MODEL CAR WHEEL AXLE SECURING PLATE

Abstract

A device for securing or stabilizing wheel axles in model cars having a body, wheels, axle slots and axles connecting the wheels to the body via the axle slots, the device having a generally flat and generally planar plate and a rib extending generally normal to the plate, with the rib being sized to fit within the axle slots and to cooperate with the axles to hold the axles more securely in place in the axle slots.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention generally is related to devices and accessories for making and building model vehicles, and more specifically is related to devices and accessories for securing, stabilizing and aligning the wheel axles of model vehicles such as the wooden toy automobile kits and other wood gravity race cars, and for adding weight to such vehicles.

2. Prior Art

According to the Boy Scouts of America, the PINEWOOD DERBY® hobby craft automobile racing competition is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. PINEWOOD DERBY® wooden toy automobile kit cars are small wooden models that Cub Scouts make with help from their families. Then they race the cars in competition. The cars are powered by gravity and run down a track. Most packs have a PINEWOOD DERBY® hobby craft automobile racing competition every year. It can be run indoors or outdoors. Every boy can design and build his own “grand prix” car to enter in the race.

The basic PINEWOOD DERBY® wooden toy automobile kit comprises a pine wood block, four wheels, and four nails to attach the wheels to the wood block. The nails act as the wheel axles. The boys can carve and paint the wood block as they desire to make a custom car body. One of the rules of the PINEWOOD DERBY® hobby craft automobile racing competition is that each finished car can weigh no more than a certain weight. Thus, the boys generally are free to design their cars as they please, so long as the cars weigh less than the set weight and are powered only by gravity.

An entire cottage industry has grown up around the PINEWOOD DERBY® wooden toy automobile kit cars and the PINEWOOD DERBY® hobby craft automobile racing competitions. Various retailers offer specialty tools for building the cars, speed supplies for making the cars faster, pre-cut blocks to reduce the time to make a car, alternative wheels and axles, paints and decals to change or improve the aesthetics of the cars, plans for carving various car designs, weights for bringing the car up to the weight limit, and a myriad of other products and services for making the cars better, or to come purists, worse.

One issue that many boys have is keeping the wheels on the car and keeping the wheels straight. The typical wood block has standard axle slots into which the nails that act as the wheel axles can fit. The nails can wiggle within these axle slots, thus allowing the wheels to move up or down, or otherwise move out of alignment, causing the car to run slower or not at all. For example, if the axle angles upwards too much, the wheel can rub against the wood block, causing friction and slowing the car. Currently the manner for avoiding this problem is not to use the axle slots, but to drill axle holes. However, as the axle holes need to be near the edge of the block, there can be a tendency for the axle holes to chip, thus allowing the axle nails to wiggle as well. Thus, there is a need for a device to help reduce or eliminate the tendency for the axle nails to wiggle or move out of alignment.

Another issue that many cars have is weighing less than the maximum allowed weight. As the PINEWOOD DERBY® hobby craft automobile racing competitions are gravity powered, the heavier the car, the better. Thus, it is preferable to have the car weigh as close to the maximum allowable weight as possible. Although there are many weights and other devices for adding weight to the cars, these often involve drilling holes in the wood block and filling the holes with heavier materials or by attaching weights or other devices to the car bodies. This can affect the structural integrity and the aesthetics of the car. Thus, there is a need for a device to add weight to the car that does not adversely affect the structural integrity or aesthetics of the car.

There are many benefits to the reduction or elimination of the tendency for the axle nails to wiggle or move out of alignment. As mentioned previously, this can reduce friction, thus increasing the speed of the car. This also can reduce or eliminate the chipping or wearing of the axle slots. However, there are few if any devices that provide a comprehensive solution to the problem of dealing with axle nail movement. There also are many benefits to adding weight to the car. As mentioned above, this can help the car to achieve its fastest speed.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device that provides for the remediation of axle nail movement. There also is a need for a device that provides for the remediation of chipping and widening of axle slots. There is a further need for a device to add weight to the car without adversely affecting the structural integrity or aesthetics of the car. There is an additional need for a device that can accomplish two or more of the previously mentioned needs at the same time. There likewise is a need for a device that is easy to use, and simple and economical to manufacture to address one or more off these needs. It is to these needs and others that the present invention is directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention is a model car wheel axle securing and/or stabilizing plate for use in helping to secure and/or stabilize the wheel axle nails in model cars to the wood block body and for adding weight to such vehicles. The inventive device is an undercarriage plate that is secured to a wood block car body enabling the nail axles to be inserted straight and in a secure manner. The typical wood block car body has axle slots running transversely across the bottom of the wood block into which the axle nails fit. The inventive device also can be used to fix cracked wood block edges, especially the edges proximal to the axle slots, and to protect the axle slots prior to cutting, carving, sanding, and finishing a wood gravity race car.

