CA1268336A - Flexible track-section - Google Patents
Flexible track-sectionInfo
- Publication number
- CA1268336A CA1268336A CA000494830A CA494830A CA1268336A CA 1268336 A CA1268336 A CA 1268336A CA 000494830 A CA000494830 A CA 000494830A CA 494830 A CA494830 A CA 494830A CA 1268336 A CA1268336 A CA 1268336A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- track
- guide
- travel
- roadway
- elements
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H18/00—Highways or trackways for toys; Propulsion by special interaction between vehicle and track
- A63H18/02—Construction or arrangement of the trackway
Landscapes
- Toys (AREA)
- Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE:
A flexible track-section for freely travelling, track-bound toy vehicles, the said track-section consisting of separate parts adapted to be fitted together and to pivot in relation to each other. Each track-section part comprises projec-tions arranged on each side of the track-section-art centres, preferably spot-symmetrically in relation to a vertical axis passing therethrough, with pairs of hook-shaped dogs comple-mentary thereto for accommodating and locking the said projec-tions. Also located at the edges are guide-elements in the form of tongues projecting in one direction and corresponding complementary recesses. A guide means, consisting of a guide-post, and a guide-tongue extending away from it, may be provided at the edge, a complementary recess being provided on the other side of the guide-post. A lug, which extends from the projection in the direction of travel and which can engage in a corresponding extension-space in the space between the dogs, and furthermore an underlying surface in the vici-nity of the tongue which can engage in a complementary free space in the vicinity of the recess, increase the stability of the track-section part itself and of the flexible track-section. A wide variety of enjoyable games is provided.
A flexible track-section for freely travelling, track-bound toy vehicles, the said track-section consisting of separate parts adapted to be fitted together and to pivot in relation to each other. Each track-section part comprises projec-tions arranged on each side of the track-section-art centres, preferably spot-symmetrically in relation to a vertical axis passing therethrough, with pairs of hook-shaped dogs comple-mentary thereto for accommodating and locking the said projec-tions. Also located at the edges are guide-elements in the form of tongues projecting in one direction and corresponding complementary recesses. A guide means, consisting of a guide-post, and a guide-tongue extending away from it, may be provided at the edge, a complementary recess being provided on the other side of the guide-post. A lug, which extends from the projection in the direction of travel and which can engage in a corresponding extension-space in the space between the dogs, and furthermore an underlying surface in the vici-nity of the tongue which can engage in a complementary free space in the vicinity of the recess, increase the stability of the track-section part itself and of the flexible track-section. A wide variety of enjoyable games is provided.
Description
333~ii . , The present invention rela-tes to a Elexible trac~s-section for freely -travelling, track-bound -toy vehicles.
A flexible track-section of this -type is known from German OS 29 28 013. This known track-section comprises at least one, preferably two roadways in which the toy vehicles are guided by means of a pin preferably in a groove running in the direction o~ travel. The guide-means may also be in the Eorm of flexible electrical conductors laid in the upper side of the roadway, if the current pick-up elements in the toy vehicles are designed accordingly.The vehicles are therefore not free-travelling. Moreover, an essential characteristic of the known track-section is that projections and locking elements are provided exactly centrally in relation to a direction at right angles to the direction of travel. At the bottom of the projection a base may project in the direction of travel, the base engaging uncler a corresponding element on the adjacent track-section part. The track-section parts are preferably made of a synthetic material and, with the exception of the electrical conductors, they are made in one piece. One disadvantage of the known flexible track-section is that, since electrical condu~tors are provided, special additional track-section parts are needed, by mea"q of which current can be suplied to the conductors. It wculd thus appear impossible to build a closed roadway with at least one such flexible track-section. Even i~ it is assumed that other track-guided vehicles may be used which have no electrical drive and therefore need no current-supply conductors, the known flexible track section has the disadvantage of having little flexibility when assembled. Whereas it permits pivating in the horizontal plane, and a certain amount of pi~oting in the vertical plane, disp~acea~ility in the direction of travel is as good as non-existent. It might be possible to provide this by designing the hook-like dogs of the locking B
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element :in accordance with German ~S 31 32 527, but th.is would be a-t the expense of stability, especially in the vertical direction.
