Patent Grant
8690632
Toy vehicle track sets have been popular for many years and generally include one or more track sections arranged to form a path around which one or more toy vehicles can travel. Toy vehicles which may be used on such track sets may be either self-powered vehicles or may receive power from an external source. In order to increase play value of the track sets, various track amusement features have been added to the track sets. For example, track features, such as stunt devices or elements, including loops, jumps, collision intersections, etc., have been included in such track sets to increase the play value of the track sets.
However, with many track sets, the vehicles run on a closed loop track moving through the same track features lap after lap. Although such track sets may have one or more stunt devices, a vehicle in the track set may perform the same stunt over and over as it travels along the track. Thus, even in track sets with more than one stunt device, the motion of the vehicle generally remains consistent for each vehicle as it travels along a specific section of the track. This repetitive nature of vehicle travel may result in loss of interest in the track set over a short period of time.
Some track sets have incorporated switching mechanisms to enable a user to direct a vehicle to a select travel path. However, generally such systems require manual manipulation of the track and/or manual actuation of a switch to reroute one or more vehicles traveling on the track. Play possibilities may be limited as travel along the select paths may again become repetitive over a short period of time.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide toy track set with interchangeable elements to provide numerous configurations.
In one embodiment, a relay segment for a toy track set is provided, the relay segment having: an upper portion rotatably secured to a lower portion for movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the lower portion; a trigger coupled to the relay segment, the trigger being configured for movement from a first position to a second position; a mechanism for retaining the upper portion in the second position after it has been rotated to the second position from the first position, the upper portion being spring biased towards the first position, wherein the mechanism releases the upper portion to allow for rotation movement of the upper portion to the first position from the second position, when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position; and a projectile launcher for launching a projectile into air after the release mechanism releases the upper portion and the upper portion is rotated to the first position from the second position.
In another embodiment, a relay segment for a toy track set is provided, the relay segment having a trigger moveably secured to the relay segment proximate to a first vehicle track segment pivotally mounted to the relay segment for adjustable movement with respect to the relay segment, the trigger being capable of movement between a first position and a second position; and a launching element for launching a vehicle from the relay segment when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position.
In another exemplary embodiment, an interchangeable toy track set is provided, the interchangeable toy track set having a plurality of interchangeable relay segments each of which may be coupled to each other to create a plurality of variations for the toy track set, each of plurality of interchangeable relay segments comprising: a trigger moveably secured to the relay segment proximate to a first vehicle track segment pivotally mounted to the relay segment for movement with respect to the relay segment, the trigger being capable of movement between a first position and a second position; and a launching element for launching a vehicle from the relay segment when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position.
In still another exemplary embodiment, a method for actuating a plurality of relay segments of a toy track set is provided, the method comprising: actuating a trigger of one of a plurality of interchangeable relay segments linked to at least one other of the plurality of interchangeable relay segments wherein actuation of the trigger causes a toy vehicle to be launched towards another one of the one of the plurality of interchangeable relay segments, each of the plurality of interchangeable relay segments comprising: a trigger moveably secured to the relay segment proximate to a first vehicle track segment coupled to the relay segment, the trigger being capable of movement between a first position and a second position; and a launching element for launching a vehicle from the relay segment when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position, wherein the toy vehicle launched towards the another one of the plurality of interchangeable relay segments causes the trigger of the another one of the plurality of interchangeable relay segments to move from the first position to the second position.
a and 1b further illustrate segments of an exemplary toy vehicle track set;
c shows an internal view of an example relay segment;
In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention a customizable track set is provided. In one embodiment, the track set includes a plurality of interchangeable relay segments each of which may be coupled to each other to create a customized expandable track set. The relay segments may include one or more stunt elements and may be selectively positioned at the beginning, middle, or end of the track set. Each relay segment may be configured to enable a toy vehicle to traverse an obstacle and/or perform a stunt and launch the toy vehicle down a track towards another relay segment, which then may initiate a second vehicle to be released and traverse still another obstacle and/or perform still another stunt.
An example track set 100 having three relay segments 110, 112, and 114 is shown in
In this first example, each relay segment 110, 112, and 114 may include an incoming vehicle trigger which may directly or indirectly causes the launching of another outgoing vehicle. The outgoing vehicle from one segment may become the incoming vehicle of a next segment. One or more launchers may be provided to accelerate toy vehicles along the track. As such, the launchers may be configured to engage and urge a toy vehicle to travel along the track. It should be appreciated that although launchers are described herein, vehicles may be manually propelled along the track without the use of a launcher without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
Although any suitable launcher may be used, in the illustrated embodiments, various automatically and manually-triggered release launcher elements are illustrated. A vehicle may be positioned in launch position such that a launch element may slidingly engage the vehicle to propel the vehicle along the track. The launch element may be biased to a launch position, such as by springs, elastic bands or any other suitable biasing mechanism such that release of an activator releases its stored potential energy.