The inventive device comprises a generally flat horizontal plate having an upwardly extending vertical rib that fits within the axle slot and that cooperates with the axle nails to hold them more securely in place. The plate can be any size, shape and thickness as long as it fits within the outer boundaries or footprint of the wood block so as not to interfere with the functioning of the wheels or the car and so as not to contact the race track. The rib size and shape is constrained by the size and shape of the axle slot, as the rib must both fit within the axle slot and leave some space for the axle nails. The inventive device can be made of any material, from lightweight materials if securing the axle nails is the primary function to heavyweight materials if adding weight to the car is an additional desired function. The inventive device can be attached to the wood block in most any fashion, from friction to removable fasteners to permanent adhesives.

In one illustrative embodiment, the plate is a dog bone or dumbbell shaped structure having a plurality of holes through which screws can pass to attach the inventive device to the wood block. In this embodiment, the plate is approximately 1.675 inches (4 cm) long, 0.75 inches (2 cm) wide, and 0.125 inches (0.5 cm) thick. In this embodiment, the rib is a step like structure extending lengthwise along the center of the plate with a lower height closer to the edges of the plate and a higher height closer to the center of the plate. In this embodiment, the lower height step fits within the axle slots proximal and preferably contacting the shafts of the axle nails and the higher height step fits within the axle slots between the axle nails and can contact the points of the axle nails. In this embodiment, the rib is approximately 1.5 inches (3.75 cm) long, with the higher height step comprising approximately the center 0.75 inches (2 cm) of the rib structure, and 0.0625 inches (0.25 cm) thick, which is the approximate thickness of the axle slot on the wood block. In this embodiment, the lower height step is approximately 0.04 inches (0.1 cm) high and the higher height step is approximately 0.125 inches (0.5 cm) high, which is the approximate depth of the axle slot on the wood block. In this embodiment, the inventive device is manufactured from a lightweight polypropylene.

These features, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pine block to which the present invention can be attached showing common axle slots.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pine block showing alternative axle holes.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a first side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a second side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment.

FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of an embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment along line A-A of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of another embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment along line A-A of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of another embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment along line A-A of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a sectional side view of another embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment along line A-A of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment.

FIG. 15 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is side view of an alternative embodiment of the rib of the invention.

FIG. 20 is side view of another alternative embodiment of the rib of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pine wood block to which the present invention can be attached showing common axle slots. This wood block is the typical wood block used to produce the body of the car. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pine block showing alternative axle holes. This wood block often is an altered version of the wood block shown in FIG. 1 with the axle holes drilled on the opposite edges of the wood block.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an illustrative embodiment of the invention having a dog bone or dumbbell shaped plate. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 illustrating a stepped embodiment of the rib. FIG. 5 is a first side view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 showing the central lengthwise placement of the stepped rib. FIG. 6 is a second side view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 showing the central widthwise placement of the rib.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an illustrative embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment, namely attached to the bottom of a wood block used to make a gravity race car. FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of an embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment as shown in FIG. 7 illustrating a first manner of interaction of the invention with the nail axles. FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of another embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment as shown in FIG. 7 illustrating a second manner of interaction of the invention with the nail axles. FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of another embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment as shown in FIG. 7 illustrating a linear rib and a third manner of interaction of the invention with the nail axles. FIG. 11 is a sectional side view of another embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment as shown in FIG. 7 illustrating a discontinuous rib and fourth manner of interaction of the invention with a straight axle.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention in which two of the invention are used in an illustrative environment and in which the inventions double as an additional adjustable weight. FIG. 13 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention in which two of the inventions are used in an illustrative environment and in which one of the inventions doubles as an additional adjustable weight. FIG. 14 is a plan view of another embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment in which a single elongated version of the invention cooperates with both axle slots and can double as an additional weight.

