 and designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 238 being operable by a rolling ball, each switch being operable to switch the ball from one route to another on alternate descents of the ball.

The ball-drop-operated switch 237 (FIGS. 42 and 43) comprises a track member 239 corresponding generally to the track 21 in comprising an elongate molded plastic (e.g. ABS) member generally of V-shape in cross-section having the aforesaid bottom rail 23 (with the downwardly opening groove 29), divergent sides 25 and upper rails 37, with quick connection means 27 at its ends. The track member 239 forms a bottom for the switch, and has sides 241 extending up generally vertically therefrom. Each of these sides is molded of plastic (e.g. ABS), being shown as in the configuration of a Warren truss with a lower chord 243, a bowed upper chord 245, and inclined web members including two members each designated 247 forming a V midway of the length of the truss, each truss being molded with a tubular bearing 249 at the bottom of the V. The lower chord 243 of each truss is formed at each end on the inside thereof with an inwardly opening C-formation forming a clip 251 applied to a respective upper rail 37 as shown and slidable on the upper rail for establishing a location for the truss (and the bearing 249) centered along the length of the track.

A switch member designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 253, molded of plastic (e.g. ABS), is pivoted for swinging movement on a generally horizontal axis, namely the axis of bearings 249, in a generally vertical plane between the vertical sides 241 (the trusses) above the bottom (track 239) of the switch 237. This switch member 253 comprises an elongate flat lever 255 having a transverse hub 257 midway of its length with pivot pins 259 extending from the ends of the hub journalled in the bearings 249 for swinging movement of member 253 on the axis of the bearings. Lever 255 may be thought of as corresponding to the plank of a seesaw. That part 255a of the lever extending in one direction from its said axis is referred to as a first ramp and that part 255b of the lever extending in the opposite direction from its said axis may be referred to as a second ramp. Thus, the lever in its entirety may be referred to as a ramp-forming member. It has a flat arm or vane 261 extending up from the hub 257 generally at right angles to the lever in a plane including the axis of the lever.

The switch member 253 is swingable on its axis between a first position shown in solid lines in FIG. 42 wherein the free end of the first ramp 255a is down toward the track 239 (the bottom of the switch 237) and wherein the first ramp slants down in the direction of arrow 263 in FIG. 42 toward the adjacent end 265 of the track (its left end as viewed in FIG. 42), and a second position such as shown in phantom in FIG. 42 wherein the free end of the second ramp 255b is down toward the track 239 and the second ramp slants down in the direction of arrow 267 toward the other end 269 of the track. The arrangement is such that a ball dropping down between the vane 261 and the first ramp 255a when the switch member is in the stated second position (the phantom position shown in FIG. 42) acts to swing member 253 to the stated first position (the solid-line position shown in FIG. 42), resulting in the ball rolling down the first ramp 255a in the direction of the arrow 263, and a ball dropping down between the vane and the second ramp 255b when the switch member is in the stated first position (the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 42) acts to swing member 253 from the first position to the stated second position (the position shown in phantom in FIG. 42), resulting in the ball rolling down the second ramp in the direction of the arrow 267.

