CN216366598U

CN216366598U - Novelty toy vehicle and tubular track system for same

Info

Publication number: CN216366598U
Application number: CN202090000423.2U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杰弗里·罗纳德·阿齐森
Original assignee: Smart Tois Co ltd
Current assignee: Smart Tois Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-08
Filing date: 2020-03-05
Publication date: 2022-04-26
Anticipated expiration: 2030-03-05
Also published as: BR112021017665A2; JP3236393U; WO2020182048A1; DE212020000545U1

Abstract

A toy vehicle (100) having a longitudinal central axis (130), the longitudinal central axis (130) aligned with a direction of travel through a passageway of an elongated tubular track having a non-linear path extending in three dimensions and at least partially circumscribing the toy vehicle (100); a toy vehicle (100) includes: a first plurality of translating elements (110) comprising 3 or more translating elements spaced about a longitudinal central axis (130) of the toy vehicle (100) to engage the curved inner surface of the tubular track, wherein at least one translating element is a driving translating element that is powered to drive the toy vehicle (100) through the passageway of the elongate tubular track; and a second plurality of translating elements (120) comprising 3 or more translating elements spaced about the longitudinal center axis (130) of the toy vehicle (100) to engage the curved inner surface of the track, wherein each translating element of the first plurality of translating elements (110) and each translating element of the second plurality of translating elements (120) are independently movable with respect to each other and are biased at least in a radially outward direction from the longitudinal center axis (130) of the toy vehicle (100).

Description

Novelty toy vehicle and tubular track system for same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of toy vehicles, and more particularly to a toy vehicle and a track system for a toy vehicle.

Background

There are many toy vehicles on the market, as well as tracks and track systems for such vehicles, for entertainment, including providing a platform for racing, display, entertainment, and the like.

Basic examples of such toy vehicles and tracks include gravity powered vehicles that may travel along a track configured to hold vehicles within the boundaries of the track, which may be formed from a plurality of track segments. For such track systems, a degree of flexibility may be provided whereby a user may construct a desired track configuration by joining track segments together end-to-end. Such systems may include loops of track or other non-planar variations.

However, the play or motivation or attractiveness of the system is limited by the need to ensure that sufficient gravitational force is maintained to enable vehicles to traverse various aspects of the track system to reach the end of the track.

Such a system may provide for single vehicle use or dual tracks for racing. The toy vehicle is typically a toy vehicle having a set of wheels that interact with a driving surface of the track, and the track may include small side walls to prevent lateral drift.

Another example of the second type of toy vehicles and track systems includes those of the conventional "slot car" type. These toy vehicles use tracks, typically arranged on a substantially flat surface, which typically allow two or more vehicles to travel side-by-side in a race car. The track may be configured in a limited number of configurations, such as a straight section, a curved section, or a figure-of-eight.

Toy vehicles are typically powered by electrical current supplied through metal slots or grooves embedded in the track, provide electrical contact surfaces with electric motors in the toy vehicles through sliding contact brushes, and are typically prevented from drifting laterally by pins protruding from the bottom of the toy vehicle and into the slots of the track, so that each toy vehicle has its own assigned track unless the toy vehicle leaves the track when speeding, and the path and direction of travel is predetermined unless switched (so that the toy vehicle can switch tracks). Such a system provides significantly more game play and player input than the first basic type through a user-operable electronic throttle (throttle) device that is in electrical communication with the electrical contacts of the track and hence the player's toy vehicle, thereby allowing speed to be changed without changing direction. Thus, such a system provides a competitive platform for racing between players. However, there are disadvantages in that toy vehicles may often accidentally and unintentionally leave the track, and the arrangement of the track is mostly limited to planar surfaces. While some lift may be used, it should not be so significant that the toy vehicle will lose traction, most likely the protruding pin will move out of the track groove and become inoperable/undriven.

Another example of a toy vehicle is a remote controlled toy vehicle that may take many forms, including the form of a typical dolly, and has its own power source, speed controller, and steering mechanism. These toy vehicles are typically intended for use outside of track limits, and although some racing may be possible, these toy vehicles are not readily adapted for use in a predefined track system.

Disclosure of Invention

Objects of the invention

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a toy vehicle and a track system for the toy vehicle that overcomes or ameliorates at least some of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention may comprise several broad forms. Embodiments of the invention may include one or any combination of the different broad forms described herein.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a toy vehicle having a longitudinal central axis aligned with a direction of travel and for traveling through a passageway of an elongate tubular track having a non-linear path extending in three dimensions and at least partially circumscribing the toy vehicle, the toy vehicle comprising: a first plurality of translating elements comprising 2+2n translating elements spaced about the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle to engage an inner surface of the elongate tubular track, wherein n is 1 or greater; and a second plurality of translating elements comprising 2+2m translating elements spaced about the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle to engage a curved inner surface of the elongate tubular track, wherein m is 1 or greater, wherein each translating element of the first plurality of translating elements and each translating element of the second plurality of translating elements are independently movable with respect to each other and are biased in at least a radially outward direction from the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle; and a control system controlling at least the operable rotational speed of at least two translating elements, wherein the at least two translating elements are driving translating elements; wherein, as the toy vehicle travels through the passageway of the elongate tubular track, the translating element is urged toward the inner surface of the elongate tubular track and causes at least one of the driven translating elements to be urged onto and maintain contact with the inner surface of the elongate tubular track such that rotation of the at least one driven translating element urges the toy vehicle through the elongate tubular track; as the toy vehicle travels through a portion of the passageway of the elongated tubular track having a non-linear path, the translating element moves relative to and is urged toward the longitudinal central axis such that the toy vehicle is prevented from impacting the inner surface of the elongated tubular track such that the at least one driven translating element is maintained on the inner surface of the elongated tubular track; and wherein, when the toy vehicle is moved away from the elongated tubular track toward and onto a planar surface and is unconstrained within the elongated tubular track: (i) the toy vehicle rotating about the longitudinal central axis under the influence of gravity such that the drive translation element operably engages the planar surface; and (ii) the control system is operable to control the rotational speed of the driven translatory element such that the toy vehicle is drivable and steerable over the planar surface by providing a differential rotational speed between the translatory elements.

The number of translating elements of the first plurality of translating elements may be equal to the number of translating elements of the second plurality of translating elements.

Each translating element of the first plurality of translating elements may be collinear with a corresponding translating element of the second plurality of translating elements in the direction of the longitudinal central axis.