FIG. 15 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention in which the plate is a curved or chevron like shape. FIG. 16 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention in which the plate is rectangular or a rounded rectangle in shape. FIG. 17 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention in which the plate has an extended side that can add additional weight to the car. FIG. 18 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention in which the plate does not have attachment holes and that can be attached to the wood block using friction or adhesives.

FIG. 19 is side view of an alternative embodiment of the rib of the invention showing a linear rib. FIG. 20 is side view of another alternative embodiment of the rib of the invention showing a discontinuous rib.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a wood block 12 to which the present inventive device 10 can be attached showing common axle slots 14 is shown. The typical wood block 12 used in wood block gravity race cars is a hexahedron having a length of 7 inches (17.5 cm), a width of 1.75 inched (4.5 cm), and a height of 1.25 inches (3 cm). All of these dimensions (and the conversions) are approximate and the wood block 12 can be of any desired size and shape, with the device 10 proportioned accordingly. The typical wood block 12 has standard axle slots 14 into which the nails 16 (see FIGS. 7-9) that act as the wheel axles can fit. The nails 16 can wiggle within these axle slots 14, thus allowing the wheels 18 (see FIGS. 7-9) to move up or down, or otherwise move out of alignment, causing the car to run slower or not at all. For example, if the wheel axle angles upwards too much, the wheel 18 can rub against the wood block 12, causing friction and slowing the car.

Axle slots 14 typically run the width of the bottom face 20 of the wood block 12 from the first side 22 to the second side 24 transverse to the preferred direction of motion, represented by arrow M. Axle slots 14 typically are 0.0625 inches (0.25 cm) wide and 0.125 inches (0.5 cm) deep and are cut into wood block 12 in any known or conventional manner. Axle slots are sized to cooperate with the typical nail 16 used as the wheel axle, which is a nail 16 having a length of approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm) and a diameter of approximately 0.085 inches (0.2 cm).

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a block 12 showing alternative axle holes 26 is shown. One manner for avoiding the wiggling or angling of the nails 16 used for the wheel axles is not to use the axle slots 14, but to drill axle holes 26. Axle holes 26 are just round holes drilled into the sides 22, 24 of the wood block 12 into which the nails 16 are placed. The axle holes 26 have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the nails 16. If the axle holes 26 are used, the device 10 is not necessary.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a top view of an embodiment of the device 10 is shown. The device 10 comprises a generally flat and generally planar (horizontal) plate 28 having a rib 30 (see FIGS. 4-6) extending generally normal (perpendicular, vertical) to the plate 28 and that that fits within the axle slot 14 and that cooperates with the axle nails 16 to hold the axle nails 16 more securely in place in the axle slots 14. The plate 28 can be any size, shape and thickness as long as it fits within the outer boundaries or footprint of the wood block 12 so as not to interfere with the functioning of the wheels 18 or the car and so as not to contact the race track. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the plate 28 is a dog bone or dumbbell shaped structure having a plurality of holes 32 through which screws 34 (see FIG. 7) or other attachment means can pass to attach the device 10 to the wood block 12.

As the wood block 12 is 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) wide, the plate 28 has a preferred maximum length of 1.75 inches (4.5 cm). In preferred embodiments, the plate 28 has a length of between approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm) and 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) and more preferably between approximately 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) and 1.75 inches (4.5 cm). The plate 28 preferably has a width that accommodates the width of the axle slot 14 and the holes 32, where the holes 32 are present. Thus, in the dog bone or dumbbell embodiment, the plate 28 has a preferred width of between approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) and 1 inch (2.54 cm) and more preferably between approximately 0.625 inches (1.6 cm) and 0.875 inches (2.2 cm). Further, the plate 28 can have varying widths, as illustrated in FIG. 3, with a narrower width in the center or where there are no holes 32 and a wider width at the ends or where there are holes 32. In an illustrative embodiment, the plate 28 is approximately 1.675 inches (4 cm) long, 0.75 inches (2 cm) wide, and 0.125 inches (0.5 cm) thick. The size and shape of the plate 28 can be varied depending on the size and shape of the wood block 12, and these dimensions are merely illustrative.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a bottom view of the embodiment of the device 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 shown. This view illustrates a preferred placement of the rib 30 relative to the plate 28 and the relative dimensions of the rib 30. The rib 30 size and shape is constrained by the size and shape of the axle slot 14, as the rib 30 must both fit within the axle slot 14 and leave some space for the axle nails 16. As shown in FIG. 4, the rib 30 extends centrally along the length of the plate 28 from proximal to a first end of the plate 28 to proximal to a second end of the plate 28. Although the rib 30 can extend from end to end on the plate 28, it has been found that this is not necessary.

