Toy track systems, toy track vehicles, and related methodologies

Abstract

Disclosed is a toy track and vehicle system. Suitably, the trackway is defined by an assembly of a basic block such that users can build a complex three-dimensional (3D) track layout or trackway from the basic block. Preferably, the blocks are configured such that a vehicle can move on any lateral sides of the track layout or trackway.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE OF THE MATERIAL ON THE COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR

Reserved for a later date, if necessary.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Invention

The disclosed subject matter is in the field of toy track and vehicle systems.

Background of the Invention

Toy track and vehicle systems are generally known in the art. However, such known systems are either too complicated for young children or too simple for adolescents and adults. So, a need exists for a toy track and vehicle system that is simple and complicated at the option of the user.

DESCRIPTIONS OF RELATED ART

CN2838709Y (published Nov. 22, 2006) discloses a “toy electric roller coaster.” Rollercoasters and related track systems, like the one described in a translation of this document, are complicated toys. In particular, building a roller coaster trackway often requires considerable engineering skills from children and, for some complicated track layouts, users often need multiple parts of different shapes to be together in certain positions. Frequently, such configurations cannot be accomplished with special instructions guide the process. As a result, these roller coaster type toys are typically only used by adolescents (e.g., children 12 years old or older) or adults.

Other problems with rollercoasters type toys are that the tracks are big, hard to assemble, and not usually customizable. In some prior art rollercoaster toys, the rollercoaster trackway is built with support structures that occupy considerable playing space. Often, the toys tracks have difficult to connect parts that must be fixed firmly in position to keep the final layout steady and stiff. The manufacturing of rollercoaster trackways parts is expensive because it requires production of multiple construction elements that should work together in a precise manner. And, often the shape of a rollercoaster trackway must be calculated precisely, which means the final layout options are limited to one or a few. As a result, children do not always have enough room for these toys, have a hard time with the toy setup, cannot modify the layout, and cannot readily increase their creativity and expand their engineering skills.

One additional problem with toy roller coasters is that the vehicle can easily be derailed or else is difficult to attach or remove from the track. Some vehicles derail while making a sharp turn or running in the upside-down position, the vehicle can easily detach the trackway. Precisely calculated shapes of the trackway prevent vehicle derailing and optimize descending of the gravity vehicle. What is essential for the real rollercoaster might be excessive for a toy.

US20190344190A1 (published Nov. 14, 2019) discloses a toy vehicle adapted for running on rails and toy construction system. This is a rollercoaster toy that has all the drawbacks mentioned above. See the LEGO® Rollercoaster at https://www.leao.com/en-us/product/roller-coaster-10261 which consists of hundreds of parts, has a voluminous instruction manual, and has a layout that cannot easily be changed once built; see also K-NEX® roller coasters at http://www.knex.co.uk/toy-roller-coasters, www.basicfun.com/knex, www.voutube.com/watch?v=WthQ1JFrZPQ&t=10s.

CN104141753A (published Nov. 12, 2014) discloses an eccentric shaft driving device. This device drives along two rails, but has a complicated attachment mechanism that is not suitable for toys. Thus, a device is needed that is easy to put on and off the track.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,731,212 (issued Aug. 15, 2017) discloses a toy track system and toy vehicle for moving therein. This innertubular track system offers track layout design freedom but is still not ideal due to the vehicles being obstructed from view while moving innertubularly. Children, adolescents, and adults often prefer a full-time view of their toy vehicle moving around a toy track. See also ZOOM TUBES™. The innertubular design is burdensomely voluminous too and takes up too much space, e.g., in a toy storage box.

USD481424 (issued Oct. 28, 2003) discloses a toy track segment. This track is too simple for adults and only offers two dimensional track layouts. A need exists for a track that is simple to assemble while also offering the ability for elaborate and three-dimensional track layouts.

