TRACK SEGMENT FOR TOY MOTORWAY

Track segment (10) for a toy motorway with two lanes (11) is arranged symmetric to the longitudinal centre axis, along which respective electric conductor paths (12) are arranged, and with devices for connecting the track segment (10) to other track segments (10) of the same type. For the connection of the conductor paths (12), respective hole-fillet pairs (121) are provided. For the connection of the track segments (10), at least one hole-pin pair (14) with a fork-like designed pin (141) and a hole (140) which corresponds with the pin (141) is provided. The pin (141) is designed springy. By means of the hole-pin-pair (14), a click-stop device is provided which connects the track segments (10) and which is detachable. Furthermore, for the stabilization and guidance of the connection, at least one hole-fillet pair (13) with a fillet (131) and a hole (130) that corresponds with the fillet (131) is provided.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART STATEMENT

The present invention relates to a track segment for a toy motorway and in particular a track segment which is suitable for the connection with track segments of the same type of at least two different manufacturers.

Track segments for toy motorways are known from the art for example from DE 3725227 A1.

The invention is based on the object to provide a track segment of the type as mentioned above in such a manner, that a firm and secure connection between the track segments is ensured, which can be provided in a simple manner, and which is detachable in a simple manner as well. Herein, it is a particular object of the present invention to provide a track segment for a toy motorway which is compatible with track segments of identical or similar type of at least one different manufacturer.

The object is solved by the characteristics of the claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A track segment according to the invention for a toy motorway particularly comprises two lanes which are arranged symmetric to its longitudinal centre axis, along which respective electric conductor paths are arranged, and furthermore a device for connecting the track segment to other track segments of the same type, wherein, for the connection of the conductor paths, hole-fillet pairs are provided which respectively correspond with each other, and wherein, for the connection of the track segments, at least one hole-pin pair with a fork-like designed pin and a hole which corresponds with the pin are provided, and wherein the pin is designed springy and wherein, by means of the hole-pin-pair, a click-stop device is provided which connects the track segments and which is detachable, and wherein furthermore, for the stabilization and guidance of the connection, at least one hole-fillet pair with a fillet and a hole that corresponds with the fillet is provided. Herein, the fork-like pin is designed integral with the track segment and comprises two oblong, flat and springy arms, at each free end of which one respective hook is formed, and the pin and the hole are designed corresponding in such a manner that, when the pin is completely introduced into the hole, the hooks of the arms protrude from the hole, whereby the click-stop device is provided.

Herein, particularly advantageous, the hole for the pin and the hole for the fillet have approximately the same width and height, so that according to the invention the prerequisite for a compatibility of the track segment, in particular also for a compatibility with identical or similar components of at least one different manufacturer, is achieved.

According to one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, one hole-pin pair is arranged distributed on both sides beyond the lanes, and one hole-fillet pair is arranged between the lanes. Herein, respectively, the hole of the hole-pin pair is arranged on the one side beyond the lanes, and the pin of the hole-pin pair is arranged on the other side beyond the lanes.

Particularly advantageous, the aforementioned embodiment of the present invention is suitable for the provision of a connection of the track segment with track segments of identical and similar type, in particular when the component is designed to contain a fillet of a compatible track segment with its hole which is arranged beyond the lanes, and further to click with its pin which is arranged beyond the lanes into an according hole of the compatible track segment which is particularly provided by at least one different manufacturer.

According to a variation of the aforementioned embodiment of the present invention, a hole-pin pair is arranged between the lanes, and furthermore, a hole-fillet pair is arranged distributed on both sides beyond the lanes, wherein the hole is arranged on the one side beyond the lanes, and the fillet is arranged on the other side beyond the lanes.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, two hole-pin pairs are arranged between the lanes, and one hole-fillet pair is respectively arranged on both sides beyond the lanes, so that the aforementioned embodiment of the present invention is particularly suitable for a connection of wide track segments.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the track segment further comprises at its sides holes and lugs which are designed to respectively correspond with each other, thus providing a hole-lug pair, and wherein further, a free, also fork-like designed connection pin is provided which corresponds with the hole-lug pair, and wherein the track segment is connectable to a track segment of the same type on according introduction of the connection pin into the hole-lug pair in such a manner that an at least two-lane toy motorway is provided.

Herein, the connection pin is advantageously designed similar as the aforementioned pin for the longitudinal connection of the track segment, and comprises also two oblong and springy designed arms, at each free end of which one respective hook is formed, wherein the pin and the hole and the lug are designed corresponding in such a manner that, on complete introduction of the pin through the lug into the hole, the hooks of the arms protrude from the hole, such that a click-stop device is provided. Herein, the pin has particularly advantageously two respective extensions at its front-end which is positioned adversely to the hooks, the extensions being designed in such a manner that, on the pin being completely introduced into the lug and the hole, the extensions laterally embrace the lug, so that a secure cross connection of the track segment is possible.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the flat designed connection pin comprises a circumferential edge which has a recess at the connection pin's front end and which is interrupted, wherein the connection pin further has a hole at its front end.

