TOY OBJECT AND SLOT TRACK SYSTEM
A toy object and slot track system includes a plurality of track segments each having a retaining slot provided thereon and defining a slotted track surface. The track segments include straight, curved and twisted track segments connectable to form straight and curved tracks with slotted track surfaces facing upwards and/or downwards and twisted tracks, and concave/convex track segments connectable to form loop-shaped tracks with concave/convex slotted track surfaces facing inwards and/or outwards. The system includes at least one toy object having first and second protruding pins for slidable engagement along the retaining slot. At least one of the first and second protruding pins has a free end portion retainable within the retaining slot such that the toy object can move along the tracks without falling off under gravitational pulling force.
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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/715,570 filed Sep. 12, 2005 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/750,337 filed Dec. 15, 2005, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention generally relates to a game and, in particular, to a toy object and slot track system including a plurality of track segments with slotted track surfaces facing different directions whereby toy objects, such as slot cars, are adapted to move along the track in different orientations relative to the floor without falling off the track.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONSlot cars are electric toy cars that fit into a slot track and are controlled by the players through hand-held controllers. The slot track is assembled from a number of track segments each having one or more guide slots for receiving a guide pin extending from the underside of each slot car and guiding each slot car along the track. The slot cars are powered through a pair of electric conductors provided on the track. The slot track is usually designed to be assembled and laid on the floor such that the slot cars run along the slot track in a generally upright position.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,048 discloses a wall-mounting slot track system. The slot track system includes a plurality of substrates vertically hung on a wall. A slot track extends across each substrate to form a continuous path perpendicular to the floor. Slot cars are retained on the slot track by guide pins extending from the underside of the slot cars.
However, this wall-mounting slot track system lacks versatility and play value. Even though different wall-mount slot track systems could be connected to form a bigger layout, the track segments of the wall-mounting slot track system are basically fixed on a number of substrates and the layout itself could not be defined by players. The players are not able to design and assemble their own unique and favorite racing tracks before each racing game.
The track segments of this type of wall-mounting slot track system are mounted on vertical substrates in such a manner that the track segments are all vertically oriented with slotted track surfaces facing only in one direction, i.e. away from the wall.
Since the slot cars are constantly kept in a sideway position, the guide pins of the slot cars as well as the slots of the track are subject to damages due to friction and action of the slot cars.
The above description of the background is provided to aid in understanding the invention, but is not admitted to describe or constitute pertinent prior art to the invention, or consider the cited document as material to the patentability of the claims of the present application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toy object and slot track system including a plurality of track segments each having a retaining slot provided thereon and defining a slotted track surface. The plurality of track segments includes straight and curved track segments connectable to form straight and curved tracks with slotted track surfaces facing upwards and/or downwards, and concave/convex track segments connectable to form at least one loop-shaped track with concave/convex slotted track surfaces facing inwards and/or outwards. The system may optionally include one toy object having first and second protruding pins receivable in and slidable along the retaining slot. At least one of the first and second protruding pins of the optional toy object has a free end portion retainable within the retaining slot.
The track segments can be connectable to form tracks including but are not limited to spiral tracks, barrel-shaped tracks, figure-8 shaped tracks, upwardly inclining U-shaped tracks, and route-reversing loop tracks.
The plurality of track segments may further include route diverging/converging track segments, twisted track segments, and track segments arranged in a back-to-back relationship with slotted track surfaces facing opposite directions.
In an embodiment, each track segment has two retaining slots provided on one surface thereof. In another embodiment, each track segment has at least one continuous retaining slot provided on one surface thereof, and at least one continuous retaining slot provided on the other surface thereof opposite to the one surface.
In one embodiment, the first and second protruding pins extend from an underside of the toy object. In another embodiment, the first and second protruding pins extend from the lateral sides of the toy object respectively.
In an embodiment, each of the first and second protruding pins has a free end portion retainable within the retaining slot.
In one embodiment, the retaining slot and the free end portion are generally T-shaped.
The toy object further includes a motor and a magnet operatively coupled to a pair of conductive rails extending along the retaining slot.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toy object and route-reversing track system including (a) a first track segment having a first retaining slot provided on an upper surface thereof and a second retaining slot provided on a lower surface thereof, (b) a second track segment having a third retaining slot provided on a concave surface thereof, the second track segment being pivotable between a first position where one end of the third retaining slot is in registration with the first retaining slot and a second position where the other end of the third retaining slot is in registration with the second retaining slot; and (c) a toy object having first and second protruding pins receivable in and slidable along the first, second, and third retaining slots, at least one of the first and second protruding pins having a free end portion retainable within the first, second, and third retaining slots.
The system further includes a weight for biasing the second pivotable track segment in the first position. In an embodiment, the weight takes the form of a container containing a plurality of objects adapted for weight adjustment.
