HOBBY VEHICLE TRACK SYSTEM

Abstract

A hobby track component includes a track section having a first end and a second end, the track section including a generally planar bed, a first guide rail having a generally planar first interior wall extending away from the bed, a second guide rail having a generally planar second interior wall extending away from the bed; the second interior wall being spaced apart from the first interior wall, a first magnet positioned within a recess defined in the first end of the track section, and a second magnet protruding from the second end of the track section.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to hobby vehicles and to track systems for hobby trains in particular.

2. The Relevant Technology

Hobby vehicles allow enthusiasts of all ages to run model vehicles and/or toy vehicles along a track system that includes several individual track sections. There are a variety of types of hobby vehicles, such as vehicles based on television cartoon characters to scale models of current as well as historical vehicles. Part of the appeal of hobby vehicle sets is the ability to arrange track sections in any variety of configurations. To this end, hobby vehicle sets often include track sections of various shapes and orientations, such as straight sections and bend sections.

Many track sections are joined through the use mechanically locking tabs. The mechanically locking tabs provide a secure joint between adjacent track sections and can allow for electrical current to be passed through the rails to power the vehicle. However, such track sections can be tedious to disassemble and reconfigure.

Television and movie cartoons based on vehicle characters have become more and more popular. The popularity of the vehicle characters in turn has driven the demand for vehicle sets based on the vehicle characters. Currently, many of these vehicle sets include track systems fabricated from wood components. The wood components often include track sections that include recesses defined in a first end and wooden dowels that extend from a second end.

To assemble two track sections, dowels extending from the second end of a first track section are pushed into engagement with the recessed defined in the first end of another, adjacent track section. The sturdiness of the joint, therefore, is based largely on the amount of interference between the dowel and the adjacent track section. If the dowels fit loosely, the resulting joint will be weak. A stronger interference fit can provide for a strong joint. However, the stronger interference fit can make it difficult to disassemble the joint. Accordingly, some compromise is reached between an effective joint and a joint that is readily disassembled. Often, the resulting joint is not sufficiently strong to allow a user to move assembled track sections together, but rather requires that the assembled track be disassembled.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Hobby track components, sets and methods of forming the same are provided herein. The hobby track components can be readily assembled in a variety of configurations. Further, while assembled the hobby track components can provide for a secure fit that can be readily disassembled when so desired. Such a configuration can provide flexibility and adaptability while simultaneously providing a secure fit.

In at least one example, the hobby track component includes a track section having a first end and a second end, the track section including a generally planar bed, a first guide rail having a generally planar first interior wall extending away from the bed, a second guide rail having a generally planar second interior wall extending away from the bed; the second interior wall being spaced apart from the first interior wall, a first magnet positioned within a recess defined in the first end of the track section, and a second magnet protruding from the second end of the track section.

A hobby vehicle set can include at least one vehicle having spaced apart wheels; and a plurality of track sections. Each track section can include a first end and a second end. The track section can also have a generally planar bed, a first guide rail having a generally planar first interior wall extending away from the bed, a first set of alternating magnets coupled to the first guide rail, the first alternating magnets including a first protruding magnet and a first recessed magnet. A second guide rail having a generally planar second interior wall can extend away from the bed. The second interior wall is spaced apart from the first interior wall to define a guide path sized to guide the spaced apart wheels and a second set of alternating magnets is coupled to the second guide rail. The second alternating magnets include a second protruding magnet and a second recessed magnet.

A method of forming a hobby track section can include forming a monolithic track section having a first end and a second end; the track section having a generally planar bed, a first guide rail having a generally planar first interior wall extending away from the bed, a second guide rail having a generally planar second interior wall extending away from the bed, the second interior wall being spaced apart from the first interior wall to define a guide path, defining receiving recesses on each of the first end and the second end of the first guide rail, positioning first magnets within the first receiving recesses such that at least one of the first magnets is recessed in the first end of the first guide rail and at least another of the first magnets protrudes from the second end of the first guide rail, defining second receiving recesses on each of the first end and the second end of the second guide rail, and positioning second magnets within the second receiving recesses such that at least one of the second magnets is recessed in the second end of the second guide rail and another of the second magnets protrudes from the first end of the second guide rail.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific examples that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical examples and are therefore not to be considered limiting. The examples will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a hobby vehicle set according to one example;

FIG. 2 illustrates hobby track components according to one example;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a hobby track component according to one example;

FIG. 3B illustrates an end view of the hobby track component of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the hobby track component taken along section 3C-3C in FIG. 3A; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of forming a hobby track component according to one example.

