Toy roller coaster assembly
An embodiment of the present invention provides a toy roller coaster assembly having magnetically attachable track sections and an integrated audiovisual system. The assembly can include a magnetic lift, a magnetic bridge, and a magnetic U-turn. A controller can control the frequency by which a magnetic lift delivers balls to an uppermost track section and can produce audio and/or visual effects in response to signals from sensors that detect passing balls. Joint members of the assembly can magnetically connect the track sections to each other and to a plurality of vertical supports, to provide a variety of configurations. The controller can generate voice and music samples, sound effects, graphic displays, animation sequences, and video clips in conjunction with the motion of the balls through the circuit of the roller coaster assembly.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/756,265, filed Jan. 4, 2006, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to toy roller coaster assemblies. More particularly, the present invention relates to a toy roller coaster assembly having magnetically attachable track sections, metallic balls for travel thereon, and a variety of structural and audiovisual features.
2. Background of the Invention
Toy roller coaster assemblies are known in the toy and model fields. Such toy assemblies may include a variety of interlocking track pieces, support and connection means for building a roller coaster from the track pieces, and a small object such as a marble or ball, which is conveyed along the tracks of the roller coaster. Assemblies having multiple interchangeable elements are especially desirable, as such toys engage children's creativity and ingenuity. Toy roller coaster assemblies may further include special structural features that enhance their visual appearance and create exciting effects when the ball engages the feature. These features may include, for example, a “loop-the-loop” track section or a ball drop.
Notwithstanding these special structural features, toy designers are continually in search of new features that can enhance the visual and audio impact of toy roller coaster assemblies to provide interesting, interactive, and captivating play patterns.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a toy roller coaster assembly with visually striking magnetic features and with an integrated audiovisual system. More particularly, the roller coaster assembly can include magnetically attachable track sections of different shapes, including special track sections such as a “loop-the-loop,” a ball drop, a magnetic bridge, and a magnetic U-turn; metallic balls that travel on the track sections; and an audiovisual system that that produces audio and visual effects when activated by the motion of the balls. Joint members can magnetically connect the track sections to each other and to a plurality of vertical supports, thereby facilitating a wide array of possible configurations. The audiovisual system can include a controller, a plurality of sensors positioned throughout the roller coaster assembly, and audio and video output devices. The audiovisual system is programmed to output voice and music samples, sound effects, graphic displays, animation sequences and video clips in conjunction with the motion of the balls through the circuit of the roller coaster assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFor a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Referring now to
Referring now to
As shown in
Referring again to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Now referring to
Still referring to
Reference is now made to
Still referring to
Construction of the roller coaster assembly 10 may begin by connecting the disks 24 on proximate ends of the rods 22 of one of the track sections 12 to the respective disks 30 on the corresponding ends of the rods 26 of one of the joint members 16. As previously described, at least one of the mating disks 24, 30 is made of a magnetic material, and the other one is either made of a magnetically conductive metal, or is also made of a magnetic material. Another of the track sections 12 may then be similarly connected to the opposite proximate ends of the rods 26 of the same joint member 16 (see
The interconnected track sections 12 (and/or special track sections) are then suspended by way of clipping each of the cuff members 32 of the joint members 16 onto a respective vertical support 14 at a point intermediate the upper and lower ends 34, 36 of the vertical support 14 (the lower ends 36 of the vertical supports 14 should already have been secured within the respective tubes 40 of the bases 38 at this time). The top and bottom rollers 50, 52 of the lift track assembly 20 may then be positioned adjacent to, or attached to the track sections 12 suspended at the top T and bottom B of the roller coaster assembly 10, respectively (see
Once the structural elements of the roller coaster assembly 10 have been interconnected as described above, the audiovisual system components may be set up. More particularly, each of the sensors 44 is secured to one of the track sections 12 or to one of the vertical supports 14. The controller 66, the audio output device 68 and the video output device 70 (some or all of which may be contained in one housing), are positioned proximate the assembled structural elements, within signal transmission range of the plurality of the sensors 44 (see
In operation, the power source(s) for the controller 66, the sensors 44, the audio output device 68, the video output device 70, and the LED lights 46 is/are activated. The battery-powered internal motor of the lift track assembly 20 is started, which rotates the top and bottom rollers 50, 52 (as indicated by arrows C in
Immediately after negotiating the top roller 50, the belt 56 and magnets 58 begin a descent towards the bottom roller 52. Simultaneously, the balls 18 reach the top T of the roller coaster assembly 10 and roll onto the adjacent track section 12, thereby separating the balls 18 from the lift track assembly 20. Due to gravitational force, the balls 18 then descend along the track sections 12, as indicated by arrow D in
It should be appreciated that the present invention provides numerous advantages over conventional toy roller coaster assemblies discussed above. For instance, the inclusion of LED lights 46 and the audiovisual system enhance the aesthetic appearance of the roller coaster assembly 10, and add a sonic/musical dimension to the action of the balls 18, making it more attractive to children.