The rolling-ball operated switch 238 (FIGS. 44 and 45) comprises a track member molded of plastic (e.g. ABS) in a generally Y-shaped configuration as viewed in plan having an upstream lane 271 and two downstream lanes 273 and 275 branching off from the upstream. The switch 238 as used in the trackway 3 is mounted in an inclined position sloping down from the entrance end of the single lane 271 to the exit ends of the upstream lanes so that the ball rolls first down the single lane and then rolls down whichever upstream lane it is switched to, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" being used in reference to the direction of rolling of the ball. Each lane is constituted by a track formed similarly to the aforesaid track 21, being generally of V-shape in cross-section having the aforesaid bottom rail 23, (with the downwardly opening groove 29), divergent sides 25 and upper rails 37, and having quick-connection means 27 at the upstream end of the upstream lane 271 and quick-connection means 27 at the downstream end of each downstream Felane 273, 275. At 277 is indicated a ball-actuated lever or gate for switching a ball which comes rolling down the upstream lane 271 from one downstream lane to the other on alternate descents of the ball. Lever 277 is pivoted for swinging movement in the plane of the switch (indicated at P in FIG. 45) on an axis generally at right angles to said plane, this axis being indicated at 279 in FIG. 44. The lever, as viewed in plan in FIG. 44, has a formation 281 in the shape of a segment of a circle having flat sides 283 and 285 which diverge away from an apex 287 (the center of the circle) and an arcuate end edge 289 extending between the outer ends of the sides. Extending from the junction of the sides in the central radial plane 291 of the segment 281 from the apex of the segment 281 is a vane 293. The segment 281 has a web 295 at the top and side flanges extending down from the web forming the sides 283 and 285. The pivot axis 279 of the lever is located in the stated central radial plane 291, the lever being pivoted for swinging movement about said axis between the first position in which it is illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 44 and the second position in which it is illustrated in phantom in FIG. 44 by means of a pivot pin 297 molded integrally with the switch 239 extending up from a widened portion 299 of the bottom rail construction of the switch into a downwardly opening hub 301 for the lever which extends down from the web 295 in the radial plane 291 adjacent the apex 289 of the segment 281. The pin 297 is located in the central plane 303 of the upstream lane 271 adjacent the upstream ends of downstream lanes 273 and 275. The lever is pivotally mounted on the pin 297 with the vane 293 extending in upstream direction, its stated first and second positions being determined by engagement of a finger 305 extending down from the web 295 with the ends of an arcuate slot 307 in the widened bottom rail portion of the switch.

As appears in FIG. 44, when the lever is in the stated first position, shown in solid lines in FIG. 44, the vane 293 is positioned to deflect a ball rolling down in lane 271 in the direction toward lane 275. Side 285 of the formation 281 of the lever is positioned for engagement by the ball as it rolls down toward lane 275 to swing the lever to its second position shown in phantom in FIG. 44 the ball thereby traveling on down in lane 275. In said second (phantom) position of the lever, vane 293 is positioned to deflect a ball rolling down in lane 271 in the direction toward lane 273, and side 283 of the formation 281 of the lever is positioned for engagement by the ball as it rolls down toward lane 273 to swing the lever to the first (solid line) position, the ball thereby traveling on down in lane 273. Thus, on the successive descents of the ball, it is directed to lane 273, then directed to lane 275, then to lane 273, etc.

Following the preceding description of the component parts for constructing a toy according to the invention, and reverting to FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be observed that the construction shown therein is configured with the trackway 3 having a first section SI constituting its uppermost section extending down from the top or head 187 of the elevator 7 comprising a track 21 supported in inclined position extending down from the chute 199 of the elevator head 187, an articulated track member 201, a 180.degree. curved track 63, another articulated track member 201, another track 21 and a ball-drop track 227. These parts are connected together in the order stated by the quick-connection means 27 thereof. The ball-drop track 227 is positioned with its head 231 having the ball-drop passage 233 therein directly above the midpoint of a ball-drop- operated switch 237.

The switch 237 directs the ball dropping down out of the passage either to a trackway section S2 or a trackway section S3 of the trackway. The trackway section S2 is constructed of articulated track members and straight and curved track members extending down to the upstream lane 271 of a rolling-ball-operated switch 238. The latter switch directs the ball rolling down trackway section S2 either to a section S4 or a section S5 of the trackway. Trackway section S4 extends down to the elevator base 91. Trackway section S5 extends to the upstream lane 271 of a rolling-ball-operated switch 238 which directs a ball rolling down trackway section S5 to a trackway section S6 or a trackway section S7, each of which extends down to the elevator base 91. Trackway section S3 extends down to ball-drop track 227 which drops the ball into trackway S2 just upstream from the switch 238 to which section S2 is connected. As above described, trackway section S1 is comprised of straight and curved tracks, articulated track members and a ball-drop track, and it will be understood that trackway sections S2-S7 are formed of such parts so assembled as to form the trackway section configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The motor 9 is maintained in continuous operation for continuous operation of the toy automatically to recycle the ball for operation in cycles, one after another, in each of which the ball is raised by the elevator 7 from the base 91 of the elevator to the head 187 of the elevator, the ball being visible through the transparent front cover of the elevator throughout its ascent. A cycle may be regarded as starting when the ball has reached the head of the elevator and is delivered to the starting end (the upper end) of the trackway 3. The ball rolls down section S1 of the trackway, drops off the downstream end of this section through the passage 233 of the track 227 at the downstream end of section S1 and down to the ball-drop-operated switch 237 therebelow. Assuming the switch member 253 of the switch 237 is in its phantom-line position of FIG. 42, the ball is directed to trackway section S2, and rolls down the latter to the switch 238 at the downstream end of section S2. Assuming this switch 238 is in the position for travel of the ball down its lane 273, the ball then proceeds down section S5 to the switch 238 at the downstream end of section S5. Assuming that switch 238 is in the position for travel of the ball down its lane 273, the ball proceeds down section S6 to the base 91 of the elevator. Here it travels in the channel 171 and enters the elevator at the lower end of the elevator through the ball inlet at the lower end of the elevator. The elevator screw, rotating in the direction to move the ball up in the elevator housing, raises the ball up to the elevator head to start the next cycle.