In one example, the relay segments may include triggers, such as conical shaped triggers (shown in
Further, while this example shows a conical trigger, alternatively, it may be planar shaped and angled (e.g., approximately 45 degrees) relative to an incoming track. As a further example and as shown in
In some relay segments, actuation of a trigger by a first vehicle initiates a stunt and release of a second vehicle on the track set. As an example and referring again to
It is noted that track 130 includes direction indicators, such as molded-in arrows, or cut-outs which may indicate vehicle direction and/or assembly instructions for a toy track set. For example, the direction indicators may aid in the ease of assembly for an expandable track set, may provide specific direction of vehicle travel used to initiate stunts, or enable passage past obstacles. Although the direction indicators are shown as a row of cut-out arrows, it should be appreciated that the direction indicators may be of any size and/or shape to indicate assembly direction and/or vehicle travel direction. Further, although a plurality of arrows is illustrated, a single arrow or other cut-out may also be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further, in some embodiments, the direction indicators may be positioned in a center of the track so that the wheels of the vehicles are not impeded. It further should be appreciated that although shown as cut-outs, the direction indicators may be surface indicators, raised moldings, etc.
Referring back to
As shown in
c illustrates a mechanism 127 for performing the affirmation two trigger event. In one embodiment an upper portion 129 of the crane is moved downward in the direction of arrow 131 wherein a plurality of gears 133 are rotated and potential energy is stored in a spring mechanism that is wound as the gears are rotated and a pawl or catch mechanism engages the gears to prevent back driving of the gears by this spring mechanism, wherein the pawl or catch mechanism is released from the engaging position when a conical surface 121 of trigger 120 is engaged thus causing the same to pivot about a pivot point 135 with respect to a lower portion 137 of the crane. Once the kinetic energy of the spring mechanism is released the gear train causes the upper portion of the crane to move upward in a direction opposite to arrow 131 which also causes a clasp 139 to release a pair of claw members 141 from their grasping position illustrated in
Referring again to
Vehicle 140 may actuate a trigger in relay segment 112. The relay segment 112 may actuate launching element 150 to launch a third vehicle 146 toward relay segment 114. In some embodiments, track events may be terminated at trigger 148. However, in other events, another relay segment, stunt element, or obstacle may be added to the track such that the track does not terminate at trigger 148.
It should be appreciated that each relay segment may be selectively positioned in the track chain. As an example, relay segment 110 may be at the beginning, middle or end of the track. Similarly, relay segments 112 and 114 may be positioned at the beginning, middle or end of the track. A user may be able to customize the track by positioning the relay segments in a desired order.
It should be appreciated that the track play of each relay segment may be activated directly or indirectly by actuation of the trigger. As an example of indirect activation, the relay segment may include a stunt element performed by either the first or second vehicle. Further, the stunt element may be performed by a third vehicle. Further still, the stunt element may include multiple simultaneous, parallel, and/or sequential stunts performed by a plurality of vehicles, where the stunts may be performed simultaneously, in sequence with one triggering the next, in parallel, or combinations thereof. In still another embodiment, the launching element and/or the trigger may also include stunt elements performed by one of the first and second, or other vehicles. Although described in regards to actuation of the stunt elements via vehicle triggering, alternatively, track play may commence via manual activation of any of the relay segments or stunt elements. While
Although shown with regard to a single straight-line track, it should be understood that virtually any number of different track designs may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, parallel track configurations may be used, as well as combination sequential/parallel track configurations may be used. Further, various stunts may be performed, rather than the drops and/or loops shown, such as jumping over voids, traversing obstacles, etc.
While not shown in this example, the exiting track section 230 may be coupled to further track sections that may lead to additional relays segments, for example. Also, incoming track section 210 may be adjustable (e.g., rotatable or pivotally mounted to the relay segment for movement in the direction of arrows 211) to enable an incoming vehicle to enter the relay segment from a plurality of angles. Further, incoming track section 210 may be coupled to track segment that may be mounted to a higher altitude position, such that gravity may “launch” the incoming vehicle. Likewise, exiting track section 230 may also be adjustable.
In this example, the trigger is pivotally mounted to the launching stunt element via pins 311 for movement between a first position and a second position in the direction illustrated by arrows 313, wherein movement of trigger from the first position (illustrated) to the second position (not-illustrated) occurs when a vehicle moves into an area 315 between a contact surface of conical trigger 312 and incoming track segment 310 thus forcing the conical trigger upward and away from track segment 310.
In addition, and in order to provide manual activation of the trigger (i.e., to begin a series of triggering events by launching the first car from a relay segment or a plurality of users can individually launch a car from separate relay segments or any combination thereof) a manual switch 314 is also secured to the trigger such that an application of a force in the direction of arrow 317 will cause the trigger to pivot about pivot pins 311 and move the contact surface of the conical portion away from the track segment 310 and dust release the launcher from its launch position.