The system further includes a funnel-shaped slot provided at the one end of the third retaining slot, a pair of electrical contacts provided at the other end of the third retaining slot, and a pair of conductive rails electrically coupled to the pair of electrical contacts and extending along the third retaining slot except for the funnel-shaped slot, wherein the pair of electrical contacts is electrically coupled to a pair of conductive rails provided along the first retaining slot when the second track segment is in the second position.
Although the invention is shown and described with respect to certain embodiments, it is obvious that equivalents and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the specification. The present invention includes all such equivalents and modifications, and is limited only by the scope of the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSSpecific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
Reference will now be made in detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, examples of which are also provided in the following description. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not particularly important to an understanding of the invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.
Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments described below and that various changes and modifications thereof may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of this disclosure and appended claims.
In addition, improvements and modifications which may become apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims are deemed within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention are intended to be read in connection with the foregoing drawings and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used herein, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “upward”, “downward”, “sideward”, “sideway”, “top”, “bottom”, “upright” and “upside down” as well as adjective and adverb derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “vertically”, “upwardly”, “downwardly”, etc.) refer to the orientation of the structure of the invention relative to the floor in 3-dimensional spatial reference as it is illustrated in the drawings.
As used herein, the term “track” means a plurality of track segments connected together in an end-to-end relationship along which a toy object moves. The term “straight track” means a track formed by a plurality of straight track segments. The term “curved track” means a track formed by at least one curved track segment.
As used herein, the term “concave track segment” means a track segment having a guide slot or guide slots provided on a concave surface thereof, and the term “convex track segment” means a track segment having a guide slot or guide slots provided on a convex surface thereof.
As used herein, the term “loop-shaped track” means a track having at least one loop formed by a plurality of concave/convex track segments.
One T-shaped guide pin 20 is disposed near the front wheels 30 at the front of the slot car 28, 28′, and the other T-shaped guide pin 22 is disposed near the rear wheels 32 at the rear of the slot car 28, 28′. Each T-shaped guide pin 20, 22 has a free end portion provided with an enlarged head slidable along and retainable within the T-slot 14. The T-shaped guide pins 20, 22 may be made of plastic, fiberglass, or other suitable material.
The front T-shaped guide pin 20 is used to retain the slot car 28, 28′ on a track so that it will not fall off the track even though it is not in an upright position. It is also used to guide the direction of movement of the slot car 28, 28′. The rear T-shaped guide pin 22 is used to assist the slot car to move smoothly especially when it is running on convex track segments or upside down. Since the slot car 28, 28′ is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, it could only move along the track while its rear wheels are in contact with the track surfaces. The rear T-shaped guide pin 22 could therefore ensure that the rear wheels are in contact with the track surfaces at any time. The rear T-shaped guide pin 22 is also used to stabilize the slot car 28, 28′ on the track.
Although it has been shown and described that the two guide pins 20, 22 are T-shaped, it is appreciated by one skilled in the art that only one guide pin, preferably the front guide pin 20, is T-shaped and that the other guide pin can be a conventional straight guide pin.
A high power magnet 36 (e.g. alloy magnet) is provided at the underside of the slot car 28, 28′ at a central portion thereof. The magnet 36 is adapted to interact with the pair of metallic conductive rails and is employed to further retain the slot car 28, 28′ on the track while the slot car 28, 28′ is traveling on the track in different orientations relative to the floor.
As best illustrated in
A plurality of concave track segments 50 can be assembled into loop-shaped tracks of different configurations. The loop-shaped tracks include but are not limited to vertical and horizontal spiral tracks, vertical and horizontal loop tracks, double and multiple loop tracks, figure-8 shaped tracks, and barrel-shaped tracks, details of which will be described later.
When these concave track segments 50 are assembled into loop, spiral or barrel tracks, the slotted track surfaces 52 generally face inward. Slot cars 28, 28′ are adapted to move along the inwardly facing slotted track surfaces 52 without falling off the track.
A plurality of convex track segments 60 can be assembled into loop-shaped tracks of different configurations. The loop-shaped tracks include but are not limited to vertical and horizontal spiral tracks, vertical and horizontal loop tracks, double and multiple loop tracks, route-reversing loop tracks, figure-8 shaped tracks, and barrel-shaped tracks, details of which will be described later.
When these convex track segments 60 are assembled into loop, spiral or barrel tracks, the slotted track surfaces 62 generally face outward. Slot cars 28, 28′ are adapted to move along the outwardly facing slotted track surfaces 62 without falling off the track.
Although it has been shown and described that the track segment has only one retaining guide slot provided on one surface thereon, it is appreciated that the track segment may have two retaining guide slots provided on one surface thereof.
