Modular play track

Abstract

A track for children's wheeled vehicles is made of durable material and can be used indoors or outdoors by multiple children at the same time. The track can be disassembled and reassembled in a different location with a different configuration as needed. The track has flat sections, rolling track sections, corner sections and/or tunnel sections. The track can be used with most children's ride-on toy vehicles. In some configurations, the track encloses a play area where different play stations may be arranged as desired.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/550,853, filed Mar. 8, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a track for children's wheeled vehicles.

2. Related Art

Children generally use wheeled vehicle toys outdoors in unstructured environments. Due to the unstructured nature of outdoor play, children need to be closely supervised when riding wheeled toy vehicles, especially when a group of children are involved. In such situations, supervising the children becomes difficult. There have been a variety of conventional track systems devised to accommodate children's wheeled vehicles; however, each of these conventional systems is limited in its utility, either because it cannot be used by multiple children, because it cannot be used with a variety of wheeled vehicles, and/or due to the durability the track construction.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,500 describes a toy roadway usable with a child's tricycle or similar vehicle. However, the roadway described in the '500 patent is lightweight, being made of carpet-like pieces where the segments are held together using Velcro™ or similar hook and loop connectors. In addition, the roadway is designed to be used by only one vehicle at a time. Thus, the roadway described in the '500 patent is not amenable to heavy use by multiple vehicles over long periods of time. U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,154 describes a children's safety track system usable with specially adapted vehicles. The safety track includes modular track units, each unit having a slot in the track allowing a safety “T” bar to be inserted. The safety “T” bar is attached to the underside of a child's toy vehicle and allows a child to ride the vehicle without straying from the course of the track. Consequently, using the track requires specialized vehicles and the number of toy vehicles that can simultaneously use this track is limited by the number of safety slots available for the modified vehicles.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

While these known children's vehicle tracks provide a place for children to ride their toy vehicles, they are limited in their ability to be used by multiple children, to accommodate multiple vehicles, in the durability of the track and in the safety afforded to the children using the track.

This invention provides a track for children's wheeled vehicles that can accommodate multiple vehicles at the same time.

This invention separately provides a track for children's wheeled vehicles that is sturdy and can be used either as a permanent installation or as a temporary installation.

This invention separately provides a track for children's wheeled vehicles that can be used indoors or outdoors.

This invention separately provides a plurality of modular track units that can be assembled in various configurations as desired by the user.

This invention separately provides modular track units or sections representing various geographical or topographical features.

This invention separately provides a track for children's wheeled vehicles that provides a protective safety barrier.

This invention separately provides a safety barrier for a track system that includes safety or emergency exit gates usable by children to exit the track if necessary.

This invention separately provides a track for children's wheeled vehicles that provides a safety barrier that also provides structural integrity to the track.

This invention separately provides a track for children's wheeled vehicles that is enclosed by a safety barrier that can be integrated into the structure of floor units of the track without being physically connected to the floor units.

This invention separately provides a track for children's wheeled vehicles that includes a padded safety barrier.

This invention separately provides a track that includes an interior play area.

This invention separately includes a safety barrier that encloses the track and excludes non-participants from entering.

In various exemplary embodiments, the track according to this invention has a plurality of track units or segments that can be connected in a plurality of configurations as desired by the user. In various exemplary embodiments, the track according to this invention can accommodate multiple children's vehicles at the same time. In various exemplary embodiments, the track according to this invention provides a safety barrier along both sides of the track, providing a safe enclosure for children using the track and also for keeping non-participants out. In various exemplary embodiments, the safety barrier stabilizes the track, increasing its structural integrity. In various other exemplary embodiments, the safety barrier includes a protective layer in case of collisions and/or a decorative layer that may resemble scenery visible from roadways. In various exemplary embodiments, the enclosure formed by the track also encloses a children's play area.

In various exemplary embodiments, the toy vehicle track according to this invention can be used both indoors and outdoors. In various exemplary embodiments, the track according to this invention can be used as a temporary structure or a permanent structure. In various exemplary embodiments, the track according to this invention can used in various configurations in different installations, allowing the modular track to be safely relocated without damaging the track or decreasing its structural integrity or utility. In various exemplary embodiments, the track according to this invention includes a safety barrier surrounding the track that encloses the track floor units or segments. This safety barrier is integrated with the floor units or segments without being directly connected to the floor units or segments. Thus, this safety barrier can provide structural integrity for the track and/or add resilience to the safety track. In various exemplary embodiments, the track is assembled to form a closed loop structure. In various exemplary embodiments, a children's play or recreation area is located within the enclosure neatly by the track.