The first plurality of translating elements may comprise 4 translating elements and wherein the second plurality of translating elements may comprise 4 translating elements.

The driven translation element is a translation element of at least the same plurality of translation elements.

The driven translation elements may include a first set of driven translation elements and a second set of driven translation elements.

The first set of driven translation elements and the second set of driven translation elements may be at least the same plurality of translation elements. The first set of driven translation elements and the second set of driven translation elements may be the same plurality of translation elements, and wherein the driven translation elements of the first set of driven translation elements and the second set of driven translation elements are alternately disposed about the longitudinal axis. The drive translation elements of the first set of drive translation elements may be driven by a first motor and the drive translation elements of the second set of drive translation elements may be driven by a second motor. The first set of driven translation elements and the second set of driven translation elements may be both the first plurality of translation elements and the second plurality of translation elements. All of the translation elements of the first plurality of translation elements and the second plurality of translation elements may be driven translation elements.

The translation elements of the first and second pluralities of translation elements may be driven translation elements and may be equally spaced about the longitudinal axis.

The translation element may comprise two wheels.

In a second aspect, the invention comprises an elongate tubular track for use in conjunction with a toy vehicle according to the first aspect.

The tubular rail system is preferably modular. The tubular rail system is preferably arranged in three dimensions. The tubular track system is preferably an open system open to the planar surface for entry of toy vehicles into the tubular track system from the planar surface and exit of toy vehicles from the tubular track system to the planar surface. The tubular track system may further include at least one trumpet element to enter and exit the toy vehicle with respect to the tubular track system, and may further include a peripheral receiving member, whereby the peripheral receiving member defines a play area therein and includes a generally elongated peripheral structure having an upwardly extending concave inner lip to receive the toy vehicle within the play area.

Drawings

The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description of the preferred but non-limiting embodiments of the invention, which is set forth below in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of a toy vehicle according to the present invention;

FIG. 1b (i) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1a taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 c;

FIG. 1B (ii) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1a taken along line B-B of FIG. 1 c;

FIG. 1c shows an end view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1d (i) is a schematic side view showing the flexure element of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1b (i) in a first position;

FIG. 1d (ii) is a schematic side view showing the flexure element of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1b (i) in a second, deflected position;

FIG. 1e (i) is a pictorial representation showing two planar "H" shaped outer housing portions of the toy vehicle of FIGS. 1 a-1 c;

FIG. 1e (ii) shows a photographic representation of two planar "H" -shaped shell portions of FIG. 1e (i) in a partially assembled configuration;

FIG. 1e (iii) shows a photographic representation of two planar "H" -shaped shell portions of FIG. 1e (i) in a fully assembled configuration;

FIG. 1e (iv) shows a photographic representation of two planar "H" -shaped outer shell portions of FIG. 1e (i) in a fully assembled configuration and including side panels and a nose cone assembly;

FIG. 2a illustrates an end view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 1a inside the tubular track;

FIG. 2b illustrates a perspective view of the toy vehicle of FIG. 2a inside the tubular track;

FIG. 3a shows an end view of the toy vehicle of FIGS. 2a and 2b having exited the tubular track and partially engaged the ground surface;

FIG. 3b shows an end view of the toy vehicle of FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3a having exited the tubular track and fully engaged the ground surface;

FIG. 4a (i) shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a toy vehicle according to the present invention in a first angular rotation;

FIG. 4a (ii) shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the toy vehicle of FIG. 4a (i) in a second angular rotation;

FIG. 4a (iii) shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the toy vehicle of FIG. 4a (i) in a third angular rotation;

FIG. 4a (iv) shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the toy vehicle of FIG. 4a (i) in a fourth angular rotation;

FIG. 4b shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a toy vehicle according to the present invention;

FIG. 5a shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a toy vehicle according to the present invention;

FIG. 5b shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a toy vehicle according to the present invention;

FIG. 6a shows a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of a toy vehicle according to the present invention;

FIG. 6b shows a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of a toy vehicle according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a further configuration of a tubular track for use with a toy vehicle according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a further configuration of a tubular track system for use with toy vehicles according to the present invention having a trumpet shaped entrance element with a concave inner lip surrounding an open, outer play area and guide channels and protrusions and peripheral receiving members;

FIG. 9 shows the trumpet inlet element of FIG. 8 with the concave inner lip and guide channel and protrusion of FIG. 8;

figure 10a shows a first example of a tubular rail element for a tubular rail according to the invention;

figure 10b shows a second example of a tubular rail element for a tubular rail according to the invention;

figure 10c shows a third example of a tubular rail element for a tubular rail according to the invention;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of a toy vehicle and tubular track system according to the present invention; and is

Figure 12 shows a fourth example of a tubular rail system according to the invention;

figure 13 shows a further example of a tubular rail system according to the invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of a hand-held remote control device for use with a toy vehicle according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to a toy vehicle and a track system that provides enhanced play appeal to a user as compared to the prior art.

The present invention provides a toy vehicle that is capable of operating within a tubular track and on a ground surface outside such a tubular track, as well as outside or outside the tubular track.

In particular, embodiments of the present invention provide a toy vehicle and track system for the same, comprising an elongate tubular track, wherein the toy vehicle is operable and capable of at least two functions:

(i) the larger the bend is through when passing through the elongated tubular rail without hitting or jamming and without losing traction;

(ii) is drivable and steerable on a planar surface outside the elongate tubular track upon exiting the elongate tubular track, wherein the planar surface may comprise undulations or inclinations;

(iii) regardless of the orientation of the toy vehicle as it leaves the elongated tubular track, the toy vehicle is immediately drivable and steerable on the outer planar surface, regardless of which wheels engage the ground surface.

By providing a toy vehicle and track system having all of the attributes (i), (ii), and (iii), the present invention provides a robust, elegant, and versatile solution to the drawbacks, limitations, complexities, and inefficiencies of prior art toy vehicles and track systems.

Although the term "plane" refers to the area outside the tubular rail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a planar surface may include undulations and inclinations, and that the term "plane" does not exclude three-dimensional planar surfaces. Thus, the term "plane" in the present invention is not limited or restricted to a two-dimensional plane play area.

In particular, the toy vehicle is drivable and steerable on such an outer planar surface regardless of the orientation of the toy vehicle about its longitudinal central axis when exiting the elongate tubular track and disposed on such outer planar surface externally of the tubular track system.