The rib 30 has a preferred maximum length of 1.75 inches (4.5 cm). In preferred embodiments, the rib 30 has a length of between approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) and 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) and more preferably between approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) and 1.5 inches (3.8 cm). The rib 30 preferably has a width that accommodates the width of the axle slot 14, that is, approximately 0.0625 inches (0.16 cm). However, the rib 30 can be thinner. Further, the rib 30 can have varying widths, with a narrower width in the center where the rib 30 may not encounter the axle nails 16 and a wider width at the ends where it may encounter the axle nails 16. In an illustrative embodiment, the rib 30 is approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long and 0.0625 inches (0.16 cm) thick. The size and shape of the rib 30 can be varied depending on the size and shape of the wood block 12 and the axle slot 14, and these dimensions are merely illustrative.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a first side view of an embodiment of the device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is shown showing the profile of the rib 30 in more detail. In this embodiment, the rib 30 is a step like structure extending lengthwise across a portion and/or along the center of the plate 28 with a lower height closer to the edges of the plate 28 and a higher height closer to the center of the plate 28. In this embodiment, the lower height step 36 fits within the axle slots 14 proximal and preferably contacting the shafts 40 of the axle nails 16 and the higher height step 38 fits within the axle slots 14 between the axle nails 16 and can contact the points 42 of the axle nails 16. As shown in FIGS. 8, 9,16, and 17 and disclosed in more detail later, the central portion 44 of the rib 30 corresponding to the higher height step 38 can be even with the lower height step 36, completely removed, or any height in between.

The higher height step 38 preferably has a height of between approximately 0 inches (0 cm) and 0.125 inches (0.5 cm) and more preferably of between approximately 0.04 inches (0.1 cm) and 0.125 inches (0.5 cm). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the rib 30 is approximately 1.5 inches (3.75 cm) long, with the higher height step 38 comprising approximately the center 0.75 inches (2 cm) of the rib 30 structure, and 0.0625 inches (0.25 cm) thick, which is the approximate thickness of the axle slot 14 on the wood block 12. In this embodiment, the lower height step 36 is approximately 0.04 inches (0.1 cm) high and the higher height step 38 is approximately 0.125 inches (0.5 cm) high, which is the approximate depth of the axle slot 14 on the wood block 12. As can be seen, the preferred height of the lower height step 36 of the rib 30 combined with the diameter of the axle nail 16 should approximately equal the depth of the axle slot 14 and the height of the higher height step 38 should be no more than approximately the depth of the axle slot 14.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a second side view of an embodiment of the device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 is shown. This view shows the generally central placement of the rib 30 between a first side of the plate 28 and a second side of the plate 28. This view also shows that the lower height step 36 and the higher height step 38 preferably have the same width.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a plan view of an embodiment of the device 10 as used in an illustrative environment is shown. The bottom face 20 of the wood block 12 having two axle slots 14 is shown. Wheels 18 are attached to the wood block 12 using axle nails 16 inserted into axle slots 14. As can be seen on the left side of the drawing, the shafts 40 of the axle nails 16 extend within axle slots 14 preferably are less than half the overall length of the axle slots 14, and typically between about one-quarter and four-tenths of the overall length of the axle slots 14. As can be seen on the right side of the drawing, the device 10 is secured onto the bottom face 20 of the wood block 12 generally centrally over the axle slot 14 and generally centrally between the first side 22 and the second side 24 of the wood block 12.