DE828508 (published Jan. 17, 1952) discloses a high-wire toy. Such toys are limited to horizontal tracks (i.e., wires) and are difficult to put on and take off the track.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of this disclosure is to describe a toy track and vehicle system with building blocks that are simple to manufacture and use while also providing freedom to construct elaborate three-dimensional multi-lane trackways for a vehicle to drive along. It is further an object of this document to describe a toy track and vehicle system where users can build a complex three-dimensional track layout or trackway from a few simple building blocks where the blocks are configured such that a vehicle can move on any lateral sides of the track layout or trackway. In view of the foregoing, one embodiment may include at least one style of a simple building block, e.g., with a 45 deg curve, for assembling multiple blocks into a track system or trackway. In a preferred embodiment, the block has an X-shaped sagittal section. In this embodiment, a rail may suitably be formed at each tip of each arm of the X-shape. Such a configuration suitably provides four symmetrical rails. Assembling multiple blocks can result in the construction of complex and complicated structures with four distinct tracks or trackways for enhanced entertainment value (e.g., track with different shapes, straight, twisted or twisted curve. Additional building elements include track support elements which enable the track to be built upwards, including along existing structures. preferably, the final assembly is steady and able to sustain considerable weight.

It is further an object to disclose an improved toy vehicle with hyperboloid wheels that are capable of releasable attachment to any adjacent two of the four rails of the x-shaped block such that the vehicle is capable of running on any of the four sides of the x-shaped block. In a preferred embodiment, the toy vehicle has a swiveling midsection so that it can twist thereby to run along a twisted trackway. Suitably, the vehicle includes a battery powered motor to drive the vehicle along the trackway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objectives of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the invention has been shown and described. The manner in which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can be obtained is explained in the following description and attached figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary block for constructing a trackway;

FIG. 2 is a back view of the exemplary block;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary block; and,

FIG. 4 is a front view of the exemplary block;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an assembly of two exemplary blocks;

FIG. 6 is see-through perspective view of the exemplary block for constructing a trackway;

FIG. 7 is a see-through back view of the exemplary block;

FIG. 8 is a see-through side view of the exemplary block; and,

FIG. 9 is a see-through front view of the exemplary block;

FIG. 10 is see-through a side view of an assembly of two exemplary blocks;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an exemplary block;

FIG. 11B is a side view of an assembly of two of the alternate embodiments of the exemplary block;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of an exemplary block;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of an exemplary block;

FIG. 14A is an exploded side view of an assembly of two embodiments of the exemplary block;

FIG. 14B is a see-through side view of an assembly of two embodiments of the exemplary block;

FIG. 15A is see-through and exploded side view of an assembly of two embodiments of the exemplary block;

FIG. 15B is a see-through side view of an assembly of two embodiments of the exemplary block;

FIG. 15C shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the center post 2000;

FIG. 15D shows various perspective views of assembled blocks or directions in which the blocks might be connected;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a closed loop railway formed of a plurality of blocks;

FIG. 17A is a dimensional comparison of two combined blocks of the first embodiment of the exemplary block and two combined blocks of the second embodiment of the exemplary blocks;

FIG. 17B is a comparison of two combined blocks of the second embodiment of the exemplary block and an alternate embodiment of the exemplary block.

FIG. 17C is a comparison of three combined blocks of the first embodiment of the exemplary block and an alternate embodiment of the exemplary block.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of another closed loop railway formed of a plurality of blocks;

FIG. 18B is another perspective view of an alternative closed loop railway formed of a plurality of blocks;

FIG. 19A is an upright, side support for an above ground or suspended railway;

FIG. 19B is an upright, top support for an above ground or suspended railway;

FIG. 19C is an upright, bottom support for an above ground or suspended railway;

FIG. 19D is a hanger support for an above ground or suspended railway;

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a supported railway and upright;

FIG. 21 is an assembled view of a supported railway and upright;

FIG. 22A is an assembly of an upright, side support and two suspended railways;

FIG. 22B is an assembly of an upright, top support and two suspended railways;

FIG. 22C is an assembly of an upright, bottom support and two suspended railways;