These and other features and advantages of various exemplary embodiments of a child's toy vehicle track according to this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of structures according to this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one exemplary embodiment of a portion of a partially assembled toy vehicle track according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the track assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of one exemplary embodiment of a rolling track section of the track assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a segment of a safety barrier according to this invention with the usable toy vehicle track assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front plan view the safety barrier usable with the track assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the portion of the toy vehicle track assembly shown in FIG. 1 illustrating one exemplary embodiment of a rolling track unit and one exemplary embodiment of a safety barrier;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of tunnel sections of the toy vehicle track according to this invention;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of one exemplary embodiment of a section of safety barrier including an exit gate according to this invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a safety barrier brace according to this invention;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart outlining a first exemplary embodiment of a method for assembling a child's vehicle track according to this invention; and

FIG. 11 is a flow chart outlining a second exemplary embodiment of a method for assembling a child's vehicle track according to this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

While there are various conventional track systems for children's toy vehicles, these conventional track systems tend to be made for a small number of users, are not durable, are constructed as temporary structures, and/or require adapted or specialized vehicles to use the track system. The following detailed description discloses various exemplary embodiments of a track system usable with a variety of various children's toy vehicles.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a portion of one exemplary embodiment of a toy vehicle track 100 according to this invention. As shown FIG. 1, the track 100 can be assembled from a variety of floor panel sections 110 according to the desires or needs of the user. Examples of the modular floor panel sections 110 shown in FIG. 1 include straight track sections 120, rolling track units 130, and corner units 140. The areas 112 illustrated by the dashed lines on either side of the track indicate a location for one exemplary embodiment of a safety barrier or protective barrier 150 (described below) that encloses the track 100 on both sides. In various exemplary embodiments, the floor panel sections 110 are planar, rigid or semi-rigid panels that have some pliability and/or deformability. For example, the floor panel units 110 may include sheets or panels of plywood, plastic, composite materials or the like. In various exemplary embodiments, the floor panel sections 110 may individually include a combination of different materials as necessary.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the portion of the child's vehicle track shown in FIG. 1. The individual floor panel sections 110 can be assembled to form a continuous closed track. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flat track sections 120, the floor panel sections 110 forming the rolling track unit 130 and the floor panel sections 110 forming the corner unit 140 may be planar and generally roughly rectangular in shape. In various exemplary embodiments, the floor panel sections 110 are wide enough to create a track suitable for two or more children's toy vehicles, including, for example, peddle-toy vehicles, to travel abreast.

However, it should be appreciated that each of the different sections or units 120, 130 and 140 can have different shapes in addition to, or instead of, planar and generally rectangular. For example, the various floor panel sections 110 can have positive and negative sides that allow the various floor panel units 110 to interlock, with one positive or negative edge of one floor panel section 110 interlocking with the negative or positive edge, respectively, of an adjacent floor panel section 110. Additionally, in various exemplary embodiments, the rolling track units 130 and/or the corner units 140 may have specific interlock positive and negative interlock patterns for the internal connections between the sets of floor panel sections 110 forming those units 130 or 140. Thus, the two rolling track sections 131 and 132 of the rolling track unit 130 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may have different interlock patterns for the internal adjacent edges and standard interlock patterns for the external edges that connect to either the straight track sections 120 and/or the corner sections 141 and 142 of the corner units 140.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one exemplary embodiment of the straight track sections 120. In this exemplary embodiment, the straight track sections 120 are planer and generally rectangular in shape, and are oriented so that the long sides of the straight panel sections 120 define the width of the track 100.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate one exemplary embodiment of rolling track unit 130. FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the rolling track unit 130 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the exemplary embodiment of the rolling track unit 130 shown in FIGS. 1-3, the rolling track unit 130 includes two rolling track sections 131 and 132 that are assembled as mirror images of each other. In this exemplary embodiment, each rolling track section 131 and 132 has a notch or indentation 133. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the notches 133 formed in each of the rolling track sections 131 and 132 are formed on the exterior edges that define the sides of the track 100, rather than the interior edges that are joined to the other floor panel sections 110. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rolling track sections 131 and 132 are formed so that the notches 133 extend to the interior edges of the rolling track sections 131 and 132 that abut each other. In contrast, the tabs 134 are placed on the rolling track sections 131 and 132 on the edges that abut the other floor panel sections 110. It should be appreciated that the tabs 134 are coextensive with the outer edges of the other floor panel sections 10. Thus, the tabs 134 act to define the indentations 133.

