Toy Truck Systems Patents (Class 238/10A)
  • Patent number: 6019289
    Abstract: A modular track segment for a model railroad track includes a plurality of conductive strip members secured to the lower surface of the segment and in electrical connection with respective rails on the upper surface of the track segment. Respective forward portions of the conductive strip members are formed to provide accurate leaf springs for mutually-compressive electrical contact with corresponding strip members of an adjacent track segment. Mechanical features of the track segment provide engagement of adjacent track segments and reinforce the compressive contact between adjacent conductive strip members. A breakaway access member is provided along a side wall of the track segment to form an opening for electrical and mechanical connection of an electrical accessory to the track segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Mike's Train House, Inc.
    Inventor: Kiho Sung
  • Patent number: 5967052
    Abstract: A toy track assembly for use with a toy vehicle is supported by a substantially vertical wall or a substantially horizontal flat surface. The toy track assembly includes at least one scenery cutout, an upper track and a lower mounting having a first mating surface and a rear surface. The first mating surface includes a projection and/or a recess. The rear surface is attachable to the vertical wall. The upper track includes a track surface for carrying the toy vehicle, the track surface having two sides and being oriented orthogonally to the rear surface. The upper track includes two upstanding walls, each of which is disposed substantially parallel and adjacent to a corresponding one of the two sides of the track surface. Each of the two upstanding walls has at least one slot extending substantially parallel to the track surface and configured for receiving the at least one scenery cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Diane T. Prokopf
  • Patent number: 5931099
    Abstract: A model train set includes a base member having two base member sections that are connected together in a horizontal arrangement such that an upper surface is formed. The upper surface has a continuous integral trackway disposed thereon. The model train set includes at least one snap-in reversible storyboard, having a first surface and a second surface with unique surface configurations to modify the upper surface. Further included is a plurality of visual elements which are selectively engageable with the upper surface. An array of storage recesses are provided which serve to provide storage for the visual elements. A toy train is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Lionel LLC
    Inventors: Dan Bruner, Keith Kresge, Norio Sujikawa
  • Patent number: 5873521
    Abstract: A children's play apparatus which includes a specially designed play table that can be used with commercially available toys including toy trains and train tracks, and one that can also be used with specifically designed modules for supporting sections of wooden train track in the unique configurations. More particularly, in using the play apparatus, the specially designed modules of the invention can be used to extend the track beyond the boundaries of the play table and which, due to the stackability of the modules can also be used to attain virtually unlimited track heights above the surface of the table and outwardly from the surface of the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Nilo Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Nile Ernst
  • Patent number: 5839937
    Abstract: A portable model railroad including a foldable enclosure comprised of a pair of tray members. The enclosure includes a hinge secured between interior edges of the tray members. A track system is removably secured to and extends around the pair of tray members. The track system is adapted to receive a model train thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Richard Roy Thomas
  • Patent number: 5813351
    Abstract: A racetrack structure includes several track sections, the track sections are engaged with each other by hinges, therefore the racetrack can be folded for storage. Each of the track sections of the racetrack structure has PC boards provided at two ends thereof, thereby forming an electrical loop by utilizing the PC boards electrically connected to each other by the hinges. By such arrangement, oxidization of the contact points is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Yu-Bing Chen
  • Patent number: 5657695
    Abstract: A reversible track section for a toy car circuit. The reversible track section has a length, two opposite ends, two opposite sides, a top surface and a bottom surface. The reversible track section includes a thin, elongated plate including a central recess on the top surface. The central recess is of given height and rectangular cross-section and extends over the length defining two narrow pathways on the bottom surface, and includes a pair of longitudinal flanges on each of the opposite sides extending perpendicular to the top surface and towards the bottom surface. The longitudinal flanges are of the same height as the central recess and each is provided with an integral, outwardly projecting extension of constant width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: The Ritvik Group Inc.
