Booster Mechanism for Toy Vehicle Track Set

Abstract

A booster mechanism that can be wound or loaded for successive boosts of toy vehicles is disclosed. The booster mechanism includes multiple spaced apart booster arms that engage toy vehicles that activate the booster mechanism.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and is based on U.S. Patent Application No. 61/475,997, filed Apr. 15, 2011, entitled “Booster Mechanism for Toy Vehicle Track Set,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a booster mechanism for a toy vehicle track set, and in particular, to a windable booster mechanism with multiple engagement portions or booster arms that can continuously boost toy vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some booster mechanisms are known in the art. Some conventional boosters are manually activated by a child. In such boosters, a child attempts to manipulate an actuator at the appropriate time to engage a passing toy vehicle to provide a boost to the toy vehicle. For such booster mechanism, a child must be involved with each boost of a toy vehicle.

There is a need for a booster mechanism that can be loaded for multiple uses. There is also a need for a booster mechanism that can boost consecutive toy vehicles without interaction from a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a toy vehicle track set that includes a track along which toy vehicles can travel, and a booster mechanism coupled to the track, the booster mechanism including a body mounted for complete rotation about an axis, the body including a plurality of booster arms, each of which is configured to engage a toy vehicle, the body being windable against a biasing mechanism to a loaded position so that each time the booster mechanism is activated by a toy vehicle, the body rotates a partial rotation about the axis away from the loaded position so that one of the booster arms engages and propels the activating toy vehicle.

The present invention is also directed to a toy vehicle booster coupled to a closed loop track. The booster includes a base portion, a booster member rotatably coupled to the base portion, the booster member being configured to move 360 degrees relative to the base portion, the booster member including a plurality of engaging portions, each of the engaging portions being configured to engage a toy vehicle, and an indexing mechanism coupled to the booster member, the indexing mechanism permitting the booster member to rotate only a partial rotation repeatedly in response to activation of the booster by sequential toy vehicles.

The present invention is also directed to a toy vehicle booster coupled to a closed loop track. The booster includes a base portion, a booster member rotatably coupled to the base portion, the booster member being configured to move 360 degrees relative to the base portion, the booster member including a plurality of engaging portions, a biasing member coupled to the booster member, the biasing member biasing the booster member toward a rest position, and a catch engageable with the booster member to stop the booster member during its rotation after activation by a toy vehicle so that the booster member rotates only a partial rotation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of toy vehicle tracks with booster mechanisms according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a portion of one of the toy vehicle tracks illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate different top perspective views of some of the components of the toy vehicle track illustrated in FIG. 2 in different states of disassembly.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the booster mechanism illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6A illustrates a bottom perspective view of some components of the booster mechanism illustrated in FIG. 2 in a disengaged configuration.

FIG. 6B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the components of the booster mechanism illustrated in FIG. 6A in an engaged configuration.

FIG. 6C illustrates an inverted side view of the components illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B in a locked configuration.

FIG. 6D illustrates an inverted side view of the components illustrated in FIG. 6C in a release configuration.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of a toy vehicle track according to the present invention and as illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of the booster mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7 in a state of disassembly.

FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of a ratchet mechanism of the booster mechanism illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate different top perspective views of the booster mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7 in different states of disassembly.

FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the booster mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7 with several components disassembled.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate views showing the relative movements of portions of the actuator of the booster mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the booster mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7 with several components disassembled.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a booster mechanism for a toy vehicle track according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a booster mechanism for a toy vehicle track according to the present invention.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A booster mechanism according to the present invention includes at least one booster arm or engagement portion that can be moved into engagement with a toy vehicle on a toy vehicle track set. When the booster arm moves while in contacts with the toy vehicle, a force is applied to the toy vehicle along the direction of the track which moves or propels the toy vehicle along the track. In one embodiment, the booster mechanism includes a rotating body with three booster arms that are equally spaced apart.

The booster mechanism also includes a drive mechanism which can be referred to alternatively as a winding or wind-up mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a biasing member that can be wound to generate potential energy in the biasing member. A child can wind-up the biasing member, which is retained in a loaded configuration or condition until released.

The booster mechanism includes an actuator that is engageable by a toy vehicle on the track. The actuator has a portion that prevents the rotating body of the booster mechanism from moving. When the actuator is engaged by a passing toy vehicle, the actuator moves to a releasing or released position which releases the rotating body. In one embodiment, the rotating body rotates through a portion of a full rotation, such as 120°, until the actuator engages the rotating body and prevents further movement. These steps of releasing, moving, and locking repeat for each passing toy vehicle that activates the actuator until the potential energy in the biasing member runs out.