Together with the following description, the figures demonstrate non-limiting features of exemplary devices and methods. The thickness and configuration of components can be exaggerated in the figures for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent similar, though not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A hobby vehicle set is discussed that has a plurality of track sections that provide positive engagement with each other through magnetic attraction. In at least one example, each track section has a first end and a second end. Each end has at least one recessed magnet and at least one protruding magnet that are configured to engage a protruding magnet and a recessed magnet respectively in an adjacent track section. Such a configuration can allow magnets to apply forces that are generally inline with an axis of travel. As the magnets come into proximity, the rapidly increasing magnetic forces allow the track sections to snap together. The magnetic forces maintain contact between track sections to oppose axial forces while the interface between the protruding magnet and the recess in the adjacent track section as well as the magnetic forces oppose transverse forces. Such a configuration results in a track system that is readily assembled and reconfigured while allowing the track section to remain securely coupled while assembled.

Together with the following description, the figures demonstrate non-limiting features of exemplary devices and methods. The thickness and configuration of components can be exaggerated in the figures for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent similar, though not necessarily identical, elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a hobby vehicle set 100 according to one example. In the illustrated example, the hobby vehicle set 100 is configured as a hobby train set. While a hobby train set is shown, it will be appreciated that any type of hobby vehicles can be used with a track system, including model cars, hobby cars, and/or any other type of vehicle that includes spaced apart wheels. The hobby train set 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a train 110 having an engine 115A and/or any number of train cars 115B that are coupled together. In at least one example, the track system 120 includes a plurality of track sections 200A-200D. The track sections 200A-200D are configured to guide and partially constrain the movement of the train 110 as the train 110 is translated along the track system 120. For ease of reference, an axial direction will be described that follows a centerline of the track sections 200A-200D and thus the centerline of an assembled track system 120. It will be appreciated that any reference system can be used in describing the various components of the hobby train set 100 and of the track sections 200A-200D in particular.

The track sections 200A-200D can be assembled in any number of combinations so as to provide any number of configurations for the track system 120. Further, the track sections 200A-200D can have any desired configurations and the track sections 200A-200D shown are for illustrative purposes only. In at least one example, the track sections 200A-200D can include straight sections including a relatively long straight section 200A and a shorter straight section 200A′, an incline section 200B, a decline portion 200C, and a bend section 200D.

The track sections 200A-200D are coupled, at least in part, by magnetic forces that act parallel to the axial directions described above. In particular, the track sections 200A-200D include at least one permanent magnet positioned in either end. The polarities of the permanent magnets are oriented such that a permanent magnet in one track section with one polarity is aligned with another permanent magnet of the opposite polarity in adjacent track section. In at least one example, one permanent magnet protrudes from one track section and is paired with a recessed permanent magnet in an adjacent track section.

As also shown in FIG. 1, the hobby vehicle set 100 can further include a support system 400. In at least one example the support system 400 includes, without limitation, a plurality of components such as a base support 410A, a column support 410B, and an angled support 410C. The support system 400 can be integral to or separate from the track system 120 as desired. The support system 400 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 2 illustrates track sections 200A-200D in more detail. Each track section 200A-200D includes protruding permanent magnets 205 and recessed permanent magnets 210 (not shown in FIG. 2) positioned within recesses 215. In at least one example, each track section 200A-200D has a protruding permanent magnet 205 in both ends as well as a recessed permanent magnet 210 in both ends. In at least one example, the permanent magnets 205 are located in opposing sides of each track section 200A-200D relative to the opposing ends. Similarly, the recessed permanent magnets 210 can be located in opposing sides of each track section 200A-200D relative to the opposing ends. Such a configuration can provide versatility in assembling several of the track sections 200A-200D as each track section 200A-200D can be used in a variety of orientations to couple with any of the other track sections 200A-200D.

In order to couple adjacent track sections, such as straight section 200A′ with bend section 200D, either end of the straight section 200A′ can be brought into proximity with either end of the bend section 200D while aligning each protruding permanent magnet 205 with the corresponding recess 215. As the two track sections 200A′, 200D come into proximity with each other, the protruding permanent magnet 205 and the recessed magnet 210 (not shown) are magnetically attracted to each other, thereby generating an axial pull force. At some proximity, this force can become sufficient to overcome gravitational and frictional forces to thereby snap the protruding permanent magnet 205 into contact with the recessed magnet 210, thereby positioning the protruding permanent magnet 205 within the recess 215.