    Inventors: Real Lanoix, Jean-Christophe Doyon, Gilles Collin, Daniel Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 5579997
    Abstract: A track section for pivotally interconnecting sections of toy vehicle track comprising at least two pivotally attached segments, each segment having a top surface, a bottom surface, and spaced apart ends. The track section further comprises cooperating rails that form a substantially continuous path for guiding the movement of a toy vehicle when one segment is positioned at an angle relative to another of the at least two segments. The rails partially define a pair of spaced apart parallel channels along with a median on the top surfaces of the segments. The track section includes a coupling device comprising a prong protruding from one end of one of the segments along a central longitudinal axis, and a socket formed in one end of the other segment along a central longitudinal. The other ends of the segments include a connecting device comprising a cooperating flange and recess for pivotally connecting the segments wherein the flange of each segment is received within the recess of the other segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventors: Jennifer K. Jackson, Terry L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5577448
    Abstract: A toy monorail system supports a shuttle craft chassis with a figurine attached. An electric motor picks up power from wire contacts for propelling the chassis along the monorail track. The shuttle craft is readily placed on and lifted from the monorail track. Stable positioning of the shuttle craft chassis is assured by a pair of guidebars and guide wheels extended from the body of the chassis against the rear side of the monorail. The track is supported by four one-piece bracing arms. The bracing arms slide into positioning recesses of a two-piece central mounting clamp which is supported alternately by a base or other support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Roxca Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuk T. G. Leung
  • Patent number: 5207589
    Abstract: The current conductor arrangement, more especially for illuminating systems of all types, comprises a current conductor rod whose mutually insulated metallic current conductors make up at least 50% of the cross sectional area of the current conductor rod. It is in this manner that more especially when the current conductor arrangement is used for low voltage applications it is possible to conduct high amperages. Preferably the current conductor rod is round so that the retainer clamps on it, which carry the electrical loads such as lamps, fans and the line, may be swiveled. Advantageous developments of the holders make it possible for them to be additionally swiveled so that the user is practically given a free choice as regards the arrangement and alignment of the electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Horst Lettenmayer
  • Patent number: 5085148
    Abstract: A track toy includes an infrared signal transmitter for transmitting at least one type of infrared signal, a track having at least one changeover element movable between two operative positions, and a drive coupled to the at least one changeover element for driving the chageover element between the two operative positions. An infrared signal receiver is associated with each at least one changeover element for receiving the at least one type of infrared signal transmitted by the infrared signal transmission device, and a controller operatively coupled to the infrared signal receiver and the drive, outputs a drive command signal to the drive when the received type of infrared signal matches as predetermined type of infrared signal corresponding to the at least one changeover element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Sunao Konno
  • Patent number: 5038685
    Abstract: A track apparatus for a toy racing car includes a car-entry track portion, a car-exit track portion, and a pivotal arm pivotally mounted between the two track portions to carry a car from one portion to the other. The pivotal arm has a stand connected to a distal end thereof which has a retractable stop. When a car travelling with sufficient momentum hits the stop, the pivotal arm is caused to pivot from one position to another, whereby the car is delivered from the car-entry track portion to the car-exit track portion. Upon reaching the second position, the stop is automatically retracted to release the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yousuke Yoneda, Masami Furukawa
  • Patent number: 4971246
    Abstract: A toy assembles to provide a variably inclined trackway for rolling a ball or marble. The course of the trackway in both horizontal and vertical planes being variable by increments of fixed distances. A base has many vertical holes with modular spacing. Vertical members with lengths varying by a vertical length module fit in holes in the base. The horizontal path is chosen by selecting holes in the base. Horizontal elements with a right angle trackway segment on the upper surface fit on the vertical members. Elongate straight sloping elements with a straight trackway segment on the upper surface connect horizontal members on different levels to form a continuous trackway. Sloping elements are provided in different lengths for connecting horizontal elements that are different distances apart. The pathway can be configured for different slopes and crossing over and under itself without adjustment, special skills or tools and packs away in a small space. It may easily be made entirely of wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Albert A. Goudis
  • Patent number: 4953785
    Abstract: A track assembly for toy vehicles includes a first track section having an elongated fastening tongue element on one end thereof and a second track section having a receiving slot on one end thereof. The fastening tongue element is receivable in the receiving slot to connect the track sections together in substantially aligned end-to-end relation and it includes an elongated resilient finger which is engageable with a detent in the receiving slot to releasably retain the fastening tongue element in the receiving slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadeusz Keska
  • Patent number: 4941611
    Abstract: Tile for use in forming a toy roadway, each tile having a roadway pattern formed on it and each tile having an engagement structure for interlocking with similar adjacent tiles to form a complete system. The pattern of the roadways of the complete system may be varied by simply changing the orientation of one side of the toy roadway tile or by changing the alignment of an edge of one or more tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignees: Alan J. Kirby, Duane R. Arsenault