FIG. 22D is an assembly of a hanger support and two suspended railways;

FIG. 23 is an assembly of two railways and upright, side, top, bottom supports and a hanger;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an elaborate above ground or suspended railway supported by uprights and hangers;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a toy vehicle for traversing railways of this disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a chassis of the toy vehicle for traversing railways of this disclosure;

FIG. 27 is an exploded side view of the toy vehicle;

FIG. 28 is a front view of the two parts of a toy vehicle;

FIG. 29A is a front view of an untwisted toy vehicle;

FIG. 29B is a front view of a twisted toy vehicle relative to FIG. 29A;

FIG. 29C is a front view of a further twisted toy vehicle relative to FIG. 29A;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a hyperbolic wheel;

FIG. 31A is an expanded view of the toy vehicles wheel system expanded and above a block or railway;

FIG. 31B is a closed view of the toy vehicle's wheel system coupled to a block or railway;

FIG. 32A is a front perspective view of the wheels system of a toy vehicle coupled to a railway;

FIG. 32B are perspective, front, and side views of the wheels system of a toy vehicle coupled to a railway;

FIG. 33A is a front view of a toy vehicle on a first railway of a block;

FIG. 33B is a front view of a toy vehicle on a second railway of a block;

FIG. 33C is a front view of a toy vehicle on a third railway of a block;

FIG. 33D is a front view of a toy vehicle on a fourth railway of a block;

FIG. 34A is a perspective view of a toy vehicle twisting along a twisted railway;

FIG. 34B is another perspective view of a toy vehicle twisting along a twisted railway;

FIG. 34C is an environmental view of wheels operating over a block or trackway;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a toy vehicle traversing an elaborate, closed loop railway;

FIG. 36A is a perspective view of a magnetized or adhesive support for attaching tracks to a wall or structure;

FIG. 36B is a perspective view of a magnetized or adhesive support for attaching tracks to a wall or structure;

FIG. 36C is a perspective view of a magnetized or adhesive support for attaching tracks to a wall or structure;

FIG. 36D is a bottom view of a magnetized or adhesive support for attaching tracks to a wall or structure;

FIG. 36E is a front view of a magnetized or adhesive support for attaching tracks to a wall or structure;

FIG. 36F is a top view of a magnetized or adhesive support for attaching tracks to a wall or structure;

FIG. 36G is a side view of a magnetized or adhesive support for attaching tracks to a wall or structure;

FIG. 37A is a perspective view of a toy vehicle and track situated on a vertical wall;

FIG. 37B is a perspective view of a toy vehicle and track situated on a structure;

FIG. 38A is a perspective view of a gravity driven toy vehicle;

FIG. 38B is a perspective view of a gravity driven toy vehicle;

FIG. 38C is a perspective view of a gravity driven toy vehicle;

FIG. 38D is a side view of a gravity driven toy vehicle;

FIG. 38E is a front or back view of a gravity driven toy vehicle;

FIG. 38F is a top view of a gravity driven toy vehicle;

FIG. 38G is a bottom view of a gravity driven toy vehicle;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the gravity driven toy vehicle at the top of an inclined railway;

FIG. 40A is a second embodiment of an X-shaped sagittal section of a block that is configured to provide four railways to a vehicle that operates hyperbolic wheels;

FIG. 40B is a third embodiment of an X-shaped sagittal section of a block that is configured to provide four railways to a vehicle that operates with round wheels;

FIG. 40C is a square-shaped sagittal section of a block that is configured to provide four railways to a vehicle that operates conical wheels;

FIG. 41 is an exploded view of an assembly of blocks with a square-shaped sagittal section;

FIG. 42 is an exploded view of an assembly of blocks with a Y-shaped sagittal section; and,

FIG. 43 is an assembled view of several railways defined by an assembly of blocks with a Y-shaped sagittal section.

