MARBLE ROCKER MODULES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to building toys, and more specifically, kits for designing and building marble run tracks.

BACKGROUND

Marble run toys known in the art have interconnecting track sections that may be arranged by a user in any of a plurality of designs. Once constructed, the track can define a downhill track through the various sections or modules. The interchangeable nature of the various module designs allow for the construction of many different marble run layouts.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary marble run layout 10 formed of a plurality of interconnecting modules 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F and 18. The modules may take many forms, such as modules 11A, 11B and 11C, which include channels 12 that laterally direct a marble from a vertical receiving tube 14 to an exit tube 16. The channels 12 may define circuitous routes, such as those modules 11B and 11C. Other modules are merely vertical tubes 18 that can be used as part of the track, or merely as vertical support structures for other modules. Still other modules 11D can include a wide platform 20 with spikes 22 to direct the ball in an unpredictable path from the vertical receiving tube 24 and the exit tube 26. Other modules 11E can include a bowl structure. Other modules having additional or alternative features are known.

In popular marble run kits, the vertical receiving tube 14 of each module is generally designed to directly physically connect to an exit tube 16 of an upstream module, thus allowing the marble to transition from module to module. In FIG. 1, most of the receiving tubes 14 are disposed within part of the exit tube 16 of an upstream module, and therefore is not in view. The modules may have other tubes or structures 28 under the vertical receiving tube 14 to allow that portion of the module to be supported from below, for example, by vertical tube modules. Similarly, the modules may have a bypass tube 30 disposed vertically above the exit tube 16 that may provide support as well as an alternative input.

Like many construction toys, the marble run kits currently available allow for creative play by enabling the user to construct the marble run (or multiple runs) in a multitude of configurations. Unlike many construction toys, however, the marble run kits have the added advantage providing an animated feedback of the player's design via movement of the marble. Accordingly, marble run kits have enjoyed pervasive success.

In most commercially available kits, the modules themselves are largely static, such that the marble or marbles on the track are the only moving pieces.

It would be desirable to create a toy kit that builds on the advantages of the marble run kits with additional action or movement while preserving the appealing aspects of the original design.

SUMMARY

The embodiments described herein provide a rocker module that is connectable to a convention marble run module, and which has a marble guide that is capable of receiving a marble in a first position and then pivoting to a second position as the marble traverses and exits the marble guide.

A first embodiment is a rocker module for use with a plurality of physically interconnectable marble run modules, wherein each module is configured to retain a marble and guide the travel of the marble through the module on at least a first surface. The rocker module includes a tubular frame and a marble guide. The tubular frame has a first connection boss configured to connect to a first corresponding connector on at least one of the physically interconnectable marble run modules, and a second connection boss configured to connected to a second corresponding connector on the at least one of the physically interconnectable marble run modules. The first connection boss is further configured to connect to a second connection boss of another module that is identical to the second connection boss of the first rocker module. The first connection boss includes a receiving tube configured to receive a marble into an interior of the tubular frame. The marble guide is pivotally connected to the tubular frame, and extends through the interior of the tubular frame. The marble guide has at least one marble exit, and is configured in a first rotation position to receive a marble advancing through the receiving tube in the interior of the tubular frame, and is configured to rotate toward a second rotational position responsive to receiving the marble such that the received marble advances through the marble guide toward the marble exit.

The above-described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary marble run layout formed of a plurality of interconnecting modules;

FIG. 2 shows a fragmentary side plan view of a marble run that incorporates a first embodiment of a rocker module;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the rocker module of FIG. 2 apart from the marble run;

FIG. 4 shows a side plan view of the rocker module of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of the marble guide of the rocker module of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 shows a top plan view of the marble guide of the rocker module of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a top section of a tubular frame of the rocker module of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a bottom section of the tubular frame of the rocker module of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a rocker module;

FIG. 10 shows a top perspective view of the marble guide of the rocker module of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 shows a bottom perspective view of the marble guide of the rocker module of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 2 shows a fragmentary side plan view of a marble run 50 that incorporates a first embodiment of a rocker module 100. The marble run 50 may suitably include a number of conventional elements from the traditional marble run kits. In this example, the visible portion of the marble run 50 includes a ramp module 52, a plurality of vertical spacer modules 54, and two wide-rim tube modules 56, as well as the rocker module 100.