Further, in embodiments of the present invention, the toy vehicle is steerable and the tubular track system is adapted to allow and provide reentry of the toy vehicle into the tubular track system.

Still further, the drivability and steerability of the toy vehicle described in detail below is not altered or affected by the orientation of the vehicle as it exits the elongated tubular track and the novel and innovative arrangement of the translating elements and the motors controlling these translating elements.

It is important to the present invention that controlled steering of the toy vehicle as it exits the tube be provided regardless of its orientation and regardless of which translating elements or wheels are engaging or contacting the ground surface. As will be explained in further detail, this may be conveniently accomplished by implementing the unique features of the present invention, which are also described and disclosed in detail below, and which provide the significant advantages and benefits of providing the maneuverability of a toy vehicle, regardless of which wheels or translating elements are engaged with the ground on which the toy vehicle is traveling, thus avoiding the necessity for the system to determine which wheels are engaged with the ground, such as by using a sensor system to determine the orientation of the toy vehicle.

The invention provides an innovation providing a toy vehicle with driveability and steerability, the toy vehicle having:

(i) superior inherent drivability and steerability independent of sensor systems or arrangements or the like;

(ii) due to the elimination of a sensor system and the like, the operational reliability is improved;

(iii) simplified manufacturing and assembly with fewer electronic components during assembly;

(iv) the control system has higher reliability due to fewer circuitry, inputs and processing requirements;

(v) reduced manufacturing costs due to reduced components;

(vi) unit cost is reduced due to fewer components and less control system complexity; and

(vii) the overall toy vehicle is more robust, reliable, simple driveability and steerable and its components.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a tubular rail system having design freedom independent of the extent of the area where the system will be deployed and used, and providing the user with design freedom for constructing a tubular rail system layout based on available play areas and the user's wishes.

There is provided a toy vehicle capable of both traveling through a non-linear elongate tubular track and on a planar surface external to the elongate tubular track and having the controllability and steerability provided by the present invention, the dual function and thus driveability and steerability of the toy vehicle being unaffected by changes or changes in the orientation of the vehicle as it leaves the elongate tubular track, and the novel and innovative arrangement of translating elements and motors controlling these translating elements provides the significant advantages and benefits of eliminating the need to determine which wheels or translating elements engage the ground surface, such as a sensor system for determining the orientation of the toy vehicle or the like, and which is distinct from other toy vehicles or systems thereof in the prior art and which are not suggested, suggested or contemplated in the prior art.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention also provide for enhanced configurability of the tubular rail system, with greater versatility and flexibility for utilizing the physical environment in which the tubular rail system is deployed, and thus provide for greater creativity in rail system configuration. Thus, this versatility provides greater interest and play appeal.

Thus, in addition to systems whose geometry and shape are not limited to the physical environment of deployment, providing multiple configurations also allows users to provide user-defined track layouts, which provides enhanced user or player interest.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention allow for the construction of a rail system in a three-dimensional arrangement, thus providing:

(i) improving utilization of the physical play area of the deployed system,

(ii) improving flexibility of track construction design layout, an

(iii) In addition to the tubular track, a planar surface is also utilized for the play field.

According to the present invention, a toy vehicle includes:

-a first plurality of translating elements comprising 2+2n (where n is 1 or greater) translating elements spaced about the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle to engage the inner surface of the elongate tubular track; and

-a second plurality of translating elements comprising 2+2m (where m is 1 or greater) translating elements spaced about the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle to engage the curved inner surface of the elongate tubular track, wherein each translating element of the first plurality of translating elements and each translating element of the second plurality of translating elements are independently movable with respect to each other and are biased at least in a radially outward direction from the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle; and

-a control system for controlling at least the operable rotational speed of at least two translating elements, wherein the at least two translating elements are driving translating elements.

As the toy vehicle travels through the passageway of the elongate tubular track, the translating element is urged toward the inner surface of the elongate tubular track and causes the at least one driven translating element to be urged against and maintain contact with the inner surface of the elongate tubular track such that rotation of the at least one driven translating element urges the toy vehicle through the elongate tubular track; further, while the toy vehicle is traveling through a portion of the passageway of the elongated tubular track having a non-linear path, the translating element is moved relative to and urged toward the longitudinal central axis such that the toy vehicle is prevented from striking the inner surface of the elongated tubular track such that the at least one driven translating element is maintained on the inner surface of the elongated tubular track.

When the toy vehicle is directed away from the elongate tubular track toward the planar surface and is not constrained within the elongate tubular track,

(i) the toy vehicle rotating about the longitudinal central axis under the influence of gravity such that the drive translation element operably engages the planar surface; and is

(ii) A control system is operable to control the rotational speed of the driven translating elements such that the toy vehicle is drivable and steerable over the planar surface by providing a differential rotational speed between the translating elements.

Referring to fig. 1a, 1b, 1c, an embodiment of a toy vehicle 100 according to the present invention is shown. The body member 101 and the drive train guard plate 104 omitted in fig. 1c are shown in fig. 1a for ease of explanation.

Toy vehicle 100 has a longitudinal central axis 130 that is aligned with a direction of travel through a passageway of an elongated tubular track having a non-linear path that extends in three dimensions and at least partially circumscribes the toy vehicle 100.

Toy vehicle 100 has a longitudinal central axis 130 and is capable of traveling through the passageway of the tubular track. The tubular rails may have different cross-sections, and the ride-ability of toy vehicle 100 is not limited to any particular cross-section or geometry. In this embodiment, the toy vehicle may travel through a tubular track with a circular cross-section having a curved inner surface.

Toy vehicle 100 includes a first plurality of translating elements 110 spaced about a longitudinal central axis 130 of toy vehicle 100 to engage the curved interior surface of the track, and further includes a second plurality of translating elements 120 spaced about the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle to engage the curved interior surface of the track.

In the present embodiment, the first plurality of translating elements 110 includes 4 translating elements 110 and the second plurality of translating elements includes 4 translating elements 120. In this embodiment, the translating element is a pair of wheels.

However, in other and alternative embodiments, which will be described in detail below, there may be more than 4 translating elements for each plurality of translating elements, which is an even number of translating elements, such as 6, 8, 10.

Thus, there are at least four and an even number of first translating elements (2+2n, where n is 1 or greater) and second translating elements (2+2m, where m is 1 or greater) spaced about the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle, whereby n and m are integers.