By means of the advantageous hole, a multitude of connection pins can for example be retained together at a wire, a string, a key ring, etc.

The advantageous hole further serves to house a connection means such as a screw, by which a track segment can be fixed to a connection pin which is introduced into a hole being located at the track segments' outer edge, wherein the aforementioned recess of the circumferential edge advantageously can house the head of a screw.

Therein, the connection elements for the longitudinal as well as the lateral connection are advantageously arranged and designed in such a manner, that a securely and easily detachable connection between track segments can be provided without any further aids such as metal clamps etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are mentioned in the subclaims and/or the subsequent description which is accompanied by schematic drawings. Herein shows:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a partial view of a track segment according to one embodiment of the present invention, with an enlarged detail view;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a partial view of a track segment according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a partial view of a track segment according to a further embodiment of the present invention together with a compatible track segment of at least one further manufacturer;

FIG. 4 a further schematic representation of the embodiment of FIG. 3 from another perspective;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a multitude of track segments from below according to a further embodiment of the present invention with enlarged detail representations;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged representation of an advantageous embodiment of a connection pin for the lateral connection and fixation of track segments; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a track segment according to a further embodiment of the present invention from below, together with a compatible track segment of a further manufacturer.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With a track segment according to the invention having the aforementioned features of the mentioned advantageous embodiments of the present invention, a firm and secure connection between track segments of identical or similar type is ensured which can be established in a simple manner, and which is detachable in a simple manner as well.

Suitably and advantageously, a track segment according to the invention is designed in such a manner that it is compatible with track segments of identical or similar type of at least two different manufacturers, so that it can advantageously be used versatile and flexible.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a partial view of a track segment according to one embodiment of the present invention with the track segment 10 for a toy motorway with two lanes 11 being arranged symmetric to the longitudinal centre axis, along which respective electric conductor paths 12 are arranged.

The track segment 10 comprises a device for the connection of the track segment 10 with track segments of identical type, wherein, for the connection of the conductor paths 12, respective hole-fillet pairs 121 are provided. For the provision of a securely and easily provideable and easily detachable connection of the track segments 10, a hole-pin pair 14 is arranged between the lanes 11, and a hole-fillet pair 13 is provided for stabilization and for guidance of the connection which is respectively distributed with its fillet 131 and with its corresponding hole 130 on both sides beyond the lanes.

The fork-like pin 141 of the hole-pin pair 14 is designed integral with the track segment 10 and comprises two oblong, flat and springy arms 142. At the free end of the arms, one respective hook 143 is formed, and the pin 141 and the hole 140 are designed corresponding in such a manner that, when the pin 141 is completely introduced into the hole 140, the hooks 143 of the arms 142 protrude from the hole 140, so that a stable detachable click-stop device is provided.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a partial view of a track segment according to a further embodiment of the present invention which represents a variation of the aforementioned embodiment as described regarding FIG. 1, and in which reference symbols are being used that correspond to FIG. 1 which is why a repeated detailed description is omitted, and wherein further, for reasons of clarity, the reference symbol 121 of the hole-fillet pairs for connection of the conductor paths which are formed identical as in the embodiment of FIG. 1 was omitted.

In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 1, two hole-pin pairs 14 are arranged between the lanes 11, and on both sides beyond the lanes 11 one respective hole-fillet pair 13 is arranged in the embodiment of FIG. 2.

The embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1 is particularly well suitable for the provision of a securely and easily provideable and guided click-stop device which can be loosened it in a simple manner as well.

The embodiment of FIG. 2 of the present invention is particularly suitable for the provision of a secure easy-to-handle click-stop device of a wide track segment 10, whereas the embodiment of FIG. 1 of the present invention is particularly suitable for the provision of a secure easy to handle click-stop-device of a narrow track segment 10.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a partial view of a track segment 10 according to a further embodiment of the present invention together with a compatible track segment 20 of at least one further manufacturer, and FIG. 4 shows a further schematic representation of the embodiment of FIG. 3 from another perspective without the conductor paths 12. In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, identical reference symbols corresponding with FIG. 1 are being used, wherein a repeated detailed description is omitted, and wherein further, for reasons of clarity, the reference symbol 121 of the hole-fillet pairs for the connection of the conductor paths was omitted, and it was further omitted to equip the hole-fillet pairs which are respectively arranged within the lanes with the reference symbol 13 or 23, respectively. Regarding the hole-fillet pair 23 of the track segment 20, reference is made to the reference symbol 23 in FIG. 7.

