Abstract: A pair of coplanar, telescopic tracks are held in a spaced-apart and generally parallel relationship by a plurality of crossties. The crossties may also be telescopic to vary the space between the tracks according to use. At one end the tracks can be elevated by length-adjustable props or variable trusses. Each track comprises at least two segments, a first segment adapted to be slidably disposed in a channel of the second segment. The segments can be channel bars. A detent is used to temporarily hold the tracks at any of a plurality of telescoped lengths. A variable truss comprises a pair of divergent struts with a variable length member subtending the angle between the struts. This device is especially useful as a variable ramp for wheelchairs when it is made from relatively lightweight material such as aluminum.

Abstract: A ramp for stairways is constructed from a plurality of separate right triangular modules which individually nest in the recesses of the stairway formed by the step treads and risers. The several modules are securely releasably interconnected on opposite sides thereof by tethered locking pins received by registering locking apertures of male and female connector elements. The continuous stairway ramp formed by two parallel groups of modules is laterally adjustable through connector slides on the riser walls of the modules. Two parallel ramp trackways are formed having opposite side upstanding lips and the surfaces of the trackways are covered with a grooved rubber matting to facilitate the passage of hand trucks and wheelchairs smoothly along the ramp.

Abstract: A coupling for two adjacent rail sections of a model railway has a bed member with rails and conductor rail held thereon and downwardly extending projections electrically connected to the rail and conductor rail. A coupling member is arranged beneath the bed members and has two upwardly opening, electrically conductive, elastic, locking elements that engage the extending projections such that projections on adjacent rail sections are mechanically and electrically connected. One locking element comprises upwardly protruding elastic tongues that interlock with the projections, and the other locking element comprises two parallel spring wires, connected by a contact spring and set apart by spacers such that projections are insertable there between. A locking element, on the underside of the coupling member, forms the elastic tongues. A connecting element, resting against the locking element, protrudes on both sides of the coupling member in the form of a contact lug.

Abstract: A modular floor for manual storage systems consists of floor modules joined to create a longitudinal path of any desired length for supporting a wheeled carriage for movement therealong. Each floor module comprises a pair of parallel rails that are independently vertically adjustable by means of leveling screws in transverse rail supporting beams. The ends of the rails are notched and tongue and grooved to provide vertical and horizontal alignment of the ends of adjoining rails. The modular floor includes sturdy and neat ramps extending transversely on each side thereof. The invention further includes an anti-tip device composed of plates secured to the carriages and having lips that slide along and cooperate with a member fixed to the modular floor to prevent the carriages from tipping in the direction of longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A rollable temporary roadway is composed of individual supporting elements (2) which are articulately connected by hinge-like joints (7), each of which is formed by a bead (5) and the associated recess of a claw (6). The joints (7) are looped by at least one cable (10), with the cable being guided below the joints. A reeling device (20) for rolling up an installed temporary roadway (1) includes a pipe (21), hub members (22) which can be mounted on the pipe, and a cable arrangement (32, 33, 34).

Abstract: A guide and magnetically susceptible track for a weld scanner wherein a mild steel sheet metal track element is wrapped about a pipe with its end portions overlapping and the end portions are tightened together with clamp means while tabs engage notches at the opposite corners of the track element so that a guide element along the centerline of the track element is thereby self-aligned to provide a full 360.degree. track and guide.

Abstract: A massage apparatus is provided with a pair of foldable guide rails extending parallel to each other. Carriers having massage rollers thereon are set on the guide rails so as to be able to reciprocate along the guide rails. The carriers are coupled to belts which travel along the guide rails in a reciprocating manner.

Abstract: A collapsible toy automobile race course having a spiral track with an arrangement for biasing the track to act as a spring having a relaxed essentially collapsed position and an extended taut position, and a post for holding the track in an extended position so that one end of the track is higher than the other end, and an arrangement for reversing the direction of an automobile traveling thereon at one end of the track.

Abstract: An elongate deformable ribbon drive rail for carrying a working apparatus having a toothed drive gear and support mechanism is provided in the form of a first narrow elongate strip of metal of width to carry the support mechanism, a second narrower strip of metal having a regular series of corrugations extending lengthwise thereof fixed to the first strip intermediate its edges at each valley of the second strip and adapted to be engaged by the toothed drive gear while the edges of the first strip engage the support mechanism.