In this embodiment, all of the translating elements are driving translating elements that are powered to drive the toy vehicle through the passageway of the elongate tubular track, but in other and alternative embodiments it is not necessary that all of the translating elements be driving translating elements.

Each of the first plurality of translating elements 110 and each of the second plurality of translating elements 120 are independently movable with respect to each other and are biased in at least a radially outward direction from a longitudinal center axis 130 of the toy vehicle 100 such that when urged toward the longitudinal axis 130, the translating elements are urged radially outward from the longitudinal center axis. This feature is discussed in further detail below with reference to the present embodiment of FIG. 1 e.

Such movable and radially outwardly biased translating

elements

110, 120 provide that at least one driven translating element maintains contact with the curved inner surface of the elongated tubular track as toy vehicle 100 travels through a portion of the track having a non-linear path, thereby maintaining movement of toy vehicle 100 through the elongated tubular track, and importantly also provides protection against toy vehicle 100 striking the inner surface of the elongated tubular track.

Thus, tight turns or bends of toy vehicle 100 through the tubular track are permitted with respect to translating

elements

110, 120 that are capable of radial movement independently of one another, and toy vehicle 100 is not subject to impact when traversing non-linear portions of the tubular track.

As shown in fig. 1b (i), which is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 1c, the translating elements 110a of the first plurality of translating elements 110 and the translating elements 120a of the second plurality of translating elements 120 are driven by the first plurality of gears 140.

Importantly and now shown in fig. 1B (ii), which is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of fig. 1c, the translating elements 110B of the first plurality of translating elements 110 and the translating elements 120B of the second plurality of translating elements 120 are driven by the first plurality of gears 150.

Thus and importantly, diametrically opposed

translation elements

110a and 120a are driven by a set of gears 140. While the diametrically opposed

translatory elements

110b and 120b are driven by another set of gears 150.

It should be appreciated that adjacent translating

elements

110a and 110b and 120a and 120b are driven by different gear sets. A first electric motor (not shown) drives the first set of gears 140 and a second electric motor (not shown) drives the second set of gears 150.

Thus, adjacent translating

elements

110a and 110b and 120a and 120b are driven and powered by different motors.

Thus, changing the speed of the first and second motors relative to each other will result in changing the relative speed between

adjacent translation elements

110a and 110b and 120a and 120 b.

Accordingly and as will be appreciated, and as will be discussed in greater detail below, such differential relative velocity between

adjacent translation elements

110a and 110b and 120a and 120b allows toy vehicle 100 to be steered because there will be two

adjacent translation elements

110a and 110b and 120a and 120b on the ground surface when the vehicle is on the ground and not within the path of the elongated tubular track.

Thus, the novel and inventive concept of adjacent ground translating elements having a plurality of circumferentially extending translating elements that are independently driven and independently movable outwardly in a radial direction allows for a toy vehicle:

(iii) regardless of the orientation of the toy vehicle as it leaves the elongated tubular track, the toy vehicle is immediately drivable and steerable over the planar surface outside the tube, regardless of which wheels engage the planar ground surface.

Toy vehicle 100 includes a power source, which in this embodiment is a

dual battery unit

170a, 170b that powers an electric motor.

In order to bias the

translatory elements

110 and 120 radially outwards, biasing elements are provided, such as helical coil springs, leaf springs, helical springs, air springs or flexure elements or the like.

More particularly and as shown in fig. 1d (i) and 1d (ii), flexure element 175, also shown in fig. 1b (i), is supported by

protrusions

176 and 177 which are part of body member 101 of the toy vehicle.

In this embodiment, the translating

elements

110 and 120 are biased radially outward by the flexing elements 175, which, by virtue of their resilient nature in combination with their geometry and dimensions, when urged radially inward by the force 178 (as shown in fig. 1d (ii)), generate a restorative reaction force, thereby urging the translating

elements

110 and 120 radially outward. As toy vehicle 100 traverses the elongate tubular track, such outward radial force pushes translating

elements

110 and 120 against the inner surface of the elongate tubular track, thus maintaining sufficient contact and engagement with the inner surface of the track such that the vehicle has sufficient traction to be propelled by the electric motor through the track.

Referring now to fig. 1e (i) and 1e (iv), there is shown and illustrated the assembly of an embodiment of a toy vehicle 100 according to the present invention.

As shown in fig. 1e (i), toy vehicle 100 is provided as two planar "H" shaped

housing portions

101a and 101b enclosing gear sets 140 and 150, and supporting translating

elements

110a and 120a and 110b and 120b, respectively, as noted above with reference to fig. 1b (i) and 1b (ii), respectively.

Referring now to fig. 1e (ii), the two

planar housing portions

101a and 101b are urged together with a rotational displacement of 90 degrees with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis of the toy vehicle formed by the two

planar housing portions

101a and 101 b. It should be noted that the two

planar housing portions

101a and 101b are slotted together by complementary slots provided between the elongate members of the "H" shaped

housing portions

101a and 101b, which when fully pushed together as shown in fig. 1e (iii) thereby form the body member 101 of the toy vehicle 100 as shown.

Referring now to fig. 1e (iv), side plates 102 and nose cone assembly 103 are secured to body member 101 to form a complete toy vehicle 100.

Referring to fig. 2a and 2b, there is shown an end view of the toy vehicle 200 in the elongate tubular track 245 whereby the first translating element 210 is urged against the inner wall 247 of the elongate tubular track 245 by a biasing member, such as a helical coil spring, leaf spring, coil spring, air spring or flexing element 175, as shown in fig. 1d (i) and 1d (ii). The biasing element maintains the translating element urged against inner wall 247 of elongate tubular track 245 to maintain traction as toy vehicle 200 passes through elongate tubular track 245 in the manner described above.

Referring now to fig. 3a and 3b, as toy vehicle 200 exits elongate tubular track 245, first translating element 210a initially engages adjacent ground surface 290.

Under the influence of gravity, and as shown in fig. 3b in particular, toy vehicle 200 rotates about its longitudinal axis, which, although not shown, should be understood to be an axis extending out of the page such that translating element 210b also engages adjacent ground surface 290.

It will be understood and apparent from the foregoing description and disclosure of the invention that toy vehicle 200 is now positioned to be drivable and steerable on an adjacent ground surface 290.