Referring to FIG. 1, two toy vehicle track or track sets according to the present invention are illustrated. Each of the track sets includes a booster mechanism that is used to boost or propel a toy vehicle along the track. As each of the track sets is a closed loop track, a toy vehicle that is boosted travels along the track from one end to the other end and returns back to the booster mechanism to be boosted again.

As shown in FIG. 1, toy vehicle track 10 includes a booster mechanism 100 and toy vehicle track 500 includes a booster mechanism 600. Toy vehicle track set 10 is illustrated in and discussed relative to FIGS. 1-6, and 6A-6D. Toy vehicle track set 500 is illustrated in and discussed relative to FIGS. 1 and 7-8, 8A, 9-12, 12A, 12B, and 13. The track sets 10 and 500 have several similar features as discussed below.

Referring to FIG. 1, toy vehicle track set 10 includes a closed loop track 20 with opposite ends 22 and 24. The track 20 is inclined from end 22 to end 24 and retained in that position or orientation via several supports 26. The angle of inclination facilitates the return of a toy vehicle from end 24 to end 22, where the booster mechanism 100 is located. The track 20 includes a track portion 30 that includes a channel 32 that is formed by opposite side walls and along which a toy vehicle can travel.

Referring to FIG. 2, a top perspective view of a portion of the track 20 and the booster mechanism 100 is illustrated. Proximate to the track 20 is a base or base portion 110 that has an upper surface 112 and a lower surface 114 (see FIG. 6). In one embodiment, the base 110 can be formed separately from the track 20 and placed in proximity to the track 20 or coupled thereto. In another embodiment, the base 110 can be integrally formed with the track 20.

Track 20 includes a turn 34 along which toy vehicles can travel. Coupled to the turn 34 is a shield 50, which can be a piece of plastic integrally formed with the turn 34 or formed separately and subsequently coupled thereto. The shield 50 reduces the likelihood that a boosted toy vehicle is lifted off the track 20 through the turn 34. The booster mechanism 100 is located proximate to turn 34 and a portion of the booster arms of booster mechanism 100 extends into the turn 34 of the track 20 to engage a passing toy vehicle along the turn 34.

In this embodiment, the booster mechanism 100 includes a body 120 that has multiple engagement portions. The body 120 is rotatably mounted to the base 110 and can rotate through a complete circle. The multiple engagement portions permit the booster to incrementally rotate or advance in a particular direction and to boost successive toy vehicles.

Extending from the body 120 are arms or booster arms 130, 140, and 150, which can also be referred to as engagement portions. Each arm 130, 140, and 150 has a longitudinal axis along which the arm extends. Each longitudinal axis, and the corresponding arm, is spaced apart 120° from the other two adjacent axes and arms.

As shown in FIG. 2, arm 130 includes an engaging finger or member 132 that provides a larger surface area with which to contact a toy vehicle than just the side edge of the arm 130. In this embodiment, the engaging member 132 has a flat contact surface that engages a rear surface of the toy vehicle. The engaging member 132 can be integrally formed with the rest of the arm 130, or alternatively, can be formed separate from the rest of the arm 130 and subsequently coupled thereto.

Similarly, arm 140 includes an engaging finger or member 142 with a flat contact surface 144 (see FIG. 3) and arm 150 includes an engaging finger or member 152 with a flat contact surface 154 (see FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the body 120 and the arms 130, 140, and 150 can be formed integrally. In another embodiment, the body 120 and the arms 130, 140, and 150 can be formed separately and the arms coupled to the body 120.

As described below, the body 120 of the booster mechanism 100 has an initial rest or unbiased position relative to the base 110. The body 120 can be moved against the force of a biasing member to a loaded or wound position and retained in that position via a catch or latch. When the catch or latch is released, the biasing member can bias the body 120 to rotate and engage a passing toy vehicle. The body 120 will continue to rotate as long as the biasing member provides a force on the body 120 and as long as the catch or latch is not in a locking or engaging position.

The booster mechanism 100 includes a drive mechanism 250, which can be referred to alternatively as a winding or loading mechanism, that can be manipulated by a user to load or wind the booster mechanism 100. In this embodiment, the loading or winding mechanism 250 includes a handle 260. A user can rotate the handle 260, and as a result, the body 120, along the direction of arrow “A” about a shaft 116 defining a rotation axis 125. The handle 260 is coupled to a sleeve portion 262 and has an abutment 270 that contacts an engagement member 280 to wind the spring internal to the sleeve portion 262 as the handle 260 is turned or cranked. The engagement member 280 also is part of clutch mechanism that prevents the over-winding of the handle 260 and protects the biasing member or spring, which is discussed in detail below.