Referring now to
It should be noted that exiting track sections of each of the relay segments, such as exiting track section 330, may be coupled to further track sections that may lead to additional relays segments. The relay segments may be interchanged such that the track is customized. Also, incoming track sections of the relay segments, such as incoming track section 310, may be adjustable (e.g., rotatably or pivotally mounted to the relay segment for movement in the direction of arrows 309) relative to exiting track section 330 to enable an incoming vehicle to enter the relay segment from a plurality of angles and/or an exiting vehicle to exit the relay segment at a plurality of angles. It being understood that the exiting track section of each relay segment can be coupled to a movable incoming track section of another relay segment via connector track sections releasably secured to each track section via a releasable engagement mechanisms such as a tongue and groove arrangement. Accordingly, and through the use of movable incoming track segment's multiple angles and orientations are capable of being provided by the vehicle tracks set wherein multiple relay segments of installed therein.
While not shown in this example, the exiting track section 730 may be coupled to further track sections that may lead to additional relays segments, for example. Also, incoming track section 710 may be adjustable (e.g., rotatable) relative to exiting track section 730 to enable an incoming vehicle to enter the relay segment from a plurality of angles and/or an exiting vehicle to exit the relay segment at a plurality of angles.
Another basketball hoop stunt 800a is shown in
Similarly, ramp stunt/launcher stunt 804, may be triggered such that, a vehicle, pre-loaded at the top 842 of ramp 850, and held by catch 844, is released (by movement of catch 844) to launch the vehicle out and/or down exiting track section 830, which may actuate or terminate another device, such as rotation of hammer box 716.
While not shown in this example, the exiting track section 930 may be coupled to further track sections that may lead to additional relays segments, for example. Likewise, in this or other examples the incoming track section may be coupled to other relays/stunts via still further track sections. Also, incoming track section 910 may be adjustable (e.g., rotatable) relative to exiting track section 930 to enable an incoming vehicle to enter the relay segment from a plurality of angles and/or an exiting vehicle to exit the relay segment at a plurality of angles.
Continuing with
It should be appreciated that the track sets described herein may be used for toy vehicles. As an example, the toy vehicles may be 1:64 scale models, however other sized toy vehicles may be also used. One exemplary range would be 1:50 scale of less, again it is, of course, understood that scales greater or less than 1:50 are contemplated to be within the scope of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
A toy vehicle track set 100a having multiple relay segments 110a, 112a, 114a, 116a, 118a and 120a is shown in
In this example, each relay segment 110a, 112a, and 114a may include an incoming vehicle trigger which may directly or indirectly causes the launching of another outgoing vehicle, also referred to herein as a relay segment exit vehicle. As an example, each relay segment may include an incoming track, such as incoming track 122a, for an incoming vehicle, and an exit track, such as exit track 124a, for an outgoing vehicle. The exit track of one relay segment may be interchangeably coupled with the incoming track of a second relay segment such that the outgoing vehicle from one relay segment may become the incoming vehicle of a next relay segment.
One or more launchers may be provided to accelerate toy vehicles along the track. As such, the launchers may be configured to engage and urge a toy vehicle to travel along the track. It should be appreciated that although launchers are described herein, vehicles may be manually propelled along the track without the use of a launcher without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
Although any suitable launcher may be used, in the illustrated embodiments, various automatically and manually-triggered release launcher elements are illustrated. A vehicle may be positioned in launch position such that a launch element may slidingly engage the vehicle to propel the vehicle along the track. The launch element may be biased to a launch position, such as by springs or any other suitable biasing mechanism such that release of an activator releases its stored potential energy.
In one example, the relay segments may include incoming vehicle triggers. The triggers may be configured to enable an incoming vehicle to actuate a stunt and release of an outgoing vehicle from the relay segment. The triggers may be positioned such that a vehicle traveling along the track actuates the trigger.
As one example, the vehicle triggers may be conical-shaped triggers (shown in
Further, while this example shows a conical trigger, alternatively, it may be planar shaped and angled (e.g., approximately 45 degrees) relative to an incoming track. As a further example, an example trigger may have a flat, angled plane formed by a plurality of ridges) that is configured to be contacted by a vehicle on a track. Again, although in one example the trigger may have an angle of approximately 45 degrees, any suitable angle may be applied (e.g. 5-90 degrees) such that a vehicle actuates the trigger. Further, the trigger may be engaged under or along the side of the track, such that the vehicle actuates the trigger by traveling over or through a portion of the track.
In some relay segments, actuation of a trigger by a first vehicle initiates a stunt and release of a second outgoing vehicle on the track set. In some embodiments, manual triggers may also be included, alone or in combination, with the vehicle triggers. Manual triggers may be configured to be actuated such that a stunt is initiated and/or an outgoing vehicle is released from the relay segment. The outgoing vehicle may travel to a second relay segment.