The ramp module 52 has the general connection structures of the modules 11A, 11B and 11C of FIG. 1, and includes a marble channel 60 that laterally directs a marble from an interconnecting vertical receiving tube, not shown in FIG. 2, to an exit tube 66. The vertical receiving tube of the ramp module 52 may suitably have the design of any of the vertical receiving tubes 14 of FIG. 1. Likewise, the exit tube 66 has the design of any of the exit tubes 16 of FIG. 1.

The vertical spacing modules 54 have the general structure of the vertical tubes 18 of FIG. 1. Accordingly, each vertical spacing module 54 has a connection boss that can connect to a vertical receiving tube 14 (from above) or an exit tube 16 (from below), of any of the modules 11A through 11F of FIG. 1. The vertical spacing modules 54 can also connect to each other from above or below, as is known in the art. The vertical spacing modules 54 allow for vertical travel of the module, but may also be used for vertical support of other modules.

Each of the wide-rim modules 56a, 56b may suitably be an open top module that includes a corresponding wide rim receiving dish or bowl 72a, 72b and a corresponding vertical exit tube 74a, 74b. Each bowl 72a, 72b is configured to convey a marble falling therein, to the corresponding exit tube 74a, 74b. In this embodiment, each exit tube 74a, 74b is hollow and has a corresponding open bottom 76a, 76b through which the marble may exit the module 56a, 56b. Each open bottom 76a, 76b may suitably configured to connect to any vertical receiving tube 16 of FIG. 1, or any other similar module connecting structure, such as those on the vertical spacing modules 54. It will be appreciated that each of the wide-rim modules 56a, 56b may have the structure of the bowl module 11e of FIG. 1.

The rocker module 100 is likewise configured for use with a plurality of physically interconnectable marble run modules, such as those in FIG. 1, and those of FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the rocker module 100 forms part of a kit of interconnectable marble run modules that also includes some or all of the modules of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the rocker module 100 apart from the marble run 50 and FIG. 4 shows a side plan view of the rocker module 100 apart from the marble run 50.

With reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the rocker module 100 includes a tubular frame 102 and a marble guide 104. The tubular frame 102 has a first connection boss 202, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The connection boss 202 may take other forms in other embodiment, but in any event, is configured to connect to a first corresponding connector on any of the plurality of physically interconnectable marble run modules. In this embodiment, the open bottom connection bosses of the vertical tubes 54a, 54b, the open bottom exit tube 66 of the ramp module 52, and the open bottoms of the elements of FIG. 1 are all configured to receive and connect to (via friction fit), the connection boss 202. In this embodiment, first connection boss 202 is an annular ridge that is configured to fit within and engage a suitable receptacle. The connection boss 202 includes an opening 202a for receiving a marble therethrough.

The tubular frame 102 also includes a second connection boss 108 configured to connected to a second corresponding connector on the at least one of the physically interconnectable marble run modules. The second connection boss 108, for example, is also configured to receive and connect via friction fit the first connection boss 202 of another identically structured rocker module. In some embodiments, it is preferable for playability for the tubular frame 102 to have the same general axial length, as well as the same top and bottom connection structures, as the vertical spacing tubes 54 and/or the vertical tubes 11 of FIG. 1. As will be discussed further below in detail, the first connection boss 202 forms part of a receiving tube 114 configured to receive a marble into an interior of the tubular frame 102 via the opening 202a.

In this embodiment, the tubular 102 is formed from a top section 102a and a bottom section 102b that snap together, as will be discussed further below in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8.

The marble guide 104 is pivotally connected to the tubular frame 102, and extends through the interior 204 of the tubular frame 102. The marble guide 104 can rotate between a first rotational position A and a second rotational position B, shown in phantom in FIG. 2.