In various exemplary embodiments, the rolling track unit 130 provides a gently sloped hill over which the children can ride their toy vehicles. In these exemplary embodiments, a middle support member 136 is situated underneath the rolling track unit 130 at the juncture of the two rolling track sections 131 and 132. In addition, in these exemplary embodiments, at least one side support member 135 is situated on either side of the middle support member 136. In various exemplary embodiments, the middle support member 136 is approximately 4 inches high, while the side support members 135 are about 2 inches high. However, it should be appreciated that the side and middle support members 135 and 136 can be any height suitable for riders of the children's toy vehicles. In use, the sides of the two rolling track sections 131 and 132 having the indented edges 133 are fitted together. The middle support member 136 is placed under the junction of the two rolling track sections 131 and 132. In some exemplary embodiments, the two rolling track units 132 and 134 may be joined to the middle support member 136. The two side support members 135 placed on either side of the middle support member 332 support the rolling track sections 131 and 132.

It should be appreciated that, in some exemplary embodiments, the middle support member 136 is higher than the side support members 135, with the juncture of the two rolling track sections 131 and 132 forming the crest of a small hill. In these exemplary embodiments, the side support members 135 are of a lesser height, supporting the shoulders of the hill. However, in various other exemplary embodiments, the middle support member 136 may be lower in height, with the side support members 135 being taller. In such exemplary embodiments, the rolling track sections 131 and 132 form a double or sigmoid-shaped hill. In various exemplary embodiments, one or more of the support members 135 and 136 may be associated with the rolling track sections 131 and 132 by joining the rolling track sections 131 and 132 to the underlying support members 135 and/or 136 by nails, screws, rivets, glue, hook and loop fasteners or the like. It should be appreciated that the support members 135 and/or 136 can be fabricated from any suitable material, such as wood, plastic, metals, rubber, foam or the like.

FIGS. 1 and 2 also illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a corner unit 140 according to this invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this exemplary embodiment of the corner unit 140, a first corner section 141 is placed next to a preceding straight track section 122. In some exemplary embodiments, the first corner section 143 is roughly the size of the straight track sections 122 but is oriented at 90° to the preceding straight track section 122. In this orientation, the first corner unit 141 has its long side perpendicular to the long side of the preceding straight track section 120, which tends to provide greater flexibility for the first corner section 142 to bank the turn. A second corner section 1424, having approximately the same size, is placed next to the first corner unit 141 in the same orientation.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second corner unit 142 is also arranged with its long sides perpendicular to the long sides of the preceding straight track section 120. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the next straight track section 120 is placed next to the second corner section 142 such that their long sides are adjacent to each other. However, it should be appreciated that this arrangement is somewhat arbitrary, as the positions of the first and second corner sections 141 and 142 could be altered by rotating the corner unit 140 90° counter clockwise such that the second corner section 142 abuts the preceding straight track section 120, while both the first and second corner sections 141 and 142 abut the next straight track section 120. However, in either case, the second corner section 142 is located at the inner corner of the track 100.

This configuration allows a corner to be turned by the two corner sections 141 and 142 and, in various exemplary embodiments, allows the corner unit 140 to be gently banked around the turn. In addition, in various exemplary embodiments, the first and second corner sections 141 and 142 are pliable enough to allow their outer margins to be banked while the inner margins and the edges adjacent to other floor panel units 110 are contiguous, lying flat on the underlying surface.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, both the first and second corner sections 141 and 142 of the corner unit 140 are banked. In this exemplary embodiment, the corner unit 140 is banked by inserting a first support member 143 under the first corner section 142 along its outer corner. A second support member 144, which is longer but not as high, is inserted inside the first support member 143, under both the first and second corner sections 141 and 142, to gently support and bank the corner sections 141 and 142. In various exemplary embodiments, the first support member 143 is about approximately 4 inches in height, while the second support member 144 is approximately 2 inches in height. In various exemplary embodiments, the lengths of the support members 143 and 144 will be determined by the sizes of the first and second corner sections 141 and 142. In addition, it should be appreciated that the height of the support members 143 and 144 can vary according to desires of the user.

In addition, in various exemplary embodiments, the corner sections 141 and 142 of the corner unit 140 have notches or indentations 145 and 146 respectively, and tabs 147 and 148, respectively, in their outer perimeter. The indentation 145 extends from the tab 147 the length of the long side of the first corner section 141 and from the adjacent short side of the first corner section 141. The notches 145 and 146 accept a portion of a safety barrier 150. The tab 147 is coextensive with the exterior section of the preceding floor panel section 110, such as the adjacent straight track section 120 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The indentation 146 is continuous with the indentation 145 in the first corner unit 141. The tab 148 is coextensive with the next adjacent floor panel section 110, such as the adjacent straight track section 120 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