Another advantage of the present invention is the ability of the controller 66 to mix and match signals from the sensors 44 to an exhaustive selection of voice and song samples, sound effects, graphic displays, animation sequences, and video clips, all of which may be programmed into the controller 66. The extensive variety of audiovisual outputs, combined with the many possible structural configurations make possible a virtually infinite number of variations and combinations of the sight, sound, and operation of the roller coaster assembly 10.
It will be understood that the embodiment described herein is merely exemplary, and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such variations, for example, include the sizes and materials of the various structural components of the roller coaster assembly 10. The magnets 58 affixed to the belt 56 in the lift track assembly 20 may be embedded within the belt 56 instead or on a side of belt 56 opposite to the side on which the magnets are shown in
Referring to
In one implementation of the present invention, track sections 120 are assembled magnetically, with at least one magnet or ferromagnetic element disposed at each end of a track section. Preferably, as shown in
The rods 220 are pre-formed in any number of shapes and sizes suitable for conveying balls 180, including straight sections, curved sections, and circular or looped sections. The rods 220 are preferably made of plastic over which a thin layer of metal is deposited by vacuum metallization. A transparent topcoat can be applied over the metallic coating to improve its abrasion resistance and protect it against environmental influences, such as humidity. The rods 22 can range in length from approximately two inches to approximately six inches. Each rod 22 can be, for example, ¼″ in diameter, which can accommodate an approximately ½″ diameter ball without impeding the ball.
In magnetically assembling coaster assembly 100, track sections 120 can be connected directly to each other. Alternatively, track sections 120 can be connected using joint members 160, which also enable the connection of track sections 120 to vertical supports 140 to achieve different elevations for each of the track sections 120. As shown in
Alternatively or in addition to the interference fit, the C-shaped members 320 can include a projection 321 configured to engage cooperating projections 323 on a vertical support (as shown in
As shown in
Lift track assembly 200 could operate with belt 204 and its magnets 205 exposed. However, to provide the visually striking appearance of balls 180 magically traveling up a vertical column, an embodiment of the present invention covers the belt 204 with belt housing covers 207. Covers 207 can be made of a thin, smooth non-magnetic material that does not interfere with the magnetic coupling between the magnetic belt and the ferromagnetic balls, and enables the balls 180 to freely travel. By using a magnet and a ball (as opposed to some other toy vehicle), the ball freely rolls over the cover and contributes to the illusion that the toy object is rolling upward by itself. To complete the finished appearance of assembly 200 and protect its moving parts, assembly 200 can also include end caps 208.
An embodiment of the present invention provides a ball separator 202 that controls the passage of balls 180 onto lift track assembly 200. As shown in the exploded view of
Proximate to the exit end of track section 1200, ball arch 1212 is connected to the pairs of rods of the track section 1200. Ball arch 1212 spans the rods and is sized and shaped to lightly contact the balls 180 as they pass through the arch 1212. The friction created by this light contact slows the balls down and prevents them from bumping into each other and interfering with the transfer of balls onto the lift track assembly 200. The size, shape, and material of the ball arch 1212 can be adjusted to provide the friction appropriate for good operation of the ball separator 202.
Beyond the arch 1212, ball spacer 1206 is pivotably connected to track section 1200 so that it can pivot into and out of the path of the balls, for example, pivoting from below, from the side, or from above the ball path. In this example, ball spacer 1206 pivots from below the rods and can rise into the path of the balls. Ball spacer 1206 contains ball separator magnet 1208 and is preferably biased (e.g., by a spring or by gravity) to remain below the rods. When a ferromagnetic ball passes over the magnet 1208, the magnetic attraction between the ball and the magnet 1208 lifts the projecting member of the ball spacer 1206 above the rods, which separates the ball from the other balls lined up behind the ball waiting to enter the lift track assembly 200. When the lift track assembly 200 pulls the ball off of the ball separator 202, the ball spacer 1206 pivots back down, which removes the projecting member from the ball path and allows the next ball to pass over the rods and above the magnet 1208. This process then repeats for each ball. As shown in
Referring again to
Upper and lower connectors 1406 can include magnetic or ferromagnetic components for connecting magnetic U-turn 606 to other track sections as described above. Caps 1408 can seal such components inside connectors 1404 and 1406. Connectors 1404 and 1406 can also include means for connecting magnetic U-turn 606 to vertical supports 140, such as the C-shaped members 1412 shown in
In operation, magnetic U-turn 606 transfers a ball traveling on an upper track section in one direction, to a lower track on which the ball travels in the opposite direction. As the ball travels onto the rod section 1400, the magnet 1402 holds the ball against the rods as ball rolls around the U-turn. When the ball rolls around to the lower part of the rod section 1400, the magnetic attraction diminishes and allows the ball to drop from the rods while it is still traveling in generally the reverse direction. The ball drops from the lower part of the rod section 1400 and lands on a lower track section (such as section 1414 in
As shown in
In one aspect of the invention, controller 250 plays background music while the assembly 100 is in operation, with the lift track assembly 200 revolving and lifting balls to the highest track section. The user can then add beats or other musical effects to the background music by placing sensors 251 along the track, which activate the beat or effect when a ball passes by. The user can change the background music and the music effects using the controller 250. The controller 250 can also provide a “shuffle mode” in which the user's musical settings are randomly reconfigured.