    Inventor: Duane R. Arsenault
  • Patent number: 4941610
    Abstract: A construction piece usable, in combination with other identical pieces, for forming a toy vehicle track, having interengaging slots and studs whereby a front side of one piece may be connected to the rear side of another, with slight inclination of the pieces being possible to allow for a curved track. On one face of the piece are segments of a road type tract suitable for a toy vehicle, and from the opposite face project rectangular segments which together provide rail tracks for a toy railway vehicle; this allows the track to be used with either of the two track types uppermost. The piece also has studs projecting from its ends which can engage in sockets in like pieces to form various structures. A construction set incorporating such track forming parts may also include toy vehicles having studs or sockets which can co-operate with corresponding track parts so that complex vehicles can be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Irwin Toy Limited
    Inventor: Vicente T. Frauca
  • Patent number: 4826076
    Abstract: A device for the support of driving tracks for toy vehicles, in particular driving tracks consisting of track segments which are plugged together and which have a center section laterally bounded by guiding elements. The center section of each track segment is designed to be a road surface forming driving lanes which are spaced above set-up surfaces. Provision is made for the support of track segments on any desired level by an arrangement comprising an upright column designed for connection with a base plate by use of a male and female plug system and consisting of upright column segments. Such segments are axially and detachably plugged into each other one on top of the other and have support arms. These arms are suspendable on such segments of the upright column in prepared holes or are symmetrically supportable on the free end of the upright column by means of a sleeve part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Kurt Hesse
  • Patent number: 4817867
    Abstract: In order to reduce the rail height to proportions corresponding to those of original railways while maintaining enough ground clearance, for wheels provided with European wheel flanges (3), a groove (12) running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rails andhaving a dove-tailed cross-section is formed in the sole surface of each rail foot (11) of both rail sections (1) mounted on sleepers (2). A projection (20) is formed on the upper side of each sleeper (2), corresponding to both rail sections (1) and having a cross-section profile form-fitting and/or frictionally engaged within the groove (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schuller
  • Patent number: 4781120
    Abstract: A toy monorail set is provided including a building for containing the parts to the set and selectively being a component part of the set. The monorail vehicle, building and monorail tracks are all made of sanded hardwood or other suitable smooth and hard material. The vehicle itself includes a cutout and a pair of extension members extending outward from the bottom of the cutout. The cutout has concave sides and the extension members have a flat surface and slanted sides from the back of the cutout to the flat surface so as to allow the vehicle to traverse a curved monorail track course. A smoothing additive, such as wax or paraffin is applied over the flat surface of the extension member and the top, or riding, surface of the monorail track to allow the vehicle to slide over the monorail track. The monorail tracks have semicircular ends with a circular recessed surface on opposite sides at each end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Inventors: David A. Farrow, George M. Kinley, III, Michael A. Sandler
  • Patent number: 4669657
    Abstract: A toy train play setting having a landscape base structure molded in one piece, the upper surface having formed thereon a trackway, a depressed roadway portion, and upwardly extending wall portions of generally rectangular form for detachably receiving thereon a simulated building, which, when attached, form door like openings about a trackway section for passage therethrough of the train, and the building serves for storage of the train vehicles. The lower surface of the structure is provided with a channel portion, which in conjunction with the surface on which the play setting is positioned, forms a lower tunnel. A handle is provided for portability of the play setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip W. Crain, James D. Openshaw
  • Patent number: 4575350
    Abstract: A toy track (10) in the shape of a snake for use with a toy vehicle (38). The track has a tail end (12) and a head (24). The head including a top section (26) and a bottom section (28) having a mouth formed therebetween with a coiled tongue (30) therein. When a toy vehicle traveling along the track enters the head from the back, the vehicle will be allowed to exit through the mouth of the head if it has sufficient energy to completely unroll the tongue. However, if the vehicle does not have sufficient energy, the tongue will not completely unroll and will be retracted back into the mouth, to its normal rest position, pulling the toy vehicle with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Hippely, Philip W. Crain
  • Patent number: 4534745
    Abstract: A toy vehicle and track assembly is provided for the detonation of toy percussion caps. A striker member is pivotally mounted within a housing that is biased to rotate in a predetermined direction. The striker member is retained by a keeper member than can be selectively released. A door can be connected to the housing for positioning an anvil that is capable of mounting the toy cap within striking movement of the striker member for detonating the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: California R&D Center
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Jones, R. Stephen Lee, Walter Moe, Ashley G. Howden, Paul J. Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 4521206