Such a configuration can allow track sections 200A-200D to couple together securely with little or no interference between the track sections 200A-200D. Overlap of the protruding permanent magnet 205 and one of the adjacent track sections 200A-200D and/or magnetic forces between adjacent track sections 200A-200D can allow two or more coupled track sections 200A-200D to resist forces that are transverse to the axial forces generated by magnetic attraction. Resisting transverse forces can allow assembled track sections 200A-200D to remain assembled when they are moved if desired.

As introduced, each end of each track section can include a protruding magnet 205 and a recessed magnet 210 positioned within a recess 215. Such a configuration can allow the bend section 200D to turn either to the right or to the left by rotating the bend section 200D relative to and adjacent track section, such as straight section 200A′. Further, such a configuration can allow any of the track sections 200A-200D to be coupled to any other track section 200A-200D, thus providing versatility. Further details of straight track section 200A will be discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the straight track section 200A. “The track section 200A includes a bed 300, a first guide rail 310 and a second guide rail 320. The first guide rail 310 and the second guide rail 320 extend away from the bed 300 so as to form a channel 330 (FIG. 3B) or groove that is configured to receive and guide at least a portion of a hobby train, such as the spaced-apart wheels of the hobby train 110 shown in FIG. 1. In at least one example, the inner walls 312, 322 are generally parallel and either or both can be generally perpendicular to the bed 300.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 3B, the bed 300 can include an upper surface 302 that is generally flat at each cross section taken perpendicular to the axial direction. Further, the first guide rail 310 can include an interior surface 312, a portion of which is generally flat at each cross section. Similarly, the second guide rail 320 can also have an interior surface 322 that is generally flat at each cross section.

The interior surfaces 312, 322 are spaced apart to provide the channel 330 as described. The channel 330 formed at each cross section can have a quadrilateral profile. For example, the upper surface 302 of the bed and interior surfaces 312, 322 of the guide rails 310, 320 can form a rectangular channel. In other examples, the upper surface 302 and the inner surfaces 312, 322 can form a rounded rectangular channel. In still other examples, the inner surfaces 312, 322 and the bed can form a trapezoidal channel. It will be appreciated that additional surfaces can be provided and that the inner surfaces 312, 322 and the bed can have other different shapes while still providing a channel configured to guide a hobby train 110 (FIG. 1) as it travels along a track system. For example, FIG. 3D illustrates a track section 200′ that includes grooves 350 can be formed in a bed 300′ and/or other shapes provided to guide the hobby vehicle 110 (FIG. 1).

Referring again briefly to FIG. 3A, the track section 200A includes a first end 30A and a second end 30B. The first end 30A collectively includes a first end 300A of the bed 300, a first end 310A of the first guide rail 310, and a first end 320A of the second guide rail. 320. Similarly, the second end 30B collectively includes a second end 300B of the bed 300, a second end 310B (FIG. 3C) of the first guide rail 310, and a second end 320B of the second guide rail 320. As introduced, each of the first end 30A and the second end 30B can include one or more protruding permanent magnet 205 and one or more recessed permanent magnet 210 (not shown in FIG. 3A) positioned within a recess 215. The protruding permanent magnets 205 and the recessed permanent magnets 210 (FIG. 3B) can be positioned as desired, including in positions not shown in the figures.

FIG. 3B shows the first end 30A in more detail. In the first end 30A, a recessed permanent magnet 210 can be recessed in the first guide rail 310 while a protruding permanent magnet 205 can extend from the second guide rail 320. Accordingly, the straight track section 200A includes each of a protruding permanent magnet 205 and a recessed permanent magnet 210 on alternate sides of the first end 30A.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a protruding permanent magnet 205 and a recessed permanent magnet 210 (FIG. 3B) can be positioned in opposite sides of the second end 30B compared to the first end 30A. As a result, a recessed magnet 210 (FIG. 3B) can be recessed in the second end 320B of the second guide rail 320 while a protruding permanent magnet 205 can extend from the second end 310B of the first guide rail 310.

In addition to resulting in alternating protruding and recessed magnets in each of the first end 30A and the second end 30B, as illustrated in FIG. 3C such a configuration can result in alternating protruding and recessed magnets in each of the first guide rail 310 and the second guide rail 320.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the straight track section 200A taken along section 3C-3C in FIG. 3A. While the first guide rail 310 is shown, it will be appreciated that the same discussion can be applicable to the second guide rail 320, with the locations of the protruding permanent magnets 205 and the recessed permanent magnets 210 reversed relative to the ends 320A, 320B of the second guide rail 320.