It can be seen and understood that regardless of the orientation of toy vehicle 200 as it exits elongate tubular track 245, toy vehicle 200 may be immediately drivable and steerable over a planar surface outside of the tube, regardless of which translating elements engage the planar ground surface. As mentioned above, since adjacent translating elements are independently driven by different motors, this provides for such steering regardless of the orientation of the toy vehicle, thus again avoiding the necessity of determining which translating elements or wheels are engaged with the ground surface or determining the orientation of the toy vehicle about its longitudinal axis. The advantages and benefits of the present invention embodying such capabilities are discussed above.

Referring to fig. 4a (i) -4 a (iv), there is shown a schematic illustration of a front view of a toy vehicle 400A according to the present invention having features and characteristics as described with reference to the toy vehicle described above.

Toy vehicle 400A includes a first set of translating

elements

410A, 410b, 410c, 410d (which may be wheels, for example) that are equally spaced about a circumference extending out of the end-view longitudinal center axis of the page in this embodiment. However, in other or alternative embodiments, the translating

elements

410a, 410b, 410c, 410d need not necessarily be equally or uniformly spaced.

As shown, a first motor and drive assembly, schematically represented by 420a, powers and drives the translating

elements

410a and 410c, and a second motor and drive assembly, schematically represented by 420b, powers and drives the translating

elements

410b and 410 d.

It should be readily observed and in accordance with the present invention that the translating elements 410A and 410b that engage the ground surface are powered by different motor and drive assemblies 420A and 420b, thus and as described above, this provides for the driving and steering of the vehicle 400A on the ground surface, whereby steering is achieved by a differential rotational speed between the translating elements 410A and 410 b.

If the vehicle is oriented as in fig. 4a (ii) whereby the translating

elements

410b and 410c engage the ground surface, drive and steering may also be achieved by variation of the rotational speed of the translating elements, which may be easily achieved by controlling the speed of the motor and drive

assemblies

420a and 420b, since motor and drive assembly 420a controls translating element 410c and motor and drive assembly 420b controls translating element 420 b. It should be appreciated that although the translating

elements

410a and 410d are not engaged with the ground surface, they will still rotate at the same speed as the translating

elements

410c and 410b, respectively.

Referring now to fig. 4a (iii), when the translating

elements

410c and 410d are engaged with the ground surface, steering may again be achieved by differential rotational speed between the translating

elements

410c and 410d, as they are controlled by the motor and drive

assemblies

420a and 420b, respectively.

Similarly and as shown in fig. 4a (iv), when the translating

elements

410d and 410a are engaged with the ground surface, steering may again be achieved by differential rotational speed between the translating

elements

410d and 410a, as they are controlled by the motor and drive

assemblies

420b and 420a, respectively.

Reference is now made to fig. 4b, which has a similar arrangement to the embodiment of fig. 4a (i) to 4a (iv), however, each translating

element

430a, 430b, 430c and 430d is independently driven and controlled by a motor and drive

assembly

440a, 440b, 440c and 440d, respectively.

Steering can again be achieved in the same manner as described above, as any adjacent translating element engaging the ground surface is driven and controlled by a different motor and control assembly.

However, for ease of control, it should be appreciated that when toy vehicle 400B exits the tubular track, the user cannot easily control which translating elements will engage the ground surface and thus require driving and steering, and therefore each motor and drive assembly that powers a respective translating element is operatively controlled in concert with the motor and drive assembly that powers each alternate translating element.

Thus, the motor and drive

assemblies

440a and 440c are controlled in unison with each other, while the motor and drive

assemblies

440b and 440d are controlled in unison with each other.

Thus, regardless of the orientation of the vehicle 400B and regardless of which translating elements engage the ground surface, there are only two sets of translating elements, and each set can be controlled independently of the other.

Thus, it should be appreciated that the present invention may provide steering through differential rotational speeds between the translating elements:

(i) when there is an even number of translatory elements, whereby when the vehicle leaves the tubular rail and is rotated about its longitudinal axis so that two translatory elements engage the ground surface, there must be at least four translatory elements to provide ground engagement,

(ii) when adjacent translating elements are driven by different motors and drive assemblies, an

(iii) There are two sets of translating elements and each set can be controlled independently of the other.

Referring to fig. 5a, toy vehicle 500A has six translating

elements

510A, 510b, 510c, 510d, 510e, and 510 f. The translating

elements

510a, 510c, 510e are driven and controlled by a motor and drive assembly 520b, while the translating

elements

510b, 510d, 510f are driven and controlled by a motor and drive assembly 520 a.

Thus, and as will be appreciated, regardless of the orientation of toy vehicle 500A and regardless of which two translating elements are engaged with the ground surface, one ground engaging translating element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly 520A, while the other adjacent ground surface engaging translating element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly 520b, thus providing steerability through the differential rotational speeds of the ground engaging translating elements as described above and in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to fig. 5B, toy vehicle 500B has six translating

elements

530a, 530B, 530c, 530d, 530e, and 530f that are driven and controlled by motor and drive

assemblies

540a, 540B, 540c, 540d, 540e, and 540f, respectively.

The motor and drive

assemblies

540a, 540c and 540e are collectively controlled in unison, while the motor and drive

assemblies

540b, 540d and 540f are collectively controlled in unison, and such that there are only two sets of translating elements, and each set can be controlled independently of the other.

Thus, and as will be appreciated, regardless of the orientation of toy vehicle 500B and regardless of which two translating elements are engaged with the ground surface, one ground engaging translating element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly sets 540a, 540c, and 540e, while the other adjacent ground surface engaging translating element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly sets 540B, 540d, and 540f, thus providing steerability through differential rotational speeds of the ground engaging translating elements as described above and in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to fig. 6a, a toy vehicle 600A has eight translating

elements

610A, 610b, 610c, 610d, 610e, 610f, 610g, and 610 h. The translating

elements

610a, 610c, 610e, and 610g are driven and controlled by a motor and drive assembly 620a, and the translating

elements

610b, 610d, 610f, and 610h are driven and controlled by a motor and drive assembly 620 b.

Thus, and as will be appreciated, regardless of the orientation of toy vehicle 600A and regardless of which two translating elements are engaged with the ground surface, one ground engaging translating element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly 620A, while the other adjacent ground surface engaging translating element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly 620b, thus providing steerability through the differential rotational speeds of the ground engaging translating elements as described above and in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to fig. 6B, the toy vehicle 600B has eight translating

elements

630a, 630B, 630c, 630d, 630e, 630f, 630g, and 630h, wherein the translating

elements

630a, 630c, 630e, and 630g are driven and controlled by motor and drive

assemblies

640a and 640c, and thus the translating

elements

630B, 630d, 630f, and 630h are driven and controlled by motor and drive assemblies 640B and 640 d.