On said next cycle, the ball rolls down section S1, drops down into the switch 237 below the downstream end of section Si, and is directed by the switch to trackway section S3. The ball rolls down section S3 to the ball-drop track 227 at the downstream end of this section, and drops down into trackway section S2 just upstream from switch 238 at the downstream end of section S2. This switch is now in the position for travel of the ball down its lane 275, and thus the ball rolls down trackway section S4 to the elevator base 91, and is raised back to the elevator head to start its next cycle. On the next cycle, the ball drops off the downstream end of trackway section S1 down to the switch 237 therebelow, and this time is directed by that switch to trackway section S2, further progression of the ball on said next cycle and on succeeding cycles being believed apparent, generally involving change in routing of the ball on successive cycles.

FIGS. 47-50 show a track 21A which corresponds to the track 21 shown in FIGS. 4-9 with a modification indicated at 27A of the quick-connect means 27 at the ends thereof involving formation of projections 43A (corresponding to projections 43) with a tapered rectangular boss 43B and formation of recesses 45A (corresponding to recesses 45) with a shape complementary to shape of the projections, and formation of tongues 53A (corresponding to tongues 53) with enlarged rounded ends 53B and formation of recesses 55A (corresponding to recesses 55) with enlarged rounded inner ends 55B for snap-fit of the tongues in the recesses 55A.

With the component parts of the toy made as herein disclosed, a kit of parts may be supplied in a package of a size convenient to handle. The package may include parts in addition to those herein disclosed for adding variety and also may include software for programming a computer with instructions for assembling the parts to build the toy with various configurations for the frame, various configurations for the trackway, and various locations for the elevator. Also, it is to be specially noted that, once erected, the toy may be readily disassembled and rebuilt in another configuration, the frame parts and the connectors therefor being readily taken apart, the trackway parts being readily snapped apart and readily snapped off the posts on the track-supporting brackets, the brackets being readily snapped off the columns, and the elevators parts being readily disassembled.

The toy as illustrated in FIGS. 1-50 and described above is the same as illustrated and described in the above-specified pending parent U.S. application Ser. No. 08/719,951, this continuation-in-part application adding thereto, inter alia, the accessory shown in FIGS. 51-53 and hereinafter described. This accessory, designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 311 in FIGS. 51-53, comprises a ball-operated means, more particularly a switch for changing the pathway of the ball, and is illustrated in FIGS. 51-53 as mounted on a short track of the toy such as previously mentioned, this short track here being assigned the reference numeral 57. It corresponds generally to the track 21 of the toy in comprising an elongate molded plastic (e.g. ABS) member generally of U-shape in transverse cross-section having the aforesaid bottom rail 23 (with the downwardly opening groove 29), divergent sides 25 and upper rails 37, with quick-connection means 27 at its ends. The accessory 311 comprises a track member designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 313 extending above the short track 57 from one end thereof to the other. This track member 313 is molded of plastic (e.g. ABS) of such cross-section as to have a flat bottom 315, lower side members 317 diverging outwardly in upward direction from the side edges of the flat bottom 315, and upper side members 319 extending vertically upward from the upper edges of the lower side members. Each of the lower side members 317 may be of triangulated conformation as appears in FIGS. 51 and 53 and each of the upper side members may be in the conformation of a truss having a straight lower chord 321, a bowed upper chord 323 and vertical web members 325.