Abstract: This track, particularly for use with electrically self-propelled vehicles, has various elements for interfering with vehicle passage. Different effects are obtained--amusing, fascinating, or enhanced competitive play with two or more vehicles. Most of the interfering elements are detachable, and usable in different combinations and arbitrarily selectable positions. Three element types are (1) bumps that redirect the vehicles, tending to make them go around curves in the track without moving to the sides; (2) small flooring sections operated (by levers) vertically through holes in the track floor, to variably influence the vehicles' passage along the track; and (3) a gate, with a releasable catch, for starting cars along the track simultaneously in a race.

Abstract: A track system for toy vehicles formed from a plurality of like interconnectable track sections, each section having a main body portion with upwardly disposed opposing sidewall portions, opposite ends of the sidewall portions and main body portion having sets of projections configured and dimensioned for interlocking engagement with like track sections. Hook members are integrally formed in the main body portion on opposite ends of the longitudinal centerline thereof for interlocking engagement. Each track section is preferably formed in a planar configuration with reduced cross sectional areas defining hinge sections for enabling pivoting of the sidewall portions into transverse relation relative to the main body portion. Regions on opposite sides of the hinge section are configured for interlocking to maintain the positions of the sidewall portions.

Abstract: A flexible track segment for freely moving, driven, track-bound toy cars with a guide edge for guiding toy cars is specified, which consists of separate track segments, which can be put together, and which are capable of swivelling against each other, and, if necessary, connecting pieces. Each track segment part and connecting piece displays a travelling surface between the guide edges. The track segment parts and the connecting pieces are connectable with each other over the contact of linkage elements and receiving parts. The linkage element displays a pair of jaws with hook-forming, pointing to each other ends, which project away from a front side of the track segment part. The receiving part is constructed on the other front side of the track segment part and displays an opening and a vertical pin, which outside is aligned with the front side. The distance of the hook-forming ends is smaller and the distance of the jaws is larger than the diameter of the pin.

Abstract: A lightweight portable wheel chair ramp comprising a pair of ramps detachably secured to one another in a compact, portable configuration. Each ramp is telescopically extensible with oppositely disposed non-slip surface engaging flanges and can be adjustably locked to the length required. A pair of alignment and spacer brackets secure the ramps together in spaced parallel relation during operation. The ramps can be detached from one another, collapsed and secured together for ease of transport.

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.

Abstract: The track for driverless vehicles has a low profile with a rail extending along one side edge portion of the track structure and a drive shaft extending along the opposite side edge portion of the track structure. The drive shaft performs the dual function of supporting wheels on one side of a driverless vehicle and driving the vehicle by frictional contact with said wheels. The rail and the periphery of the drive shaft at the 12 o'clock position thereon are substantially the same elevation.

Abstract: A cart track assembly for use with a cart having steerable castor wheels includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart tracks mounted to a support surface. Each track includes a number of elongate main track segments and widened transition track segments coupling the main track segments. The main segments have parallel, upright sides defining a relatively narrow pathway between the sides. The widened segments preferably include sides which flare outwardly to define a widened transition area. The transition area is large enough to allow the castor wheels to pivot 180.degree. about their vertical pivot axis after the cart has reversed direction. This allows the castor wheels to roll smoothly along the track after the direction of the movement of the cart has been reversed.

Abstract: An isolating device for an opening in a wall traversed by a track for vehicles of a conveyor system. A door can swing up or down to close this opening and a removable track section can be drawn in the direction of the track to clear a path for the door.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a flexible track system having a number of identical track sections interconnectable to form curves, banks and slopes, as well as straight segments, each of the sections having an arcuate surface portion with a periphery of a given diameter and an arcuate edge of the same diameter, the edge being configured for proximate engagement with the periphery of the arcuate surface of an adjacent section. Depending ribs are provided at the periphery for frictionally engaging slots in proximate relation to the edge, the slots being elongate for enabling pivotal movement of one section relative to the next. Upwardly diverging sidewalls are configured for overlapping frictional engagement for assisting in maintaining interconnected sections in fixed relation. The arcuate surface portion is deflectable to enable the formation of sloping segments of roadway.