The motor and drive

assemblies

640a and 640c are collectively controlled together in unison, while the motor and drive

assemblies

640b and 640d are collectively controlled together in unison, such that there are only two sets of translating elements, and each set can be controlled independently of the other.

Thus, and as will be appreciated, regardless of the orientation of toy vehicle 600B and regardless of which two translating elements are engaged with the ground surface, one ground engaging translating element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly sets 640a and 640c, while the other adjacent ground surface engaging translating element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly sets 640B and 640d, thus providing steerability through differential rotational speeds of the ground engaging translating elements as described above and in accordance with the present invention.

Referring collectively to fig. 4a (i) through 6b, only the first plurality of translating elements at one end of the toy vehicle are shown, as these translating elements would be disposed toward the first end of the vehicle, as the figures are end views. It should be understood that there will be a second corresponding plurality of translating elements toward the second end of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the second corresponding plurality of translating elements may be passive elements and not powered at all.

Alternatively and as described with reference to fig. 1a to 1c, the respective front and rear translatory elements are powered and may be powered by the same electric motor.

Further, it should be understood that in other or alternative embodiments, and by way of example, alternating translation elements of the first plurality of translation elements may be powered by the same motor of different motors, and that translation elements between these powered translation elements may not be powered. Also, for the second plurality of translating elements, alternating translating elements may be powered and translating elements between those powered translating elements may not be powered, and the powered translating elements of the second plurality of translating elements are offset and not aligned with the powered translating elements of the first plurality of translating elements. Thus, when the toy vehicle is engaged with a ground surface, for example, the front left translating element is powered and the rear right translating element is powered, and by providing a differential between the two, steering may then be achieved.

In other and alternative embodiments:

(i) the same number of translatory elements is not necessarily required in the first identical and second pluralities of translatory elements,

(ii) the translating elements need not necessarily be evenly spaced about the central axis;

(iii) the translating elements of the first plurality of translating elements and the translating elements of the second plurality of translating elements need not necessarily be aligned in the longitudinal direction; and

(iv) while it is preferred that the translating elements on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis be powered to provide steering via differential rotational speeds, in some embodiments, the separately powered translating elements engaging the ground surface may be on the same side of the central longitudinal axis, but at different lateral offsets.

While many combinations of translating elements and arrangements thereof fall within the scope and definition of the present invention, the toy vehicle is drivable and steerable on a ground surface through differential speed of the two powered translating elements, at least when the toy vehicle leaves the tubular track, regardless of the orientation of the vehicle, and regardless of which translating elements may engage the ground surface, so long as the at least one powered translating element powered by the first motor and drive assembly is operatively engaged with the ground surface, and the at least one translating element powered by the first motor and drive assembly is operatively engaged with the ground surface.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that such an arrangement also inherently allows a toy vehicle to be driven through an elongate tubular track having a non-linear path extending in three dimensions in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to fig. 7, there is shown a configuration of a tubular track 700 for use with toy vehicles according to the present invention. As shown, tubular track 700 is placed on a planar surface 720 defining an open and play-out area, and has

openings

730 and 750 through which toy vehicles may exit or enter tubular track 700.

Referring to fig. 8, there is shown a further configuration of a tubular track 800 on a planar surface 810 for use with a toy vehicle according to the present invention, having a trumpet-shaped inlet element as an inlet funnel 850 and a peripheral skirt 840, defining a play area within the peripheral area defined by the peripheral skirt 840.

The inlet funnel 850 assists the toy vehicle in entering the tubular track 800 and the peripheral skirt 840 includes a concavely curved and upwardly extending surface over which the toy vehicle may travel at least partially therealong so as to remain within a prescribed play area. The play area allows two or more individually controllable toy vehicles to be used simultaneously to provide a racing environment.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the inlet funnel 850 may be integrally formed with the peripheral skirt 840 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 9, a detailed view of an embodiment of the inlet funnel 920 of fig. 8 is shown, whereby the inlet funnel includes an inlet aperture 922 through which toy vehicles may pass in order to enter the tubular track, and a plurality of guides 924 converging towards the tubular track, wherein the guides are a series of converging grooves and/or projections, to guide the toy vehicles from a planar surface or play area towards the tubular track. The inlet funnel 920 includes an upwardly extending curved lip 926 to further direct the toy vehicle toward the inlet aperture 922.

It will be appreciated that the tubular track may be modular and user configurable, and may incorporate various tubular elements, such as the U-bend shown in fig. 10a and the S-bend or loop element shown in fig. 10b, as shown in fig. 10 c. Other elements such as elbows, U-bends, spiral elements (corkscrew elements), and the like may also be used and incorporated.

Referring to fig. 11, there is shown a schematic representation of an example of a toy vehicle and tubular track system 1100 in accordance with the present invention. The system 1100 includes a tubular track 1120 and play area 1160, similar to that described above with reference to fig. 8. In this example, two

toy vehicles

1140a and 1140b are provided, each having a respective

remote control

1180a and 1180b for controlling the

toy vehicles

1140a and 1140b to be able to pass through the play area 1160 and exit and enter the tubular track 1120, as with other embodiments, the tubular track 1120 may be formed of separate tubular elements such that the tubular track may be assembled and constructed by a user.

Fig. 12 illustrates a tubular track 1200 for use with a toy vehicle according to the present invention. The tubular track 1200 sits on a ground surface 1220 and is depicted as extending in a vertical direction. The tubular rail includes a plurality of sections including a U-shaped curved section 1230, an inclined section 1240, a straight vertical section 1250, and a straight horizontal section 1260.

In embodiments of the present invention, tubular rail 1200 is modular and may be configured in a user-preferred arrangement. The tubular rail 1200 may extend in three dimensions and may be inclined at various angles and inclinations.

Referring to fig. 13, there is shown a schematic representation of an example of a track system 1300 in accordance with the present invention. System 1300 includes a tubular track 1340 including an exit end 1360 for exit of toy vehicles of the present invention, and an entrance funnel 1350 for entry of toy vehicles into tubular track 1360. System 1300 further includes a plurality of

rail extension elements

1370a, 1370b, and 1370 c.