In the figures, the following reference numerals represent the associated component outlined below:

• • 1000—block
  • 1100—cylinder
    • 1110—coaxial hole
    • 1120—diametrical hole
  • 1200—arm
    • 1210—rail
      • 1211—mortise (hole)
      • 1212—tenon (peg)
  • 2000—center post
  • 3000—dowel
  • 4000—vehicle
  • 4100—guide-car
    • 4110—wheel
    • 4120—axle
  • 4200—caboose
    • 4210—wheel
  • 4300—hole
  • 4400—rod

It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are not necessarily made to scale but are representative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed generally is a toy track and vehicle system. Suitably, the trackway is defined by an assembly of a basic block such that users can build a complex three-dimensional (3D) track layout or trackway from the basic block. Preferably, the blocks are configured such that a vehicle can move on any lateral sides of the track layout or trackway. The details of this system are disclosed below with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary block 1000 for constructing an elaborate or simple trackway (not shown in FIG. 1). FIGS. 2 through 4 are respectively, back, side, and front views of the block 1000. As shown, the block 1000 is X-shaped or has an X-shaped cross-section. Suitably, each arm 1200 of the X-shaped block 1000 frames a cylinder 1100 that has a coaxial hole 1110 and four diametrical holes 1120 (or two pairs of diametrical holes). Additionally, each arm 1200 features a rail 1210 with a mortise 1211 on one side and a tenon 1212 on the other side.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an assembly of two exemplary blocks 1000. As shown, the blocks 1000 are assembled by aligning the cylinder 1100 and rails 1210 of one block 1000 with the cylinder 1100 and rails of another block, such that the cylinders 1100 of each block 1000 are coaxially interfaced while the tenons 1212 of block's rails 1210 mate with the mortises 1211 of the other block's rails 1210. This assembly process is explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 14A through 15B.

FIG. 6 is a see-through perspective view of an exemplary block 1000 for constructing an elaborate or simple trackway (not shown in FIG. 6). FIGS. 7 through 9 are respectively, back, side, and front views of the block 1000. All the details of the block 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 4 are shown in FIGS. 6 through 8, but FIGS. 6 through 8 further show the internal features of the block 1000. As shown, the cylinder 1100 that has a coaxial hole 1110 and four diametrical holes 1120. Additionally, each arm 1200 features a rail 1210 with a mortise 1211 that defines a cutout with a similar shape corresponding to a tenon 1212 on the other side of the rail 1210.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an assembly of two exemplary blocks 1000. Like FIG. 5, FIG. 10 shows that the blocks 1000 are assembled by aligning the cylinder 1100 and rails 1210 of one block 1000 with the cylinder 1100 and rails of another block 1000, such that the cylinders 1100 of each block 1000 are coaxially interfaced while the tenons 1212 of block's rails 1210 mate with the mortises 1211 of the other block's rails 1210. Suitably, the tenons 1212 can be seen within the mortises 1211.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an exemplary block. As shown, the alternative block 1000 is also X-shaped or has an X-shaped sagittal section. Unlike the initial embodiment, the alternative embodiment is defined by a forty-five degree curve or one eighth of a circle. As with the earlier embodiment, each arm 1200 of the block 1000 frames a cylinder 1100 that has a coaxial hole 1110 and four diametrical holes 1120 (or two pairs of diametrical holes). Again, each arm 1200 features a rail 1210 with a mortise 1211 on one side and a tenon 1212 on the other side. FIG. 11B is a side view of an assembly of two of the alternate embodiments of the exemplary block. The alternative version of the blocks is assembled in a similar manner to the initial embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 10.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of an exemplary block. As shown, the alternative block 1000 is once again X-shaped or has an X-shaped sagittal section. Unlike the previous two embodiments, this particular alternative embodiment of the block is defined by a ninety degree curve or one forth of a circle and a ninety degree twist. As with the earlier embodiment, each arm 1200 of the block 1000 frames a cylinder 1100 that has a coaxial hole 1110 and four diametrical holes 1120 (or two pairs of diametrical holes). Again, each arm 1200 features a rail 1210 with a mortise 1211 on one side and a tenon 1212 on the other side.