It should be appreciated that the track play of each relay segment may be activated directly or indirectly by actuation of a trigger. As an example of indirect activation, the relay segment may include a stunt element performed by either a first or second vehicle. Further, the stunt element may be performed by a third vehicle. Further still, the stunt element may include multiple simultaneous, parallel, and/or sequential stunts performed by a plurality of vehicles, where the stunts may be performed simultaneously, in sequence with one triggering the next, in parallel, or combinations thereof. In still another embodiment, the launching element and/or the trigger may also include stunt elements performed by one of the first and second, or other vehicles. Although described in regards to actuation of the stunt elements via vehicle triggering, alternatively, track play may commence via manual activation of any of the relay segments or stunt elements.
As an example and referring again to
It is noted that track connector sections, as shown for example at 130a, may be interposed between relay elements extending the distance between a first and second relay element. Thus, in addition to selective positioning of each relay segment, track connector sections may be selectively positioned to enable customization of the track since each of the incoming track sections they are releasably secured thereto are rotatably mounted to the relay segment.
One or more portions of the track set, such as the incoming track and exit track of the relay segments and/or the track connector segment may include direction indicators, shown at 132, such as molded-in arrows, or cut-outs which may indicate vehicle direction and/or assembly instructions for a toy track set. For example, the direction indicators may aid in the ease of assembly for an expandable track set, may provide specific direction of vehicle travel used to initiate stunts, or enable passage past obstacles. Although the direction indicators are shown as a row of cut-out arrows, it should be appreciated that the direction indicators may be of any size and/or shape to indicate assembly direction and/or vehicle travel direction. Further, although a plurality of arrows is illustrated, a single arrow or other cut-out may also be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further, in some embodiments, the direction indicators may be positioned in a center of the track so that the wheels of the vehicles are not impeded. It further should be appreciated that although shown as cut-outs, the direction indicators may be surface indicators, raised moldings, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the arrows are integrally molded with the track and/or relay segment.
For example, a vehicle released from relay segment 110a and traveling along track 130a in the direction of the direction indicators may contact or engage a second relay segment, e.g. relay segment 112a. As described in more detail below, each relay segment may actuate a stunt. Stunts may include one or more, as well as any combination of, loops, jumps, collisions, simulated explosions, vehicle crashes, vehicle drops, vehicle lifts, vehicle obstacles, vehicle spins and other vehicle obstacles. In some embodiments, stunt vehicles may be preloaded for release upon actuation of the relay segment trigger (e.g. actuation by an incoming vehicle of the vehicle trigger or manual actuation of a trigger).
For example, relay segment 110a may be a stunt element, such as a falling and pivoting ramp element 138a. Upon contact or actuation of trigger 140a, a falling and pivoting ramp stunt event may be initiated. A stunt vehicle (not shown) may be pre-positioned on platform 142a. In the falling and pivoting ramp stunt event, platform 142a may be rotatably coupled to arm 144a which may be pivotally coupled through pivot 146a to the relay segment. Upon actuation by an incoming vehicle, the arm 144a may swing from a first generally vertically-extended position (shown) to a second generally horizontally-extended position. Further, platform 142a may rotate such that the platform rotates to generally correspond to enable release of the stunt car down exit track 148a. As such, the pre-positioned vehicle may be released down exit track 148a toward the next relay segment, such as relay segment 114a.
Addition details illustrating an example falling and pivoting ramp element 112a are shown in
Actuation of trigger 140a may release arm 144a from a first position. The first position, as illustrated, is a substantially vertical position, where platform 142a is in a substantially parallel plane to the ground surface. Upon release of arm 144a from the first position, arm 144a pivots or swings about pivot point or hinge 146a such that the arm falls as indicated by arrow 152a. Further, in some embodiments, platform 142a may be rotatably coupled to arm 144a such that it may rotate as indicated at arrow 154a.
Release of arm 144a and rotation of platform 142a, results in the arm and platform moving to a vehicle release position indicated in dashed lines in
In one embodiment, the platform 142a includes a front portion 160a and a rear portion 162a. Rear portion may include a stop wall 164a to prevent a preloaded vehicle from prematurely releasing from the platform. Additional vehicle engagement features, such as detents may further retain the preloaded vehicle in the platform during the stunt. As discussed above, upon rotation of the platform, front portion 160a aligns with exit track 148a. The angle of the platform in the release position enables the vehicle to break away from the engagement features and travel down exit track 148a toward a subsequent relay segment.
In some embodiments, lock features may be provided to lock the arm in the first and second positions. Release structures may be further provided to enable a user to release the arm from the first and second positions. Further, although not shown in detail in regards to the falling and pivoting ramp element, the relay segments may be configured to fold into compact configurations to reduce packaging size and for ease of storage. Additional examples regarding relay segment folding are disclosed in more detail below.