The German OS 31 32 527 discloses a flexible track-section having combined guidin~ and coupling elements arranged only at the edges and, in order to achieve a minimum of stability, a tool :is needed to separate the track-section parts, the size of the stxucture in the downward direction being also greatly restricted by the necessary stability.
However, roadways made of track-section parts for toy vehicles are for school-age and pre-school children, for whom it is essential that such roadways can be assembled very rapidly and can also be changed very flexibly and rapidly. Furthermore, since the roadway may be stepped on or bumped a~ainst, a certain amount of stability of the assembled roadway is necessary, and it must be possible. to make quick corrections while it is being assembled.
Moreov~r, for reasons of space it should be possible to use toy~vehicles of small dimensions.
It is therefore the purpose o the invention to design.a flexible trac~-section of the type mentioned at the beginning hereof in such a manner as to ensure flexible : assembly o~ roadways built therewith and a high degree of stability in both the vertical and the horizontal direction.
Moreover, it shall be possible to assemble and dismantle the roadway without tools.
According to the present invention there are provided track-elements for a flexible track having a coupling device comprising a cylindrical projection extending, in the direction of travel, from one end of one track-element at right angles to the plane thereof; a pair of claws arranged at the end of the track-element remote from the projection and accommodating the projection of an :`~ ' . .
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adjacen-t track-element with a locking action; and gulde-elements at edges of the track-elements wherein:
- the projection and the pair of claws arearranged at the same distance from the cen-tre of the one track-element, and further comprising:
- a substantially wedge-shaped nose which protrude~
from the projections in the direction of travel, - an extension-space which runs rearwardly from an accommodation space between the pairs of claws, the width of the extension-space, at right angles to the direction of travel, being less than the diameter of the projection, - the nose comprising an expanded foot at the bottom engaging under the extension-space.
This provides, immediately adjacent the middle of the track-section part, two pivot-points. In the case of a row of several track-section parts, this already provides a large number of pivot-points in the horizontal plane. The two locking arrangement provide great stability, not only in the horizontal but also in the vertical direction.
It is of advantageous for the two projections, and the tWQ pairs of complementary dogs or claws, to be arranged in spot symmetry with a vertical axis passing through the middle of the track-section part, in such a manner as to pro~ide a projection and a pair of dogs side by side on each end-face, and for tongues and recesses at each edge also to be arranged in spot-symmetry with the vertical axis. One important advantage of such a design is that, during assembly of the roadwayt there is no need to look for the correct side of the next track-section part, since each side fits automatically.
Preferably the track-elements or track-section parts are provided with guide-means, these being in the form of substantially parallelpipedal guide-posts at the edge of the roadway, projecting upwardly from the upper surface . .
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~, thereof, one end-face oE each po9t:, in the direction o~
travel, comprising a guide tongue projecting substantially horizontally in the direction of travel, while the other end-face, in the direction of travel, comprises a recess for the accommodation of the guide-tongue of the adjacent track-section part, the overall dimension of the guide-post and guide-tongue in the direction of travel corresponding substantially to the overall dimension of the track-section part in the direction of travel, but the dimension of the guide-post in the direction of travel corresponding approximately to at least half the overall dimension of the track-section part in the direction of travel. This allows any kind of freely travelling toy vehicle to be guided in a suitable manner along the built-up track. In addition to this, the guide-posts and guide-tongues provides, regardless of the degree of pivotingj a continuous edge of substantial-ly the same height, and this may also be used as a guide-means like railroad tracks or the like, with a suitable track-gauge.
Another advantage of the present invention is that, even if individual parts are broken in the vicinity of the coupling, in the vicinity of the guide-elements at the edges, and/or in the vicinity of the guide-means, which may always happen, the particular track-section part can still Z5 be used, although stability in this area will be impaired.