Abstract: A back-up guide for trucks or trailers is made of two elongated members attached perpendicularly to each other, with spikes on their underside to hold the device in a stationary position. The longer of the two members provides a guide for the side of a vehicle's rear wheel during backing up, and the other, shorter, member is laterally disposed and provides a wheel chock or stop member for the rear wheel, and also acts as a visual stop point for the driver. The lateral member has a rearward extension near each of its ends, which provides supports for wheels which allow easy movement of the device when the front end is raised to lift the spikes clear of the ground. Both members may be equipped with handles for ease of handling. The device may be transported by attachment to the side and back of a truck or trailer, resting on special brackets attached to the truck or trailer.

Abstract: A launching apparatus for a resilient drive mobile toy having a driven wheel. The launching apparatus includes a receptacle for accommodating the mobile toy, the receptacle including an opening for passing the mobile toy and a floor plate having a slot formed therethrough for partly projecting the driven wheel outwards. Provided to the receptacle are a holding device for releasably holding the mobile toy so that the driven wheel engages the slot for stopping the rotation thereof by friction and another device for pushing the mobile toy toward the opening so that the driven wheel is disengaged from the slot when the holding is released.

Abstract: This toy track is adjustable in its vertical contour, and holds itself in the vertical contour to which it is adjusted. The track is made up of numerous short sections. Each track section carries connectors that fixedly but releasably lock that section to an adjacent section, at a vertical angle selectable arbitrarily by the user of the toy.The connectors have mating pin-and-slot combinations for coupling adjacent track sections so that adjacent sections can rotate vertically with respect to one another. In addition the connectors have mating protuberance-and-groove combinations for locking the adjacent sections in particular vertical-rotation positions--that is, at the arbitrarily user-selectable angles.The connectors are secured at opposite sides (laterally, relative to vehicle motion along the track) of each track section, and the connectors extend longitudinally beyond that track section to engage like connectors of the adjacent section.

Abstract: A method for providing a flooring in a tunnel using a moving floor is disclosed herein. This method includes providing the moving floor with a flat, horizontally extending support surface extending rearwardly therefrom at floor level and movable therewith, advancing the moving floor and support surface, and placing precast concrete floor slabs to extend across the tunnel on the excavated tunnel invert exposed by the moving floor whereby to provide flooring along the length of the tunnel, each of the slabs being initially placed, one at a time, onto the support surface and adjacent the previous slab while remaining on the surface, and thereafter from the surface onto the tunnel invert as the moving floor and support surface are advanced.

Abstract: A track arrangement for toy vehicles with arcuately curved jump-off and jump-on ramps between which a toy vehicle can carry out a free-flying jump. The ramp tracks each have an arc between 90.degree. and 180.degree., and the ramps are offset transversely to the track elongation by at least one track width. The ramps are oriented so that the tracks of the jump-on ramp is located on an extension of the trajectory of the toy vehicle, which is determined by the jump-off ramp.

Abstract: An improved portable traction track for a vehicle driving wheel which is characterized by a plurality of base sections flexibly connected to one another to form an elongate strip adapted to be pulled under a rotating driving wheel. Each of the base sections include transversely spaced vertical side walls which have longitudinally spaced edges which are disposed in predetermined angular relationship to the edges of the immediately adjacent side walls in a decreasing angular relationship from the front toward the rear of the strip. The edges of the side walls are also provided with locking features such that upon flexing of the base sections in one direction, the side sections engage one another to permit only predetermined amount of flexing of that portion of the strip. This construction provides a bridge effect as the vehicle wheel rotates and pulls the strip under the wheel to the point at which the wheel is driven out of the rut in which it is stuck.

Abstract: A flexible track consisting of a plurality of track sections extending laterally of the track, each track section being pivotably coupled to the adjacent track section in a central region, viewed laterally, thereof. The respective facing portions of each pair of adjacent track sections are shaped so as to define an essentially tapered gap on each side of the central region extending inwardly from the lateral periphery of each track section, the gap being widest at said lateral periphery. The top surface of each track section is formed of at least one portion projecting longitudinally of said track on one side thereof and a recess on the other side thereof shaped to receive the longitudinally projecting portion of the adjacent track section, the essentially tapered gap being defined at least in part between the projecting portions and the recesses.