The track member 313 has a flat vane 327 molded integrally therewith in a plane transverse thereto extending up from the bottom 315 to the top thereof at its midpoint, this vane constituting means dividing said track member 313 into a first ramp indicated at 329 extending in one direction from the vane and a second ramp indicated at 331 extending in the opposite direction from the vane. As appears in FIGS. 51 and 53, ramp 329 extends to the left end and ramp 331 extends to the right of the track member 313. The bottom 315 of track member 313 is of such width in relation to ball B that the ball is in effect cradled in the track member confined by the sides of the track member for rolling down one ramp or the other, depending on the inclination of the track member 313 as will appear.

Track member 313, further, has a pivot member 333 molded integrally therewith in the same plane as vane 327 extending down from the bottom 315 of the track member 313, this pivot member being a flat member of tapered form as viewed endwise of the track member 313 (see FIG. 52) having a rounded lower end 335. The pivot member 333 has V-shaped sides 337. The track member 313 is supported for rocking movement in its central longitudinal vertical plane P (FIG. 52) by means of said pivot member extending down into and bearing at its lower end 335 in a fulcrum designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 339 mounted on the track 57 at the center of length of the track 57. The fulcrum, constituting means for supporting the track member 313 on the track 57, is molded of plastic (e.g. ABS) generally in the form of a saddle which straddles the track 57 as shown in FIG. 52, having sides 341 which extend down on the outside of the upper rails 37 of the track 57 and a portion 343 extending between and bridging the sides 341 formed to provide an upwardly opening V-shaped recess 345. The sides 341 of the fulcrum have hook formations 347 at their lower edges. The bridge portion 343 of the fulcrum includes webs 349 which extend between the sides 341 of the fulcrum and the upper edges of the V-shaped recess 345. These webs are so spaced from the hooks 347 as to provide for snap-connection of the fulcrum on the upper rails 37 of the track 57, the webs 349 bearing down on the rails 37 and the hooks being hooked under the rails 37, with the fulcrum also slidable lengthwise of track 57 for adjustment thereof to proper position.

Extending heightwise on the outside of each of the truss-like side members 319 of the track member 313 at the midpoint thereof is a rib 351. Each of these ribs has an undercut groove 353 (like groove 29) extending lengthwise thereof (heightwise of track member 313) on the outside. A pendulum designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 355 and comprising a pair of metal rods each designated 357 having a pendulum bob 359 at the lower end thereof is suspended from the track member 313 hanging down therefrom in the central transverse plane thereof (the plane of the vane 327 and the pivot member 333) by being snap-fitted adjacent the upper ends thereof of the rods into the grooves 353 in the ribs 351. The rods 357 have inturned upper ends 361 which extend in toward the side edges of the vane 327 above the truss-like side members 319 and inturned lower ends 363 sprung into holes 365 in the bob 359, the latter being molded of plastic (e.g. ABS) and, as shown in FIG. 51A, of cruciform shape in plan with a semi-circular part 367 at the center of a cross-part 369. The ribs 351 on the sides of the track member 313 and the rods 357 of the pendulum are spaced a distance somewhat greater than the overall width of the fulcrum 339 and the rods extend down on opposite sides of the fulcrum spaced outward therefrom for free swinging of the pendulum. The bob 359 is held against swinging relative to the rods 357 by having the rods adjacent their lower ends fitted in grooves 370 in the ends of the cross-part 369. The pendulum functions not only as means for balancing the track member 313 but also as attention-attracting motion-indicating means, swinging back and forth on actuation of the track member 313 by a ball as will appear.