In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, one hole-pin pair 14 with the hole 140 and the pin 141 is arranged distributed beyond the lanes on both sides of the lanes 11, and one hole-fillet pair 13 is arranged between the lanes.

Herein, the hole-fillet pair 13 and the pin-pair 14 of the track segment 10 according to the invention is particularly advantageous designed and arranged in such a manner, that the track segment is compatible with a track segment 20 of at least one further manufacturer II, wherein the track segment 10 is suitably designed in such a manner, that it can house a fillet 231 of the compatible track segment 20 with lanes 21 and conductor paths 22 with its hole 114 which is arranged beyond the lanes 11, and that furthermore, the pin 141 which is arranged beyond the lanes 11 can engage into an according hole 230 of the compatible track segment 20 and provides a secure connection of the track segments 10 and 20, which furthermore is provideable in a simple manner and detachable in a simple manner as well.

For this also, naturally, the dimensions of the track segment 10 and its lane 11 with the conductor paths 12, and also of the according hole-fillet pair 13 are particularly compatible with the lanes 21 and the conductor paths 22 and the hole-fillet pair 23 which is arranged between the lanes of the compatible track segment 20.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a multitude of track segments 10 according to the invention from below according to a further embodiment of the present invention together with enlarged detail representations.

The track segment 10 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 can be a track segment 10 according to any of the embodiments according to the invention as previously described in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, and it can further comprise the characteristics referred to hereinafter.

A track segment 10 of FIG. 5 advantageously comprises at its sides holes 150 and lugs 151 which are designed to respectively correspond with each other, thus providing a hole-lug pair 15, and wherein further, a free, also fork-like designed connection pin 16 is provided which corresponds with the hole-lug pair 15, wherein the track segment 10 is connectable to a track segment 10 of the same type on according introduction of the connection pin 16 into the hole-lug pair 15 in such a manner that an at least two-lane toy motorway is provided.

Herein, the connection pin 16 is advantageously designed similar as the aforementioned pin 141 for the longitudinal connection of the track segment 10, and comprises also two oblong and springy designed arms 161, at each free end of which one respective hook 162 is formed. The pin 16 and the hole 150 and the lug 151 are designed corresponding in such a manner that, on complete introduction of the pin 16 through the lug 151 into the hole 150, the hooks 162 of the arms 161 protrude from the hole 150, such that a click-stop device is provided, which can be provided in a simple manner and which is detachable in a simple manner as well. Herein, the pin 16 has particularly advantageously two respective extensions 163 at its front-end which is positioned adversely to the hooks 162, the extensions being designed in such a manner that, on the pin 16 being completely introduced into the lug 151 and the hole 150, the extensions 163 laterally embrace the lug 151, so that a secure cross connection of the track segment 10 is provided.

Herein, the pin 16 is advantageously designed flat and arranged in a manner such that it does not touch a surface onto which the track segments 10 rest.

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged representation of a flat designed connection pin 16 with the arms 161, the hook 162, and the extensions 163 at the front-end of the connection pin 16, wherein the flat designed connection pin 16 advantageously has a circumferential edge 162 which has a recess 165 at the connection pin's 16 front end and which is interrupted, wherein the connection pin 16 further has hole 166 at its front end in close proximity of the recess 165.

By means of the advantageous hole 166, a multitude of connection pins 16 can for example be retained together at a wire, a string, a key ring, etc. in a simple manner.

The advantageous hole 166 further serves to house a connection means such as a screw, by which a track segment 10 can be fixed to a connection pin 16 which is introduced into a lateral hole 150 being located at the track segments outer edge, wherein the aforementioned recess 165 of the circumferential edge 164 advantageously can house the head of a screw.

FIG. 7 shows a further schematic representation of the present invention, wherein two hole-pin pairs 14 are arranged between the lanes 11, and on both sites beyond the lanes 11, a hole-fillet pair 13 is furthermore respectively arranged. The track segment 10 according to the invention of FIG. 7 is particularly suitably being provided in a wide embodiment, as is the track segment 10 according to the invention of FIG. 2, and the track segment 10 according to the invention of FIG. 5.

The track segment according to the invention of FIG. 7 furthermore comprises respectively adversely arranged hole-lug pairs 15, which respectively cooperate with the connection pin 16 such that an at least two-lane car racetrack can be provided.

The hole-pin pairs 14 and the hole-lug pair 15 of the embodiment of FIG. 7 are designed similar as in the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention, which is why the repeated description is omitted, and instead, reference is made to what was said above.

The hole-lug pair 15 with the hole 150 and the lug 151 is designed to correspond with the connection pin 16 and cooperates with it in such a manner, that a long-side and lateral side connection of the track segments 10 for an at least two-lane toy racetrack can be provided.