Similar to 1-lane concave track segment 50, a plurality of concave track segments 50, 140 can be assembled into tracks of different configurations. For example, a number of these 1-lane or 2-lane concave track segments 50, 140 can be assembled into a spiral track as shown in
Although it has been shown in the present embodiment that the guide slots 144 are provided on the concave track surface 142 of the track segment 140, it is appreciated that guide slots may also be provided on the opposite convex surface 146 of the track segment 140.
Similar to 1-lane convex track segment 60, a plurality of convex track segments 150 can be assembled into tracks of different configurations. For example, a number of the 1-lane or 2-lane convex track segments 60, 150 can be assembled into a spiral track as shown in
Although it has been shown in the present embodiment that the guide slots 154 are provided on the convex track surface 152 of the track segment 150, it is appreciated that guide slots may also be provided on the opposite concave surface 156 of the track segment 150.
Although it has been shown that the double-sided track segment 180 is a straight track segment, it is appreciated that it can be a concave/concave track segment having a concave track surface and an opposite convex track surface.
The slot track of the present invention can be provided with two lap counters 290, 292 counting the number of laps of two slot cars 28, 28′ traveling on the same lane. This is realized by a knob or projection 24, 26 (
When slot car 28 passes lap counter 290, the projection 24 projecting from the right side of the slot car 28 engages trigger 294 of lap counter 290 and counts the number of lap of the slot car 28. When slot car 28′ on the same lane passes lap counter 292, the projection 26 projecting from the left side of the slot car 28′ engages trigger 296 of lap counter 292 and counts the number of lap of the slot car 28′. Accordingly, lap counter 290 only counts the number of laps of slot car 28, and lap counter 92 only counts the number of laps of slot car 28′.
The two slot cars 28, 28′ are adapted to run along a 1-lane track assembled from a selected combination of straight track segments 10, curved track segments 40, concave track segments 50, and convex track segments 60.
When two players are playing the game, two slot cars 28, 28′ will be traveling on the same lane. Differing from slot car racing on a conventional 2-lane slot track, the two slot cars 28, 28′ can be chasing each other on a 1-lane slot track by using a lane changing system disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/023,555, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
By using this lane changing system, two slot cars independently controlled by two players can run on the same lane. This is different from conventional toy vehicle racing games with a 2-lane track which does not allow two toy vehicles racing on different lanes to run on the same lane due to interference. With the lane changing system and the Y-tracks described hereinbefore, flexibility and play value will be drastically increased as the entire track can be built from 1-lane track segments and two slot cars can be chasing and even passing each other.
The slot track of the present invention involves a predetermined combination of the use of material and shape of the guide pins, the power and size of the motor and the magnet, the weight of the slot car, the layout of the track, as well as the power of the transformer in order to produce a slot track system with track segments arranged in different orientations relative to the floor and slot cars running along the track in different directions without falling off the track under the influence of gravity.
To add more play value, lighting/illuminating effects on slot cars may be produced and revealed during a game in the dark. The body and/or chassis of the slot cars may be illuminated in different colors. The front of the slot cars may be installed with headlights.
Although a toy slot car has been described as the toy object riding on the slot track of the present invention, it is appreciated that any toy objects of any shapes and configurations may ride on the slot track of the present invention.
Wheels (not shown) may be provided on the toy object 610 such that it can be supported on and moved along the track 612.
The slot track 612 can be assembled from a plurality of track segments with slotted track surfaces 622 facing different directions and toy objects 610 moving along the track 612 in different orientations relative to the floor.
The toy object 710 is partially disposed within the slot 718 and retained on the track 712 by a pair of guide pins 716 extending outwardly from the lateral sides of the toy object 710 respectively. The pair of guide pins 716 is adapted to engage with and move along oppositely facing channels 728 defined by the slot 718 of the track 712 such that the toy object 710 can be guided and retained on the track 712.
Lateral movement of the object 710 relative to the track 712 can be limited by the guide pins 716. Vertical outward movement of the toy object 710 relative to the track 712 can be limited by the two oppositely facing upper flanges 724.
Wheels (not shown) may be provided on the toy object 710 such that it may be supported on and moved along the track 712.
The slot track 712 can be assembled from a plurality of track segments with slotted track surfaces 722 facing different directions and toy objects 710 moving along the track 712 in different orientations relative to the floor without falling off the track 712 due to gravity.
This slot track 712 is cost effective in mass production as no special equipment/manufacturing technology are required. In addition, the manufacturer could use different materials on different parts of the track. For example, the middle track member 750 could be transparent.
An additional pair of guide pins 826 extends outwardly from lateral sides of the toy object 810. The additional pair of guide pins 826 is engageable with and slidable along oppositely facing channels 828 defined by the track surfaces 822, walls 830, and upper flanges 832.