Controller 250 can include an integrated speaker, a headphone jack and headphones, lights, and a display panel, for generating the audiovisual effects. Sensors 251 can be magnetic, optical (e.g., infrared), or mechanical (e.g., spring lever switch), or can use any other means appropriate for detecting the passing balls.
In a further aspect of the present invention, a toy roller coaster assembly includes track sections formed from bendable, repositionable rods. In this manner, a user can create any desired track configuration as long as two corresponding pairs of rods are shaped to adequately carry the balls. The bendable rods can be separate pieces that are joined by connectors (such as the embodiment of
In a further aspect of the present invention, the balls 180 are magnetic in addition to or instead of the components of the toy roller coaster assembly. For example, in one embodiment, a lift track assembly could provide a ferromagnetic belt that attracts and carries magnetic balls. As another example, magnetic balls could adhere to the ferromagnetic rods of a track section.
The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims, and by their equivalents.
Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A toy roller coaster assembly comprising:
- a ball;
- a plurality of track sections including an upper track section and a lower track section; and
- a lift track assembly comprising a lower end proximate the lower track section, an upper end proximate the upper track section, and a rotating belt configured to magnetically carry the ball from the lower track section to the upper track section.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the ball is ferromagnetic, wherein the belt contains a plurality of magnets longitudinally spaced apart along the belt, and wherein a magnet of the magnets carries the ball.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the lift track assembly further comprises a housing cover over the belt, wherein the magnet holds the ball to the cover and the ball rolls over the cover and up the lift track assembly.
4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the lift track assembly further comprises at least one pulley around which the belt rotates, wherein the at least one pulley defines a recess in its outer surface over which the belt travels, wherein the belt has an interior face and an exterior face, wherein the plurality of magnets is disposed on the interior face of the belt, and wherein the magnets pass through the recess as the belt passes over the at least one pulley.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lift track assembly comprises a straight vertical member standing on a horizontal surface, and wherein the lift track assembly carries the ball in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal surface.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the ball is one of ferromagnetic and magnetic,
- wherein the assembly further comprises a ball spacer pivotably connected to the lower track section,
- wherein the ball spacer has a projecting member that is biased to remain removed from the ball path of the lower track section in a first pivot position and is adapted to project into the ball path of the lower track section in a second pivot position, and
- wherein the ball spacer contains a magnet that pivots the ball spacer to the second pivot position when the ball passes the ball spacer, such that the projecting member is in the ball path between the ball and a successive ball.
7. The assembly of claim 6, further comprising an arch connected over the lower track section, the arch adapted to contact and slow the ball traveling on the lower track section before the ball reaches the ball spacer.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each track section of the plurality of track sections comprises a pair of spaced apart rods and at least one magnet disposed at each end of the each track section, for joining the plurality of track sections.
9. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising:
- a vertical support;
- a joint member adjustably attached to the vertical support, the joint member containing a magnet and having a first face and a second face opposite the first face,
- wherein a first track section of the plurality of track sections magnetically adheres to the first face,
- wherein a second track section of the plurality of track sections magnetically adheres to the second face,
- wherein the magnet of the first track section, the magnet of the joint member, and the magnet of the second track section alternate in polarity.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the joint member has a projection, and wherein the vertical support has a plurality of incremental projections on any of which the projection of the joint member can be placed to set an elevation of the joint member.
11. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the rods can be bent into different positions.
12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a track section of the plurality of track sections comprises:
- an entry track portion;
- an exit track portion; and
- a magnetic rod section suspended over and connecting the entry track section to the exit track portion,
- wherein the ball is one of magnetic and ferromagnetic, and
- wherein the ball rolls over the entry track portion, magnetically suspends from and rolls along the magnetic rod, and drops off of the magnetic rod and onto the exit track portion.