Referring back to
Relay segment 114a is an example of a direct acting relay segment. An incoming vehicle may actuate a trigger 200a which may effect release of a preloaded vehicle from launcher 202a. The preloaded vehicle may exit relay segment 114a toward relay segment 116a along exit track 204a.
Direct acting relay segment 114a is similar to the relay segment illustrated in
Movement of the conical trigger 312 again causes release of stored potential energy to move a launching member in a manner similar to that described with respect to
It should be noted that exiting track sections of each of the relay segments, such as exiting track section 330, may be coupled to further track sections that may lead to additional relays segments. The relay segments may be interchanged such that the track is customized. Also, incoming track sections of the relay segments, such as incoming track section 310, may be adjustable (e.g., rotatable) relative to exiting track section 330 to enable an incoming vehicle to enter the relay segment from a plurality of angles and/or an exiting vehicle to exit the relay segment at a plurality of angles.
Referring back to
Specifically and as illustrated in
As illustrated, a preloaded vehicle may be positioned at the top of ramp 168a and held in launch position by stop 172a. Upon actuation of trigger 163a, stop 172a is released and the preloaded stunt vehicle launches down the ramp to direction changer 174a and then through booster 176a. Booster 176a may be any device to impart addition acceleration onto the toy vehicle. For example, booster 176a may be motorized wheels which further launch the vehicle into loops 170a. A switch 175a may be used to turn on the booster motor.
A directional key 178a directs the vehicle into alternative loops. For example, in the illustration, the direction key 178a has a path-defining section 180a which provides a rail edge defining the vehicle pathway and a contact switch 182a which upon contact with the vehicle as it travels along the defined pathway is flipped such that the key first defines a first pathway 184a, and upon contact with the vehicle defines a second pathway 186a. Each time the vehicle goes around the loop, the direction key is switched such that the vehicle alternatively travels the first pathway and then the second pathway.
In some embodiments, a timer may be used to time the vehicle's travel in loops 170a. For example, the vehicle may continue to travel in the loops for a predetermined period, such as a period of 5 seconds or any other preset time period. Following the predetermined period, the vehicle may be ejected from the loops. In other embodiments, the vehicle may perform a predetermined number of loops prior to ejection from the loops.
Ejection of the vehicle from loops 170a may occur after a predetermined event, a predetermined time, or in some embodiments, upon a user's activation. The vehicle may be ejected from exchanger stunt element 161a. For example, in some embodiments, completion of the predetermined event or time may actuate the directional indicator platform such that it raises up defining a vehicle ejection path.
As shown in
In such embodiments, the vehicle traveling the loops may be ejected from the loops such that the vehicle falls from the exchanger stunt element. For example, the directional indicator may block the traveling path and causes the vehicle to impinge against the tip of the directional indicator and be forced from the track. In some embodiments, additional switches or changes in the boosters may be provided to break the vehicle's travel path resulting in the vehicle being discharged from the loops.
Returning back to
As an example, a first stunt vehicle may preloaded into launch cavity 306a, wherein cavity 306a includes a launching structure such as a spring-loaded launch slider 307a which upon activation, such as through trigger 304a, slides forward. Motion is imparted to the preloaded stunt vehicle such that the stunt vehicle launches towards a target, such as bulls eye 308a. Although shown as a bulls eye, any design configuration is possible for the target.
Additionally, additional stunt vehicles may be preloaded into the release boxes 314a and 316a on side towers 310a and 312a respectively. Impact on the target, such as bulls eye 308a, may actuate a second stunt stage. In the second stunt stage, side towers 310a, 312a may be released such that the towers 310a, 312a fall outwards about hinges 318a and 320a as indicated by arrow 322a and 324a respectively. The release boxes are rotatively coupled to the towers such that upon actuation of the second stunt stage the release boxes rotate from a storage position to a release position. The storage position may be any suitable position where a vehicle does not fall from the release boxes. Thus, in some embodiments, the storage position may be such that the release boxes are parallel to the ground surface. In other embodiments, the release boxes may be angled such that the vehicles are retained in the storage boxes.
Actuation of the second stunt stage effect the release boxes 314a, 316a to rotate about pivot points 326a, 328a as indicated by arrows 330a, 332a. In the release position, the release boxes are angled such that the preloaded stunt vehicles fall from the boxes. Further, towers 310a and 312a fall outward such that preloaded vehicles and the towers crash into the ground surface.