If the dimensional xelationships of the present invention are adhered to, only the wedge-shaped lugs, and the guide-tongues, project outwardly in such a manner that they can be broken off with normal handling, and this will in no way impair functioning or handling, and the decrease in stability will be relatively slight. Even if a projection or a pair of dogs are damaged, such track-section parts can still be used.
The configuration according to the present .
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invention also permits one-piece design, espec:ially :in the form of moulded plastic parts in difEererlt colours, in which case the pleasure of creating will be stimula-ted by the diEferent colours.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained hereinaftex as example in greater detail, in conjunction with the attached drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspec-tive view of a flexible track-section made up of track-section parts designed according to the invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a track-section part;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view from below of the track-section part according to Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a partial plan view of the track-section part according to Fig. 2.
Flexible track-section or track 1 according to Fig. 1 is built up from separate track-elements or track-section parts 2 which are all identical, are fitted together /
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and are pivotable in re:lation to each other. The desigll o~
each track-section part is explairled in greater detail in con~unction with Figs. 2 to 4. Track-section 1, built up from such parts, is pivotable in both the horizontal and the vertical plame; in addition to this, the said parts can be pushed together or pulled apart, to a certain extent, in the direction of travel, for example in the direction of arrow 3 or in the opposite direction so that, when fi-tting the ends of an assembled track together, compensation in length is possible.
A track-section part of the type used according to Fig. 1 will now be explained in greater detail.
Starting from middle 4 of the roadway, as seen in the direction of travel, each half of the roadway comprises a coupling device 5, a guiding device 6 and a guide-means 7.
All of these are identical in each half of the roadway and, as in the example of embodiment illustrated, they are in spot-symmetry with vertical axis 8 passing through middle 4 of the roadway. It is desirable for point 9, where vertical axis 8 intersects middle ~ of the roadway, to be exactly in the middle of track-section 2, but in, and at right angles to, the direction of travel 3. This signifies that, if track-section part 2 is rotated through 180 about vertical axis 8, an absolutely identical design will be perceived.
Coupling device 5 comprises a projection 11, substantially cylindrical in the vertical direction, on one end-face 10 of track-section part 2, extending in the direction of travel (or in the opposite di~ection).
Moreover, a locking element 12, complementary thereto is formed on end-face 13, remote from projection 1~, of the half of track-section 2 in question. The said locking element consists of two hook like dogs or claws 14 extending in a direction opposite to direction of travel 3 (or in direction of travel 3), outer ends 15 of the said dogs ~2~3~;
facing each o~her. The said dog5 clef:ine between them a space 16 in the form of an elonga-ted hole in which cylindrical projection 11 or an adjacent track-section part may be accommodated and locked in place.
In the example of embodiment illustrated, a wedge-shaped lug or nose 17, comprising an expanded base or foot 18, projects in the direction of travel (or in the opposite direction). Space 16 between hook-like dogs 14 is extended rearwardly, substantially in the form of a parallelpiped, for the accommodation of lug 17, the width of this extension-space 19, at right angles to the direction of travel, being less than that of projection 11. At the bottom, the area around extension-space 19 is expanded in such a manner that base 18 can engage thereunder. This dimension is practical in that a projection 11 can be locked only in space 16, but even if lug 17 is broken off, the said projection cannot enter extension-space 19 provided for the said lug. In order to facilitate the locking of the projection in space 16, slots 20, 21 are provided, one of which, together with space 16, defines one of hook-like dogs 14. It is desirable for slots 21, in the two halves of the roadway, to be located substantially in the middle 4 thereof, so that the pivot-points of adjacent track-section parts 2, which are locked together, are arranged very close together but at a distance from middle 4 of the roadway and symmetrical therewith. Furthermore projection 11, lug 17, space 16, and extension-space 19 lie on lines 22 parallel with middle 4 of the roadway.
Guide-device 6, in each half of the roadway, ~30 ~ consists of a tongue 23 projecting, in the direction of travel (or in the opposite direction), from one of the end-faces, here end~face 13, and of a corresponding recess 24 in the other end-face, here end-face 10. While tongue 23 extends like an arrow-head, recess 24 is in the form of a ~i , "": ~'~ ~' '', '' ~ ;, :. ~ , :,,:
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vertical V-shaped groove so that, as seen in plan view (fig.