It should be appreciated that, by using planar, slightly pliable and/or deformable floor panel sections 110, including the straight track sections 120, zero, one or more rolling track units 130, and a plurality of corner 140 units, the portions of the floor panel sections 110, when joined, will have generally contiguous inner and outer peripheral edges. When various floor panel sections 110 are raised slightly, such as at the rolling track units 130 or the banked ones of the corner unit 140, the portions of the floor panel sections 110 not supported by the support members 135, 136, 143 and 144 or the like will lay flat on the underlying support surface. This characteristic provides continuous support for the floor panel sections 110 and ensures that the edges of the floor panel sections 110 are contiguous when assembled into the toy vehicle track 100. Additionally, in the case of the corner unit 140, using planar floor panel sections 110 allows the interior portion of the corner unit 140 to be stabilized and supported on the ground, while allowing the outer portion of the corner unit 140 to be gently banked. This design allows the individual floor panel sections 110 to be combined into a continuous track 100, thereby augmenting the stability of the track 100 after the individual floor panel sections 100 are assembled.

In various exemplary embodiments, the floor panel sections 110 are fabricated from sturdy, reusable components, such as plywood, rubberized and/or plastic sheeting, or the like. It should be appreciated that, when plywood is used, the plywood sheets can be cut to any desired size. When plastic sheeting is used, the plastic material can be molded or cut to the desired size. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the track has dimensions appropriate for multiple riders to use without fear of collision or accident while also being an appropriate size to accommodate multiple commercially available children's toy vehicles, such as “BIG WHEELS®” brand vehicles, tricycles, pedal or push cars or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, the floor panel sections 110 may be generally six feet wide. In some exemplary embodiments, the floor panel sections 110 may be generally four feet long. However, it should be appreciated that the floor panel sections 110 can be any size that facilitates assembly and use of the floor panel sections 110 into a continuous track 100.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a portion of the track 100 showing one exemplary embodiment of a safety barrier 150 FIG. 5 is an end plan view of one exemplary embodiment of the safety barrier 150 according to this invention. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in this exemplary embodiment, the safety barrier 150 includes a number of vertical support members 153 that extend between upper and lower horizontal support members 151 and 152. Because the floor panel sections 110 sit directly on the ground or other support surface, in those areas where the track 100 is raised, such as any rolling track units 130 and any banked corner units 140, the safety barrier 150 sits on the floor within the indentations 133 formed in the rolling track sections 131 and 132 and the indentations 145 and 146 formed in the corner track sections 141 and 142. In this way, the safety barrier 150 provides support to the assembled floor panel sections 110, while simultaneously being supported within the indentations 131, 145, and 146.

In some exemplary embodiments, the safety barrier 150 includes braces or tripod supports 154 that provide additional stability for the safety barrier 150. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a skin or surface 155 is joined to the inner side, the outer side, and the top of the support members 151-153 to provide an enclosure for the track 100. In various exemplary embodiments, this skin or surface 155 is be made using fire-retardant material, such as, for example, fiberglass acoustical tile. As shown in FIG. 5, in various exemplary embodiments, the skin or surface 155 completely encloses the horizontal and vertical support members 151-153.

In various exemplary embodiments, a safety or protective layer 156 is then attached or mounted to at least a portion of the skin or surface 155 that faces the floor panel sections 110. This facing portion will be further referred to herein as the inner portion of the skin or surface 155. The safety or protective layer 156, when implemented, provides protection in the event that a child hits the safety barrier 150. In various exemplary embodiments, the protective layer 156 is commercially available rubber, foam, Ethefoam™ or the like. For example, suitable two-inch-thick foam rubber panels are commercially available from many fabric stores. In addition, in various other exemplary embodiments, a variety of other protective materials can be used, such as sports mats, closed cell urethane, or the like. It should be appreciated that the protective layer 156 can be attached to or mounted on the inner portion of the skin or surface 155 by any suitable method such as, for example glue, adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, grommets, framed panels or the like.

In addition, for some use, it may be desirable to provide a decorative outer layer or coating 157 to the inner portion of the skin or surface 155 or, if one is used, the protective layer 156. In some exemplary embodiments, the decorative outer layer or coating 157 can be directly applied to the inner portion of the skin or surface 155 or, if one is used, the protective layer 156. Alternatively, the decorative outer layer 143 can be added as a separate unit. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the decorative layer 157 can be a piece of cloth or paper having some artwork on it. The art on the piece of cloth or paper can represent famous roadways or scenery reminiscent of various geographical areas.