Lateral and vertical outward movements of the object 810 relative to the track 812 can be limited by the guide pins 816, 826.
Wheels (not shown) may be provided on the toy object 810 such that it may be supported on and moved along the track 812.
Again, the slot track 812 can be assembled from a plurality of track segments with slotted track surfaces 822 facing different directions and toy objects 810 moving along the track 812 in different orientations relative to the floor without falling off the track 812 due to gravity.
This slot track 812 is compatible with existing slot tracks because the slot track 812 can combine with conventional slot tracks without additional cost. The mechanism of the slot track 812 could provide great flexibility in track design with relatively low development cost.
The vertical spiral track 100 is assembled from a number of vertically oriented concave track segments 140. According to the present embodiment, slot cars 28, 28′ are adapted to enter the spiral track 100 upright through an upper straight track segment 130 as shown by the arrow, make a 90° twist to the right through a right-twist track segment 170, move sideway along the inner surfaces of the spiral track assembly, twist 90° back to the upright position through a left-twist track segment 160, and finally exit the spiral track 100 upright through a lower straight track segment 130, as indicated by the arrow.
The vertical spiral track 100″ is assembled from a number of vertically oriented straight track segments 130 and convex track segments 150. According to the present embodiment, slot cars 28, 28′ are adapted to enter the spiral track 100″ upright through an upper straight track segment 130 as shown by the arrow, make a 90° twist to the left through a left-twist track segment 160, move sideway along the outer surfaces of the spiral track, twist 90° to the right and back to the upright position through a right-twist track segment 170, and finally exit the spiral track 100″ upright through a lower straight track segment 130.
According to the illustrated embodiment, slot cars 28, 28′ traveling upright from the top of the spiral track 200 may make a twist to the right through a number of straight track segments 10, move sideway along the inner slotted track surfaces 52 of the concave track segments 50, twist to the left through a number of straight track segments 10, and finally exit from the bottom of the spiral track 200.
Although it is described that the spiral track 200 extends vertically upwards and slot cars 28, 28′ enter the spiral track 200 from the top and move downwards, it is understood that the spiral track 200 can be disposed in any orientations relative to the floor and the slot cars 28, 28′ may enter the spiral track 200 from either end of the spiral track 200.
According to the illustrated embodiment, slot cars 28, 28′ may enter the spiral track 250 sideway through a concave track segment 50, move sideway along the outer slotted track surfaces 62 of the convex track segments 60, and finally exit the spiral track 250 sideway through a straight track segment 10.
Although it is described that the spiral track 250 extends vertically upwards and slot cars 28, 28′ enter the spiral track 250 from the top and run downwards, it is understood that the spiral track 250 can be disposed in any orientations relative to the floor and the slot cars 28, 28′ may enter the spiral track 250 from either end of the spiral track 250.
Although it has been illustrated that the convex track segments 60 are connected together to form a 2-ring barrel track, it is appreciated that more convex track segments 60 may be added to form a 3-ring barrel track, a 4-ring barrel track, and so on.
A slot car 28, 28′ enters the route-reversing loop-shaped track 400 from an upper straight track segment 130 in an upright position, moves upwards along a concave track segment 140, around the outer slotted track surfaces of a plurality of convex track segments 150 formed in a loop, and finally upside down along lower straight track segments 130. The upper and lower straight track segments 130 are connected together in a back-to-back relationship by C-clips 420 shown in
The route-reversing loop-shaped track 400 is supported at a distance above the floor by a plurality of upright track support 422.
A pair of upright stands 516, 516, shown by phantom lines, can be connected to the opposite ends of the supporting member 512 respectively thereby supporting the track segment at a suitable distance from the floor.
Such a track support 510 can be used in supporting the 2-ring barrel track 300 as shown in
Although it has been described that the track support 510 is adapted to support a track segment in such a manner that the slotted track surface is facing downwards as shown in
Although it has been described that the track support 530 is adapted to support track segments in such a manner that the slotted track surfaces are facing downwards, it is understood that the two pairs of resilient clip members 534, 536 can be provided on an upper surface of the elongated body 532 for holding a track segment 130 with slotted track surfaces facing upwards, as illustrated in
According to the embodiment shown in
According to the embodiment shown in
Appropriate loop support 1126 and upright support 1128 can be employed to support the track 1120, 1120′ in the desired upright position.
Appropriate loop support 1136 is applied to support the track 1130 in the upright position.
Starting from straight track segments 130 at position 1, slot cars 28, 28′ are adapted to move up along two concave track segments 140 and around the outer track surfaces of a loop of four convex track segments 150 as illustrated by the arrow at position 2, down and along another concave track segment 140 as illustrated by the arrow at position 3, upside down along two convex track segments 150 as illustrated by the arrow at position 4, up another concave track segment 140 and around the outer track surfaces of another loop of four convex track segments 150 as illustrated by the arrow at position 5, and finally down and along two concave track segments 140 as illustrated by the arrow at position 6.