As illustrated in FIG. 3C, a recessed permanent magnet 210 is positioned in a recess 215 formed in the first end 310A of the first guide rail 310. A protruding permanent magnet 205 is shown extending from the second end 310B of the first guide rail 310. Accordingly, the first guide rail 310 includes alternating protruding and recessed permanent magnets therein.

As introduced and as shown in FIG. 3A, the second guide rail 320 has the opposite configuration. Accordingly, the straight track section 200A includes protruding and recessed magnets that alternate both on each end 30A, 30B as well as protruding and recessed magnets that alternate within each of the guide rails 310, 320. Such a configuration can provide a versatile track system in that each track section can be oriented in any manner while still allowing the track section to be aligned to an adjacent track section in such a manner that a protruding permanent magnet of the track section is aligned with a recessed magnet on the adjacent track section and vice versa. Each track section can be formed as desired. One exemplary method of forming a track section will be described in more detail.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of various components of a support system 400. In at least one example, each of the components of the support system includes permanent magnets that are mounted flush such that complimentary surfaces of two blocks can be in contact while allowing the permanent magnets to couple the components. In particular, as previously introduced the support system 400 can include, without limitation, a base support 410A, a column support 410B, and an angled support 410C.

Each of the base support 410A, the column support 410B, and the angled support 410C include a plurality of opposing surfaces and linearly aligned magnets positioned in opposing surfaces that form a plane that define a plane that can be generally perpendicular to one of the surfaces the magnets are positioned in and/or define a plane that is generally parallel to one or more of the surfaces between the two surfaces in which the magnets are positioned.

For example, the base support includes at least one pair opposing surfaces that include linearly aligned permanent magnets 420. One set 425 of permanent aligned magnets 420 can be positioned in a first surface 430 while a second set of permanently aligned magnets 420′ can be positioned in an opposing, second surface 430′. In the illustrated example, the sets 425, 425′ of linearly aligned permanent magnets 420 can define a plane that is generally parallel to one or both of opposing surfaces 435, 435′. One or both of the opposing surface 435, 435′ can be normal to one or both of the opposing surfaces 430, 430′.

Similarly, the column support 410B can include sets 440, 440′ of linearly aligned magnets along surfaces 445, 445′ that define a plane that is generally parallel to one or both of opposing surfaces 450, 450′. In the illustrated example, additional sets 455, 455′ of linearly arranged magnets are positioned in the opposing surfaces 450, 450′ that define a plane that is generally parallel to one or both of the surfaces 445, 445′. The base support 410A and the column support 410B include sets of magnets that are also generally positioned in the same plane as the surface in they are embedded and the opposing surfaces are generally parallel to each other.

As shown in FIG. 4, a set of linearly aligned magnets 460 in surface 465 is spaced apart from a linearly aligned magnets 460′ in surface 465′. The surfaces 465, 465′ are not parallel, but rather are oriented an angle relative to each other. In such a configuration, though the surfaces 465, 465′ are not parallel the sets 460, 460′ can be parallel to one or more of surfaces 470, 470′. The configuration of the supports 410A, 410B, 410C can allow the blocks to be snapped together in a secure arrangement without an interference fit.

A set of magnets can be brought into a similarly aligned set of magnets of an opposite polarity. The arrangement of the magnets would draw the supports into proximity while help ensure that the magnets are also aligned. Such an arrangement of the magnets can help align the supports in a desired configuration and help provide additional stability by providing forces that would tend to draw the supports apart as well as forces that would tend to cause the forces to rotate with respect to each other. While one arrangement of magnets is described it will be appreciated that any arrangement of magnets can be provided that exert forces to draw the supports together as well as cooperate with other magnets to resist relative rotation of the blocks.

In other examples, the magnets can be positioned in additional supports 480, 485. Support 480 can include any number of magnets positioned on opposing surfaces as well as opposing ends. Similarly, support 485 can have any shape desired with magnets positioned on opposing ends as desired. Accordingly, a support system is provided that includes support members that are configured to be magnetically coupled. Further, in at least one example support members are provided that can further be oriented and aligned to resist torsional forces.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of forming a hobby track component according to one example. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the method begins at step 400 by forming a track section having an integral bed and opposing guide rails. In at least one example, forming a track section having an integral bed and opposing guide rails can include milling and otherwise processing a wooden blank. In other examples, molding and/or machining steps can be employed to form an integral bed and opposing guide rails from other materials.

Once the track section is formed, at step 410 the method continues by forming recesses in opposing ends of each of the guide rails. The depth of each recess can be selected as desired according to whether a recessed permanent magnet is to be received entirely within the recess or whether a protruding permanent magnet will be received in the recess. Accordingly, in at least one example, recesses of different depths can be formed. In still other examples, recesses of similar depths can be formed.