4), area 26 comprising tongue 23 and recess 24 is substantially angular near lateral edge 25. This angular design is still further emphasized by transverse grooves 27 at right angles to the direction of travel, which improve the traction of the toy vehicles on upper surface 28 of the roadway which is roughened in the remaining areasO
Each half of a track-section part has a surface 29 below upper surface 28 on the side from which tongue 23 projects, and a lower free space 30 on the other side comprising recess 24. Lower surface 29 runs from middle 4 of the roadway and the edge-surface of slot 21 located on the other half of the roadway and has a transition 31 to upper surface 28 of the roadway, from which tongue 23 projects. In this connection it is possible for tongue 23 to project upwardly from lower surface 29, as shown. Free space 30 is defined by a surface 32 which is parallel to upper surface 28 of the roadway and by a transition 33 to bottom 34 and also runs from middle 4 of the roadway and the vertical surface of slot 21 associated with the other half of the roadway. It is desirable to provide, between projection 11 in free space 30 and transition 33, a web 35 to stabilize the position and increase the strength of the said projection. The said web need not extend as far as bottom 34 - shown - but may be shorter.
As may be seen in Fig. 1, when two adjacent track-section parts 2 are assembled, a tongue 23 engages in a recess 24 and parallel surface 32, defining free space 30, engages over corresponding lower surface 29, from which tongue 23 projects, in such a manner that, although no substantial contact is made, the engagement in and above is substantially flush. If the two track-section pieces are in the horizontal plane, the distance between parallel surface 32 and lower surface 29 determines the extent to which ~i ': ; ;
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pivotirlg in the ve:rtical dircction :Ls pos5 ib.l.e, in con-junc-tion wit~l the posit:ion of -the projection with ~pace 16, in the form of an elongated hole formed between hook--shaped dogs 14. In other words, when adjacent track-section parts are pushed very closely together, only a minimum of vertical pivoting is possible, whereas if adjacent traek-section parts are pulled as far as possible apart (without releasing the loekiny erlgagement), vertical pivoting is at its maximum~
The design of transitions 31, 33 is such that when two adjacent track-section parts are pivoted to a maximum extent in relation to each other, i.e. when adjacent track-section parts come into contact with each other in the vicinity of lateral edge 25, and when they are pushed as closely together as possible, i.e. when the projection closest to said lateral edge 25 is pushed as far as possible into complementary spaee 16 associated with the said projection, and they lie àpproximately flush at respective opposing end-face 10, or exhibit only a small gap, in this case, with a curve of the smallest radius, an almost eontinuous road-surface is obtained with upper surfaces 28 of adjaeent track-seetion parts 2 merging into each other, as may be gathered from the upper half of Fig. 1 In the example of embodiment illustrated, guide-means 7 is located at lateral edge 25 of track-section part
A flexible track-section of this -type is known from German OS 29 28 013. This known track-section comprises at least one, preferably two roadways in which the toy vehicles are guided by means of a pin preferably in a groove running in the direction o~ travel. The guide-means may also be in the Eorm of flexible electrical conductors laid in the upper side of the roadway, if the current pick-up elements in the toy vehicles are designed accordingly.The vehicles are therefore not free-travelling. Moreover, an essential characteristic of the known track-section is that projections and locking elements are provided exactly centrally in relation to a direction at right angles to the direction of travel. At the bottom of the projection a base may project in the direction of travel, the base engaging uncler a corresponding element on the adjacent track-section part. The track-section parts are preferably made of a synthetic material and, with the exception of the electrical conductors, they are made in one piece. One disadvantage of the known flexible track-section is that, since electrical condu~tors are provided, special additional track-section parts are needed, by mea"q of which current can be suplied to the conductors. It wculd thus appear impossible to build a closed roadway with at least one such flexible track-section. Even i~ it is assumed that other track-guided vehicles may be used which have no electrical drive and therefore need no current-supply conductors, the known flexible track section has the disadvantage of having little flexibility when assembled. Whereas it permits pivating in the horizontal plane, and a certain amount of pi~oting in the vertical plane, disp~acea~ility in the direction of travel is as good as non-existent. It might be possible to provide this by designing the hook-like dogs of the locking B
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.