Suitable supports 1142 are employed to support the track 1140 in the upright position.
According to the present embodiment, slot cars 28, 28′ are adapted to enter the track from straight track segments 130 at position 1, move up along two concave track segments 140 as illustrated by the arrow at position 2, around the outer track surfaces of a loop of four convex track segments 150 as illustrated by the arrow at position 3, down along two concave track segments 140 as illustrated by the arrow at position 4, through two straight track segments 130 and up again along another two concave track segments 140 as illustrated by the arrow at position 5, further up along two convex track segments 150 as illustrated by the arrow at position 6, around the inner track surfaces of a loop of four concave track segments 140 as illustrated by the arrow at position 7, down along two convex track segments 150 as illustrated by the arrow at position 8, further down along two concave track segments 140 as illustrated by the arrow at position 9, through two more straight track segments 130 and up again along two concave track segments 140 as illustrated by the arrow at position 10, around the outer track surfaces of a loop of four convex track segments 150 as illustrated by the arrow at position 11, down along two concave track segments 140 as illustrated by the arrow at position 12, and finally exit the track through straight track segments 130 as illustrated by the arrow at position 13.
Appropriate supports (not shown) are employed to support the track 1150 in the desired upright position.
Appropriate track supports 1114 are employed to support the U-shaped track 1110 in the upright position.
Although it has been shown and described that the U-shaped track is upwardly inclining, it is understood that the U-shaped track may be oriented upside down so that the U-shaped track is downwardly inclining.
A concave track segment 1244 is pivotally connected to upright supports 1246 and is disposed at one end of the double-sided track 180. The concave track segment 1244 has a pair of guide slots 1248 provided on a concave track surface thereof which are adapted to be in registration with either the guide slots 186 on the upper 182 or lower 184 track surfaces of the double-sided track 180. The opposite ends of the guide slots 1248 are provided with stops 1250, 1252 respectively pivotable from an extended position where advancement a slot car 28, 28′ is prevented and a retracted position where advancement of a slot car is allowed.
The slot car 28, 28′ travels along the upper track surface 182 of the double-sided track 180 in the direction as indicated by the arrow. The slot car 28, 28′ passes the stop 1250 in its retracted position and moves upward along the guide slot 1248 of the concave track segment 1244 until it is stopped by the stop 1252 in its extended position. When the slot car 28, 28′ is located on the concave track segment 1244, the weight of the slot car 28, 28′ causes the concave track segment 1244 to pivot from the normal upward position, where it is biased by a weight (not shown) to a downward position represented by phantom lines. When the concave track segment 1244 is in the downward position, the stop 1250 pivots from a retracted position to an extended position so as to prevent the slot car 28, 28′ from falling out from the end of the guide slot 1248. When the concave track segment is in the downward position, the stop 1252 pivots from an extended position to a retracted position, as shown in
The route-reversing tower 1260 includes a concave track segment 1262 pivotally connected to a stand 1264 and moveable between an upward position and a downward position. A weight 1266 is employed to maintain the concave track segment 1262 in the upward position, as shown in
When a slot car 28, 28′ moves from the upper surface of the double-sided track segment 180 to the concave track segment 1262 in its upward position (step 1), the weight of the slot car 28, 28′ acts against the weight 1266 on the stand 1264 thereby swinging the concave track segment 1262 from the upward position toward the downward position (steps 2-4) where the guide slots on the concave track segment 1262 are in registration with the guide slots on the lower surface of the double-sided track segment 180, as shown in
The route-reversing tower 2100 is adapted to be slidably connected to an end of two back-to-back 1-lane track segments 2110, 2110′. The back-to-back track segments 2110, 2110′ have upwardly and downwardly facing slotted track surfaces 2112, 2112′ on which a slot car may travel.
The route-reversing tower 2100 includes a 1-lane concave track segment 2150 which is pivotally connected to a stand 2160 about a pivot pin 2162 through a pair of connecting members 2163 such that the concave track segment 2150 is moveable between an upward position, as shown in
The concave track segment 2150 has a proximal end adjacent to the back-to-back track segments 2110, 2110′ and a distal end at a distance from the back-to-back track segments. A funnel-shaped slot 2166 is provided at the proximal end of the concave track segment 2150 for smoothly receiving and guiding the guide pins 20, 22 of the slot car 28, 28′ into the T-slot 2164 of the concave track segment 2150. A pair of electrical brushes 2168, 2168 is provided at the distal end on the concave track segment 2150 and is electrically coupled to a pair of conductive rails 2116, 2116.