Once the recesses of the selected depths are formed, at step 420 permanent magnets are positioned such that the permanent magnets alternate from recessed and protruding positions both with respect to each end as well as with respect to each rail. The permanent magnets can then be secured in position as desired. In at least one example, positioning the permanent magnets may provide sufficient interference to secure the permanent magnets in position. In other examples, an adhesive or other material can be used to secure the permanent magnets. Accordingly, in at least one method a wooden track section can be formed with protruding and recessed magnets that alternate on each side as well as end to end. Such a configuration can in turn provide versatility in assembling track systems as well as provide a track system that is readily assembled, remains securely assembled when desired, and can be readily disassembled.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A hobby track component, comprising:

a track section having a first end and a second end, the track section including,

a generally planar bed;

a first guide rail having a generally planar first interior wall extending away from the bed,

a second guide rail having a generally planar second interior wall extending away from the bed; the second interior wall being spaced apart from the first interior wall;

a first magnet positioned within a recess defined in the first end of the track section; and

a second magnet protruding from the second end of the track section.

2. The hobby track component of claim 1, wherein the first magnet is positioned in the first guide rail and the second magnet extends from the second end of the first guide rail.

3. The hobby track component of claim 1, further comprising a third magnet protruding from the first end of the track section and a fourth magnet positioned within a recess defined in the second end of the track section.

4. The hobby track component of claim 3, wherein the third magnet extends from the first end of the second guide rail and the fourth magnet is positioned in a recess in the second end of the second guide rail.

5. The hobby track component of claim 1, wherein the first interior wall is generally parallel to the second interior wall and wherein the first interior wall and the second interior wall are generally perpendicular to the bed.

6. The hobby track component of claim 1, wherein the bed, the first guide rail and the second guide rail comprise a monolithic body.

7. The hobby track component of claim 6, wherein the monolithic body is a wood body.

8. The hobby track component of claim 1, wherein the track section includes at least one of a straight section, an incline section, a decline section, or a curved section.

9. A hobby vehicle set, comprising:

at least one vehicle having spaced apart wheels; and

a plurality of track sections, each track section having a first end and a second end, the track section having a generally planar bed, a first guide rail having a generally planar first interior wall extending away from the bed, a first set of alternating magnets coupled to the first guide rail, the first alternating magnets including a first protruding magnet and a first recessed magnet, a second guide rail having a generally planar second interior wall extending away from the bed, the second interior wall being spaced apart from the first interior wall to define a guide path sized to guide the spaced apart wheels, and a second set of alternating magnets coupled to the second guide rail, the second alternating magnets including a second protruding magnet and a second recessed magnet.

10. The hobby vehicle set of claim 9, wherein the first end includes the first protruding magnet and the second recessed magnet and the second end includes the second protruding magnet and the first recessed magnet.

11. The hobby vehicle set of claim 9, wherein the first end is configured to exert a horizontal magnetic force on a second end of an adjacent track section and the second end is configured to exert a horizontal magnetic force on a first end of another adjacent track section.

12. The hobby vehicle set of claim 9, wherein the plurality of train sections includes straight sections, curved sections, inclined sections, and declined sections.

13. The hobby vehicle set of claim 9, wherein the first guide rails, the second guide rails, and the bed portion of at least one of the track sections form a monolithic track section.

14. The hobby vehicle set of claim 13, wherein the monolithic track section is formed from a wood material.

15. The hobby vehicle set of claim 9, wherein the first interior walls are generally parallel to the second interior walls and wherein the first interior wall and the second interior wall are generally perpendicular to the beds.

16. A method of forming a hobby track section, comprising:

forming a monolithic track section having a first end and a second end; the track section having a generally planar bed, a first guide rail having a generally planar first interior wall extending away from the bed, a second guide rail having a generally planar second interior wall extending away from the bed, the second interior wall being spaced apart from the first interior wall to define a guide path;

defining receiving recesses on each of the first end and the second end of the first guide rail;

positioning first magnets within the first receiving recesses such that at least one of the first magnets is recessed in the first end of the first guide rail and at least another of the first magnets protrudes from the second end of the first guide rail;

defining second receiving recesses on each of the first end and the second end of the second guide rail; and

positioning second magnets within the second receiving recesses such that at least one of the second magnets is recessed in the second end of the second guide rail and another of the second magnets protrudes from the first end of the second guide rail.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein forming a monolithic track section includes forming a monolithic wooden track section.