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element :in accordance with German ~S 31 32 527, but th.is would be a-t the expense of stability, especially in the vertical direction.
The German OS 31 32 527 discloses a flexible track-section having combined guidin~ and coupling elements arranged only at the edges and, in order to achieve a minimum of stability, a tool :is needed to separate the track-section parts, the size of the stxucture in the downward direction being also greatly restricted by the necessary stability.
However, roadways made of track-section parts for toy vehicles are for school-age and pre-school children, for whom it is essential that such roadways can be assembled very rapidly and can also be changed very flexibly and rapidly. Furthermore, since the roadway may be stepped on or bumped a~ainst, a certain amount of stability of the assembled roadway is necessary, and it must be possible. to make quick corrections while it is being assembled.
Moreov~r, for reasons of space it should be possible to use toy~vehicles of small dimensions.
It is therefore the purpose o the invention to design.a flexible trac~-section of the type mentioned at the beginning hereof in such a manner as to ensure flexible : assembly o~ roadways built therewith and a high degree of stability in both the vertical and the horizontal direction.
Moreover, it shall be possible to assemble and dismantle the roadway without tools.
According to the present invention there are provided track-elements for a flexible track having a coupling device comprising a cylindrical projection extending, in the direction of travel, from one end of one track-element at right angles to the plane thereof; a pair of claws arranged at the end of the track-element remote from the projection and accommodating the projection of an :`~ ' . .
.: .. .
:, ~
33~
adjacen-t track-element with a locking action; and gulde-elements at edges of the track-elements wherein:
- the projection and the pair of claws arearranged at the same distance from the cen-tre of the one track-element, and further comprising:
- a substantially wedge-shaped nose which protrude~
from the projections in the direction of travel, - an extension-space which runs rearwardly from an accommodation space between the pairs of claws, the width of the extension-space, at right angles to the direction of travel, being less than the diameter of the projection, - the nose comprising an expanded foot at the bottom engaging under the extension-space.
This provides, immediately adjacent the middle of the track-section part, two pivot-points. In the case of a row of several track-section parts, this already provides a large number of pivot-points in the horizontal plane. The two locking arrangement provide great stability, not only in the horizontal but also in the vertical direction.
It is of advantageous for the two projections, and the tWQ pairs of complementary dogs or claws, to be arranged in spot symmetry with a vertical axis passing through the middle of the track-section part, in such a manner as to pro~ide a projection and a pair of dogs side by side on each end-face, and for tongues and recesses at each edge also to be arranged in spot-symmetry with the vertical axis. One important advantage of such a design is that, during assembly of the roadwayt there is no need to look for the correct side of the next track-section part, since each side fits automatically.
Preferably the track-elements or track-section parts are provided with guide-means, these being in the form of substantially parallelpipedal guide-posts at the edge of the roadway, projecting upwardly from the upper surface . .
12~833~
~, thereof, one end-face oE each po9t:, in the direction o~
travel, comprising a guide tongue projecting substantially horizontally in the direction of travel, while the other end-face, in the direction of travel, comprises a recess for the accommodation of the guide-tongue of the adjacent track-section part, the overall dimension of the guide-post and guide-tongue in the direction of travel corresponding substantially to the overall dimension of the track-section part in the direction of travel, but the dimension of the guide-post in the direction of travel corresponding approximately to at least half the overall dimension of the track-section part in the direction of travel. This allows any kind of freely travelling toy vehicle to be guided in a suitable manner along the built-up track. In addition to this, the guide-posts and guide-tongues provides, regardless of the degree of pivotingj a continuous edge of substantial-ly the same height, and this may also be used as a guide-means like railroad tracks or the like, with a suitable track-gauge.