FIGS. 14A and 15A are respectively an exploded side view and an exploded see-through side view of an assembly of two embodiments of the exemplary block. FIGS. 14B and 15B are respectively a side view and a see-through side view of the assembly of two blocks 1000 depicted in FIGS. 14A and 15A. As shown in these four figures, the assembly is defined by two blocks 1000, a center post 2000 with nubs 3000. FIG. 15C shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the center post 2000. When assembled, the post is provided into the coaxial holes 1110 of a cylinder 1100 of each block 1000 such that the cylinders 1100 of each block 1000 are coaxially interfaced while the tenons 1212 of block's rails 1210 mate with the mortises 1211 of the other block's rails 1210. Suitably, a nub 3000 is provided through a pair of the cylinders' diametric holes 1120 so that the assembly is more securely connected. Suitably, the center post 2000 may preferably be long enough for the coupled railway structure to be rigid and stiff at the joint. FIG. 15D shows various perspective views of assembled blocks or directions in which the blocks might be connected.

FIGS. 5, 10, 14B and 15B illustrate a construction of four independent railways. Suitably, the four railways are the result of the two blocks 1000 being preferably connected such that the rails 1210 of the blocks 1000 are aligned. As shown, the blocks are configured such that four railways are provided due to the lateral sides of the block provide two adjacently parallel rails which can accommodate a vehicle (i.e., the vehicle can move on any lateral sides of the block assembly). See, e.g., FIGS. 33A through 33D discussed in greater detail below. In other words, a vehicle can travel from block to block along any one of the four sides of a given block assembly. Additionally, the railways can be formed in a closed loop such that the vehicle can continuously move around the particular railway. See, e.g. FIG. 16 which shows a closed circular railway defined by an assembly of eight, forty-five degree curved blocks; see also FIGS. 18A and 18B which show elaborately assembled railways formed of a plurality of blocks defined by different curve and twist angles relative to the straight block of, e.g., FIG. 1.

The elaborate construction of a closed loop is suitably facilitated by a proportional relationship between all of the various embodiments of the exemplary block. For instance, FIG. 17A is a dimensional comparison of two combined blocks of the first embodiment of the exemplary block and two combined blocks of the second embodiment of the exemplary blocks. As shown, the radius of curvature of an exemplary curved block is such that the axial height of two curved blocks is equal to the height of two straight blocks. For another instance, FIG. 17B is a comparison of two combined blocks of the second embodiment of the exemplary block and an alternate embodiment of the exemplary block. As shown, the height and curvature of a twisted and curved block is preferably equal to the height and curvature of two twisted blocks. In a final instance, FIG. 17C is a comparison of three combined blocks of the first embodiment of the exemplary block and an alternate embodiment of the exemplary block. This figure shows that the height of three straight blocks is equal to the height of a single twisted straight block. As alluded to above, the proportional relationship of the blocks enables elaborate closed loop railways, including closed loop railways like those shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B.

It should be observed that the railways may be three-dimensional in so far as the vehicle may travel on any side of the block and due to blocks being positioned such that the railways are headed vertically, obliquely, or horizontally above ground. While some railway constructions are self-supporting, it is contemplated that railways may extend above ground in a vertical, oblique or horizontal direction to such an extent that the track cannot support itself. When such a scenario is presented, a track support may be provided. For instance, FIGS. 19A through D respectively show: an upright, side support for an above ground or suspended railway; an upright, top support for an above ground or suspended railway; an upright, bottom support for an above ground or suspended railway; and, a hanger support for an above ground or suspended railway. FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate the coupling of an upright to a block or railway. As shown in FIG. 20, the upright features two receptacles while the block or railway features four pairs of rails (i.e., two adjacent rails). Suitably, any pair of the four pairs of rails can be provided into the receptacles such that the rail is removably and securely affixed to the upright or hanger. For instance, FIG. 22A is an assembly of an upright, side support and two suspended railways; FIG. 22B is an assembly of an upright, top support and two suspended railways; FIG. 22C is an assembly of an upright, bottom support and two suspended railways; and FIG. 22D is an assembly of a hanger support and two suspended railways.