The system is deployed in a zone 1310 defined by a vertical perimeter wall 1390 that defines a play area as a planar surface. In this example, the perimeter wall 1390 has first and second apertures 1320, 1320b that define a path therebetween. The region 1310 may be a room, such as a living room, and the first and second apertures 1320, 1320b may be doorways that define a path through which a person may walk.

Track extension elements

1370a, 1370b, and 1370c are disposed in region 1310 and the play path extends from exit end 1360 of tubular track 1340, through extension element 1370a, through extension element 1370c and through extension element 1370b, back to inlet funnel 1350. Thus, the toy vehicle may be driven through the track system 1300, which allows the system 1300 to utilize a large play area within the region 1310.

Thus, the system may be used to optimize the area in which it is deployed in three dimensions, whereby tubular rail 1340 may be configured in a suitable area, whereby the path between

apertures

1320 and 1320a is not obstructed, while play area 1330 is further utilized by way of

rail extension elements

1370a, 1370b, and 1370c so that a person may walk between

apertures

1320 and 1320a without being obstructed by any physical element or component of system 1300.

Thus, the system 1300 provides versatility in using three-dimensional areas, such as within a living room, to take advantage of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the room while maintaining play appeal to the user while minimizing any reduction in space for others/users due to the utilization of the zone 1310. This is in contrast to prior art systems where the rails require a relatively large deployment area, which typically occupies a large two-dimensional area of a room, presents an obstacle to persons passing through or utilizing the room, and typically needs to be disassembled and packed when not in use in order to maximize the overall utilization of the space/zone.

In embodiments of the present system,

track extension elements

1370a, 1370b, and 1370c may be provided as swing doors and a user may need to drive a toy vehicle therethrough and not be able to proceed to a next door before passing through a previous door. Alternatively, the user may need to re-enter and pass through the tubular track 1340 in order to be eligible to try again to pass through the door.

In other embodiments, an electronic detector may be provided for determining whether the toy vehicle successfully passed through the gate, and a function may be provided for an electronic score hold of successful passage through the gate.

Two or more vehicles may be used simultaneously and then a racing type game may be played, whereby people may compete with each other to pass through as many doors as possible within a predetermined period of time. Multiple play/gaming scenarios may be implemented for the system, and various configurations may be deployed to increase difficulty and enhance player interest.

Referring to fig. 14, there is shown a hand-held remote control device 1400 for use in conjunction with a toy vehicle according to the present invention. Device 1400 includes a trigger control 1410 that can move back and forth in the direction 1415 of arrow a.

The user may push the trigger control 1410 in a forward direction to drive the toy vehicle in a first direction, and may push the trigger control 1410 in a reverse direction to drive the toy vehicle in a second, opposite direction, as well as change the speed of the toy vehicle.

A steering wheel 1420 is provided that is rotatable 1425 in a clockwise direction to turn the toy vehicle in a first direction and rotatable 1425 in a counterclockwise direction to turn the toy vehicle in a direction opposite the first direction.

The device includes an antenna 1430 for providing wireless control of the toy vehicle, and buttons 1440 for changing modes and invoking selectable features, etc.

According to the present invention as described above and with reference to the above embodiments, there is provided a toy vehicle capable of operating within a tubular track and on a planar ground surface outside and outside the tubular track.

Although the term "planar" has been used with reference to the area outside the tubular rail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a planar surface may include undulations and inclinations, and that the term "planar" does not exclude three-dimensional planar surfaces. Thus, the term "plane" in the present invention is not limited or restricted to a two-dimensional plane play area.

In particular, embodiments of the present invention provide a toy vehicle and track system for the same, comprising a tubular track, wherein the toy vehicle is operable and capable of at least two functions:

(i) the larger the bend is when passing through the tubular track, without being hit or stuck and without losing traction; and

(ii) is drivable and steerable on a planar surface outside the tubular track upon exiting the tubular track, wherein the planar surface may comprise undulations or inclinations.

(iii) Regardless of the orientation of the toy vehicle as it leaves the elongated tubular track, the toy vehicle is immediately drivable and steerable over the planar surface on the outside without determining which wheels engage the planar ground surface, or a system including any sensor type to determine, for example, which wheels engage the ground surface, etc.

Advantageously, the toy vehicle is drivable and steerable on such an external planar surface regardless of the orientation of the toy vehicle about its longitudinal central axis when exiting the tubular track and the external planar surface disposed outside the tubular track.

Additionally and advantageously, the drivability and steerability of the toy vehicle of the present invention is not affected by changes or variations in the orientation of the vehicle as it exits the elongated tubular track and the novel and innovative arrangement of the translating elements and motors controlling those translating elements, providing significant advantages and benefits that avoid the need to determine which wheels are engaged with the ground or what the orientation of the wheels are in order to power or drive the appropriate wheels to provide steerability.

(ii) the operational reliability is improved due to the elimination of a sensor system or orientation determination system or sensor;

(v) reduced manufacturing costs due to reduced components;

Furthermore, the present invention provides a tubular rail system that can also be constructed in the vertical dimension, thus increasing the efficiency of the available space in which the system can be deployed. Furthermore, in embodiments having a track extension element, a system is provided that can be used in a larger two-dimensional area (such as a room) in addition to the third vertical dimension without the interference and inconvenience of physically occupying a relatively large two-dimensional area, such as is typically required by prior art track systems.

A toy vehicle capable of traveling through a non-linear three-dimensional elongated tubular track, and an embodiment capable of traveling on a planar surface exterior to the elongated tubular track and having the controllability and steerability properties provided by the present invention, are novel in the prior art and there is no suggestion in the prior art to provide such dual-purpose features for such dual-environment functional toy vehicles.

In addition to the above advantages provided by the present invention, the following advantages are provided:

entertainment and education aspects:

for children, playing with a building and construction toy such as the present invention, alone, or with friends, or with parents, is a proven, long-history, interesting way to promote children's cognitive and academic development.

Active interaction or passive entertainment:

from an active perspective, the construction and construction toy is actively attracting children. Such toys require the child to be truly manual and to interact with real objects and people in the real world.

From a passive perspective, many of today's technology-based electronic gadgets and devices may also help in some ways to develop, such as hand-eye coordination. However, they also tend to be more passive, potentially trapping children in the virtual world and limiting true three-dimensional spatial awareness and cognition.

The present invention may provide a platform for children, such as on a floor, to actively arrange and create their view of the track and play area.

Development of skills

Playing with construction and construction toys requires critical thinking and the ability to solve problems. In a changing world of work environment evolution, these skills may shift to many future occupations.