Due to the closeness of the wheels 18 to the wood block 12, it can be seen why it is preferable for the device 10 to have a length equal to or less than the width of the wood block 12. If the device 10 extended outwardly from either side 22, 24 of the wood block 12, the device 10 could interfere with the functioning of the wheels 18. Additionally, by manufacturing the device 10 with a length less than the width of the wood block 12, some leeway is provided for in placing and attaching the device 10 to the wood block 12, which often is necessary as younger children with less developed motor skills often are assembling the cars.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a sectional side view of an embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment is shown along line A-A of FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the lower height step 36 fits within the axle slots 14 proximal to and preferably contacting the shafts 40 of the axle nails 16 and the higher height step 38 fits within the axle slots 14 between the axle nails 16 and can contact the points 42 of the axle nails 16. In this embodiment, the lower height steps 36 press against the shafts 40 of axle nails 16 and secure the axle nails 16 within the axle slot 14. To further secure the axle nails 16 on the car, the higher height step 38 has a length along the rib 30 sufficient to allow the points 42 of the axle nails 16 to contact and penetrate a certain distance into the material of the higher height step 38.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a sectional side view of another embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment is shown along line A-A of FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the lower height step 36 fits within the axle slots 14 proximal to and preferably contacting the shafts 40 of the axle nails 16 and the higher height step 38 fits within the axle slots 14 between the axle nails 16 and do not contact the points 42 of the axle nails 16. In this embodiment, the lower height steps 36 press against the shafts 40 of axle nails 16 and secure the axle nails 16 within the axle slot 14. However, the higher height step 38 has a length along the rib 30 sufficient to allow the higher height step 38 to fit between the points 42 of the axle nails 16 such that the points 42 of the axle nails 16 do not contact and do not penetrate into the material of the higher height step 38.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a sectional side view of another embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment is shown along line A-A of FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the device 10 comprises the linear rib 30 disclosed in conjunction with FIG. 19 below. In this embodiment, the linear rib 30 essentially comprises a lower height step 36 that extends the entire length of the linear rib 30, including a central portion 44. This linear rib 30 fits within the axle slots 14 proximal to and preferably contacting the shafts 40 of the axle nails 16 and the linear rib 30 presses against the shafts 40 of axle nails 16 and secures the axle nails 16 within the axle slot 14. However, as there is no higher height step 38, none of the material of the linear rib 30 extends between the points 42 of the axle nails 16 such that the points 42 of the axle nails 16 do not contact and do not penetrate into the material of the linear rib 30. This embodiment of rib 30 also can be used in conjunction with the straight axle 54 disclosed in conjunction with FIG. 11 below.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a sectional side view of another embodiment of the invention as used in an illustrative environment is shown along line A-A of FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the device 10 comprises the discontinuous rib 30 disclosed in conjunction with FIG. 20 below and in conjunction with a straight axle 54 connecting two wheels 18 together, as used in some car kits. In this embodiment, the discontinuous rib 30 comprises only lower height steps 36 and no central portion 44. This discontinuous rib 30 fits within the axle slots 14 only proximal to and preferably contacting the straight axle 54, or the shafts 40 of the axle nails 16, and the discontinuous rib 30 presses against the straight axle 54, or the shafts 40 of axle nails 16, and secures the straight axle 54, or the axle nails 16, within the axle slot 14. As just disclosed, this embodiment of rib 30 also can be used in conjunction with axle nails 16. Similarly, when using a straight axle 54, the discontinuous rib 54 can have a single step (not shown) centrally located on the central portion 44 (shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 19, and 20). In effect, a single step is a shortened version of the linear rib 30 shown in FIG. 10, but which terminates on both ends farther in from the edges of the plate 28.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a plan view of another embodiment of the device 10 as used in an illustrative environment is shown. In this embodiment, two of the devices 10 are used and the device 10 doubles as an additional adjustable weight. One side of the device 10 is an elongated tongue 46 having one or more score lines 48. Each weight section 50 can be snapped off and removed from the device 10 to create a device 10 of varying weight. Weight sections 50 preferably should be removed starting from the weight section 50 distal from the axle slot 14. Using this embodiment of the device 10, weight can be added to the car to help bring the car up to the maximum weight allowed. The tongue 46 generally is coplanar with the plate 28. In this embodiment, it may be preferable to manufacture the device 10 from a heavier material, such as a metal or dense polymer.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a plan view of another embodiment of the device 10 as used in an illustrative environment is shown. In this embodiment, two of the devices 10 are used with one of the devices 10 being a dog bone or dumbbell shaped device 10 as shown in FIG. 3 and the other one of the devices 10 being a tongue shaped device as disclosed in conjunction with FIG. 13. In this embodiment, the first dog bone or dumbbell shaped device 10 function mainly to secure the axle nails 16 within the axle slot 14 while the second tongue shaped device 10 also doubles as an additional adjustable weight.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a plan view of another embodiment of the device 10 as used in an illustrative environment is shown. In this embodiment, a single elongated version of the device 10 cooperates with both axle slots 14 and can double as an additional weight. Various weight sections 50 can be removed along the score lines 48 to reduce the total weight added.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a top view of another embodiment of the device 10 is shown. This embodiment adds an incremental amount of additional weight to the car than the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. This embodiment is presented also to illustrate that the shape of the device 10 can be varied.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a top view of another embodiment of the device 10 is shown. This embodiment adds an incremental amount of additional weight to the car than the embodiment shown in FIG. 15. This embodiment is presented also to illustrate that the shape of the device 10 can be varied.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a top view of another embodiment of the device 10 is shown. This embodiment also adds an incremental amount of additional weight to the car than the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 and can add approximately the same incremental amount of weight to the car as the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, depending on the geometric shape of the tongue 46. This embodiment is presented also to illustrate that the shape of the device 10 can be varied.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a top view of another embodiment of the device 10 is shown. This embodiment does not have the attachment holes 32 and can be attached to the wood block by friction or by adhesives. If frictionally attached, the rib 30 should be manufactured with a thickness sufficient to create enough friction against the inner walls of the axle slot 14 to prevent the device 10 from moving to any great degree out of the axle slot 14. If adhesively attached, the adhesive can be placed between the flanges 52 and the bottom face 20 of the wood block 12.