Considering the track 57 shown in FIGS. 51-53 as being part of trackway 3 under the ball-drop end 231 of a ball-drop track 227 (e.g. under the ball-drop end 231 of the track 227 at the downstream end of section S1 of the trackway shown in FIG. 2) the accessory or switch 311 is positioned with its central transverse plane (the plane of vane 327, pivot member 333 and the pendulum rods 357) when vertical generally coplanar with the central transverse plane of the passage 233 in the head 231 at the ball-drop end 229 of the ball-drop track 227. This positioning may be effected by initially clipping the fulcrum on the upper rails 37 of track 57 in proper position, or by clipping it at random and sliding it on the upper rails one way or the other to the proper position of adjustment. As shown in FIG. 51, without any weight on the track member 313 on either side of the vane 327 such as would unbalance the track member and pendulum system, the track member 313 occupies a balanced horizontal position, the pendulum 355 hanging down in vertical position from the track member 313. A ball B dropping down from the ball-drop end of the ball-drop track 227 strikes the upper edge of the vane 327, and drops off to one side or the other of the vane, the a illustration in FIGS. 52 and 53 being based on the ball dropping to the left of the vane onto the left-hand ramp 329 of the track member 313. The weight of the ball unbalances the track member and pendulum system, and the track member and pendulum swing counterclockwise on the pivot point at 335, the ball rolling down to the left on the left-hand ramp 329 as illustrated in FIG. 53 and continuing on in that direction on the track member of the track 21 of the toy to which the left end of the short track 57 (on which the accessory 311 is mounted) is connected. When the ball rolls off the left-hand ramp 329, the track member 313 and pendulum swing back clockwise as viewed in FIG. 53, and oscillate until equilibrium is restored and the system resumes the FIG. 51 position. It will be observed that the pendulum functions not only as means for gravity-biasing the system to the equilibrium system but, in swinging back and forth for a time after having been set in motion, acts to attract attention.

If the ball drops off to the right of the vane 327 instead of to the left, the track member 313 and the pendulum swing clockwise instead of counterclockwise (opposite to what is shown in FIG. 53) and the ball rolls down to the right on the right-hand ramp 331, continuing on in that direction on the track member of the track 21 of the toy to which the right end of the short track 57 is connected. When the ball rolls off the right-hand ramp, the track member 313 and pendulum swing back counterclockwise and oscillate until equilibrium is restored.

The time it takes the ball to roll down the trackway to the lower level from the accessory 311, to be raised to the upper level, and to drop down the next time onto the accessory 311 may be more or less than the time it takes the track member/pendulum system to come to rest in the equilibrium position of FIG. 51. If it is more, equilibrium is restored before the ball returns to the accessory 311. If it is less, the ball returns before the track member 313 and pendulum system stop oscillating, and the ball may drop onto either the left-hand ramp 339 or the right-hand ramp 341 depending on angle of the vane 327 at the time of the ball drop.

It is to be understood that the embodiment of the accessory 311 as a switch, while being a noteworthy embodiment, is not exclusive, and that the accessory as a snap-on accessory may take other forms, particularly forms which have attention-attracting motion-indicating means.

In addition to the accessory shown in FIGS. 51-53, this continuation-in-part application further adds to the above-specified pending parent U.S. application Ser. No. 08/719,951 what is referred to as the collector track system and parts thereof illustrated in FIGS. 54-64. Basically, this system involves the provision of an upper trackway construction which may comprise parts such as above described for the trackway 3 assembled end-to-end and a lower trackway construction indicated generally at 371 in FIGS. 54 and 54A comprising a plurality of individual track members assembled end-to-end, with the lower trackway construction, which may be referred to as the collector track means, supported by the frame 1 in such position and so inclined as to receive (collect) a ball dropping down from the upper trackway construction and to guide the ball for rolling down thereon for delivery to the elevator 7 at the lower end thereof (more particularly to the base 91 of the elevator). The upper trackway construction is built in any one of many configurations adapted for dropping of the ball into the collector track means; for example, the upper trackway construction may be built with one or more trackway sections ending with a track 227 having its ball drop end 229 positioned above the collector trackway construction (the collector track means) so that the ball, dropping from the upper trackway construction, is collected by the collector trackway construction and directed thereby to the elevator base 91. As illustrated in FIGS. 54 and 54a, there are two collector trackways designated 371a and 371b, the former being a relatively long trackway extending from adjacent the right end of the lower part of the frame 1 (the right end as viewed in FIGS. 54 and 54a and the right end as viewed in FIG. 2) to the right end 171a of the ball guide channel 171 of the elevator base, and the latter being a relatively short trackway extending from adjacent the left end of the frame to the left end 171b of the channel 171. As shown in phantom in FIGS. 54 and 54a, the arrangement may comprise a track designated 227a with its ball drop end 229 above the long collector trackway 371a and a track 227b with its ball drop end 229 above the short collector trackway 371b.