The marble guide 104 has a first track 106, a second track 107, a first marble exit 110 and a second marble exit 112. The marble guide 104 is configured in the first rotation position A to receive a marble advancing through the receiving tube 114 in the interior 204 of the tubular frame 102, and to rotate toward the second rotational position B responsive to receiving the marble. As a consequence of the rotation, the received marble advances through the marble guide 104 (on the first marble track 106) toward and out of the first marble exit 110. As will be discussed below, the rocker module 100 is configured that when the connection boss 108 is connected to and supported from below by one or more vertical spacing tubes 54a, 54b disposed in normal vertical axial orientation, the marble guide 104 preferably can selectively remain in either the first rotational position A or the second rotational position B, absent external force.

The marble guide 104 is still further configured in the second rotation position B to receive a marble advancing through the receiving tube 114 in the interior of the tubular frame 102, and to rotate toward the first rotational position A responsive to receiving the marble. As a result of the rotation, the received marble advances through the marble guide 104 (on the second marble track 107) toward and out of the second marble exit 112.

It will be appreciated that the exemplary marble run 50 of FIG. 2 is provided only to illustrate the operation of the rocker module 100 in the context, and like various marble run modules, the rocker module 100 may be used in connection with nearly infinite variants of the marble run 50.

In the marble run 50, the top of a first vertical spacing module 54a is coupled to the exit tube 66 of the ramp module 52, so that a marble traveling across the marble channel 60 exits through the exit tube 66, and into the first vertical spacing module 54a. The bottom of the first vertical spacing module 54a is connected to the vertical receiving tube 114 of the tubular frame 102, such that a marble exiting the bottom of the vertical spacing module 54a will enter the interior of the tubular frame 102.

The rocker module 100 is supported from below by a stack of vertical spacing modules 54b, 54c, and so forth. To this end, the connection boss 108 of the rocker module 100 is coupled to the top of the vertical spacing module 54b. The bottom of the vertical spacing module 54b is coupled to the top of the vertical spacing module 54c, and so forth.

The wide-rim module 56a is disposed in a position generally below the marble guide 104 such that a marble rolling on the first marble track 106 out of the first marble exit 110 in the second rotational position B will fall into the bowl 72a. To this end, the wide-rim module 56a in this embodiment is disposed such that at least a portion of the bowl 72a is disposed directly below marble exit 110 at least when the marble guide 104 is in the second rotational position B. The other wide-rim module 56b is similarly disposed in a position generally below the marble guide 104 such that a marble rolling on the second marble track 106 and out of the marble exit 112 in the first rotational position A will fall into the bowl 72b. To this end, the wide-rim module 56b in this embodiment is disposed such that at least a portion of the bowl 72b is disposed directly below marble exit 112 at least when the marble guide 104 is in the first rotational position A. The open bottoms 76a, 76b may suitably be coupled to vertical receiving tubes of any of a plurality of other suitable marble run modules, such as any of those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 that have vertical receiving tubes and associated connection bosses.

In use of the portion of the marble run 50 shown in FIG. 2, a marble, not shown, travels down the marble channel 60 of the ramp module 52, and exits through the exit tube 66. In this exemplary operation, the marble guide 104 of the rocker module 100 is in the first rotational position A. The marble falls through the first vertical spacing module 54a and through the opening 202a into the vertical receiving tube 114 of the rocker module 100. One or more features of the marble guide 104, not shown in FIG. 2, direct the marble into the first marble track 106. The weight of the marble and position of the marble shifts the balance of the marble guide 104 such that the marble guide 104 rotates toward the second rotational position B. The momentum of the marble carries the marble down the first marble track 106 and to the first marble exit 110. The marble then rolls out of the exit 110 and falls into the bowl 72a of the wide-rim module 56a. The shape of the bowl 72a directs the marble into the exit tube 74 and the marble may exit the module 56a to go into portions, not shown, of the marble run 50 below wide-rim module 56a.