In this embodiment, the booster mechanism 100 includes an actuator, a portion 430 of which extends above the travel surface of the toy vehicle track. In one embodiment, the actuator portion 430 is located along the turn 34. When the booster body 120 rotates to boost toy vehicles, the body 120 rotates along the direction of arrow “B” about axis 125.

Referring to FIG. 3, the components of the booster mechanism 100, including the body 120 and the winding mechanism 250, have been removed from the base 110. As shown, the shaft 116 extending upwardly from the base 110 has a sufficient length so that the body 120 and the winding mechanism 250 can be rotatably mounted thereon. Each of the body 120 and the winding mechanism 250 includes an opening or hole that is configured to receive the shaft 116. The body 120 has an upper surface 124 (see FIG. 3) and an opposite, lower surface 126 (see FIG. 5).

Referring back to FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the booster mechanism 100 includes a boss 282 that extends upwardly from the winding mechanism 250. The boss 282 includes a notch 284 formed in its upper surface. The notch 284 is sized to receive a portion of the engagement member 280. As the handle 260 is rotates and the abutment 270 contacts the engagement member 280, movement of the engagement member 280 results in the boss 282 rotating as well.

Also shown in FIG. 3, as referenced above, are the contact surfaces 144 and 154 of the booster arms 140 and 150, respectively. In this embodiment, the contact surfaces 144 and 154 are generally flat. In other embodiments of the invention, the contact surfaces 144 and 154 may be textured and/or have a non-planar shape or configuration.

Referring to FIG. 4, the winding mechanism 250 is illustrated separate from the body 120. The body 120 includes a central portion 122 and coupled to the upper surface 124 of the central portion 122 is a winder 290 that has several abutments 294 that define slots or slits 296 between adjacent abutments 294. Located between all of the abutments 294 is a central hole 292 through which the shaft 116 of the base 110 can pass.

As shown, coupled to the handle 260 is a sleeve 262 that has a wall 264 that defines a receptacle 266. The wall 264 also includes a slot 268 formed therethrough. In this embodiment, the handle 260 and the sleeve 262 are integrally formed.

A biasing member 300, such as a coil spring, has opposite ends 302 and 304 and is located in the receptacle 266. Due to the coiled configuration of the spring 300, end 302 is an inner end and end 304 is an outer end of the spring 300. End 304 extends through slot 268, as shown. End 302 of the spring 300 is placed between one or more of the slots 296 between abutments 294. The end 302 is retained in one or more of the slots 296 due to friction, and in some cases, crimping or bending of the end 302.

The winder 290 is used to wind the spring 300. As the handle 260 is turned, the handle 260 rotates relative to the body 120. As biasing member end 302 is coupled to the winder 290 on the body 120, the rotation of the handle 260 moves biasing member end 304 relative to biasing member end 302. This relative movement results in the biasing member 300 being wound and constricted about the winder 290. The extent of the winding of the biasing member 300 is limited to when the biasing member 300 is tightly wound on the winder 290 and itself. When the biasing member 300 is wound, it stores potential energy which is used to drive and rotate the body 120 relative to the base 110 and the track 20.

Referring to FIG. 5, a lower perspective view of the body 120 of the booster mechanism 100 is illustrated. As shown, the body 120 has a lower surface or side 126 to which several catches or stops are coupled. In this embodiment, the body 120 has three catches 160, 170, and 180 that are equally spaced apart. The catches 160, 170, and 180 collectively form part of an indexing mechanism that enables the body 120 to index or incrementally rotate. Each of the catches 160, 170, and 180 is positioned so that one of the booster arms 130, 140, and 150 is in a loaded position ready to boost a toy vehicle when released (such as arm 140 in FIG. 2). The catches 160, 170, and 180 are used to control the amount of rotation of the body 120 about axis 125 as the biasing mechanism 300 unwinds. As the catches 160, 170, and 180 are spaced apart by 120°, the engagement of successive catches by an actuator, as described below, results in rotation of the body 120 along approximately 120°. This incremental or partial rotation of the body facilitates multiple toy vehicle boosts for each full rotation of the rotating body 120.