A third stunt stage may be activated upon completion of the second stunt stage. For example, rotation of the towers from the base may actuate a switch to initiate a third stunt stage. In the third stunt stage, a release box 334a may be preloaded with another stunt vehicle. The release box may be in a first position facing the incoming track 302a and trigger 304a. The release box may be rotatively coupled to the top of the tower for rotation about pivot point 336a. Upon actuation of the third stunt stage, the release box may rotate from the first position to a release position where the preloaded vehicle is released down exit track 340a. As such, in the release position, the release box rotates 180 degrees such that it faces exit track 340a. It is noted that a structural detent mechanism may be used to hold the vehicle in the first position. This detent mechanism may include structure such as the top surface of the tower which when in the first position prevents the vehicle from releasing. In other embodiments, a moveable gate or structure may be provided which prevents movement of the vehicle when in the first position but allows the preloaded vehicle to release when in the release position.
As such the tower stunt element may be considered a multi-stage stunt element. In this multi-stage stunt element, completion of each stage actuates a further stage. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, actuation of the multi-stage stunt element results in actuation of a first stage where a first preloaded vehicle impacts a target; completion of the target impact actuates a second stage where two preloaded vehicles are released and two towers fall outward toward a ground surface; completion of the tower fall actuates a third stage where a fourth preloaded vehicles is launched down exit track 340a. This vehicle is the outgoing vehicle of the tower stunt element and becomes the incoming vehicle for the subsequent stunt.
Again referring back to
An example explosion stunt element 350a is shown in more detail in
A vehicle traveling along the track may actuate trigger or lever 352a to effect a stunt. Although shown as an overhead trigger, the trigger may be in any suitable position which does not substantially impede the travel of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the trigger, and/or additional structure following actuation of the trigger, may stop the travel of the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, activation of the lever (via contact with a traveling toy vehicle on the track) may cause the top of the silo 360a to launch upward to simulate an explosion. Although in the illustrated embodiment the silo explodes in a single piece, in alternative embodiments, multiple portions of the explosion element may separate. Stunt element further comprises a manual trigger element 362a, manual element 362a is coupled to 352a such that movement of manual element 362a causes a catch to release a spring to launch a top portion 361a away from the stunt element 350 to simulate an explosion.
While
As an example track accessory, flip accessory 1050a enables the user to selectively raise the track 1002a to improve vehicle travel along the track. Such an accessory enables adjustment of the track such that the speed of the vehicle may be increased. Other accessories may be used to increase or decrease speed, adjust the angle or the track, or otherwise alter the vehicle pathway. As such, the flip accessory may be coupled to one or more track segments that may be mounted to a higher altitude position, such that gravity may “launch” the incoming vehicle.
Track 1002 may be attached to a pivot plate 1064. In some embodiments, track 1002, such as a track connection section, may be snapped onto pivot plate 1064. In other embodiments, the track may be slid onto pivot plate 1064 or otherwise coupled to plate 1064. Further, although described as a pivot plate in this example, it should be appreciated that the pivot plate may be any suitable structure to enable support and coupling of the track. Use of the flip accessory may enable the track to be positioned such that a steep angle is created for vehicle travel. Vehicles released from the top of the track will increase speed such that the vehicles have sufficient speed to actuate the various triggers of the relay segments. Further, increased vehicle speed enhances play value of the track set.
A vehicle released on track 1002a may travel to relay segment 1100a. Relay segment 1100a may be a stunt element, such as a spiral crash stunt element. Incoming track 1102a may enable the incoming vehicle to actuate a trigger initiating a spiral crash stunt event. Completion of the stunt may result in two vehicles being released from two exit tracks 1104a, 1106a. Two vehicles are now traveling on the track set. Alternative pathways may be defined for such vehicles or parallel pathways. As described in more detail below, in the illustrated embodiment, the example track set has been configured such that a first vehicle travels to relay segment 1200a and 1300a and the second vehicle travels to relay segment 1202a and 1302a.
Two preloaded vehicles may be positioned on carriers 1114a and 1116a. The carriers extend outward and are part of traveler 1108a. Upon actuation of trigger 1103a, traveler 1108a may be released from the start position such that the traveler rotates downwards as indicated by arrow 1117a about rod 1112a. Gravity pulls the traveler downwards with the rod including spiral coil structures which force the traveler to spin as it heads down the rod. A stop plate 1118a stops the traveler in a release position where both carrier 1114a and 1116a are aligned with exit tracks 1104a and 1106a, respectively. Preloaded vehicle may be released onto the exit tracks as outgoing vehicles from spiral crash stunt element 1110a.
It should be noted that each of the relay segments may be configured to fold to enable storage and/or reduce packing size. As such, many of the pieces of each relay segment are articulated to enable the pieces to fold and the structure to collapse inward. Further, in some embodiments, the relay segments are configured such that at least a top and bottom surface are substantially planar. The substantial planarity enables the relay segment to be more easily packaged or stacked for storage. The folding enables easy storage without the difficulties and frustrations that arise when such structures need to be disassembled for storage or packing.