In some exemplary embodiments, when the decorative layer 157 is cloth, the cloth may have holes, grommets, loops or one member of a hook and loop fastening pair or other attaching devices spaced about the cloth. A string, rope or screw can then be used to attach the cloth forming the decorative layer 157 to the protective layer 156, at least the inner portion of the skin or surface 155 and/or the support members 151-157 in an appropriate manner, such as by tying the cloth with a string, nailing or screwing the cloth through the grommet or any other suitable way. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the decorative layer 157 can be painted on, glued or otherwise directly applied to at least the inner portion of the skin or surface 155, or if one is provided, the protective layer 156.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one portion of one exemplary embodiment of a toy vehicle track 100 according to this invention. In FIG. 6, a portion of one side of the safety barrier 150 is spaced from the flat panel sections 110 to display the decoration on the decorative layer 157. In various exemplary embodiments, the safety barrier 150 is an appropriate height to provide a safe enclosure for the children using the track, while still allowing the parents or other adults to maintain a safe view of the children. In various exemplary embodiments, the safety barrier 150 is approximately about two and ½ to three and ½ feet high. In addition, in various exemplary embodiments, when commercially-available 2-foot-wide foam rubber sheets is used as the protective layer 156, the foam rubber sheets may be applied to at least the inner portion of the skin or surface 155 so that the foam rubber sheets are spaced eight to twelve inches from the surface of the floor panel sections 110.

As previously discussed, in various exemplary embodiments, the safety barrier 150 is designed to generally sit on top of the outer edge of the floor panel sections 110. This arrangement helps to add stability to the floor panel sections 110 and allows the safety barrier 5150 to be integrated into the straight track sections 120, the rolling track units 130 and the corner track units 140. FIGS. 1-4 and 6 show that, in various exemplary embodiments, when elevated track sections 131 and 132 are used, the safety barrier 15000 fits into the indentations 133 between the tabs 134, so that the safety barrier 150 has a level or consistent height around the periphery of the track 100.

FIG. 7 is a perspective, schematic view of one exemplary embodiment of a tunnel unit 200 of the track 100 according to the invention 100. As shown in FIG. 7, in this exemplary embodiment, the tunnel unit 200 can be implemented as a modified version of the safety barrier 150. As shown in FIG. 7, in this exemplary embodiment, the tunnel unit 200 is situated on a corner unit 140. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the tunnel unit 200 includes an upper horizontal support 210, a lower horizontal support 220 and a plurality of vertical supports 230 extending between the upper and lower horizontal support members 210 and 220. In various exemplary embodiments, the top of the tunnel unit 200 is about approximately 1.5 to two times as tall as the safety barrier 150, allowing children to stand up inside the tunnel unit 200, in as well as providing access to maintenance workers.

In various exemplary embodiments, inner and outer skin or surface panels 240 and 242 are attached by any suitable method to the outside and inside surfaces of the support members 210-230, respectively. In various exemplary embodiments, a top skin or surface panel 244 is attached to the top surfaces of the upper support members 210 to completely enclose the floor panel sections 110 that lie within the tunnel unit 200. As shown in FIG. 7, the tunnel unit 200 also includes protective layers 256 that are attached to the inner skin or surface panels 242. In various exemplary embodiments, decorative layers 257 are placed or attached to at least the skin or surface panels 242 and/or the protective layers 256. In various exemplary embodiments, the protective layer 256 and the decorative layer 257 are continuous with the protective layer 156 and the decorative 157 associated with the safety barriers 150.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of one exemplary embodiment of a safety barrier 150 that includes a safety gate portion 160. As shown in FIG. 8, in this exemplary embodiment, the safety gate portion 160 is connected to the safety barrier 150 on one side by a hinge 161, while the other side of the safety gate portion 160 is fastened to the safety barrier 150 by a fastening device 162, such as hook and loop fasteners, toggle fasteners, spring catches, or the like. In various exemplary embodiments, the fastening device 162 is designed such that, in the case of an emergency, children using the track 100 can push against the safety gate portion 160 from the inside such that the fastening device 162 will release the safety gate portion 160 and the safety gate portion 160 will open.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of one exemplary embodiment of a safety brace 170 according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the safety brace 170 comprises an elongated generally flat center section 171 and two end portions 172 that extend upwardly from the center portion 171. The center portion 171 and the end portions 172 are generally thin and, in various exemplary embodiments, are generally flat. The center portion 171 is approximately as wide as the flat panel sections 110 and, in various exemplary embodiments, is sufficiently wide enough to link two adjacent flat panel sections 110 together. In various exemplary embodiments, this is done by positioning the safety brace 170 under the adjacent floor panel sections 110 with the end portions 172 sticking up outside of the floor panel sections 110 and the safety barriers 150. It should be appreciated that, in various exemplary embodiments, the end portions 172 of the safety brace 170 are connected to the vertical support members 153 of the safety barriers 150 using bolts 173 and nuts 174. Of course, any other desired fastening device can be used in place of the bolts and nuts 173 and 174.