The catches 160, 170, and 180 have lips or projections 162, 172, and 182, respectively. The lips 162, 172, and 182 are oriented so that they engage a portion of an actuator, as described below. The catches 160, 170, and 180 can be formed separately from the body 120 and subsequently coupled thereto using an adhesive or a connector, such as a screw. Alternatively, the catches 160, 170, and 180 can be integrally formed with the body 120.

Referring to FIG. 6, a bottom perspective view of the booster mechanism 100 and a portion of the track 20 is illustrated. As shown, the base 110 has a lower surface or lower side 114 that is oriented toward and/or placed in contact with a support surface on which the track set 10 is placed. Coupled to the base 110 is an actuator 400 that is activated by a toy vehicle on the track 20 and that releases the body 120 to rotate under the bias of the biasing member 300.

In this embodiment, the actuator 400 includes an elongate member 410 with opposite ends 412 and 414. The elongate member 410 can be a rod or link. Proximate to end 412 is an engaging portion 420 that engages the body 120, as shown. In FIG. 6, the engaging portion 420 is illustrated as being engaged with catch 180. Proximate to end 414 is a projecting portion 430 (see FIG. 2) that extends into the pathway of the track 20 through an opening formed in the track 20. The elongate member 410 is coupled to the track 20 and/or the base 110 and is mounted for at least partial rotation about its longitudinal axis 425. A biasing mechanism, such as a spring, is positioned to bias the elongate member 410 into an initial position where the projecting portion 430 extends into the channel or area of the track 20.

When a toy vehicle contacts the projection portion 430, the projecting portion 430 moves downwardly and the elongate member 410 rotates about axis 425 against the bias of its biasing mechanism. The rotation of elongate member 410 about axis 425 causes the engaging portion 420 to rotate as well. When the engaging portion 420 rotates from its latched or locked position shown in FIG. 6, the body 120 rotates until the next catch is stopped by the engaging portion 420.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6D, the interaction between the actuator 400 and catch 180 is illustrated. Each of the FIGS. 6A-6D is an inverted view of some of the components of the booster mechanism 100.

In this embodiment, the actuator 400 is biased by a biasing member, such as a spring, into a locking position 422. In this position, the engaging portion 420 of the actuator 400 is in a position in which it can engage one of the catches 160, 170, or 180. As shown in FIG. 6A, rotation of the body 120 moves the portion of the body 120 with catch 180 along the direction of arrow “C.” The catch 180 with its tip 182 defines a notch 184 with which the engaging portion 420 engages as shown in FIG. 6B. When the engaging portion 420 contacts the catch 180, the rotation of the body 120 about axis 125 is stopped. Referring to FIG. 6C, an end view of the components illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B is shown. The body 120 and catch 180 move from a disengaged position 186 to an engaged position 188 as the body 120 moves along the direction of arrow “C1.”

Referring to FIG. 6D, the engaging portion 420 is shown in its initial position 422 (shown in phantom) in which it contacts the catch 180. As the elongate member 410 rotates along the direction of arrow “D,” the engaging portion 420 moves about axis 426 to its unlocked position 424. In this position 424, there is a gap 440 between the engaging portion 420 and the body 120. The gap 440 is sufficiently sized to permit the catch 180 to move therethrough, which results in the body 120 rotating along the direction of arrow “E.”

When the toy vehicle disengages from the actuator, the elongate member 410 rotates about axis 426 along the direction of arrow “F” from position 424 to position 422. The engaging portion 420 is thus positioned to contact the next catch, such as catch 160, and stop the body 120 after it rotates 120°.

Once the biasing mechanism 300 is wound, the process of a toy vehicle activating the actuator 400, the actuator 400 moving to permit rotation of the body 120, the body 120 of the booster mechanism 100 rotating 120° about axis 125 and engaging the toy vehicle, the actuator 400 stopping the rotation of the body 120 repeats itself with each successive actuation by a toy vehicle until the stored potential energy in the biasing mechanism runs out. In one implementation, the winding mechanism 250 can be turned or cranked seven times, which enables the body 120 to make seven full revolutions due to the potential energy in the wound biasing mechanism 300. The body 120 can boost twenty-one toy vehicles in a row as the toy vehicles continuously activate the actuator 400 for track set 10.

Referring back to FIG. 1, toy vehicle track set 500 includes a closed loop track 510 with opposite ends 512 and 514. The track 510 is similarly inclined from end 512 to end 514 and retained in that position via supports 516 and a base support 518 (see FIG. 7). The booster mechanism 600 is located proximate to end 512 of the track 510.