The embodiments of FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 are further designed in such a manner that the track segment 10 according to the present invention (of a manufacturer I) is compatible with the track segment 20 of at least one further manufacturer II with a hole-hole pair 27 for provision of a multilane toy car racetrack, wherein the hole 270 of the hole-hole pair 27 of the track segment 20 of the at least one further manufacturer II respectively corresponds with the hole 150 of the hole-lug pair 15. In this manner, it is advantageously possible to provide an at least two-lane toy racetrack with track segments 10, 20 of different manufacturers I, II, wherein the track segments 10, 20 can be connected to each other not only one after another, but also side by side.

Claims

1. A track segment (10) for a toy motorway with two lanes (11) being arranged symmetric to the longitudinal centre axis, along which respective electric conductor paths (12) are arranged, and with devices for connecting the track segment (10) to other track segments (10) of the same type, wherein, for the connection of the conductor paths (12), respective hole-fillet pairs (121) are provided, and wherein, for the connection of the track segments (10), at least one hole-pin pair (14) with a fork-like designed pin (141) and a hole (140) which corresponds with the pin (141) is provided, wherein the pin (141) is designed springy and wherein, by means of the hole-pin-pair (14), a click-stop device is provided which connects the track segments (10) and which is detachable, and wherein furthermore, for the stabilization and guidance of the connection, at least one hole-fillet pair (13) with a fillet (131) and a hole (130) that corresponds with the fillet (131) is provided.

2. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fork-like pin (141) is designed integral with the track segment (10) and comprises two oblong, flat and springy arms (142), at each free end of which one respective hook (143) is formed, and the pin (141) and the hole (140) are designed corresponding in such a manner that, when the pin (141) is completely introduced into the hole (140), the hooks (143) of the arms (142) protrude from the hole (140), whereby the click-stop-device is provided.

3. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the hole (140) for the pin (141) and the hole (130) for the fillet (131) have approximately the same width and height.

4. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein one hole-pin pair (14) is arranged distributed on both sides beyond the lanes (11), and one hole-fillet pair (13) is arranged between the lanes (11).

5. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein one hole-pin pair (14) is arranged between the lanes (11), and one hole-fillet pair (13) is arranged distributed on both sides beyond the lanes (11).

6. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein two hole-pin pairs (14) are arranged between the lanes (11), and one hole-fillet pair (13) is respectively arranged on both sides beyond the lanes (11).

7. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein two hole-pin pairs (14) are arranged between the lanes (11), and one hole-fillet pair (13) is respectively arranged on both sides beyond the lanes (11).

8. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein at its sides, the track segment (10) further comprises holes (150) and lugs (151) which are designed to respectively correspond with each other, thus providing a hole-lug pair (15), wherein further, a free, also fork-like designed connection pin (16) is provided which corresponds with the hole-lug pair (15), and wherein the track segment (10) is connectable to a track segment (10) of the same type on according introduction of the connection pin (16) into the hole-lug pair (15) in such a manner that an at least two-lane toy motorway is provided.

9. The track segment (10) according to claim 8, wherein the pin (16) is designed similar to the pin (14) and comprises also two oblong and springy designed arms (161), at each free end of which one respective hook (163) is formed, wherein the pin (16) and the hole (150) and the lug (151) are designed corresponding in such a manner that, on complete introduction of the pin (16) through the lug (151) into the hole (150), the hooks (162) of the arms (161) protrude from the hole (150), such that a click-stop-device is provided.

10. The track segment (10) according to claim 8, wherein: the pin (16) has two respective extensions (163) at its front-end which is positioned adversely to the hooks (162), the extensions being designed in such a manner that, on the pin (16) being completely introduced into the lug (151) and the hole (150), the extensions (163) laterally embrace the lug (151).

11. The track segment (10) according to claim 8, wherein: the pin (16) is designed flat and arranged in a manner such that it does not touch a surface onto which the track segment (10) rests.

12. The track segment (10) according to claim 8, wherein the pin (16) comprises an outer edge (164) which has a recess (165) at its front end, and, at the front end of the pin (16), a hole (166) exists in close proximity to the recess for the fixation of a track segment (10) by means of a fixation means being guided through the hole (166), at a pin (16) being introduced into a outer lateral hole (150).

13. The track segment (10) according to claim 8, wherein the hole-fillet pair (13) and/or the hole-pin pair (14) and/or the hole-lug pair (15) with the pin (16) are designed in such a manner that a securely and easily detachable connection can be provided between track segments (10) without any further aids.

14. The track segment (10) according to claim 1, wherein the track segment (10) is designed in such a manner that it is compatible with track segments (20) of identical or similar type of at least one different manufacturer (II).

Patent History
Publication number: 20110042473
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 10, 2010
Publication Date: Feb 24, 2011
Inventor: Kurt Hesse (Nuremberg)
Application Number: 12/853,587
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 238/10.0A
International Classification: A63H 18/12 (20060101);