Thereafter, absent external force, the marble guide 104 remains in the second rotational position B. A subsequent marble can then roll down the marble channel 60 of the ramp module 52, and pass through the exit tube 66 and first vertical spacing module 54a into the vertical receiving tube 114 of the rocker module 100. In such a case, one or more features of the marble guide 104, not shown in FIG. 2, direct the marble into the second marble track 107. The weight of the marble and position of the marble shifts the balance of the marble guide 104 such that the marble guide 104 rotates back toward the first rotational position A. The momentum of the marble carries the marble down the second marble track 107 and to the second marble exit 112. The marble then rolls out of the exit 112 and falls into the bowl 72b of the wide-rim module 56b. As with the wide-rim module 56a, the shape of the bowl 72b directs the marble into the exit tube 74b and the marble may exit the module 56b.

Additional detail regarding the structure of the rocker module 100 is provided below in connection with FIGS. 5 through 8. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the marble guide 104 of the rocker module 100 apart from the tubular frame 102, and FIG. 6 shows a top plan view of the marble guide 104. FIGS. 7 and 8 show sections 102a, 102b that form the tubular frame 102 in this embodiment.

With reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, the marble guide 104 is pivotally connected to the tubular frame 102 via a first axial pin 302 and a second axial pin 304. The first axial pin 302 is received into a corresponding opening 206 in the tubular frame 102, and the second axial pin 304 is received into corresponding opening in the tubular frame 102, not visible in FIG. 3 or 4, but generally opposite the opening 206. The axial pints 302, 304 define a pivot axis AX of the marble guide 104

In addition to the axial pins 302, 304 and marble tracks 106, 107, the marble guide includes a central baffle 306 disposed between the first and second marble tracks 106, 107. The central baffle 306 generally is configured to direct a marble received from the receiving tube 114 to one or the other of the marble tracks 106, 107, depending on the rotational position of the marble guide 104. To this end, the baffle 306 includes a first inclined wall 308 extending downward and outward from directly above the pivot axis AX toward the first marble track 106, and a second inclined wall 309 extending downward and outward from directly above the pivot axis AX toward the second marble track 107. In this embodiment that inclined walls 308, 309 intersect, wherein the line of intersection L is parallel to the pivot axis A and is equidistant from the first marble exit 110 and the second marble exit 112.

The first marble track 106 extends from the central baffle 306, and more specifically the first inclined wall 308, to the first marble exit 110. The first marble track 106 in this embodiment is a channel that includes an elongate bottom surface 310 and side walls 312 that extend upward from either side to form an elongate u-shaped channel. As visible in FIG. 3, the bottom surface 310 includes an elongate shallow trench 314 along its cross section between the opposing side walls 312. The shallow trench 314 forms a rut that receives and guides a marble towards the center of the first marble exit 110 to improve the predictability of expulsion direction of the marble from the marble exit 110.

Similarly, the second marble track 107 extends from the central baffle 306, and more specifically the second inclined wall 309, to the second marble exit 112. The second marble track 107 is otherwise identical in structure to the first marble track.

Each of the first and second marble tracks 106, 107 act as a counterweight to the other. Preferably, the first and second marble tracks 106, 107 are balanced such they provide equal and opposite rotational force about the pivot axis AX. Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, it will be appreciated that when the rocker module 100 it in the first rotational position A, the first inclined wall 308 is exposed to the opening 202a, such that when a marble falls through the opening 202a into the receiving tube 114, it strikes the first inclined wall 308. It will further be appreciated that the first inclined wall 308 directs the marble to the first marble track 106. Because the marble adds weight to the first marble track 106, the first and second marble tracks 106, 107 are no longer balanced. As a result the marble guide 104 starts to rotate toward the second rotational position B (see FIG. 2). The momentum of the marble carries the marble through the marble track 106 to and out of the first marble exit 110. After the marble exits, the marble tracks 106, 107 return to a more equally balanced state. However, the balanced state preferably does not result in any counter-rotation, and the marble guide remains in the second rotational position B.