Referring to FIG. 7, a portion of the track 510 and the booster mechanism 600 are illustrated. Similar to booster mechanism 100, booster mechanism 600 includes a drive mechanism 700, which can be referred to as a winding or loading mechanism. In this embodiment, the track 510 includes a turn 520 along which an arm of the booster mechanism 600 travels to boost a passing toy vehicle. The track 510 includes a shield 530 with a projecting portion 532 located near where a booster arm initially engages a toy vehicle. The shield 530 is coupled to a frame 534 that has several posts 536 extending therefrom. In one embodiment, the shield 530 is transparent, which allows a child to see the booster mechanism 600 engage a toy vehicle.

The track 510 includes a base 540 coupled thereto or formed therewith. The base 540 rotatably supports the booster mechanism 600. The track 510 includes an outer wall 550 that has several spaced apart mounts 552 with openings 554 into which posts 536 can be inserted to couple the shield 530 to the track 510.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, some of the components of booster mechanism 600 are illustrated. In this embodiment, the booster mechanism 600 includes a body 620 with an upper surface 624 and arms 630, 640, and 650, each of which is spaced apart by 120°.

In this embodiment, the booster mechanism 600 includes a loading or winding mechanism 700 that can be manipulated by a child to wind the booster mechanism 600. As shown in FIG. 8, the winding mechanism 700 includes a cover 720 that has a wall 722 with teeth 724 formed along an inner surface. The wall 722 defines a receptacle 726 and the cover 720 includes a centrally located hole 728.

The winding mechanism 700 includes a handle 710 that is coupled to a body 712 with an upper surface 713 to which a ratchet mechanism 740 is mounted. The body 712 also includes a downwardly depending wall 714 that defines a receptacle 716 (see FIG. 9).

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 8A, the components of the ratchet mechanism 740 are illustrated. As shown, the ratchet mechanism 740 includes a pair of cam members 750 and 760. The cam members 750 and 760 include mounting holes 756 and 766 through which connectors 770 and 772 are inserted to pivotally mount the cam members 750 and 760 to the body 712 coupled to the handle 710. As shown in FIG. 8A, each of the cam members 750 and 760 includes opposite ends 752, 754, and 762, 764 and a movement hole 757 and 767, respectively.

A biasing member 780, such as a resilient band, couples the cam members 750 and 760 to each other. The biasing member 780 extends around the posts 715 and 717 that are formed on the upper surface 713 of the body 712. The biasing member 780 biases the cam member 750 about connector 770 in hole 756 along the direction of arrow “G.” Similarly, the biasing member 780 biases the cam member 760 about connector 772 in hole 766 along the direction of arrow “H.” The result of the biasing of cam members 750 and 760 in those directions is that the distal tips or ends 752 and 762 of the members 750 and 760 are forced outwardly into engagement with the inner surface of the wall 722 of the cover 720. The tips 752 and 762 engage the teeth 724 of the cover 720, which results in the translation of rotation of the handle 710 into rotation of the winding mechanism 700.

Referring to FIG. 9, the winding mechanism 700 also includes a winder 790 that has a central post 792 and stands 794 located proximate to the central post 792. Slots or gaps 796 are formed between the post 792 and the stands 794. The winding mechanism 700 also includes a biasing member or mechanism 800, such as a coiled spring, with opposite ends (only inner end 802 is illustrated in FIG. 9). The biasing member 800 is located in the receptacle 716 of the handle portion 710 and inner end 802 is placed into one or more of the slots 796. The other end of the biasing member 800 is fixed to the handle 710 so that rotation of the handle 710 moves the other end. As a result, as the biasing member 800 unwinds, the biasing member 800 imparts motion to the body 620 because of the connection between the biasing member 800 and the body 620.

Referring to FIG. 10, the base 540 includes a post or shaft 546 that extends from the upper surface 542. A slot 548 is formed near the post 546. A stop 942 of an actuator 900 is illustrated as extending through slot 548. The stop 942 moves along the directions of arrow “I.” The details of the stop are discussed in greater detail below.

Referring to FIG. 11, a bottom view of the body 620 is illustrated. The body 620 includes a lower surface 626 to which several catches are coupled. As shown, catches 660, 670, and 680 are coupled to the lower surface 626 via connectors, such as screws, that extend through the catches 660, 670, and 680. Each of the catches 660, 670, and 680 includes a tip or lip 662, 672, and 682, respectively. The catches 660, 670, and 680 are spaced apart by 120° in the same configuration as catches 160, 170, and 180 for track set 10 described above.