As discussed above, spiral crash stunt element 1110a is configured as relay segment 1100a in
Referring back now to
Similar to the explosion stunt element described above, flip stunt element is an overlap element. As such, flip stunt element 1310a includes a track bed 1316a which is configured to receive a section of the track, such as a track connector section. The track may be slid into the track bed.
Carriage 1316a is configured to hold the preloaded vehicle prior to actuation of the flip stunt element. The vehicle may be supported by extensions and is configured to rotatively connected to the carriage such that activation of trigger 1308a causes rotation of the carriage such that the toy vehicle held therein is flipped or thrown from the track area.
Referring now to
In the illustrated track set 2000 an incoming vehicle travels along incoming track 2102 to actuate trigger 2104 of relay segment 2100. Relay segment 2100 may be a stunt element, such as a gravity-actuated zig-zag ramp stunt element. Thus, the incoming vehicle initiates the stunt, following which the pre-loaded stunt vehicle exits stunt 2100 at 2106 toward the subsequent stunt 2200.
Specifically,
The zig-zag ramp stunt element 2110 includes a support brace 2114 which maintains the start of the zig-zag track path in a relatively high vertical position. Gravity enables the car to move down the path. Although not required, in some embodiments, a spring-loaded launcher may be provided to further accelerate the vehicle along the zig-zag track path.
In some embodiments, various structures or designs may be used to indicate to a user the position for placing a pre-loaded vehicle. For example, different textures, paint or designs may be used to indicate that a vehicle should be loaded for activation in the stunt element.
In some embodiments, the zig-zag track may include angled sections which slow a vehicle down as it travels down the path. Rails 2116 may prevent the vehicle from careening off of the track. Further, cut-outs 2118 may be provided in the track to further disrupt the vehicles motion adding excitement to the stunt element. In some embodiments, the cut-outs and track shaped may provide enhanced excited my slowing the vehicle down such that additional anticipation is created.
It should be appreciated that other stunt elements may include speed control elements. These speed control elements include speed retarders and speed accelerators. Speed retarders, such as built-in delayed releases, controlled drops, speed, etc., may enhance play value by increasing the anticipation of an event. Further, speed accelerators, including ramp inclines, may, for example, increase play value by keeping vehicles moving through the track set.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and referring to
Referring now to
The vehicle basket 3111 may be hingedly connected to an arm 3114 as indicated at pivot point 3116. A vehicle may be preloaded in the basket. Activation of trigger 3104 results in the basket swinging downwards, as indicated by arrow 3117, such that the vehicle drops out of the basket and falls toward the ground.
In some embodiments, the preloaded stunt vehicle is configured to fall onto a target 3112. The target may be part of a platform or other structure. Upon impact with the target, a third vehicle may be released. As an example, a second pre-loaded vehicle may be positioned in cavity 3118. Cavity 3118 may include launching structure such as a spring loaded launch slider 3120 which upon activation slides forward, causing the second preloaded stunt vehicle to be accelerated toward exit 3106. This second preloaded vehicle becomes the outgoing vehicle of relay element 3100.
Referring to
Referring to
The base portion 4036 is provided to support the other components of the launching element 4020. The pivotable track segment 4032 is rotatably coupled to the base portion 4036 utilizing the pivot pin 4044.
Referring to
Referring to
The base portion 4080 is provided to support the other components of the launching element 4080 and is coupled to the base portion 4036. The base portion 4080 includes a track segment 4081 disposed directly underneath the basket 4082. When a toy vehicle traverses the track segment 4081 and contacts the basket 4082, the basket 4082 moves from a first position to second position raised from the first position. The basket 4082 is operably coupled to the arm 4084 that is rotatably coupled to the pivot pin 4100. The arm 4084 is further coupled to the arm 4086 that contacts the movable member 4120. The arm 4084 has an aperture 4132 extending therethrough for receiving a tab 4110 therein. The tab 4110 is further coupled to the base portion 4080.
During operation, the movable member 4120 is moved in a horizontal direction between first and second longitudinal positions. The movable member 4120 includes a plate portion 4130, a spring holder 4140, and an arm portion 4142. The plate portion 4130 includes an aperture 4132 extending therethrough for receiving a portion of the arm 4086 therein. Thus, movement of the basket 4082 induces the arms 4084, 4086 to rotate about the pivot pin 4100 to move the movable member 4120 between first and second longitudinal positions. When the movable member 4120 is at the first longitudinal position when the basket 4082 is at a non-raised position, the arm portion 4142 contacts the pivot arm 4040 and holds the pivot arm 4040 at the position shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The body portion 5018 includes arms 5020, 5022 that are coupled to the platform 5032 for supporting the platform 5032. The pivotable arms 5020, 5022 hold the platform in an initial position, shown in
The pivotable arms 5020, 5022 move the platform 5032 to a launch position, shown in
The launching element 5011 also includes the user button 5034 for inducing the pivotable arms 5020, 5022 to move the platform 5032 from the initial position, shown in
The obstacle portions 5053, 5055 are rotatably coupled to the track segment 5050. The obstacle portions are configured to rotate when the trigger 5012 moves from the first position to the second position. In alternative embodiments, the obstacle portions 5053, 5055 may be movably coupled to the platform 5032, or movably suspended between the platform 5032 and the track segment 5050.