Referring now to FIG. 19, a side view of an alternative embodiment of the device 10 having a linear rib 30 is shown. In this embodiment, the linear rib 30 essentially comprises a lower height step 36 that extends the entire length of the linear rib 30, including a central portion 44. This linear rib 30 fits within the axle slots 14 proximal to and preferably contacting the shafts 40 of the axle nails 16 and the linear rib 30 presses against the shafts 40 of axle nails 16 and secures the axle nails 16 within the axle slot 14. However, as there is no higher height step 38, none of the material of the linear rib 30 extends between the points 42 of the axle nails 16 such that the points 42 of the axle nails 16 do not contact and do not penetrate into the material of the linear rib 30.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a side view of another alternative embodiment of the device 10 having a discontinuous rib 30 is shown. In this embodiment, the discontinuous rib 30 comprises only lower height steps 36 and no central portion 44. The lower height steps 36 extend approximately one-quarter to four-tenths of the length of the axle slot 14. This discontinuous rib 30 fits within the axle slots 14 only proximal to and preferably contacting the shafts 40 of the axle nails 16 and the discontinuous rib 30 presses against the shafts 40 of axle nails 16 and secures the axle nails 16 within the axle slot 14. However, as there is no higher height step 38, and indeed no central portion 44, none of the material of the discontinuous rib 30 extends between the points 42 of the axle nails 16 such that the points 42 of the axle nails 16 do not contact and do not penetrate into the material of the discontinuous rib 30.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the plate 28 has edges and a center and the rib 30 is a discontinuous structure having two steps, a first of the steps being closer to a first of the edges of the plate 28 and a second of the steps being closer to a second of the edges of the plate 28, the two steps having the same height. Additionally, each of the wheels 18 is connected to the wood block 12 body via one of the axle nails 16 and the rib 30 fits within the axle slots 14 such that each of the steps is proximal to and contacts only one of the axle nails 16 of two of the wheels 18. When using a straight axle 54, the straight axle 54 will contact both steps of the discontinuous rib 30.