Referring to FIGS. 12, 12A, 12B, and 13, the details of the actuator 900 of track set 500 are illustrated. In this embodiment, the base 540 has a lower surface 544 with a cavity or chamber 545. A cover plate 570 can be coupled to the base 540 to cover the cavity 545. The cover plate 570 has several openings 572 through connectors 574, such as screws, can be inserted to be connected to openings formed in mounting structures on the base 540. The cover plate 570 can be coupled to the base 540 to cover the cavity 545. As shown in FIG. 12, the track 510 includes a slot 560 that extends through the track 510 between the upper and lower surfaces of the track 510.

In this embodiment, the actuator 900 includes an elongate member 910 with opposite ends 912 and 914. Proximate to end 912 is an engaging member 930 and proximate to end 914 is a catch or latch member 940. The elongate member 910 is coupled or mounted to the base 540 and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis 915.

Referring to FIG. 13, several stands with notches in their ends are spaced apart and used to position the elongate member 910. Stand 921 is located to engage the elongate member 910 near end 912. Stands 923 and 925 are located to engage the elongate member 910 near end 914.

As shown in FIG. 13, the elongate member 910 has a collar or sleeve 920 that has a groove formed therein. The collar 920 is positioned in engagement with the stand 921 and the stand 921 engages the groove. Similarly, the elongate member has collars 922 and 924 proximate to end 914. The collars 922 and 924 engage stands 923 and 925, respectively, and have grooves that receive the ends of the stands 923 and 925. The grooves in collars 920, 922, and 924 extend around the perimeter of the collars and permit the rotation of the collars 920, 922, and 924 relative to the stands 921, 923, and 925. The inner surface of the cover plate 570 has stands that correspond to and that are aligned with the stands 921, 923, and 925 when the cover plate 570 is coupled to the base 540. The different sets of stands capture the corresponding one of the collars 920, 922, or 924 therebetween.

As mentioned above, the elongate member 910 is mounted for rotation about axis 915. FIG. 12A illustrates the movement of engaging member 930 as elongate member 910 rotates and FIG. 12B illustrates the movement of catch portion 940 as elongate member 910 rotates. Each of the engaging member 930 and the catch portion 940 is fixed to the elongate member 910. As a result, the movement of any one of the components

Referring to FIG. 12A, a toy vehicle 1000 travels along the track 510 along the direction of arrow “J,” which is also illustrated in FIG. 12. As the toy vehicle 1000 moves in that direction, a portion of the toy vehicle 1000 contacts or engages a contact surface 933 on an upper portion 932 of the engaging member 930. The engaging member 930 has an initial or biased position 934 in which the engaging member 930 is positioned without any force applied to the engaging member 930. A biasing member, such as a spring, is provided to bias the elongate member 910, and thus, the engaging member 930, into this orientation. When the toy vehicle 1000 contacts the surface 933, the engaging member 930 moves within slot 560 and rotates about axis 915 along the direction of arrow “K.” As a result, the engaging member 930 moves to a contact position 936 (shown in phantom) and the elongate member 910 rotates about axis 915 as well. When the force from the toy vehicle 1000 is no longer applied to the contact surface 933, the engaging member 930 returns to its initial or biased position 934.

Referring to FIG. 12B, the catch portion 940 located at the opposite end of the elongate member 910 from engaging member 930 also moves. The latch portion 940 has a projecting portion 942 that extends upwardly through the slot 548 in the base 540 (see FIGS. 10 and 13) when the latch portion 940 is in its locking position 944. In this position 944, the projecting portion 942 contacts or engages one of the catches 660, 670, and 680 on the rotating body 620. When the engaging member 930 rotates about axis 915 along the direction of arrow “K,” the latch portion 940 also rotates about axis 915 along the direction of arrow “L” to an unlocking position 946, which permits the catch to move past the projecting portion 942. The body 620 rotates until the next catch engages the latch portion 940 of the actuator 900. This process is repeated until the biasing member has insufficient potential energy to cause the body 620 to rotate incrementally any further.

Referring to FIG. 14, a perspective view of another embodiment of a track set is illustrated. In FIG. 14, only the turn portion of the track 1170 and the booster mechanism 1100 are illustrated. The track 1170 has connectors 1172 and 1174 that facilitate connection of the track 1170 with other track pieces which may have any configuration or shape.