It should be appreciated that by assembling various embodiments of straight, curved, and twisted blocks into elaborate railways, suspended or above (off) ground portions of the railway may be supported by the uprights and hangers. This principle is illustrated in FIG. 23 which shows an assembly of two straight railways and upright, side, top, bottom supports and a hanger. The principle is further illustrated by FIG. 24 which shows a perspective view of elaborate above ground or suspended railways supported by uprights and hangers.

As discussed above, a toy vehicle travel from block to block along any one of the four railways provided an assembly of blocks. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a toy vehicle 4000 for traversing railways of this disclosure. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a chassis of the toy vehicle 4000 for traversing railways of this disclosure. In some embodiments (discussed in further detail below in connection with FIGS. 38A-G), the chassis itself could be considered a gravity driven vehicle and, as a result, the chassis and the vehicle may be referred to in this document interchangeably. As shown, the vehicle 4000 features a two-wheeled guide-car 4100 and a two-wheeled caboose 4200 that are rotatably coupled together between the front of the caboose 4200 and that rear of the guide-car 4100. FIG. 27 is an exploded side view of the toy vehicle 4000, which shows the caboose 4200 and guide-car 4100 separated from one another. FIG. 28 is an exploded front view of the guide-car 4100 and exploded view of the caboose 4200 of a toy vehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 25-28, the caboose 4200 suitably houses a motor (not shown), which is configured to drive or rotate the axles (See FIG. 26) of the caboose's 4200 two wheels 4210. FIG. 25 shows an on-off switch for the motor (not shown) on the topside of the caboose 4200. Still referring to FIGS. 26 through 28, the guide car 4100 suitably features two axles 4120 on either side of the guide-car 4100 with each axle coupled to each wheel 4110 so that the wheels may freely spin one way or the other around the axles 4120. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the caboose 4200 and the guide-car 4100 feature a hole 4300 wherein a rod 4400 may be placed such that the caboose 4200 and guide-car 4100 are rotatably coupled to one another. The operation of the rod 4400 is illustrated in FIGS. 29A through 29C. As shown in FIG. 29A, an untwisted toy vehicle 4000 has a guide-car 4100 with zero degree yaw, pitch or roll relative to the caboose 4200. FIGS. 29B and 29C show a twisted toy vehicle 4000 with a guide-car 4100 that has various degrees of roll relative to the caboose 4200. It should be appreciated that the rod 4400 may be coupled to the caboose 4200 via a ball joint (not shown) such that the guide-car 4100 may be pitched or yawed there around relative to the caboose 4200.

FIG. 30 illustrates perspective, front and side views of a hyperbolic wheel of the toy vehicle. As shown the hyperbolic nature of the wheel enables the wheel to engage a railway. When two wheels are positioned parallel to each other, the wheels can engage a railway of the blocks described above. FIG. 31A is an expanded view of the toy vehicles wheel system expanded and above a block or railway prior to engagement. FIG. 31B is a closed view of the toy vehicle's wheel system coupled to a block or railway. FIG. 32A is a front view of the wheels system of a toy vehicle coupled to a railway. FIG. 32B is a perspective view of the wheels system of a toy vehicle coupled to a railway. When so engaged, the toy vehicles motor (not shown) may drive the axles of the wheels such that the vehicle moves one way or the other along the railway via automotive power from the caboose. Suitably, the wheels are made of rubber or other flexible material so that a gripping interface between the wheels and railway is established. Of course, it should be noted and understood that a hyperbolic wheel is not the only type of wheel that could be used to accomplish an interface between a wheel and a rail. For instance, a conical wheel or an ovular wheel, or a cylindrical wheel may serve to interface with a rail that has angular edges instead of a round tip as illustrated in the preferred embodiment.