When a slot car 28, 28′ runs from the upper track segment 2110 of the back-to-back track segments 2110, 2110′ onto the concave track segment 2150 in its upward position, the slot car 28, 28′ stops after passing through the funnel-shaped slot 2166.
The weight of the stopped slot car 28, 28′ acts against the weight 2170 thereby swinging the concave track segment 2150 from the upward position toward the downward position where the T-slot 2164 on the concave track segment 2150 is in alignment with the T-slot 2114′ on the lower track segment 2110′. Meanwhile, the slot car is retained on the concave track segment 2150 by means of the engagement of the T-shaped guide pin 22 with a pivotable switch or stop member (not shown) located within the concave T-slot 2164 on the concave track segment 2150. The pivotable switch or stop member allows the slot car 28, 28′ to pass forwards in one direction but prevents it from moving backwards in the opposite direction.
When the concave track segment 2150 is in its downward position, the pair of electrical brushes 2168, 2168 comes into contact with the pair of conductive rails 2118, 2118 of the upper track segment 2110 thereby reconnecting the electric circuit.
When the electric circuit is reconnected, the slot car 28, 28′ moves from the concave track segment 2150 towards the lower track segment 2110′ of the back-to-back track segment 2110, 2110′ in a reverse direction. The concave track segment 2150 then moves back to the upward position under the influence of the weight 2170. This completes the route-reversing action of the slot car.
The container may be threadably engaged with a threaded portion 2176 provided at one end of the rod 2172. The weight 2170 can further be adjusted and fine-tuned by turning the container either clockwise or anticlockwise. A nut 2178 is also threadably engaged with the threaded portion 2176 and is adapted to be tightly engaged with the container thereby fixing it at a desired position relative to the rod. Although it has been shown that a thread and nut system can be used to adjust the weight, it is understood that other appropriate system, such as a ball bearing system, can also be used. The ball bearing (not shown) may be provided on the container for frictional engagement with the rod which may be provided with indentations.
FIGS. 66 to 68 show a 2-lane route-reversing tower 2600 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The 2-lane route-reversing tower 2600 is similar to the 1-lane route-reversing tower 2100 of
The 2-lane route-reversing tower 2600 is adapted to be slidably connected to an end of two back-to-back 2-lane track segments 2610, 2610′. The back-to-back track segments 2610, 2610′ have upwardly and downwardly facing slotted track surfaces on which slot cars may travel.
The route-reversing tower 2600 includes a 2-lane concave track segment 2650 which is pivotally connected to a stand 2660 about a pivot pin 2620 through a pair of connecting members 2663 such that the concave track segment 2650 is moveable between an upward position and a downward position. A weight 2670 is employed to maintain the concave track segment 2650 in the upward position where the two T-slots 2664 of the concave track segment 2650 are in alignment with the two T-slots 2614 on the upper track segment 2610 respectively. The weight 2670 is mounted on a rod member 2672 extending from the bottom surface of the concave track segment 2650.
The concave track segment 2650 has a proximal end adjacent to the back-to-back track segments 2610, 2610′ and a distal end at a distance from the back-to-back track segments. Two funnel-shaped slots 2665 are provided at the proximal end of the concave track segment 2650 for smoothly receiving and guiding the guide pins 20, 22 of the slot cars 28, 28′ into the two T-slots 2664 of the concave track segment 2650. A pair of electrical brushes 2668, 2668 is provided at the distal end of the concave track segment 2650 and is electrically coupled to each of the two pairs of conductive rails 2616, 2616.
When a slot car 28, 28′ runs from one lane of the upper 2-lane track segment 2610 and enters the concave track segment 2650, it stops after passing through the funnel-shaped slot 2665. The weight of the stopped slot car 28, 28′ acts against the weight 2670 on the stand 2660 thereby swinging the concave track segment 2650 from the upward position toward the downward position where the T-slots 2664 on the concave track segment 2650 are in alignment with the T-slots 2614′ on the lower track segment 2610′.
Meanwhile, the slot car 28, 28′ is retained on the concave track segment 2650 by means of the engagement of the T-shaped guide pin 22 with a pivotable switch or stop member (not shown) located within the concave T-slot 2664 on the concave track segment 2650. The pivotable switch or stop member allows the slot car 28, 28′ to pass forwards in one direction but prevents it from moving backwards in the opposite direction.
When the concave track segment 2650 is in its downward position, the pairs of electrical brushes 2668, 2668 come into contact with the pairs of conductive rails 2618, 2618 of the upper track segment 2610 thereby reconnecting the electric circuit.
When the electric circuit is reconnected, the slot car 28, 28′ moves from the concave track segment 2650 towards the lower track segment 2610′ in a reverse direction. The concave track segment 2650 then moves back to the upward position under the influence of the weight 2670. This completes the route-reversing action of the slot car.