Conversely, when the rocker module 100 it in the second rotational position B, the second inclined wall 309 is exposed to the opening 202a, such that when a marble falls through the opening 202a into the receiving tube 114, it strikes the second inclined wall 309. The second inclined wall 309 directs the marble to the second marble track 107. Because the marble adds weight to the second marble track 107, the marble guide 104 starts to rotate back toward the first rotational position A (see FIG. 2). The momentum of the marble carries the marble through the marble track 107 to and out of the second marble exit 112. After the marble exits, the marble tracks 106, 107 return to a more equally balanced state. As above, the marble guide 104 then remains in the first rotational position A. As a result of the above-described operations, the rocker module 100 ideally directs marbles received through the receiving tube 114 to the first marble exit 110 and second marble exit 112 in alternating fashion.

As discussed above, the tubular frame 102 of the rocker module 100 is formed from a top section 102a and a bottom section 102b that snap together. FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of the top section 102a and FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of the bottom section. The top section 102a further includes the opening 202a, a top platform 352, side walls 354, 356, and connectors 358, 360. Each of the connectors 358, 360 includes a corresponding arm 358a, 360a, and a corresponding catch 358b, 360b.

The top platform 352 is disk-shaped structure with the top opening 202a defined therethrough. As shown in FIG. 3, the connection boss 202 is formed on the top of the top platform 352 and extends upward therefrom. Thus, when another marble run module is inserted over the connection boss 202 to connect to the tubular frame 102, the top platform 352 stops the axial travel of the connecting module. Referring again to FIG. 7, the side walls 354, 356 extend axially from the top platform 352 to a distance that is less than half of the axial height of the tubular shell 102. The side wall 354 further extends roughly one-fourth around the circumference of the top platform 352. The side wall 356 is disposed opposite the side wall 354 and also extends one-fourth around the circumference of the top platform 352. As such, the side walls 354, 356 define opposing openings therebetween that form the top portion of the openings 205 of the tubular module 102 (see FIG. 4) through which the marble guide 104 extends. It will be appreciated that the top section 102a can further include short axial rims 366 extending axially from the top platform 352 and between the side walls 356, 358 to define the tops of the openings 205.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the arms 358a, 360a of the connectors 358, 360 extend axially downward from, respectively, the side wall 354, 356. The connectors 358, 360 in this embodiment are formed as cantilever snap fit insertion portions. The arms have a width that is less than the circumferential width of the side walls 354, 356. The catches 358b, 360b extend in a non-axial manner from the lower part of the side wall 354, 356, and are configured to form the catch of the snap fit connection. In this embodiment, the catch 358b, includes a catch surface 358c that extends outward perpendicular to the axial direction from the arm 358a, a bottom surface 358e, and a chamfered surface 358d that extends from the bottom surface 358e outward and upward to the catch surface 358c. The catch 360b has an identical structure.

Referring to FIG. 8, the bottom section 102b further includes a bottom platform 372, side walls 374, 376, and connectors 378, 380. Each of the connectors 378, 380 is formed as a cantilever snap fit receiver portion configured to receive and snap fit with the connectors 358, 360 of the top section 102a.