The device 10 can be made of any material, from lightweight materials if securing the axle nails 16 to the wood block 12 is the primary function to heavyweight materials if adding weight to the car is an additional desired function. Thus, it is contemplated that the device can be manufactured from plastics and other polymers, metals and alloys, ceramics, carbon composites, glass composites and other materials that can be manufactured to the size and shapes desired. It also is preferable that the materials of manufacture are safe and non-toxic, or a suitable level of safety and non-toxicity, as the device 10 generally will be used by humans, and particularly young humans. In one illustrative embodiment, the device 10 is manufactured from a lightweight polypropylene.

The device 10 can be attached to the wood block 12 in most any fashion, from friction to removable fasteners to permanent adhesives. As shown in the illustrative embodiments, screws 34 are used to attach the device 10 to the wood block 12. However, nails also can be used. If the attachment holes 32 are not present on the device 10, the flat flanges 52 remaining can be used to adhesively attach the device 10 to the wood block 12. As the axle nails 16 and straight axle 54 do not spin within the axle slots 14, it does not matter if adhesive contacts the majority of the shaft 40 of the axle nails 16 or the straight axle 54 within the axle slot 14. Other attachment means can be used and the invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments disclosed above.

In operation and use, the device 10 can be quickly and easily attached to the wood block 12 to secure the axle nails 16 or the straight axle 54 in the axle slots 14. Depending on the embodiment of the device used, the axle nails 16 or the straight axle 54 can be inserted into the axle slots 14 prior to or subsequent to attaching the device 10 to the wood block. In a first example using the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 8, the device 10 should be attached to the wood block 12 prior to inserting the axle nails 16 into the axle slot 14. In this first example, once the rib 30 of the device 10 is inserted into the axle slot 14 and the device 10 secured to the wood block 12, the axle nails can be inserted into the axle slot from the sides 22, 24 of the wood block 12 in the spaces left between the rib 30 and the axle slot 14. As the axle nails 16 are inserted into the axle slot 14, the points 42 will contact and possibly penetrate the higher height step 38 of the rib.

In a second example using the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 9, 16, or 17, the device 10 can be attached to the wood block 12 prior or subsequent to inserting the axle nails 16 into the axle slot 14. In this second example, because the rib 30 of the device 10 does not have a higher height step 38, there is no rib 30 material to interfere with the subsequent insertion of the axle nails, or the prior inserted axle nails 16. Thus, once the device 10 of these embodiments is inserted into the axle slot 14 and the device 10 secured to the wood block 12, the axle nails can be inserted into the axle slot from the sides 22, 24 of the wood block 12 in the spaces left between the rib 30 and the axle slot 14 without contacting or penetrating the higher height step 38 of the rib. Similarly, if the axle nails 16 are inserted first, the rib 30 then can be inserted into the axle slot without the points 42 interfering with the central portion 44 of the rib 30.

In a third example using a straight axle 54 as shown in FIG. 11, the device 10 can be attached to the wood block 12 subsequent to inserting the straight axle 54 into the axle slot 14. In this third example, as the two wheels 18 already are connected together by the straight axle 54, the attachment of the device 10 to the wood block 12 after the straight axle 54 and wheels 18 have been inserted into the axle slot 14 will secure and/or stabilize the straight axle 54 and thus both wheels 18.

In a fourth example using the embodiment of the device 10 shown in FIGS. 12-14, the device 10 preferably is attached to the wood block after the generally finished car has been weighed and the desired weight sections 50, if any, have been removed. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 12-14 can have higher height steps 38 and/or central portions 44 as shown in any of the drawings.

The above detailed description of the preferred embodiments, examples, and the appended figures are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope and spirit of the invention, and its equivalents, as defined by the appended claims. One skilled in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the invention disclosed in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

Designation

• 10 Device
• 12 Wood block
• 14 Axle slot
• 16 Axle nail
• 18 Wheel
• 20 Bottom face
• 22 First side
• 24 Second side
• 26 Axle hole
• 28 Plate
• 30 Rib
• 32 Attachment holes
• 34 Screws
• 36 Lower height step
• 38 Higher height step
• 40 Shaft
• 42 Point
• 44 Central portion
• 46 Tongue
• 48 Score line
• 50 Weight section
• 52 Flange
• 54 Straight axle

Claims

1. A device for securing or stabilizing wheel axles in model cars having a body, wheels, axle slots and axles connecting the wheels to the body via the axle slots, the device comprising:

(a) a generally flat and generally planar plate; and

(b) a rib extending generally normal to the plate,

wherein the rib is sized to fit within the axle slots and to cooperate with the axles to hold the axles more securely in place in the axle slots.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate has edges and a center and the rib comprises a step like structure extending across a portion of the plate with lower height steps closer to the edges of the plate and a higher height step closer to the center of the plate.