The proximal ends of the track extensions 2860, 2860 are slidably connected to the sides of two back-to-back 1-lane track segments 2810, 2810′ respectively. The distal ends of the track extensions 2860, 2860 are provided with a transverse pivot pin 2862 about which a 1-lane concave track segment 2850 pivots through a pair of connecting members 2863 between an upward position and a downward position. A weight 2870 is employed to maintain the concave track segment 2850 in the upward position where the T-slot 2864 of the concave track segment 2850 is in alignment with the T-slot 2814 on the upper track segment 2810. The weight 2870 is mounted on a rod member 2872 extending from the bottom surface of the concave track segment 2850.
The concave track segment 2850 has a proximal end adjacent to the back-to-back track segments 2810, 2810′ and a distal end at a distance from the back-to-back track segments. A funnel-shaped slot 2866 is provided at the proximal end of the concave track segment 2850 for smoothly receiving and guiding the guide pins 20, 22 of the slot car 28, 28′ into the T-slot 2864 of the concave track segment 2850. As best illustrated in
When a slot car 28, 28′ runs from the upper track segment 2810 of the back-to-back track segments 2810, 2810′ onto the concave track segment 2850 in its upward position, the slot car 28, 28′ stops after passing through the funnel-shaped slot 2866. The slot car 28, 28′ is prevented from sliding backwards when the guide pin 22 is engaged with a pivotable switch or stop member located near the funnel-shaped slot 2866.
The weight of the stopped slot car 28, 28′ acts against the weight 2870 thereby swinging the concave track segment 2850 from the upward position toward the downward position where the T-slot 2864 on the concave track segment 2850 is in alignment with the T-slot on the lower track segment 2810′.
When the concave track segment 2850 is in its downward position, the pair of electrical brushes 2868, 2868 comes into contact with the pair of conductive rails 2818, 2818 of the upper track segment 2810, as shown in
When the electric circuit is reconnected, the slot car 28, 28′ moves from the concave track segment 2850 towards the lower track segment 2810′ in a reverse direction. The concave track segment 2850 then moves back to the upward position under the influence of the weight 2870. This completes the route-reversing action of the slot car.
FIGS. 72 to 74 show a double 1-lane route-reversing tower 2900 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This double 1-lane route-reversing tower 2900 is similar to the 1-lane route-reversing tower 2800 of
The double 1-lane route-reversing tower 2900 includes two side-by-side 1-lane concave track segments 2950, 2951 pivotally connected to a pair of track extensions 2960, 2960 mounted on upright stands 2962. The proximal ends of the track extensions 2960, 2960 are slidably connected respectively to the sides of back-to-back 2-lane track segments 2910, 2910′. The distal ends of the track extensions 2960, 2960 are provided with a transverse pivot pin 2963 about which the two concave track segments 2950, 2951 pivot through a pair of connecting members 2965 between an upward position and a downward position. A weight 2970 is employed to maintain each concave track segment 2950, 2951 in the upward position.
The players can assemble either a 1-lane route-reversing tower 2800 of
FIGS. 75 to 78 show a double 1-lane route-reversing tower 3000 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. This double 1-lane route-reversing tower 3000 is similar to the double 1-lane route-reversing tower 2900 of
The application of the metallic contact plates 3068 increases the stability of the track as it is easier to reconnect when the concave track segments 3050, 3051 swings to its downward position. The contact plates 3068 are more cost effective in mass production. The relocation of the upright stands 3062 increases the stability of the track during the game.
According to the present invention, slot cars 28, 28′ are adapted to move along the track assemblies 4000, 5000, and 6000 in different orientations relative to the floor without falling off the track due to gravity.
It is understood that the slot track of the present invention is compatible with existing slot tracks because the slot track can combine with conventional slot tracks without additional cost. The mechanism of the slot track could provide great flexibility in track design with relatively low development cost.
While the present invention has been shown and described with particular references to a number of preferred embodiments thereof, it should be noted that various other changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A toy object and slot track system comprising:
- (a) a plurality of track segments each having a retaining or non-retaining slot provided thereon and defining a slotted track surface;
- (b) said plurality of track segments comprising straight and curved track segments connectable to form straight and curved tracks with slotted track surfaces facing upwards and/or downwards, and concave/convex track segments connectable to form at least one loop-shaped track with concave/convex slotted track surfaces facing inwards and/or outwards; and
- (c) at least one toy object having first and second protruding pins receivable in and slidable along said retaining or non-retaining slot, at least one of said first and second protruding pins having a free end portion retainable within said retaining slot.
2. A toy object and slot track system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one loop-shaped track is a spiral track, barrel-shaped track, figure-8 shaped track, U-shaped track, or route-reversing loop track.
3. A toy object and slot track system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a route diverging/converging track segment.