As discussed above, a toy vehicle may be attached to any one of four railways of a block or assembly of blocks. This principle is illustrated in FIGS. 33A-33D. in particular, FIG. 33A is a front view of a toy vehicle on a first railway of a block; FIG. 33B is a front view of a toy vehicle on a second railway of a block; FIG. 33C is a front view of a toy vehicle on a third railway of a block; FIG. 33D is a front view of a toy vehicle on a fourth railway of a block. As discussed above, the vehicle's guide-car 4100 may pitch, twist, or yaw relative to the caboose 4200 as it travels from block to block along a railway. FIG. 34A is a perspective view of a toy vehicle twisting along a twisted railway. FIG. 34B is another perspective view of a toy vehicle twisting along a twisted railway. FIG. 34C is an environmental view of wheels operating over a block or trackway, and (as shown) the wheels turn (e.g., in the direction of the arrows) on the chassis around the axle so that the vehicle may move in one direction or another along a block or trackway. In one embodiment, the wheels may rotate at different speeds such that a differential is accomplished during automotive maneuvers. Finally, FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a toy vehicle traversing an elaborate, closed loop railway.

As discussed above, a railway may be suspended above ground via uprights. An alternate embodiment of the upright might be a magnetized or adhesive clip for attaching a railway to a wall or other structure. FIG. 36A is a perspective view of a magnetized or adhesive support for attaching tracks to a wall or structure. FIGS. 36B through G are respectively another perspective view, another perspective view, a bottom view, front view, top view, and a side view of the magnetized or adhesive support. As shown, a magnet or adhesive may be provided to within the receptacle that is illustrated as going through the piece from bottom to top. FIG. 37A is a perspective view of a toy vehicle and track situated on a structure. FIG. 37B is a perspective view of a toy vehicle and track situated on a vertical wall.

As described above, a toy vehicle may include a motor. However, a motor is not necessary for operation of a vehicle along a railway. FIGS. 38A through 38C are perspective views of a gravity driven toy vehicle. As discussed earlier, a gravity driven vehicle may be defined by a chassis of a vehicle that simply moves along the track in response to gravity. FIGS. 38D-G illustrate a side view, front view, top view and bottom view of the chassis or gravity driven vehicle. As with its motorized counterpart, the gravity driven vehicle features a guide-car and a caboose, each part having two hyperbolic wheels. The wheels have axles so that the wheels can freely rotate one way or the other. The wheels may be attached to a railway as described above and driven down the railway via gravity. FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the gravity driven toy vehicle at the top of an inclined railway. As shown in FIGS. 38A-39, the chassis may feature a weight (not shown) so that gravity is more likely to overcome the force of friction between the wheels and trackway.

As Although the method and apparatus is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead might be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like, the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more,” or the like, and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that might be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases might be absent. The use of the term “assembly” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, might be combined in a single package or separately maintained and might further be distributed across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives might be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration. In particular: FIG. 40A is a second embodiment of an X-shaped sagittal section of a block that is configured to provide four railways to a vehicle that operates hyperbolic wheels; FIG. 40B is a third embodiment of an X-shaped sagittal section of a block that is configured to provide four railways to a vehicle that operates with round wheels (e.g., wheels provided into two adjacent depressions in the sidewalls of the blocks); and, FIG. 40C is a square-shaped sagittal section of a block that is configured to provide four railways to a vehicle that operates conical wheels (e.g., a vehicle that travels along railways defined by two adjacent corners of the square section). FIG. 41 is an exploded view of an assembly of blocks with a square-shaped sagittal section. FIG. 42 is an exploded view of an assembly of blocks with a triangular sagittal section. In this embodiment, only three railways are provided, where each side of the triangular section defines two adjacent rails of a railway. FIG. 43 is an assembled view of several railways defined by an assembly of blocks with a square sagittal section. It should also be understood that multiple cars can be assembled on the track into a train. In particular, a motorized vehicle may be assembled to a gravity driven vehicle such that the motorized vehicle becomes the engine of the resulting train, whereby the gravity driven vehicle is dragged by the automotive forces of the motor driven vehicle. It should also be appreciated that the hyperbolic wheel could instead be a wheel with a U-shaped groove, a V-shaped groove, or any groove of any geometry such that the groove cooperates with a rail to retain a vehicle on a railway.