Thus, the safety brace 170 links the safety barriers 150 on opposite sides of the floor panel sections 110 together and against the floor panel sections 110. However, it should be appreciated that the safety barriers 150 are not actually connected to the floor panel sections 110 by the safety brace 170. Thus, while the safety brace 170 generally holds the safety barriers 150 in place relative to the floor panel sections 110, the safety brace 170 does not rigidly attach the safety barriers 150 to the floor panel sections 110. Accordingly, the safety barriers 150 can move relative to the floor panel sections 110 if they are struck sufficiently hard enough, such as if a child falls or is pushed or otherwise propelled into the safety barriers 150. Because safety barriers 150 joined by the brace 170 have the ability to move relative to the floor panel sections 110, it is less likely that a child will become injured when falling into those safety barriers 150.

It should be appreciated that a toy vehicle track 100 according to this invention can be assembled in any configuration desired by the user. For example, a tunnel unit 200 may be arranged around a corner section 140, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Alternatively or additionally, another tunnel unit 200 could be arranged along a series of straight track sections 120 or along a rolling unit 130. It should also be appreciated that a tunnel unit 200 may have top panels 244 that entirely cover the top, panels 244 that partially cover the top or top panels 244 that have sky-lights, for example. Similarly, in various exemplary embodiments, the side panels 240 and 242 of a tunnel unit 600 may have windows, doors, safety gates and/or the like.

In various exemplary embodiments according to this invention, the floor panel sections 110 comprise flat panels. The size of each floor panel section 110 may vary between one track 100 and another track 100. However, in various exemplary embodiments, the floor panel sections 100, and thus the track 100, is approximately six feet wide. In various exemplary embodiments, each floor panel section 110 may be approximately four feet long. Each floor panel section 110 can be joined to an adjacent floor panel section 110 by a suitable joining member, such as eye-hooks, side latches, mending plates or the like. In addition, after the track 100 is assembled, any gaps between the floor panel sections 110, such as between the rolling track sections 131 and 132 can be smoothed with an appropriate filler compound, such as, for example, caulk, glue, vinylized cement paste or any other known or later developed appropriate filler material.

In addition, in some exemplary embodiments, the degree of incline in a rolling track unit 130 can be whatever is appropriate for the age group of the children that are riding toy vehicles along the track 100. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the middle support 136 of the rolling track unit 130 may be about a four inches high, while the side supports 135 are about two inches high. In other exemplary embodiments, the middle support 136 may be higher or lower with the side supports adjusted accordingly to create a gentle slope, to create a sigmoid-like hill with two peaks, or the like. While the incline can be constructed in any appropriate manner, in some exemplary embodiments, one four-inch middle support member 136 is inserted under the rolling track sections 131 and 132 at their juncture.

In various exemplary embodiments, the floor panel sections 110 are joined to each other by any desirable joining structure or device, such as screws, nails, side latches, eye-hooks or the like. When a rolling track unit 130 is used, the rolling track sections 131 and 132 are joined to each other and may be joined to the middle support member 135 and the side support members 135. In these exemplary embodiments, the side support members 135 are not as high as the middle support member 136, allowing the rolling track unit 130 to maintain a gentle slope while remaining fully supported along its length. For example, in such exemplary embodiments, the side support members 135 may be approximately 2 inches when the middle support member 136 is approximately 4 inches.

Generally, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7 and 9, in some exemplary embodiments, the protective safety barrier 150 sits in the margins 112 of the floor panel sections 110. However, in various exemplary embodiments, when elevated floor sections 110, such as those in the rolling track unit 130 and/or the banked corner units 140, are used, the protective safety barriers 150 sit within the indentations 131 of the rolling track unit 130 or the indentations 145 and 146 of the banked corner unit 140. It should be appreciated that, in various exemplary embodiments, the protective safety barriers 150 have different lengths than that of the floor panel sections 110. In such exemplary embodiments, this allows the floor panel sections 110 and the safety barriers 150 to be staggered relative to each other, providing greater stability to the track 100. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, when four-foot-long floor panel sections 110 are used, the safety barriers 150 can be provided in six-foot-long sections.

However, it should be appreciated that, for some portions of the safety barrier 150, such as for those used with the corner unit 140, specific-length sections of the safety barriers 150 may be needed to accommodate the perimeter of the track 100 around the corner unit 140. In addition, while, in some exemplary embodiments, the safety barriers 150 may be joined or directly connected to the floor panel sections 10, in various other exemplary embodiments, adjacent sections of the safety barrier 150 are joined together but are not joined to the underlying floor panel sections 10. When sections of the safety barrier 150 are connected to each other, those sections of the safety barrier 150 may be connected using hooks, latches, mending plates, corner braces or the like.