4. A toy object and slot track system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a track segment with a twisted track surface.
5. A toy object and slot track system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an upwardly or downwardly inclining U-shaped track.
6. A toy object and slot track system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising track segments arranged in a back-to-back relationship with slotted track surfaces facing opposite directions.
7. A toy object and slot track system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each track segment has two continuous retaining slots provided on one surface thereof.
8. A toy object and slot track system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each track segment has at least one continuous retaining slot provided on one surface thereof, and at least one continuous retaining slot provided on the other surface thereof opposite to said one surface.
9. A toy object and slot track system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said toy object further comprises a motor and a magnet operatively coupled to a pair of conductive rails extending along said retaining slot.
10. A toy object and slot track system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second protruding pins extend from an underside of said toy object.
11. A toy object and slot track system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second protruding pins extend from lateral sides of said toy object respectively.
12. A toy object and slot track system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said first and second protruding pins has a free end portion retainable within said retaining slot.
13. A toy object and slot track system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said retaining slot and said free end portion are generally T-shaped.
14. A toy object and route-reversing track system comprising:
- (a) a first track segment having a first retaining slot provided on an upper surface thereof and a second retaining slot provided on a lower surface thereof,
- (b) a second track segment having a third retaining slot provided on a concave surface thereof, said second track segment being pivotable between a first position where one end of said third retaining slot is in registration with said first retaining slot and a second position where the other end of said third retaining slot is in registration with said second retaining slot; and
- (c) a toy object having first and second protruding pins receivable in and slidable along said first, second, and third retaining slots, at least one of said first and second protruding pins having a free end portion retainable within said first, second, and third retaining slots.
15. A toy object and route-reversing track system as claimed in claim 14 further comprising a weight for biasing said second pivotable track segment in said first position.
16. A toy object and route-reversing track system as claimed in claim 15 wherein said weight takes the form of a container containing a plurality of objects adapted for weight adjustment.
17. A toy object and route-reversing track system as claimed in claim 14 further comprising a funnel-shaped slot provided at said one end of said third retaining slot, a pair of electrical contacts provided at said other end of said third retaining slot, and a pair of conductive rails electrically coupled to said pair of electrical contacts and extending along said third retaining slot except for said funnel-shaped slot, wherein said pair of electrical contacts is electrically coupled to a pair of conductive rails provided along said first retaining slot when said second track segment is in said second position.
18. A toy object and route-reversing track system as claimed in claim 14 wherein each of said first and second protruding pins has a free end portion retainable within said retaining slots.
19. A toy object and route-reversing track system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said retaining slot and said free end portion are generally T-shaped.
20. A toy object and route-reversing track system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said first track segment is supported at a distance above a floor by means of a stand, and said second track segment is pivotable about a pivot pin coupled to said stand.
21. A toy object and route-reversing track system comprising:
- (a) a first track segment having a first retaining slot provided on a surface facing upward;
- (b) a second track segment having a second retaining slot provided on a surface facing downward, said first and second track segments being connected together;
- (c) a third track segment having a third retaining slot provided on a concave surface thereof, said third track segment being pivotable between a first position where one end of said third retaining slot is in registration with said first retaining slot and a second position where the other end of said third retaining slot is in registration with said second retaining slot; and
- (d) a toy object having first and second protruding pins receivable in and slidable along said first, second, and third retaining slots, at least one of said first and second protruding pins having a free end portion retainable within said first, second, and third retaining slots.
22. A slot track system for a toy object comprising: a plurality of track segments each having a retaining or non-retaining slot provided thereon and defining a slotted track surface; said plurality of track segments comprising straight and curved track segments connectable to form straight and curved tracks with slotted track surfaces facing upwards and/or downwards, and concave/convex track segments connectable to form at least one loop-shaped track with concave/convex slotted track surfaces facing inwards and/or outwards; and said plurality of track segments being configured to allow at least one toy object moving along said straight and curved tracks and said at least one loop-shaped track.
23. A slot track system of claim 22, wherein said at least one loop-shaped track is a spiral track, barrel-shaped track, figure-8 shaped track, U-shaped track, or route-reversing loop track.
24. A slot track system of claim 22, further comprising a route diverging/converging track segment.
25. A slot track system of claim 22, further comprising a track segment with a twisted track surface.
26. A slot track system of claim 22, further comprising an upwardly or downwardly inclining U-shaped track.
27. A slot track system of claim 22, further comprising track segments arranged in a back-to-back relationship with slotted track surfaces facing opposite directions.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 11, 2006
Publication Date: Mar 15, 2007
Applicant: Artin Industrial Co. Ltd. (Hong Kong)
Inventor: Danny Ngai (Hong Kong)
Application Number: 11/530,479
International Classification: E01B 23/00 (20060101);