Another advantage of the present invention is that, even if individual parts are broken in the vicinity of the coupling, in the vicinity of the guide-elements at the edges, and/or in the vicinity of the guide-means, which may always happen, the particular track-section part can still Z5 be used, although stability in this area will be impaired.
If the dimensional xelationships of the present invention are adhered to, only the wedge-shaped lugs, and the guide-tongues, project outwardly in such a manner that they can be broken off with normal handling, and this will in no way impair functioning or handling, and the decrease in stability will be relatively slight. Even if a projection or a pair of dogs are damaged, such track-section parts can still be used.
The configuration according to the present .
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.
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invention also permits one-piece design, espec:ially :in the form of moulded plastic parts in difEererlt colours, in which case the pleasure of creating will be stimula-ted by the diEferent colours.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained hereinaftex as example in greater detail, in conjunction with the attached drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspec-tive view of a flexible track-section made up of track-section parts designed according to the invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a track-section part;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view from below of the track-section part according to Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a partial plan view of the track-section part according to Fig. 2.
Flexible track-section or track 1 according to Fig. 1 is built up from separate track-elements or track-section parts 2 which are all identical, are fitted together /
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,, - ' ' - ' ' 3~;
and are pivotable in re:lation to each other. The desigll o~
each track-section part is explairled in greater detail in con~unction with Figs. 2 to 4. Track-section 1, built up from such parts, is pivotable in both the horizontal and the vertical plame; in addition to this, the said parts can be pushed together or pulled apart, to a certain extent, in the direction of travel, for example in the direction of arrow 3 or in the opposite direction so that, when fi-tting the ends of an assembled track together, compensation in length is possible.
A track-section part of the type used according to Fig. 1 will now be explained in greater detail.
Starting from middle 4 of the roadway, as seen in the direction of travel, each half of the roadway comprises a coupling device 5, a guiding device 6 and a guide-means 7.
All of these are identical in each half of the roadway and, as in the example of embodiment illustrated, they are in spot-symmetry with vertical axis 8 passing through middle 4 of the roadway. It is desirable for point 9, where vertical axis 8 intersects middle ~ of the roadway, to be exactly in the middle of track-section 2, but in, and at right angles to, the direction of travel 3. This signifies that, if track-section part 2 is rotated through 180 about vertical axis 8, an absolutely identical design will be perceived.
Coupling device 5 comprises a projection 11, substantially cylindrical in the vertical direction, on one end-face 10 of track-section part 2, extending in the direction of travel (or in the opposite di~ection).
Moreover, a locking element 12, complementary thereto is formed on end-face 13, remote from projection 1~, of the half of track-section 2 in question. The said locking element consists of two hook like dogs or claws 14 extending in a direction opposite to direction of travel 3 (or in direction of travel 3), outer ends 15 of the said dogs ~2~3~;
facing each o~her. The said dog5 clef:ine between them a space 16 in the form of an elonga-ted hole in which cylindrical projection 11 or an adjacent track-section part may be accommodated and locked in place.
In the example of embodiment illustrated, a wedge-shaped lug or nose 17, comprising an expanded base or foot 18, projects in the direction of travel (or in the opposite direction). Space 16 between hook-like dogs 14 is extended rearwardly, substantially in the form of a parallelpiped, for the accommodation of lug 17, the width of this extension-space 19, at right angles to the direction of travel, being less than that of projection 11. At the bottom, the area around extension-space 19 is expanded in such a manner that base 18 can engage thereunder. This dimension is practical in that a projection 11 can be locked only in space 16, but even if lug 17 is broken off, the said projection cannot enter extension-space 19 provided for the said lug. In order to facilitate the locking of the projection in space 16, slots 20, 21 are provided, one of which, together with space 16, defines one of hook-like dogs 14. It is desirable for slots 21, in the two halves of the roadway, to be located substantially in the middle 4 thereof, so that the pivot-points of adjacent track-section parts 2, which are locked together, are arranged very close together but at a distance from middle 4 of the roadway and symmetrical therewith. Furthermore projection 11, lug 17, space 16, and extension-space 19 lie on lines 22 parallel with middle 4 of the roadway.