In various exemplary embodiments, the safety barrier 150 completely encircles the track 100. Further, because the safety barrier 150 is set into the indentations formed in the floor panel sections 110 of the rolling and corner units 130 and 140 and is set on top of the flat track sections 120, the safety barrier 150 is essentially self-supporting while concomitantly being integrally associated with the floor panel sections 110.

In various exemplary embodiments, the safety barrier 150 is essentially self-supporting. By placing the safety barrier 150 on the outer margins 112 of the various floor panel sections 110, the stability of the track 100 is increased by the added weight of the safety barriers 150. In addition, by not directly connecting or joining the floor panel sections 110 to the safety barrier 150, the resiliency of the safety barrier 150 is increased. This is particularly beneficial in the event of an accident or collision. Further, because the safety barrier 150 sits in the indentations 133, 145 and 146 in places where the track 100 is elevated off the floor, but also sits on the tabs 134, 147 and 148 of the rolling track unit 130 and the corner unit 140, respectively the safety barrier 150 becomes integrated with the rolling track and corner units 130 and 140 without being directly connected or “frozen” in place. This arrangement maintains the resiliency of the protective safety barrier 150, while allowing the track 100 to be reconfigured more easily. In addition, in various exemplary embodiments, when the brace units 170 are used, they lay underneath the floor panel sections 110, connecting the two safety barriers 150 on opposite sides of the track 100 together and further increasing the integration between the floor panel sections 110 and the safety barriers 150 without actually connecting the floor panel sections 110 and the safety barriers 150 together.

In various exemplary embodiments of this invention, the corners of the track 100 may be banked. In these exemplary embodiments, the height of bank may be any height desired by the user. However, in some exemplary embodiments, when the track 100 is used by toddlers, for example, the bank may only be as high as four inches. In these exemplary embodiments, to facilitate a four-inch bank, the outer support member 143 is approximately four inches high and is inserted under the first corner floor unit 141 at an appropriate distance toward the outer edge of the first corner unit 141. In addition, in various exemplary embodiments, a second, two-inch support member 144 is inserted inside of the outer support member 143 at an appropriate distance to support the slope of the banked corner sections 141 and 142.

For example, in various exemplary embodiments, when the first and second corner sections 141 and 142 are six feet by four feet, the first corner unit 141 may be banked with an outer support member 143 that is about four inches high and runs under the outside corner of the first corner unit 141, intersecting the outer edge about two feet on either side of the banked corner. In addition, in various exemplary embodiments, the inner support member 144 may be inserted so that it intersects the long side of the first corner section 141 about three feet from the banked corner and intersects the second corner section 144 about five feet from the banked corner. In these exemplary embodiments, those portions of the floor panel sections 110 that are not elevated rest on the underlying support surface.

In various exemplary embodiments, the sides of the assembled track 100 may be painted with various decorative motifs, such as architectural or landscape features. The surface of the floor panel sections 110 may be painted with a non-skid surface, such as a polyurethane paint, deck paint or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, line lanes and/or other roadside markings can be provided on the track 100.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart outlining a first exemplary embodiment of a method for assembling a plurality of track sections usable to assemble a children's track 100 according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 10, operation of the method begins in step S100, and continues to step S105, where roughly rectangular floor panel sections are obtained. In step S105, the floor panel sections can be separated into flat track sections, rolling track units and corner units. Then, in step S110, the floor panel sections are prepared by making any modifications that might be needed. Then, in step S115, a number of sections of the safety barrier are obtained. Next, in step S120, a protective layer is placed on the side wall panels of at least some of the obtained safety barrier sections. Operation then continues to step S125.

In step S125, the obtained floor panel sections are assembled to form the toy vehicle track according to this invention. Next, in step S130, the safety barrier sections are assembled onto the floor panel sections used to form the assembled track in step S125. Then, in step S130, a decorative cloth or other artwork is secured to, or provided onto, the sidewall panels of the safety barrier sections. Operation then continues to step S140.

In step S140, any special units are assembled, such as rolling units, banked corner units, tunnel units or the like. In general, assembling such sections includes, but is not limited to providing the elevating supports under the rolling and/or corner banked sections and the enclosing side and top panels for the tunnel units. Then, in step S145, any cracks between adjacent floor panel units are filled or smoothed. Next, in step S150, the floor of the track is painted with an anti-skid component. Operation then continues to step S155, where operation of the method ends.