All original claims submitted with this specification are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. A toy vehicle and track system comprising;

a track defined by at least three railways, each railway defined by two adjacent rails, wherein each rail of the two adjacent rails is defined at the tip or edge of a block; and,

a toy vehicle defined by a two-wheeled guide-car and a two-wheeled caboose coupled together via a joint, said caboose featuring a motor to drive an axle provided to at least one wheel of caboose; and,

wherein a wheel of the toy vehicle that is provided with the axle is engaged at a midsection of the wheel with one of the rails of the railway such that the guide-car is rolled around the joint by any non-zero degree relative to the caboose.

2. The toy vehicle and track system of claim 1 wherein the block is defined by a cross-section selected from the group consisting essentially of an X, Y, square, triangle.

3. The toy vehicle and track system of claim 2 wherein the guide-car and caboose are coupled together via a rotary or ball joint.

4. The toy vehicle and track system of claim 3 wherein the at least one wheel of the caboose that is provided with an axle is a grooved wheel.

5. The toy vehicle and track system of claim 4 wherein the block has a coaxial hole that is fitted with a center post that joins the block to a second block such that said at least three railways are extended from the block to an adjacent block.

6. The toy vehicle and track system of claim 5 wherein the at least three railways are extended to the adjacent block via a mortise and tenon joint.

7. A method of constructing a track for a toy vehicle, comprising the steps of:

a. positioning a first block with at least three railways, where each railway is defined by two adjacent rails;

b. locating adjacent to the first block a second block with at least three other railways, wherein each of the three other railways is defined by two other adjacent rails;

c. coupling an axle of the first block to an axle of the second block via a center post such that the railways of the first block merge with the other railways of the second block; and,

d. positioning a wheel of a caboose of the toy vehicle against one of the railways of the first block and positioning a wheel of a guide-car of the toy vehicle against one of the other railways of the second block.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein when the railways of the first block are merged with the other railways of the second block at least one mortise of the railways is coupled to a cooperating tenon of the second railways.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the caboose is motorized.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the wheel of the caboose is a grooved wheel.

11. The method of claim 10 where a hyperbolic wheel of the caboose is positioned against the one railway of the first block at a midsection of the hyperbolic wheel.

12. The method of claim 11 where the caboose and guide car of the toy vehicle are rotatably joined together via a joint.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the first and second blocks are defined by a cross-section selected from the group consisting essentially of an X, Y, square, triangle.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the guide-car is rolled around the joint by any non-zero degree relative to the caboose.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the first block is supported by an upright.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps of:

removing the wheel of the caboose from its position against one of the railways of the first block;

removing the wheel of the guide-car from its position against one of the other railways of the second block;

positioning the wheel of the caboose against a different one of the railways of the first block; and,

positioning the wheel of the guide-car against a different one of the other railways of the second block.

17. A toy vehicle and track system comprising;

a track defined by at least three railways, each railway defined by two adjacent rails, wherein each rail of the two adjacent rails is defined at the tip of an arm of a block with an X-shaped section; and,

a toy vehicle featuring an axle provided to at least one wheel and wherein the at least one wheel is engaged at a midsection with one of the rails of the railway.

18. The toy vehicle and track system of claim 17 wherein the at least one wheel is a hyperbolic wheel.

19. The toy vehicle and track system of claim 18 wherein the block has a coaxial hole that is fitted with a center post that joins the block to a second block such that said at least three railways are extended from the block to an adjacent block.

20. The toy vehicle and track system of claim 5 wherein the at least three railways are extended to the adjacent block via a mortise and tenon joint.