Abstract: The present invention is directed to track locking systems for model railroads of the type in which separate sections of track are removably connected to form a desired closed pattern over which a model train will travel. The track sections include electrically conductive rails for supporting and guiding the model train thereon, and for providing electrical energy from a source for driving the train. Individual track bed sections connected to each other are joined at two laterally offset positions to enhance the stability of the sections removably locked together. The locking elements on the respective track sections joined together are oriented at substantially right angles to the direction of the rails to further enhance the stability and integrity of the joined track sections. A secure connection between locked track sections assures a positive engagement between electrical connectors to provide a completed electrical circuit when the track sections are joined in the desired closed pattern.

Abstract: An electric slot car racing track includes a "spin out track" for providing an intermittent and temporary obstruction to one or more of the slot car racing lanes. The obstruction is provided in the form of a simulated vehicle which temporarily blocks the path of one or more of the racing lanes to test the skills of the participating drivers in avoiding the obstruction. The "spin out track" provides an added degree of unpredictability or chance to the ultimate outcome of the race, therefore making the toy racing set the more attractive to younger or less skilled children. The frequency and duration of the intermittent obstruction is regulated by electrical controls which are actuated by movement of the racing vehicles over a sensing element. The electrical control is provided as a unit integrated into the spin out track section such that this track section may be installed and employed in conventional slot racing sets.

Abstract: A thermally insulated foam chest holds hot and cold articles in separate insulated environments. The chest comprises a body separated into two compartments by a partition wall, one compartment being adapted to contain the major portion of a beverage bottle in an upright position. The chest also includes a chest having a pair of recesses adapted to mate selectively with the aforesaid compartment for containing a top portion of the bottle. Dividing wall means between the recesses engages the partition wall irrespective of which recess is mated with the compartment. Portions of a flexible carrying strap, which is secured to abutments on opposite sides of the body, locate within channels on opposite sides of the lid to prevent the lid from falling from the body should the chest be bumped or knocked during transport by means of the carrying strap.

Abstract: A model aircraft, such as a glider, includes a clip for connecting separable wing members thereof to the fuselage. The clip has a resilient bridge portion and spaced depending limbs. The clip fits over an arch section of the fuselage with the limbs having a friction fit in openings in the wings, whereby the wings and fuselage are secured together. The wings may fit in a wing slot in the fuselage with inboard sections of the wings having recesses locating against tabs within the slot. The arch section of the fuselage may be recessed so that the clip when assembled is flush with adjacent surfaces of the fuselage, whereby the appearance and aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft are unimpaired. The clip connection may allow for vertical hinging of the wings upon impact to absorb impact forces and prevent wing separation.

Abstract: A model aircraft glider includes a wing and a fuselage having a resilient nose bumper for absorbing the impact of a collision. The glider has a finger-receiving recess centrally located on an underside thereof near the bumper to facilitate launching of the glider by an operator. The glider further includes a centrally located projection which is cooperable with the finger-receiving recess for hand launching and is cooperable with a resilient member for catapult launching.