Abstract: A portable set-off device for a railroad motorcar comprises a collapsible platform and a telescoping ramp. The platform has a barrier, near its end edges transverse to the railroad tracks, for preventing the wheels of the motorcar from rolling off the end edge of the platform. The platform also has an inclined ramp along the same end edges for permitting a wheel of the motorcar to be rolled back up onto the platform in the event that the motorcar has rolled off into the space between the railroad track rails. The platform may be divided longitudinally into two half-parts which have the inclined ramp along the same end edges for permitting rubber wheels of a high-rail motor vehicle to drive up onto the railroad track rails.

Abstract: A model railway track component or unit comprises a unitary structure made of moulded synthetic plastics material and having a sleeper portion and two resiliently deformable rail-forming portions of unequal length extending in opposite directions from respective ends of the sleeper portion. The unequal length of the rail-forming portions is such as to permit two such components or units to be coupled together alternatively in a complementary reverse aspect for the formation of a straight length of track, or in a common aspect by deformation of the rail-forming portions for the formation of a curved length of track.

Abstract: A plurality of track sections in which each track section has end portions for interlocking with end portions of adjoining track sections to form an endless track for a toy train. Each end portion has longitudinally extending and laterally spaced apart projections and recesses extending into and receiving complementary recesses and projections respectively of a complementary end portion in an adjoining track section. The interacting projections and recesses automatically align the end portions laterally and horizontally, and prevent twisting of the track sections when interlocked or joined together. Each end portion further has a longitudinally extending flexible finger having a laterally extending rib on the end thereof which cooperates with a complementary longitudinally extending flexible finger and rib on an adjoining track section.

Abstract: A trackway for a trackborne toy and variable in relationship to its course comprises two resiliently flexible carriers or track members stringently guided in bearings in a spaced juxtaposition. The bearings are supported on vertical supports height-adjustable as well as vertically and horizontally pivotable.

Abstract: A construction toy including a base portion having a grid defined thereon by a plurality of substantially vertical grooves for use in combination with accessory articles. The grooves defined on the grid are arranged to intersect one another at right angles, each pair of which defines a track section over which a suitable vehicle may travel. A plurality of building wall panels are provided for use by positioning in the grooves of the grid to maintain the panels in a generally vertical position to permit combining of the panels to define structures such as houses, trees, or other structures. A plurality of track sections may be connected to the base to provide a path of travel to and away from the base. A connecting device is provided on the end of each track section for connection between adjacent track sections or to the base to secure the assembly as a unitary layout. Each track section is reversible and includes on one side a generally flat surface for traversing by vehicles such as cars and trucks.

Abstract: A track intersection for use with a plurality of other track sections to form a trackway for passage of toy vehicles thereon, the intersection having a curved trackway section having generally parallel opposed sidewalls of height generally equal to the height of the toy vehicle. The intersection is provided with an elevated roadway portion at the height of the sidewalls, the elevated roadway portion having first and second trackways, the first trackway being generally tangential to the exit end of the curve to permit a toy vehicle to enter the first trackway and leave the intersection through the exit end of the curve. The second trackway generally intersects the first trackway to permit a toy vehicle to leap the curve on the elevated roadway portion.

Abstract: An artificial cross-country skiing practice set comprises a track formed of interfitted rail sections placed end-to-end to form parallel rolling bands receiving roller-ski members in normal skiing relationship. At least one roller of each ski member has an adjustable brake simulating resistance to advancement as when skiing on snow.

Abstract: A highway-railway crossing is provided wherein a pair of gage section units is disposed between the rails of a track and secured to the ties subtending and supporting the rails. A pair of side section units is also provided between which the rails and gage section units are disposed. Each side section unit has a peripheral portion thereof resiliently engaging the web section of a rail. Each gage section unit includes a resilient, moisture-proof upper lamina, and a plurality of elongated reinforcing elements arranged in laterally spaced substantially parallel relation and secured to the underside of the lamina. The gage section units are disposed in abutting side-by-side relation and span the distance between the rails. The gage section units have abutting inner faces provided with interfitting male and female segments forming an elongated moisture-proof joint.