The track 1170 has a base portion 1105 integrally formed therewith. The booster mechanism 1100 is rotatable mounted to the base portion 1105 and includes a rotatable body 1110 with several booster arms or engaging portions 1120, 1130, and 1140. In this embodiment, each of the arms includes a contact surface that may be coated with a material to reduce the impact of the arm on the toy vehicle. For example, the arms may include a rubber coating or similar material as shown by surfaces 1132 and 1142 of arms 1130 and 1140, respectively. The booster mechanism 1100 includes a winding mechanism 1150 with a handle 1152 that can be used to wind a spring that is internally located in the winding mechanism 1150.

Referring to FIG. 15, a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a track set is illustrated. The toy vehicle track set 1500 includes a closed loop track 1510 with opposite ends 1512 and 1514 which may each be circular, but unlike the previous embodiments, first end 1512 may be oriented as a substantially vertical loop. The two ends 1512 and 1514 may be connected to each other at intersection 1570 and portions of track 1510 may be supported by supports 1516 so that track 1510 is inclined from intersection 1570 to end 1514. Similar to track 20 of a previous embodiment, the angle of inclination facilitates the return of a toy vehicle 2000 from end 1514 to end 1512, where the booster mechanism 1600 is located. The track 1510 includes a channel 1532 that is formed by opposite side walls and along which a toy vehicle can travel. In one embodiment, the track 1510 includes a repositionable portion 1580 that can be moved relative to the intersection 1570 to create various play configurations. For example, the portion 1580 can be positioned so that a toy vehicle 2000 traveling therealong jumps over the intersection 1570, thereby avoiding collisions with other toy vehicle 2000.

Referring to FIG. 15, track set 1500 also includes a base 1540. A base 1540 supports booster 1600 in a vertical orientation while receiving a portion of track 1510. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 15, a turn 1520 is supported or included in a portion of an outer wall 1550 of the base 1540, such that turn 1520 may be engaged by the vertically orientated booster 1600. Thus, the outer wall 1550 of track 1500 is at least a portion of a vertically oriented annulus such that outer wall 1550 provides a loop or ring for the booster mechanism 1600 to rotate within. Outer wall 1550 also includes openings 1554 so that toy vehicles may enter and exit the base 1500 and mounts 1552 so that base 1500 may be mounted to a previously existing track 1500. Additionally, a loader or winding mechanism 1700 may be mounted to booster 1600 such that any winding may occur about the central axis of the annular outer wall 1550.

Also shown in FIG. 15 is the booster mechanism 1600 including arms 1630, 1640, and 1650, which each include an engaging portion, 1662, 1672, and 1682, respectively. Each of the arms 1630, 1640, and 1650 may be coupled to or formed integrally with a body 1620 (see FIG. 15) such that the arms 1630, 1640, and 1650 may rotate about the central axis of outer wall 1550 while alternately engaging at least a portion of turn 1520. The multiple engagement portions permit the booster to incrementally rotate or advance in a particular direction and to boost successive toy vehicles. In this particular embodiment, a vehicle 2000 may be boosted in a substantially upwards direction, such that it has enough speed to traverse the vertical loop included at end 1512.

In order to actuate the booster mechanism, a user may wind the winding mechanism 1700 and subsequently activate an actuating mechanism 1900 (seen in FIG. 15). The winding mechanism may include a body which may be covered by cover 1720, which may include an outer wall. Cover 1720 and the body may form a housing which may house any suitable energy storage mechanism (not pictured). In order to transfer energy to this mechanism, a handle 1710 (seen in FIG. 15) may be rotated about a central axis of the cover 1720. The winding mechanism may be operatively coupled to the booster mechanism such that energy transferred to the winding mechanism may be transferred to the booster mechanism.

Once energy has been transferred to winding mechanism 1700, actuation of the actuating mechanism may cause the booster mechanism 1600 to boost a toy vehicle. The actuating mechanism 1900 is included on and in the base 1540 and operatively connected to both the winding mechanism 1700 and the booster mechanism 1600, such that the booster mechanism 1600 may rotate one third of a rotation (120 degrees) when the actuating mechanism is actuated. In this particular embodiment, an actuating member 1930 is included in base 1540 and protrudes therefrom such that it may be engaged by a vehicle 2000 traveling along track 1510.