Referring to
Referring to
The lift device 6020 is configured to lower a vehicle platform 6042 from an initial position, shown in
Referring to
The platform 6042 is pivotably coupled to the movable shaft 6040 by a pivot pin 6042. The platform 6042 has a wall portion 6044 and a free end 6046. The end of platform 6042 proximate to the wall portion 6044 tilts slightly downwardly when the vehicle 6014 is disposed on the platform 6042 and the platform 6042 is disposed at the initial position shown in
Referring to
In still another alternative embodiment, the bias spring may be removed, so that gear 6052 is not biased to unwind by a spring, and is instead biased to unwind by gravity and provides a braking force, as discussed below.
In one exemplary embodiment, the teeth 6054 of the gear 6052 are sized to interact with one or more teeth (not shown) on a rack located in the inner chamber of the lift device 6020. Accordingly, when the platform 6042 is lifted or “reset” to the initial position shown in
In one exemplary embodiment, to cause the lift device 6020 to lower the platform 6042 to a launch position, the motor 6050 is triggered by the arrival of a toy vehicle on the track segment 6002. In response to the trigger 6012 moving from a first position to a second position due to the toy vehicle, the trigger 6021 operates the latch via the lever arm 6051 to induce the micro wind-up motor or braking device 6050 to rotate the gear 6052 to lower the moveable shaft 6040. The micro wind-up motor or braking 6050 is configured to allow the gear 6052 to unwind at a particular speed, which in one embodiment may be solely due to gravity so that the teeth 6054 will interact with corresponding teeth on the inner surface of inner chamber at a steady rate to lower the platform 6042 towards the launch ramp 6021.
Referring now to
In operation, a toy vehicle is placed within the launcher channel and the launcher is cocked. Thereafter, the robot is rotated against the spring within the swivel joint and latched in a position in which the launcher is out of alignment with the landing ramp. When a toy vehicle impacts the inverted conical target, the trigger restraining the robot swivel joint is released allowing the robot to pivot to a second position in which the launcher is aligned with the landing ramp and as the robot pivots from the second position to the first position, a trigger mechanism releases the launcher allowing the toy vehicle to be shot from the launcher to eventually land upon the landing ramp.
More specifically, and referring to
Launcher 7010 further includes a robot 7030 having a pair of legs 7040 and 7041 integrally formed with base 7011 and fixed thereto. Robot 7030 further includes a swivel joint 7032 at its waist and an upper body 7031. Upper body 7031 is pivotable upon swivel waist 7032 and supports a head 7037. Robot 7030 further includes a pair of arms 7033 and 7035 as well as hands 7034 and 7036.
A handheld toy vehicle launcher 7050 includes a launcher housing 7053 which defines a launcher channel 7054 therein. Launcher channel 7054 is sized to receive a toy vehicle. A launcher piston 7055 is moveable within channel 7054 and is cocked against a power spring restrained by a trigger.
In the position shown in
In operation, robot 7030 cocked in to the position shown in
Accordingly and in operation, a toy vehicle traveling upon the host trackset and being directed by input track 7012 impacts inverted conical target 7017. The impact of a toy vehicle against conical target 7017 pivots arm 7016 about pivot 7014 and linkage 7103 is engaged and the release mechanism releases the a swivel joint 7032 allowing upper body 7031 of robot 7030 to pivot in the direction indicated by arrow 7026 due to the biasing force of internal spring 7100.
As robot 7030 pivots, handheld toy vehicle launcher 7050 is moved to the position shown in
Thereafter, the toy vehicle once expelled continues to travel upon ramp 7020 and to the remainder of the toy vehicle trackset. At least
While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it should be appreciated that the spirit and scope of the invention is not limited to those embodiments. The features, functions, elements and/or properties, and/or combination and combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties of the track set may be claimed in this or a related application. All subject matter which comes within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims is to be embraced within the scope of such claims.
This application claims the benefit of the following U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/214,774 filed Jun. 1, 2009; 61/214,775 filed Jun. 1, 2009; 61/172,575 filed Apr. 24, 2009; 61/172,631 filed Apr. 24, 2009; and 61/252,596, filed Oct. 16, 2009, the contents each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/111,168 filed Apr. 28, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/926,583 filed Apr. 27, 2007 and 60/966,029 filed Aug. 24, 2007, the contents each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/581,762 filed Oct. 19, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/106,553 filed Oct. 17, 2008, the contents each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.
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