Abstract: Mechanism for removing containerized freight from a beached watercraft and ransporting same to a waiting tractor-trailer located on firm terrain. The mechanism is designed to transport heavy freight containers across muddy or loose sandy terrain without allowing the containers to sink or otherwise become bogged down in the terrain. Principal application is in military battlefield operations wherein it might sometimes be required to deliver containerized freight from large ships dispersed offshore to overland transport vehicals without the aid or necessity of sophisticated cranes and dock facilities.

Abstract: A toy train system providing a plurality of sections of rigid and flexible track members and a switching device for selectively connecting one of the members together. The switching device includes a pair of stationary rings and a rotatable ring with the flexible pieces of track extending between them and selectively registerable with the rigid track members at one of them. Self powered cars are equipped to travel the tracks in upside down condition, upright or on their side, the tracks being especially formed to receive the cars and maintain their security regardless of their oriented condition.

Abstract: A tunnel autoclave having guillotine doors at opposite ends has sections of rail fixed to the said doors so as to be aligned with guide rails extending through the said autoclave when the doors are in the open position.

Abstract: A California type platform having an elongate frame which may be raised above the platform by wheels carried by the frame in position to be forced downwardly against the tunnel track by means of inflatable air bags.

Abstract: A storage system comprising a plurality of generally aligned storage units, each of the units including at least two storage sections arranged in side-by-side relation, the units being supported for movement along a predetermined substantially linear path by means of a plurality of generally parallel arranged tracks, with one pair of tracks being associated with each of the storage sections, the tracks being relatively flexible so as to be adapted to be laid directly upon and contiguously conform to a relatively irregular support surface; and a base structure on each of the storage sections and provided with pairs of spaced rollers adapted to ride upon and traverse mating pairs of tracks, the storage sections of each of the units being connected together but acting individually with their mating tracks and independently of the adjacent tracks as the storage units traverse the tracks along the aforesaid path.

Abstract: A cross-country skiing path has a pair of side-by-side elongated tracks each formed as an upwardly open and longitudinally extending channel in turn each formed of a longitudinal succession of separate track elements that each have a separate web and inside and outside flanges flanking this web. Each inside flange of each element of each row is turned toward an inside flange of a corresponding element of the other row and is provided with an ear extending toward the other row and having a longitudinal length equal to approximately half the overall longitudinal length of the element. Each ear is longitudinally offset from the corresponding ear of the corresponding element of the other row and extends transversely beyond the longitudinal midline of the path. An elongated longitudinally extending connector member, such as a cable, passes through the ears at the midline and interconnects the elements into a chain. Similar connecting members extend through the outside flanges.

Abstract: A traffic crossing signal mast for railroad-highway grade crossings incorporates a sturdy cantilever arm extending over the highway and supporting a maintenance catwalk. A short, horizontal jury mast at the end of the cantilever arm is pivotable about its axis parallel to the highway direction through limited angular sectors of one-quarter turn clockwise and counterclockwise. A junction box assembly mounted at each end of the jury mast suspends a pair of warning flasher crossing signal lamps on each side of the catwalk aimed down the highway axis. Pivoting movement of the jury mast from its locked, detent position to a latched quarter-turned position raises one of each pair of signal lamps for initial cable connections, repairs or replacement of flashing lamp heads. A lockable clamping cam lever disengages the detent for jury mast rotation and re-engages it to secure the signal lamps in their aligned position for use.

Abstract: A vehicle path controller has a plurality of cylindrical support rollers arranged in section(s) with each roller axis (of rotation) substantially parallel to and along the prescribed path. An entrance ramp is positioned adjacent the initial roller section and facilitates the driving of the vehicle onto same. The rollers are rotatably connected to framework and are conveniently arranged in two separate paths, one path for the left wheels and one path for the right wheels. Guide rollers are also connected to the framework but have an axis of rotation elevated with reference to the vehicle support rollers.