The upper trackway construction is referred to as being of single-lane width, the V-cross-section of the tracks of the upper trackway construction being such that the width of each track member between its upper rails 37 is somewhat greater than the diameter of the ball B and less than twice the diameter of the ball, which rolls on the rails heads 31 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 39-41 and 43 for comparison of ball diameter and track width). The transverse cross-section of the tracks of the lower trackway construction is such that the width of each collector trackway 371a and 371b is several times the ball diameter and each collector trackway is accordingly referred to as being of multiple-lane width. The width of the collector trackway relative to th ball diameter may be observed in FIG. 54.

The long collector trackway 371a comprises a plurality (e.g. three) straight track members or traccks each designated in its entirety by reference numeral 373 connected end-to-end in series, and a curved track member or track designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 375 at one end (the left end as viewed in FIGS. 54 and 54a) of said series for delivering the ball to the right end 171a of the ball guide channel 171 of the elevator base 91. The short collector trackway 371b is shown as comprising a single straight track member 373 and a curved track member 375 at one end of the single straight track member for delivering the ball to the left end 171b of the ball guide channel 171.

The straight collector track 373, like the track member 21 above described, comprises an elongate molded plastic member, preferably molded of ABS plastic of what may be described as broad shallow channel shape in transverse cross-section (see FIGS. 57 and 58) having a relatively thin generally flat rigid bottom 377 (the web of the channel) and generally flat rigid sides each designated 379 (the flanges of the channel) extending up from the bottom at the side edges of the bottom and diverging in upward direction, each at an angle of about 45.degree. off vertical. The sides and bottom define an upwardly opening channel for rolling of the ball down the track. The sides are triangulated in the same manner as the sides 25 of the track 21. The track 373 has a pair of rails 381 molded integrally therewith extending lengthwise thereof on the under side of the bottom adjacent the side edges of the bottom and upper rails 383 (similar to rails 37) molded integrally therewith at the upper edges of the inclined sides. Each of the bottom rails 381 has a downwardly opening undercut groove 385 extending lengthwise thereof, this groove being similar to the groove 29 in the bottom rail 23 of the track 21 and for the same purpose. The track 373 is molded with longitudinal ribs 387 and transverse ribs 389 on the bottom for rigidifying the bottom, and is molded with a multiplicity of rectangular openings such as indicated at 391 arranged in a grid pattern in the bottom (to reduce weight and reduce the amount of plastic needed for molding the track). These openings are shaped and sized to keep a ball B from dropping therethrough. They are omitted in FIG. 54.

Means designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 393 is provided at the ends of the track 373 for quick connection thereto end-to-end of another track 373 (or a curved track 375). As illustrated, this means comprises tongues 395, 397 and 399 projecting from one end of the track with a recess 401 between the tongues 395 and 397 and a recess 403 between tongues 397 and 399, and tongues 395a, 397a and 399a projecting from the other end of the track with a recess 401a between tongues 395a and 397a and a recess 403a between tongues 397a and 399a, tongue 395 being in line with recess 403a and tongue 397 being in line with recess 401a. Each tongue comprises a part such as indicated at 407 projectng from the bottom of the track integral therewith, and a downwardly extending flange 409 at the outer end and downwardly extending flanges 411 at the sides of part 407. Tongues 395 and 397 fit in recesses 403a and 401a of another track; tongues 395a and 397a fit in recesses 403 and 401 of another track. The tongues are provided in side flanges 411 thereof with detents such as indicated at 413 and recesses such as indicated at 415 in FIG. 64, the arrangement being such that the tongues 395 and 397 of one track are adapted to be snap-fitted in recesses 403a and 401a of another track and such that tongues 395a and 397a of one track are adapted to be snap-fitted in recesses 403 and 401 of another track for quick end-to-end snap-fit connection thereof.