In this embodiment, the track set 1500 includes one or more supports to locate the booster mechanism so that it engages at least a portion of track 1510. In one embodiment, it is preferable to mount booster mechanism in a position which maximizes its engagement with track 1510. Winding mechanism 1700 may be mounted on the same axis as booster mechanism 1600 in order to provide an efficient and aesthetic design. Therefore, in this embodiment, where booster 1600 engages track 1500 at turn 1520, it is preferable to mount booster mechanism 1600 and winding mechanism 1700 at the center of the turn 1520. One or more supports support the booster mechanism in such a position while other supports support the winding mechanism in such a position.

In alternative embodiments, a booster mechanism according to the present invention may include a rotating body with two booster arms or with four or more booster arms. For the multiple booster arms in a booster mechanism, the booster arms are equally spaced apart. The quantity of booster arms determines the extent that the rotating body incrementally rotates during each activation of the booster mechanism. The booster arms may be may of any material that provides sufficient force to a boosted toy vehicle, such as a plastic material.

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “end,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions. For example, the booster arms of the rotating mechanism may engage a vehicle traveling on a straight portion of the track. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the invention be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A toy vehicle track set, comprising:

a track along which a toy vehicle can travel; and

a booster mechanism coupled to the track, the booster mechanism including a body mounted for complete rotation about an axis, the body including a plurality of booster arms, each of the plurality of booster arms is configured to engage a toy vehicle, the body being windable against a biasing mechanism to a loaded position so that each time the booster mechanism is actuated by a toy vehicle, the body rotates a partial rotation about the axis away from the loaded position so that one of the booster arms engages and propels the actuating toy vehicle.

2. The toy vehicle track set of claim 1, wherein the track forms a closed loop.

3. The toy vehicle track set of claim 1, wherein the track includes a turn and the booster mechanism is coupled to the track proximate the turn so that each booster arm can at least partially extend into the turn to engage and propel a toy vehicle around the turn.

4. The toy vehicle track set of claim 1, wherein the partial rotation is one-third of a rotation.

5. The toy vehicle track set of claim 1, wherein the loaded position is a first loaded position and the body is configured to partially rotate from the first loaded position to a second loaded position upon being actuated by a toy vehicle.

6. The toy vehicle track set of claim 5, wherein the body remains, at least momentarily, in the second loaded position until the booster mechanism is once again actuated by a toy vehicle.

7. The toy vehicle track set of claim 1, wherein the booster arms further include engaging members increasing the contact area between the booster arms and an actuating toy vehicle.

8. The toy vehicle track set of claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a spring.

9. The toy vehicle track set of claim 1, further comprising:

a hand crank configured to wind the body against the biasing member.

10. A toy vehicle booster coupled to a track, comprising:

a base portion;

a booster member rotatably coupled to the base portion, the booster member being configured to move 360 degrees relative to the base portion, the booster member including a plurality of engaging portions, each of the engaging portions being configured to engage a toy vehicle; and

an indexing mechanism coupled to the booster member, the indexing mechanism permitting the booster member to rotate only a partial rotation repeatedly in response to actuation of the booster by the toy vehicle.

11. The toy vehicle booster of claim 10, wherein the toy vehicle is a first toy vehicle and the booster member is configured to engage and be actuated by sequential toy vehicles.

12. The toy vehicle booster of claim 10, wherein the indexing mechanism includes at least one catch configured to selectively stop the rotation of the booster member.

13. The toy vehicle booster of claim 12, wherein the at least one catch includes three catches disposed at equal intervals about the base.

14. The toy vehicle booster of claim 10, wherein the partial rotation is one-third of a rotation.

15. A toy vehicle booster coupled to a track, comprising:

a base portion;

a booster member rotatably coupled to the base portion, the booster member being configured to move 360 degrees relative to the base portion, the booster member including a plurality of engaging portions,

a biasing member coupled to the booster member, the biasing member biasing the booster member toward a rest position, and

a catch engageable with the booster member to stop the booster member during its rotation after actuation by a toy vehicle so that the booster member rotates only a partial rotation.

16. The toy vehicle booster of claim 15, wherein the rest position is a first rest position and the biasing member is configured to bias the booster member to one of the first rest position, a second rest position, or a third rest position.

17. The toy vehicle booster of claim 15, wherein one of the plurality of engaging portions engages a toy vehicle during partial rotation.

18. The toy vehicle booster of claim 15, further comprising:

a hand crank configured to transfer potential energy to the biasing member.

19. The toy vehicle booster of claim 18, wherein each rotation of the hand crank imparts enough energy to the biasing member to allow three partial rotations to the booster member.

20. The toy vehicle booster of claim 18, wherein the hand crank is rotated in a first direction and the booster member rotates in a second and opposite direction.