Game and real life

Building and construction toy play encourages children to actively entertain themselves with their thoughts and bodies rather than relying on electronic gadgets and devices to provide primarily passive entertainment, which is usually a simulated virtual reality world. Thus, the present invention may help children prepare for academic research, sports, and their adult work lives.

When used by a child, the present invention provides these advantages to the child by:

(i) development of fine movements and power: in constructing the tubular track of the present invention, children must learn how to manipulate the modular pipe, along with the elbow joint, quarter pipe section, and bend section, to create their own play environment. This facilitates fine motor control skills to position the part in real three-dimensional space.

(ii) And (3) enhancing space awareness: building and constructing toys helps children to enhance their visual-spatial skills, which is critical to reading and writing.

(iii) Encouraging critical thinking and reasoning: these skills may help the child prepare for a useful and satisfying position in society.

(iv) Concentration and patience are required: children need to work steadily and carefully to successfully achieve their design creation.

(v) Arouse children's imagination: constructing and constructing toys allows children to create their own unique play environment. Using their imagination aids in cognitive, academic, language and social development.

(vi) Establishing confidence and self-esteem: completing a design project in their imagination creates a sense of pride for their achievements that many other approaches cannot achieve. This luxury is earned. It is not something that can be simply purchased or given away. These types of achievements create a sense of confidence for the child.

(vii) Developing skills to solve problems and decisions: finding a solution to the problem through trial and error or first making a plan or methodology strategy can help develop decision-making skills. Whether the plan is completely successful or partially successful is not the most important result. More important is the process, as it encourages critical thinking and the ability to make computational decisions, and readjust the design if necessary.

(viii) Introduces the scientific principle: by construction, children observe the actual physical principles and discover themselves how things behave and react in the real physical world.

(ix) Developing mathematical skills: the lengths of the tube and the quarter tube are in simple proportion to each other and the angle piece has a set angle. All of these modular components can be combined into many possible combinations to form various environments. Knowing the design requires skills such as counting, addition and subtraction, and thinking about the basic geometry.

(x) Social skills are encouraged: playing with others while creating and completing a physical construction project helps foster team cooperation and cooperation skills. These skills are valuable throughout life, including in adult workplaces.

Claims

1. A toy vehicle having a longitudinal central axis aligned with a direction of travel and configured for travel through a passageway of an elongated tubular track having a non-linear path extending in three dimensions and at least partially circumscribing the toy vehicle, characterized in that the toy vehicle comprises:

a first plurality of translating elements comprising 2+2n translating elements spaced about the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle to engage an inner surface of the elongate tubular track, wherein n is 1 or greater; and a second plurality of translating elements comprising 2+2m translating elements spaced about the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle to engage a curved inner surface of the elongate tubular track, wherein m is 1 or greater,

wherein each translating element of the first plurality of translating elements and each translating element of the second plurality of translating elements are independently movable with respect to each other and are offset at least in a radially outward direction from the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle; and

a control system controlling at least an operable rotational speed of at least two translating elements, wherein the at least two translating elements are driving translating elements;

wherein, as the toy vehicle travels through the passageway of the elongate tubular track, the translating elements are urged toward the inner surface of the elongate tubular track and cause at least one of the driven translating elements to be urged onto and maintain contact with the inner surface of the elongate tubular track such that rotation of the at least one of the driven translating elements urges the toy vehicle through the elongate tubular track;

wherein, as the toy vehicle travels through a portion of the passageway of the elongated tubular track having a non-linear path, the translating element moves relative to and is urged toward the longitudinal central axis such that the toy vehicle is prevented from impacting the inner surface of the elongated tubular track such that the at least one of the driven translating elements is maintained on the inner surface of the elongated tubular track; and is

Wherein, when the toy vehicle is moved away from the elongated tubular track toward and onto a planar surface and is unconstrained within the elongated tubular track:

(ii) The control system is operable to control the rotational speed of the driven translatory element such that the toy vehicle is drivable and steerable over the planar surface by providing a differential rotational speed between the translatory elements.

2. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein a number of translating elements of the first plurality of translating elements is equal to a number of translating elements of the second plurality of translating elements.

3. The toy vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein each translating element of the first plurality of translating elements is collinear with a corresponding translating element of the second plurality of translating elements in the direction of the longitudinal central axis.

4. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of translating elements includes 4 translating elements, and wherein the second plurality of translating elements includes 4 translating elements.

5. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the driven translatory element is a translatory element of at least the same plurality of translatory elements.

6. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the driven translation elements include a first set of driven translation elements and a second set of driven translation elements.

7. The toy vehicle of claim 6, wherein the first set of driven translation elements and the second set of driven translation elements are at least the same plurality of translation elements.

8. The toy vehicle of claim 7, wherein the first and second sets of driven translation elements are the same plurality of translation elements, and wherein driven translation elements of the first and second sets of driven translation elements are alternately disposed about the longitudinal axis.

9. The toy vehicle of claim 8, wherein a drive translation element of the first set of drive translation elements is driven by a first motor and a drive translation element of the second set of drive translation elements is driven by a second motor.

10. The toy vehicle of claim 9, wherein the first set of driven translation elements and the second set of driven translation elements are both the first plurality of translation elements and the second plurality of translation elements.

11. The toy vehicle of claim 10, wherein all of the first plurality of translating elements and the second plurality of translating elements are driven translating elements.

12. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein ones of the first and second pluralities of translating elements are driven translating elements equally spaced about the longitudinal axis.

13. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the translating element includes two wheels.

14. A tubular track system comprising an elongate tubular track for use in conjunction with a toy vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The tubular rail system of claim 14, wherein the tubular rail system is modular.

16. The tubular rail system of claim 14 or 15, wherein the tubular rail system is a three-dimensional arrangement.

17. The tubular rail system of claim 14 or 15, wherein the tubular rail system is an open system open to a planar surface for entry of the toy vehicle into the tubular rail system from a planar surface and exit of the toy vehicle from the tubular rail system to the planar surface.

18. The tubular track system of claim 14 or 15, wherein the tubular track system further comprises at least one trumpet element to enter and exit the toy vehicle with respect to the tubular track system.

19. The tubular track system of claim 14 or 15, further comprising a peripheral receiving member, whereby the peripheral receiving member defines a play area therein and includes an elongated peripheral structure having an upwardly extending concave inner lip to receive the toy vehicle within the play area.