The curved track 375 (see FIGS. 60-63) corresponds to the long straight track 373 except for being curved through a 90.degree. arc of a circle, and the same reference numerals are used for the parts of the curved track 375 as are used for the parts of the straight track 373.

As illustrated in FIGS. 54 and 54a as noted above, the long collector trackway 371a is formed by connecting together end-to-end in series three straight tracks 373 and applying a curved track 375 to one end, constituting the end of the long trackway 371a at the elevator base 91 of the series, with the curved track curving in the direction for delivering a ball rolling down the long collector trackway to the elevator base. The long collector trackway 371a is supported by the frame 1 by means of brackets 65 snapped in appropriate position on appropriate columns of the frame with the balls 85 on the posts 83 of the track connectors 73 on the brackets snap-fitted in the grooves 385 of the bottom rails 381 of the collector tracks, and with the tongues at the outer end of the curved track 375 bearing on the elevator base 91. The short collector track comprises one straight track 373 assembled with a curved track 375, this straight track extending inward from the designated left end of the frame toward the vicinity of the elevator base 91 and with the curved track at the inner end of the straight track curving laterally outward with the bottom of the curved track at its outer end at the level of the top of the elevator base and at the left end of the channel 171 in the base. With the long and short collector tracks of the multiple-lane width and disposed as described with the straight tracks extending generally centrally with respecct to the frame, it is possible to construct the toy with a wide variety of ball drop points, and with the collector trackway serving as a catch-all for a ball running off the upper trackway and dropping down from above.

The width of the bottom of each track 373 and 375 is designated W. The sides of the track have upper edges constituted by the upper edges of the upper rails 383 at a height H as measured from the upper surface of the bottom of the track (see FIGS. 57 and 62). In accordance with this invention, the ratio of W/H is at least of the order of four, and preferably of the order of seven. For use with the toy wherein the long beams 11 are 13.5 inches (approximately 342.4 mm) long and the short beams 13 are 6.75 inches (approximately 171.5 mm) long, the track may be 6.75 inches long with a width W of approximately 3.2 inches (80.5 mm) and a height H of approximately 0.44 inches (11 mm).

With these dimensions the track is of such height and width to fit in the frame 1 and to serve as a collector or catch-all for the ball dropping down from above. In this respect, the long collector track is assembled with the straight tracks 373 arranged end-to-end in a straight series extending inward from the designated right end of the frame toward the vicinity of the elevator base 91 and with the curved track 375 at the inner (left) end of the straight series curving laterally outwardly with the bottom of the curved track at its outer end at the level of the top of the elevator base 91 and at the right end of the channel 171 in the base. The short collector track is arranged with its single straight track 373 extending inward from the left end of the frame toward the vicinity of the elevator base and with the curved track 375 thereof curving laterally outwardly with the bottom of the curved track at its outer end at the level of the elevator base and at the left end of the channel 171 in the base.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A kinetic toy of the rolling-ball type constructed of a plurality of individual parts comprising:

a frame comprising a plurality of frame members and connectors interconnecting ends of the frame members, said frame members and connectors being constructed for quick assembly thereof, said frame being adapted to stand upright on a generally horizontal supporting surface;

a trackway for the ball supported by the frame for travel of the ball by rolling down the trackway from an elevated position at an upper level with respect to the frame to a terminal position at a lower level with respect to the frame, said trackway comprising a plurality of individual track members assembled end-to-end and constructed for quick assembly end-to-end;

means supported by selected frame members for supporting the trackway for the travel of the ball, said means being constructed for quick assembly with said selected frame members, and said track members being constructed for quick assembly of selected track members with said trackway supporting means; and

an accessory mounted on one of said track members by quick-connection means.

2. A toy as set forth in claim 1 wherein said accessory is mounted on said one of said track members by snap-fit means on the accessory snapped on said one track member.

3. A toy as set forth in claim 1 wherein said accessory is mounted above said one track member and comprises ball-operated means movable by a ball impinging on the accessory.

4. A toy as set forth in claim 3 wherein said ball-operated means comprises switch means for changing the pathway of the ball.