3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the wheels is connected to the body via one of the axles and the lower height steps of the rib fit within the axle slots proximal to and contacting the axles of two of the wheels and the higher height step of the rib fits within the axle slots between the axles of two of the wheels.

4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the axles has a shaft and a point and the higher height step contacts the points of the axles.

5. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plate has a dog bone or dumbbell shape being narrower in width across the center and wider in width across the edges.

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, further comprising attachment holes for attaching the plate to the body, wherein the attachment holes are located proximal to the edges of the plate that are wider in width.

7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate has edges and a center and the rib is a linear structure having a constant height and is located generally centrally across the center of the plate extending from proximal to one of the edges to proximal to another one of the edges.

8. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the wheels is connected to the body via one of the axles and the rib fits within the axle slots proximal to and contacting the axles of two of the wheels.

9. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein two of the wheels are connected to the body via one of the axles and the rib fits within the axle slots proximal to and contacting the axle of the two wheels.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate has edges and a center and the rib is a discontinuous structure having two steps, a first of the steps being closer to a first of the edges of the plate and a second of the steps being closer to a second of the edges of the plate, the two steps having the same height.

11. The device as claimed in claim 10, wherein each of the wheels is connected to the body via one of the axles and the rib fits within the axle slots such that each of the steps is proximal to and contacts only one of the axles of two of the wheels.

12. The device as claimed in claim 10, wherein two of the wheels are connected to the body via one of the axles and the rib fits within the axle slots proximal to and contacting the axle of the two wheels.

13. The device as claimed in claim 3, further comprising breakaway sections that can be broken off of the device so as to reduce the overall weight of the device.

14. The device as claimed in claim 13, further comprising score lines between the breakaway sections along which the breakaway sections are broken off of the device.

15. A device for securing or stabilizing wheel axles in model cars having a body, wheels, axle slots and axles connecting the wheels to the body via the axle slots, the device comprising:

(a) a generally flat and generally planar plate having edges and a center; and

(b) a rib extending generally normal to the plate and being located generally centrally across the center of the plate extending from proximal to one of the edges to proximal to another one of the edges,

wherein the rib is sized to fit within the axle slots and to cooperate with the axles to hold the axles more securely in place in the axle slots.

16. The device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the rib comprises a step like structure extending across a portion of the plate with lower height steps closer to the edges of the plate and a higher height step closer to the center of the plate and each of the wheels is connected to the body via one of the axles and the lower height steps of the rib fit within the axle slots proximal to and contacting the axles of two of the wheels and the higher height step of the rib fits within the axle slots between the axles of two of the wheels.

17. The device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the rib is a linear structure having at least one step and each of the wheels is connected to the body via one of the axles and the rib fits within the axle slots proximal to and contacting the axles of two of the wheels.

18. The device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the rib is a linear structure having at least one step and two of the wheels are connected to the body via one of the axles and the rib fits within the axle slots proximal to and contacting the axle of the two wheels.

19. The device as claimed in claim 16, further comprising breakaway sections that can be broken off of the device so as to reduce the overall weight of the device.

20. The device as claimed in claim 17, further comprising breakaway sections that can be broken off of the device so as to reduce the overall weight of the device.

21. The device as claimed in claim 18, further comprising breakaway sections that can be broken off of the device so as to reduce the overall weight of the device.

22. A device for securing or stabilizing wheel axles in model cars having a body, wheels, axle slots and axles connecting the wheels to the body via the axle slots, the device comprising:

(a) a generally flat and generally planar plate;

(b) a rib extending generally normal to the plate; and

(c) a tongue coplanar with the plate for adding additional weight to the device,

wherein the rib is sized to fit within the axle slots and to cooperate with the axles to hold the axles more securely in place in the axle slots.

23. The device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the tongue has a plurality of breakaway sections that can be broken off of the device so as to reduce the overall weight of the device.

24. The device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the tongue has score lines between the breakaway sections along which the breakaway sections are broken off of the device.