It should be appreciated that, in various exemplary embodiments of the method shown in FIG. 10, various ones of the steps can be performed in different orders, and/or can be omitted entirely. For example, if there are no special units, such as rolling units, banked corner units, or tunnel units, step S140 can be omitted. Likewise, if filling the cracks between the floor panel sections is not desired, step S145 can be omitted. Similarly, if painting the floor of the track with an anti-skid compound is not desired, step S150 can be omitted. Likewise, if decorative cloth or other coatings on the wall panels or protective layers of the safety barriers are not desired, step S135 can be omitted. Similarly, if protective layers are not desired on the wall panels of the safety barrier sections, step S125 can be omitted. Finally, if it is not necessary to cut or adjust the size of the floor panel sections, step S110 can be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart outlining a second exemplary embodiment of a method for assembling a children's toy vehicle track according to this invention. As shown in FIG. 11, operation of the method begins in step S200 and continues to step S205, where a plurality of floor panel sections are obtained. Then, in step S210, one or more floor panel sections are modified if necessary. Next, in step S215, the floor panel sections are laid out in the appropriate order to create the desired track. Operation then continues to step S220.

In step S220, one or more safety braces are laid out under the floor panel sections as needed. As indicated above, the safety braces are used to connect together two safety barriers that sit on opposite sides of one of the floor panel sections. Next, in step S225, various adjacent ones of the floor panel sections are joined together as desired. Then, in step S230, various support members are applied to any desired elevated sections, such as in rolling track units and/or banked corner units. In general, the supports are applied by sliding them under the appropriate floor panel units of the rolling track and/or banked corner units. Then, in step S235, cracks between various adjacent ones of the floor panel sections are filled as necessary. Operation then continues to step S240.

In step S240, sections of the safety barrier are mounted on to the desired floor panel sections. Then, in step S245, adjacent sections of the safety barrier are joined together. Next, in step S250, the safety braces are used to join opposing safety barrier sections to each other. It should be appreciated that such opposing safety barrier sections are safety barrier sections that sit on opposite sides of one or more adjacent floor panel sections. Operation then continues to step S255, where operation of the method ends.

As outlined above with respect to FIG. 10, it should be appreciated that various ones of the steps S205-250 can be skipped in their entirety or can be performed in different orders as desired. The particular order of steps shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.

The above-outlined exemplary embodiments of the children's toy vehicle track according to this invention are usable to construct a track for children's toy vehicles. The track is durable and can be used both indoors and outdoors. In various exemplary embodiments, the track can be moved from one location to another while its configuration can be changed to accommodate different locations. Thus, each of the various structures and methods described herein are separately useful. Therefore, it should be appreciated that peddle-toy tracks according to this invention do not need to use all or even a plurality of the various structures disclosed herein.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiment outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent to those having at least an ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. A track for children's wheeled vehicles comprising:

a plurality of floor panel sections, comprising: a plurality of flat sections; and at least one elevated unit;

a plurality of safety barrier units, comprising: a plurality of support members, and a skin layer; and

a protective layer;

wherein the safety barrier units are positioned on outer margins of the flat sections and at least in part within indentations in the elevated units.

2. The track of claim 1, wherein the safety barrier units are joined to each other providing a protective cordon around both sides of assembled floor panel sections.

3. The track of claim 2, wherein the track, when assembled, defines an enclosed area in the interior of the assembled floor panel units.

4. The track of claim 3, wherein the enclosed area includes a play area.

5. The track of claim 1, wherein at least one brace lies under the floor panel sections, each brace connected to opposing safety barrier units.

6. The track of claim 1, wherein the track is usable by a plurality of children's toy vehicles at the same time.

7. The track of claim 1, wherein the children's toy vehicles are usable on the track without modification to the vehicles.

8. The track of claim 1, wherein the floor panel sections include straight sections, corner units, rolling track units, tunnel units and/or bridge units.

9. The track of claim 1, wherein a decorative layer is applied to at least one of the skin layers and the protective layer.

10. The track of claim 1, wherein the decorative layer is at least one of removable and changeable.

11. The modular track of claim 1, wherein the protective layer is at least one of a foam layer, a rubber layer or a composite layer.

12. The modular track of claim 1, wherein the floor panel sections and the safety barrier units are fabricated from at least one of wood, plastic, aluminum and combinations of these materials.

13. A method of assembling a track usable with children's toy vehicles, comprising:

assembling a plurality of floor panel sections into a continuous track, including flat sections and elevated sections;

placing safety barriers onto the track in margins of the assembled flat sections;

placing safety barriers onto the track within indentations in the assembled elevated sections; and

joining safety barrier units together to enclose the track.

14. A kit for a track for wheeled vehicles, comprising:

a plurality of floor panel units; and

a plurality of safety barrier units;

wherein the safety barrier units and the floor panel units are designed so that, when assembled, the safety barrier units will sit on top of flat track sections and within indentations in elevated track sections.

15. The kit of claim 14, wherein the kit further includes a plurality of connectors usable to connect at least one of the floor panel units together and the safety barrier units together.