5. A toy as set forth in claim 4 wherein said switch means has motion-indicating means attached thereto.

6. A toy as set forth in claim 5 wherein said motion-indicating means is a pendulum.

7. A toy as set forth in claim 3 wherein said ball-operated means comprises motion-indicating means.

8. A toy as set forth in claim 7 wherein said motion-indicating means is a pendulum.

9. A toy as set forth in claim 1 having track members each comprising an elongate molded plastic member generally of V-shape in transverse cross section having a rail extending the length thereof at the bottom for rolling of a ball thereon and sides extending up from said bottom rail diverging in upward direction, said sides having rails at their upper edges, said accessory having means at the bottom thereof for quick-connection thereof to said rails.

10. A toy as set forth in claim 9 wherein said quick-connection means comprises snap-fit means for snapping on to said rails.

11. A toy as set forth in claim 9 wherein said accessory comprises ball-operated means movable by a ball impinging on the accessory.

12. A toy as set forth in claim 11 wherein said accessory comprises ball-operated means comprises switch means for changing the pathway of the ball.

13. A toy as set forth in claim 1 including:

an elevator assembled with said frame having components constructed for quick assembly with selected members of the frame, said elevator having a lower end positioned at said terminal position for receiving the ball after its descent down the trackway and an upper end at said elevated position for raising the ball to said elevated position for ensuing travel of the ball down said trackway; and

means for driving said elevator.

14. A kinetic toy of the rolling-ball type constructed of a plurality of individual parts comprising:

a frame comprising a plurality of frame members and connectors interconnecting ends of the frame members, said frame members and connectors being constructed for quick assembly thereof, said frame being adapted to stand upright on a generally horizontal supporting surface;

a trackway for the ball supported by the frame for travel of the ball by rolling down the trackway from an elevated position at an upper level with respect to the frame to a terminal position at a lower level with respect to the frame, said trackway comprising a plurality of individual track members assembled end-to-end;

means supported by selected frame members for supporting the trackway for the travel of the ball, said means being constructed for quick assembly with said selected frame members, and said track members being constructed for quick assembly of selected track members with said trackway supporting means; and

said trackway comprising an upper and a lower trackway construction;

said upper trackway construction comprising a plurality of individual track members assembled end-to-end;

said lower trackway construction comprising a plurality of individual track members assembled end-to-end;

said lower trackway construction being supported by the frame in such position and so inclined as to receive a ball dropping down from the upper trackway construction.

15. A toy as set forth in claim 14 wherein the upper trackway construction is of single-lane width and the lower trackway construction is of multiple-lane width.

16. A toy as set forth in claim 14 wherein the individual track members of each of the upper and lower trackway constructions are constructed for quick assembly end-to-end by having snap-fit interconnections at ends thereof.

17. A toy as set forth in claim 15 further comprising an elevator assembled with said frame having components constructed for quick assembly with selected members of the frame, said elevator having a lower end positioned at said terminal position for receiving the ball after its descent down the trackway and an upper end at said elevated position for raising the ball to said elevated position for ensuing travel of the ball down said trackway; and means for driving said elevator; and wherein said lower trackway construction comprises a series of straight tracks arranged end-to-end and a curved track arranged with one end thereof at one end of said series and with the other end of said curved track in position for delivery of the ball to the lower end of the elevator.

18. A toy as set forth in claim 17 wherein each track of the lower trackway construction comprises a molded plastic member of such shape in transverse cross-section as to have a generally flat rigid bottom and sides extending up from the bottom defining a channel for rolling of the ball down the track, and wherein each track of the lower trackway construction has means on the bottom thereof for interengagement with the supporting means for said lower trackway construction.

19. A toy as set forth in claim 18 wherein the means on the bottom of each track of the lower trackway construction comprises a pair of rails extending lengthwise on the underside of the bottom, each rail having a downwardly opening undercut groove for snap-fit therein of part of said supporting means.

20. A toy as set forth in claim 19 wherein the sides of each track of the lower trackway construction diverge in upward direction.

21. A toy as set forth in claim 20 wherein the bottom each track of the lower trackway construction has reinforcing ribs on the underside of the bottom extending longitudinally and transversely thereof, and a multiplicity of openings which are shaped and sized to keep the ball of the toy from dropping therethrough.