The bottom platform 372 is disk-shaped structure with the bottom opening 208 that forms the connection boss 108 (see e.g. FIG. 2) for receiving connection bosses of other modules. The side walls 374, 376 extend axially from the top platform 372 to a distance that is more than half of the axial height of the tubular shell 102. The side wall 374 extends roughly one-fourth around the circumference of the bottom platform 372, and the side wall 376 is disposed opposite the side wall 374 and also extends one-fourth around the circumference of the bottom platform 372. As such, the side walls 374, 376 define opposing openings therebetween that form the bottom portion of the openings 205 of the tubular module 102 (see FIG. 4) through which the marble guide 104 extends. It will be appreciated that the bottom section 102a can further include short axial rims 386 that extend axially from the bottom platform 372 and between the side walls 376, 378 to define the bottoms of the openings 205.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the connector 378 is formed in the top portion of the side wall 374. In particular, the side wall 374 is formed as to have a recessed channel 374b formed between two outer wall portions 374a, the channel 374b sized to receive the arm 358a of the connectors 358 of FIG. 7. The recessed channel 374b includes a bottom edge 374c that extends generally linearly between the outer portions 374a. The bottom edge 374c includes a concave feature or discontinuity 390 that is sized to receive either of the axial pins 302, 304. The outer walls 374a extend axially further than the bottom edge 374c. The connector further includes a crossbar 392 that extends between the outer walls 374a at a position that is axially space apart and radially spaced part from the bottom edge 374c thus defining an opening 394 between the crossbar 392, the bottom edge 374c, and the outer walls 374a. The side wall 376 has a structure identical to that of the side wall 374.

To assemble the rocker module 100, the marble guide 104 is inserted onto the bottom section 102b such that the first axial pin 302 is received at least in part by the discontinuity 390, and the second axial pin 304 is received into the corresponding discontinuity of the side wall 376. The upper section 102a and lower section 102b are then arranged such that the connectors 358, 360, 378 and 380 are rotationally aligned, and then the connectors 358, 360 are inserted axially through the openings 394. The arms 358a, 360a flex inward slightly, due to interaction of the chamfered edge 358d (and corresponding edge on the connector 360) and the crossbar 392 (and corresponding crossbar on the connector 380). When the catch surface 358c clears the crossbar 392, then the connector 358 snaps into place with the catch surface 358c engaging the top surface of the crossbar 392. The connector 360 connects to the connector 380 in the same way.

In the connected position, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, for example, the bottom surface 358e of the connector 358 traps the first axial pin 302 in the discontinuity 390 and thus between the top section 102a and the bottom section 102b. The discontinuity 390 and the bottom surface 358e thus cooperate to form the opening 206 in the tubular frame 102 in this embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that other forms of the opening may be used.

In another embodiment of the rocker module, a marble may only exit in one direction, instead of alternating between two directions, as per the rocker module 100. FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a single exit rocker module 100′. The rocker module 100′ suitably includes a tubular frame 102 that is identical to that described above, and an alternative marble guide 404. FIG. 10 shows a top perspective view of the marble guide 404 apart from the tubular frame 102, and FIG. 11 shows a bottom perspective view of the marble guide 404

With reference to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, the marble guide 404 is pivotally connected to the tubular frame 102, and extends through the interior 204 of the tubular frame 102. The marble guide 404 can rotate between a first rotational position A and a second rotational position B, as shown in FIG. 9.

The marble guide 404 has a first track 406, a second track 407 and a first marble exit 410. The marble guide 404 is configured in the first rotation position A to receive a marble advancing through the receiving tube 114 in the interior 204 of the tubular frame 102, and is configured to rotate toward the second rotational position B responsive to receiving the marble such that the received marble advances through the marble guide 404 (on the first marble track 406) toward and out of the first marble exit 410. As will be discussed below, the rocker module 100′ is configured that when the connection boss 108 is connected to and supported from below by one or more vertical spacing tubes 54a, 54b disposed in normal vertical axial orientation, the marble guide 404 preferably returns to the first rotational position A after the marble exists the first marble exit 410, absent external force.

The marble guide 404 is also further configured in the first rotational position A to receive a marble onto the second track 407, roll down to the first track 406, and rotate to the second rotational position B. During and after rotation of the marble guide 404 to the second rotational position B, the marble continues to travel toward and out of the first marble exit 410.

Similar to the marble guide 104, the marble guide 404 is pivotally connected to the tubular frame 102 via a first axial pin 502 and a second axial pin 504. The first axial pin 502 is received into the corresponding opening 206 in the tubular frame 102, and the second axial pin 504 is received into a corresponding opening in the tubular frame 102, not visible in FIG. 9, but generally opposite the opening 206. The axial pins 502, 504 define the pivot axis AX′ of the marble guide 404.

