Patent Application
20050266768
Prior application Ser. No.: 07/962,707 (abandoned—never published—not claiming benefit of its prior filing date).
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
This invention relates generally to the field of electro-mechanical toys for individuals ages 6 years to 12 years and more specifically to an apparatus for allowing said individual to simply assemble a transparent cylindrical conduit sectioned track system which guides a self propelled toy vehicle through this track system. The invention also includes a means for said individual to physically carry said track system and said vehicle to different geographic locations.
Toy race vehicle track systems have been used and enjoyed by individuals for a long time. There were several types of systems. One type consisted of an inclined flat track assembly, with machined guiding slots for a non-powered toy vehicle. The vehicle would be placed at the top of the straight inclined track, and then let go to speed down the track. Another type, consisted of non-inclined flat assembled interlocking track sections, also with machined slots, but for an externally powered electric toy vehicle, which could traverse a flat winding track system.
The prior technology consisted of track systems with flat sections that could be assembled through some interlocking device, which often required adult assistance. The flat sections traditionally would have one or more machined slots in the track which were intended to guide the toy vehicle around the assembled track system. The toy race vehicles were usually electrically powered by and external transformer device. Another arrangement consisted of an assembled transparent tube system, powering the toy vehicle by injecting a high velocity fluid into the track system.
The problem with the assembled flat track system was that as a user tried to speed the toy race vehicle up, inevitably the toy vehicle would leave the track system when encountering a curve or turn in the track system, thereby frustrating the child playing with the system. The problem with the fluid drive cylindrical track system, was that the joints between track sections could never be made sufficiently secure to inhibit driving fluid loss and at the same time allow flexibility and choice of geometric track assemblies by the user. The invention herein is also an improvement on earlier similar designs by this inventor in that this invention improves the vehicle wheel arrangement and also this invention has improved cylindrical track section geometries.
The primary object of the invention is to provide a better self propelled toy vehicle track system that prohibits the vehicle from falling off of the track.
Another object of the invention is to provide a quick and easy method for assembling a toy vehicle track system.
Another object of the invention is to provide a transparent closed toy vehicle track system to allow a child to view the toy vehicle.
A further object of the invention is to provide a toy vehicle track system that allows numerous different three dimensional assembled track configurations.
Another object of the invention is to provide options for selecting different power drive mechanisms for the toy vehicle.
Another object of the invention is to provide a transparent closed toy track system which requires no external power and thereby allowing system mobility and unlimited location options.
Another object of the invention is to provide for easy transportability by a single individual.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for allowing a child to simply assemble a transparent cylindrical conduit sectioned track system which guides a self propelled toy vehicle through this track system comprising a self propelled toy vehicle designed run securely through transparent cylindrical conduit track prohibiting the toy vehicle from falling off of the track, an easy means to assemble the transparent cylindrical sections, and a means to ensure to the fitting of the track sections are secure enough to remain intact for normal use.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
Turning first to
In operation, a user fits and assembles the transparent cylindrical sections of track together to form a course, then starts the toy vehicle motor, then inserts the vehicle into a pre-selected and assembled track system, then releases the toy vehicle and observes the vehicle traverse the assembled track arrangement. Referring to
The invention contemplates that the toy vehicle can be made in virtually any type or shape, and may even depict animals or other objects, as long as the geometry and construction of the chosen vehicle can properly traverse the internal tubular cylindrical geometric structure of the track system arrangement.
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, including, but not limited to the selection and use of the number, type and function of the various vehicle wheels, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