    Abstract: An improved track for a toy vehicle is disclosed which is in the form of a one-hundred-eighty degree curve. A wall portion of the track is configured to contact a front portion on a first side of the vehicle as it moves along the curve. A post is located at approximately the geometric center of the curve at a position which causes a rear portion on the second side of the vehicle to contact and to pivot around the post as the vehicle moves along the curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary M. Saffer, Gerard L. Lambert, Howard R. Stern
  • Patent number: 4513966
    Abstract: A toy vehicle jump includes a launching ramp and a landing ramp for an independently propelled toy vehicle, and an adjusting device for changing the orientation of one of the ramps from an operative position, in which a vehicle can negotiate the jump, to an inoperative position, in which the landing ramp does not accept a vehicle launched from the launching ramp. In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle jump, a jump structure, each comprising a launching ramp and a landing ramp, is provided for each of two vehicles travelling in adjacent lanes, and the adjusting device for each jump structure includes an actuator for increasing the angle of inclination of the respective landing ramp one step each time it is passed by a vehicle in the adjacent lane, until it reaches the inoperative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Assignee: CBS Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore A. Mucaro, Neil Tilbor
  • Patent number: 4415157
    Abstract: A toy vehicle game includes a relatively flat slotless track having spaced sidewalls defining a pair of lanes therebetween. A pair of toy vehicles each having a body, a reversible electric motor and means for steering and/or biasing said vehicle into one or the other of the lanes depending upon the polarity of current supplied to the vehicle are provided for use on the track. Current is selectively and independently provided to the toy vehicles through current supply strips on the track and control means allows independent reversal of current supplied to the vehicles. Current pick-ups are provided on the vehicles in predetermined relation to one another and to the current supply strips on the track so that each vehicle is respectively associated with only one of the current supply strips, regardless of the direction of travel of the vehicle on the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: Ideal Toy Corporation
    Inventor: Robert G. Lahr
  • Patent number: 4397465
    Abstract: A toy vehicular track formed of a thin strip of flexible material having a pair of lines parallel to its length formed to enhance bending. The strip is connected at one end to a drum the rotation of which causes the strip to be rolled on the drum for storage. The strip fits through a shaper so that when it is pulled from the drum and through the shaper it is bent along the aforementioned lines so that a track with curbs for a toy vehicle is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek J. Gable
  • Patent number: 4349983
    Abstract: A carrying case may be opened to present upper and lower scene-simulating objects including a serpentine roadway for toy vehicles which may coast down the roadway from the top of the rearwall of an upper carrying case portion to the bottom wall of a lower carrying case portion hinged to the upper carrying case portion along a diagonal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene J. Kilroy, William J. Kelley, Philip W. Crain
  • Patent number: 4285157
    Abstract: A toy racing set including at least one powered vehicle, a length of flexible track, and a carrying case. The carrying case folds out to form a track upon which the vehicle may run. The case may also be used when closed with the flexible track to provide a loop-the-loop track for a powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard L. Lambert
  • Patent number: 4116381
    Abstract: An electrical connection device for a toy vehicle track constructed of a track base to which conductor rails are mounted. The connection device comprises a contact base, two or more contacts resilently mounted in or on the base, each contact being arranged and extending through a hole in the track base to engage electrically with the conductor rail of the track, and bias elements holding each contact in engagement with the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Assignee: Playart Ltd.
    Inventor: Duncan Tong
  • Patent number: 4091995
    Abstract: A trackway for toy vehicles which includes a plurality of elongated track sections placeable end-to-end and having upper surfaces defining a roadbed for the toy vehicles along the top of the trackway. The track sections have complementary engageable latch-release components on the ends thereof for connecting the track sections end-to-end and holding the track sections against separation, automatically in response to longitudinal pushing type abutment of the track sections against each other. In the disclosed embodiment, the latch-release mechanism includes a flexible portion formed integrally with each track section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1978
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventors: Gordon A. Barlow, Derek A. Brand, Alex Imatt
  • Patent number: 3995907
    Abstract: The machine includes two half-frames vertically arranged side by side, with two parallel vertical shafts respectively supported by the two half-frames. A separate turret is pivotally supported around each of the shafts, each turret having a cutting head which can rotate around a horizontal axis and which is equipped with tools for excavating. The two half-frames are slidably movable horizontally in relation to one another, with a control member connected between the half-frames for controlling the relative movement, the two half-frames being selectively positionable on the gallery floor by said relative movement, one half-frame being movable while the other half-frame remains fixed in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1974
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1976
    Assignee: Linden-Alimak AB
    Inventor: Michel Dubois
  • Patent number: RE32106
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a toy guideway or track and vehicle for riding thereover. The track is made of a plastic material of such state and configuration wherein the track is not normally self supporting. Self support means are provided to support the track in a desired manner to define a trackway of particular configuration, and the track is provided with guide means for directing a toy vehicle thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Inventor: Jerome H. Lemelson