In addition to the axial pins 502, 504 and marble tracks 406, 407, the marble guide 404 includes one or more bottom fins 506 disposed at least below the second marble track 407. The bottom fins 506 provide the dual purpose of adding to the weight to the side of the marble guide 404 of the second marble track 407, and providing a stop to the rotational motion of the marble guide 404 at the first rotational position A.

Because of the additional weight, the marble guide 404 has more weight (or moment arm force) on the side of the pivot axis AX′ of the second marble track 407. The additional weight makes the marble guide 404 rotate to and maintain position in the first rotational position A any time a marble (or other force) is not present on the first marble track 406. The bottom fins 506 are configured to contact and rest on the bottom 386 of the opening 205 (see FIG. 8) at the first rotational position A. In the first rotational position A, the second marble track 407 defines a downhill path toward the first marble track 406. The first marble track 406 and second marble track 407 together form a continuous marble track such that a marble may freely pass between the two tracks 406, 407. In the second rotational position B, the first marble track 406 defines a downhill path toward the first marble exit 410.

The first marble track 406 in this embodiment is a channel that includes an elongate bottom surface 510 and side walls 512 that extend upward from either side to form an elongate u-shaped channel. The marble track 406 extends in a slightly curved manner from approximately the pivot axis AX′ to the first marble exit 410. Similar to the first marble track 106 of FIG. 3, the bottom surface 510 includes an elongate shallow trench 514 along its cross section between the opposing side walls 512. The shallow trench 514 is configured to guide a marble towards the center of the first marble exit 410 to improve the predictability of expulsion direction of the marble from the marble exit 410.

The second marble track 407 extends in the opposite direction from the first marble track 406 proximate the pivot axis AX′, and towards an open end 412. The second marble track 407 is largely similar in structure to the first marble track 406, and includes a bottom surface 510′ that is continuously formed with the bottom surface 510 and side walls 512′ that are continuously formed with the side walls 512. The bottom fins 506 extend downward from the side walls 512, 512′, with most of their mass disposed under the side walls 512′ of the second marble track 407. In this embodiment, the fins 506 are roughly triangular shaped with just a small portion extending under the first marble track 406.

It will be appreciated that the shape of the fins 506 can vary (as well as location), so long as the marble guide 404 has sufficient mass on the side of the second marble track 407 to cause rotation and rest at the first rotational position A in the absence of outside force, and preferably such that the fins 506 fix the first rotational position A where the second marble track 407 provides a downhill path to the first marble track 406.

It will be appreciated that when the rocker module 100′ it in the first rotational position A, there is a slight incline at the intersection of the first and second marble tracks 406, 407 downward in the direction toward the marble exit 410. Thus, when a marble falls through the opening 202a into the receiving tube 114, it strikes the inclined intersection, which in turn directs the marble to the first marble track 406. Because the marble adds weight to the first marble track 406, the balance shifts to the side of the pivot axis AX′ of the first marble track 406. As a result the marble guide 404 starts to rotate toward the second rotational position B. The momentum of the marble carries the marble through the marble track 406 to and out of the marble exit 410. After the marble exits, the loss of the marble weight on the first marble track 406 causes the balance to shift back to the side of the pivot axis AX′ of the second marble track 107. As a consequence, the marble guide 404 rotates back to the first rotational position A.

Thus, the rocker module 100′ provides a different rocking marble guide that allows for two entrances, either through the opening 202a, or anywhere on the second marble track 407, and rocking action to deliver a marble out of the marble exit 410. By contrast the rocker module 100 is designed to receive a marble through the opening 202a, and use rocking action to deliver a marble alternately out of the first marble exit 110, and the second marble exit 112. It will be appreciated that one or more of either or both rocker modules 100 and 100′ may be provided in a marble run kit that includes other modules, such as the other modules shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative, and that those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations and modifications that incorporate the principles of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof.

MARBLE ROCKER MODULES

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