Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
The present invention relates to model toy trains, and more particular toward track modules for model toy trains.
Model train railroad tracks with roadbeds are known in the toy train industry, as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,019,289 and 6,796,509.
Such tracks typically come in segments or modules which can be interconnected to provide the layout desired. Typically, such segments come in standard sizes which allow various combinations and orientations of the modules to be combined to create regular shapes, such as generally rectangular shapes with curved corners. However, in many layouts it is impossible and/or not desirable to have the tracks in only regular shapes, whether by design or by imperfections in laying out the tracks, particularly in the case of large layouts. Laying out tracks thus can in many instances results in a frustrating result akin to the old joke of the east and west railroads coming together from opposite directions such that their tracks will not align.
Accommodating such irregular alignments can require unintended bending of track modules, resulting in potentially damaging stresses, irregularities, and even gaps in the track module roadbed. Specially sized track modules shorter in length than the standard sizes have been used to fill gaps when the standard modules as laid out do not come together at some point. Unfortunately, this requires a large variety of such special modules in order to accommodate the wide variety of gap lengths that might arise in any layout. Further, even these special modules will not fill a gap where the directional orientations of the tracks do not align.
The present invention is directed toward providing an inexpensive, easy to use solution to track layout difficulties such as described above.
In one aspect of the present invention, a model train track module is provided, including track rails supported on a plurality of adjacent connected track bed segments; and a biased connection between the track bed segments. The length of the track module in the direction of the track rails is biased from a minimum track dimension of S when the segments abut one another to a maximum track length of {S+([n−1]×s)}, where n is the number of track bed segments and s is the maximum distance between connected adjacent track bed segments when fully spaced apart.
In one form of this aspect of the present invention, the biased connection between adjacent track bed segments biases the adjacent connected track bed segments away from one another. In a further form, the biased connection between adjacent track bed segments consists of separate biasing springs on opposite sides of the module.
In another form of this aspect of the present invention, the track rails are adjustable in length. In a further form, one of the track rails carries electrical power, and the power carrying rail includes an adjustable connection between adjacent track bed segments, where the adjustable connection has a top surface aligned with the top surface of the rails it connects. In a further form, the adjustable connection of the power carrying rail includes a pin extending from the rail of one of the track bed segments, with the pin slidably engaging a corresponding pin extending from the rail of the adjacent track bed segment along a substantially vertical plane, wherein both of the pins have a top surface along their length aligned with the top surface of the power carrying rail from which it extends.
In still another form of this aspect of the present invention, n is an integer greater than 2.
In another aspect of the present invention, a model train track module includes track rails supported on “n” bed segments, the bed sections being arranged in sequence in the direction of the track rails wherein n>2. An adjustable connection between adjacent track bed segments biases adjacent track bed segments toward a spacing of “s” whereby the length of the track module may be adjusted by a distance {(n−1)×s}.
In one form of this aspect of the present invention, the connection between adjacent track bed segments consists of separate biasing springs on opposite sides of the module.
In another form of this aspect of the present invention, the track rails are also adjustable in length. In a further form, one of the track rails carries electrical power, and the power carrying rail includes an adjustable connection between adjacent track bed segments, with the adjustable connection having a top surface aligned with the top surface of the rails it connects. In a still further form, the adjustable connection of the power carrying rail includes a pin extending from the rail of one of the track bed segments, with the pin slidably engaging a corresponding pin extending from the rail of the adjacent track bed segment along a substantially vertical plane, wherein both of the pins have a top surface along their length aligned with the top surface of the power carrying rail from which it extends.
In still another aspect of the present invention, a model train track module includes a plurality of track segments aligned end to end to extend in a lengthwise direction and at least one spring biasing the segments apart. Adjacent segments have lengthwise extending overlapping portions with one of the portions including a lip overlapping a flange of the adjacent segment in a direction lateral to the lengthwise direction to limit the spacing of adjacent segments.
In one form of this aspect of the present invention, the model train track module includes two compression springs between opposite sides of adjacent segments, and the overlapping portions of adjacent segments allow unequal spacing between the opposite sides of adjacent segments.
In another form of this aspect of the present invention, the plurality of track segments include segments at opposite ends of the module, and the end segments are identical to one another.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a review of the entire specification, including the appended claims and drawings.
It should be appreciated that the track module 20 may be configured as necessary for ready connection to conventional tracks (see
As illustrated in
At the ends of the track module 20, suitable pins 40 nesting in the outer rails 34, 34′ may extend from the rails to be telescopically received in the rail of an adjacent track (see
Advantageous adjustability between the track bed segments 24, 26 will now be described.
The facing sides of adjacent track bed segments 24, 26 in the disclosed embodiment may advantageously be the same, with projections aligned with and received in corresponding slots so that the adjacent segments 24, 26 overlap, with some projections received in downwardly open slots and others received in upwardly open slots. For example, as particularly illustrated in
It should thus be appreciated that adjacent track segments 24, 26 overlap so as to be secured relative to one another in the vertical direction. Further, it should be appreciated that the mating projections 50, 60 and slots 52, 62 provide some flexibility, whether as a result of some flexibility of the material and/or tolerances and relative sizing so that adjacent segments 24, 26 may not only move together and apart in the direction of the rails 30, 34, 34′ but may also twist somewhat (i.e., adjacent track bed segments 24, 26 may be moved apart and/or together slightly different distances than the other side).
As best illustrated in
Advantageously, enclosures may be defined above the arms 70 and beneath the top of the segments 24, 26, each having a compression spring 80 abutting the flange 76 on one end and the base of the arm 70 on the other, whereby the force bearing on the opposite ends biases the track bed segments 24, 26 apart. The segments 24, 26 when pushed fully together thus are configured as illustrated in
Thus, track modules 20 may accommodate a variety of different conditions which might be encountered in layouts. For example, a track module 20′ having four track bed segments 24, 24′, 26, 26′ is illustrated in
Further, as illustrated in
Reference will now be had to the connection of the rails 30, 34, 34′ between the adjustable track bed segments 24, 26 by connecting pins 44. Details of these connecting pins 44 are not illustrated in the Figures for the outer rails 34, 34′, with such detail being shown in the Figures for the center rail 30, but it should be understood that the same configuration of connecting pins 44 can advantageously be used with the outer rails 34, 34′ as well.
Specifically, as particularly shown in
The connecting pins 44 also include longitudinal ends 108 which are reduced in width (see
It should be appreciated that the provision of a relatively few number of track modules may facilitate connection of a virtually infinite variety of gaps in conventional tracks layouts. Moreover, it should similarly be appreciated that providing identical mating sides for adjacent segments would allow track modules of three or more segments to be provided with only two module configurations—a center configuration, such as 24′, 26′ in
Assembly of such segments as needed for a particular layout could be easily done by the layout builder as the need is encountered, without requiring special designs or “make do” pieces when such connection issues are encountered. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the module 20 will automatically fit itself appropriately into the encountered shape by the action of the biasing compression springs.
Additionally, it should be appreciated that advantageous track modules according to the present invention could be used with a variety of track and locomotive types and sizes, including designs with more or less than three rails.
This is a non-provisional patent application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/982,432, filed Apr. 22, 2014, entitled “Model Train Track Module”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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3074647 | Bonanno | Jan 1963 | A |
4095743 | Birdsall | Jun 1978 | A |
6796509 | Webster et al. | Sep 2004 | B1 |
Number | Date | Country |
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29 46 890 | May 1981 | DE |
2946890 | May 1981 | DE |
Entry |
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LGB Adjustable Track. |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20150298014 A1 | Oct 2015 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61982432 | Apr 2014 | US |