13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the ball is one of magnetic and ferromagnetic, and wherein a track section of the plurality of track sections comprises:
- an entry track portion;
- an exit track portion longitudinally spaced apart a distance from the entry track portion;
- a first bracket attached to the entry track portion;
- a second bracket attached to the exit track portion; and
- a magnetic rod having a first end connected to the first bracket and a second end connected to the second bracket, the rod suspended over and spanning the distance between the entry track portion and the exit track portion.
14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the entry and exit track portions each have an open end disposed under the rod, wherein the open end curves away from the rod.
15. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the magnetic rod comprises a ferromagnetic rod in magnetic communication with a magnet disposed in at least one of a housing of the first bracket and a housing of the second bracket.
16. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the entry track portion and the exit track portion each comprise a pair of spaced apart rods, and wherein the first and second brackets center the rod over the spaced apart rods, longitudinally in between the spaced apart rods.
17. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the ball is one of magnetic and ferromagnetic, and wherein a track section of the plurality of track sections comprises:
- a U-shaped track section having an outer surface over which the ball rolls, the outer surface transitioning from a horizontal position, to a vertical position, and to an upside down horizontal position; and
- a magnet disposed inside the U-shaped track section, wherein the magnet holds the ball to the outer surface in the vertical position such that the ball rolls around the U-shaped track and drops from the U-shaped track section to a lower track section of the plurality of track sections.
18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the U-shaped track section comprises a pair of spaced apart U-shaped rods and a housing connecting the rods, wherein the magnet is disposed inside the housing.
19. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
- a plurality of balls;
- a sensor proximate to a track section of the plurality of track sections, wherein the sensor detects passage of a ball of the plurality of balls and sends a signal; and
- a controller in communication with the sensor, wherein the controller receives the signal and, in response, produces one of an audio effect and a visual effect.
20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the controller controls the speed at which the belt rotates.
21. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the controller is adapted to receive and play digital media content from an external source.
22. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a trampoline track section of the plurality of track sections comprises an entry track portion and exit track portion connected by a trampoline portion, wherein the trampoline track section is configured such that the ball rolls over the entry track portion, drops off of the entry track portion, bounces on the trampoline portion, lands on the exit track portion, and continues on rolling on the exit track section.
23. A toy roller coaster assembly comprising:
- a ferromagnetic ball;
- a plurality of track sections including a lowermost track section and an uppermost track section;
- a lift track assembly having a bottom end proximate the lowermost track section and a top end proximate the uppermost track section, the lift track assembly comprising at least one pulley, a magnetic belt rotating around the at least one pulley, a housing cover covering the belt, wherein the magnetic belt attracts the ball, holds the ball against the cover, and pulls the ball up along the cover such that the ball rolls along the cover from the lowermost track section to the uppermost track section;
- a vertical support; and
- a joint member adjustably attached to the vertical support, the joint member having a first face and a second face and a first magnet disposed between the first face and the second face,
- wherein a first track section of the plurality of track sections comprises a pair of spaced apart rods having a second magnet at an end of the first track section,
- wherein a second track section of the plurality of track sections comprises a pair of spaced apart rods having a third magnet at an end of the second track section,
- wherein the first magnet and the second magnet hold the first track section to the first face of the joint member,
- wherein the first magnet and the third magnet hold the second track section to the second face of the joint member,
- wherein the second magnet, the first magnet, and the third magnet alternate in polarity, and
- wherein the first track section, the joint member, and the second track section provide continuous surfaces over which the ball rolls.
24. A toy roller coaster assembly comprising:
- a plurality of ferromagnetic balls;
- a plurality of track sections including a lowermost track section and an uppermost track section;
- a lift track assembly having a bottom end proximate the lowermost track section and a top end proximate the uppermost track section, the lift track assembly comprising at least one pulley, a magnetic belt that magnetically carries the balls from the lowermost track section to the uppermost track section;
- a first sensor that detects passage of a ball at a first location on the toy roller coaster assembly and, in response, sends a first signal;
- a second sensor that detects passage of a ball at a second location on the toy roller coaster assembly and, in response, sends a second signal;
- a controller in communication with the lift track assembly, the first sensor, and the second sensor, wherein the controller comprises an output device, wherein the output device provides one of audio output and visual output, wherein the controller controls the speed of the belt, wherein, in response to the first signal, the controller generates a first effect, wherein the first effect is one of an audio effect and a visual effect, and wherein, in response to the second signal, the controller generates a second effect different from the first effect, wherein the second effect is one of an audio effect and a visual effect.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 3, 2007
Publication Date: Sep 13, 2007
Inventors: Ans Beaulieu (Montreal), Martin Pierre (L'elise Ville de Lemoyne), Steve Ross (St-Jacques), Guillaume Guyader (Verdun), Jonathan Jaget (Montclair, NJ)
Application Number: 11/648,577
International Classification: A63G 7/00 (20060101);