Guide-device 6, in each half of the roadway, ~30 ~ consists of a tongue 23 projecting, in the direction of travel (or in the opposite direction), from one of the end-faces, here end~face 13, and of a corresponding recess 24 in the other end-face, here end-face 10. While tongue 23 extends like an arrow-head, recess 24 is in the form of a ~i , "": ~'~ ~' '', '' ~ ;, :. ~ , :,,:
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vertical V-shaped groove so that, as seen in plan view (fig.
4), area 26 comprising tongue 23 and recess 24 is substantially angular near lateral edge 25. This angular design is still further emphasized by transverse grooves 27 at right angles to the direction of travel, which improve the traction of the toy vehicles on upper surface 28 of the roadway which is roughened in the remaining areasO
Each half of a track-section part has a surface 29 below upper surface 28 on the side from which tongue 23 projects, and a lower free space 30 on the other side comprising recess 24. Lower surface 29 runs from middle 4 of the roadway and the edge-surface of slot 21 located on the other half of the roadway and has a transition 31 to upper surface 28 of the roadway, from which tongue 23 projects. In this connection it is possible for tongue 23 to project upwardly from lower surface 29, as shown. Free space 30 is defined by a surface 32 which is parallel to upper surface 28 of the roadway and by a transition 33 to bottom 34 and also runs from middle 4 of the roadway and the vertical surface of slot 21 associated with the other half of the roadway. It is desirable to provide, between projection 11 in free space 30 and transition 33, a web 35 to stabilize the position and increase the strength of the said projection. The said web need not extend as far as bottom 34 - shown - but may be shorter.
As may be seen in Fig. 1, when two adjacent track-section parts 2 are assembled, a tongue 23 engages in a recess 24 and parallel surface 32, defining free space 30, engages over corresponding lower surface 29, from which tongue 23 projects, in such a manner that, although no substantial contact is made, the engagement in and above is substantially flush. If the two track-section pieces are in the horizontal plane, the distance between parallel surface 32 and lower surface 29 determines the extent to which ~i ': ; ;
. ' ' ~fi~33~;
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pivotirlg in the ve:rtical dircction :Ls pos5 ib.l.e, in con-junc-tion wit~l the posit:ion of -the projection with ~pace 16, in the form of an elongated hole formed between hook--shaped dogs 14. In other words, when adjacent track-section parts are pushed very closely together, only a minimum of vertical pivoting is possible, whereas if adjacent traek-section parts are pulled as far as possible apart (without releasing the loekiny erlgagement), vertical pivoting is at its maximum~
The design of transitions 31, 33 is such that when two adjacent track-section parts are pivoted to a maximum extent in relation to each other, i.e. when adjacent track-section parts come into contact with each other in the vicinity of lateral edge 25, and when they are pushed as closely together as possible, i.e. when the projection closest to said lateral edge 25 is pushed as far as possible into complementary spaee 16 associated with the said projection, and they lie àpproximately flush at respective opposing end-face 10, or exhibit only a small gap, in this case, with a curve of the smallest radius, an almost eontinuous road-surface is obtained with upper surfaces 28 of adjaeent track-seetion parts 2 merging into each other, as may be gathered from the upper half of Fig. 1 In the example of embodiment illustrated, guide-means 7 is located at lateral edge 25 of track-section part
2. An approximately parallelepipedal guide post 36 of this guide-means projects vertically upwardly from lateral edge 25 in sueh a manner that one side 37 is in alignment with end-faee 10 of the track-section part, whereas side 38, associated with the other end-face runs approximately centrally in the space betwe~n end-faces 10 and 13. A
guide-tongue 39 extends substantially horizontally, from side 38 of guide-post 36, towards this other end-face 13.
Arranged in the vicinity of the other side 37 of guide-post ~!
.:: ~; ' `
33~i 36 is a correspond:Lng complementary rece,ss 40 ~or the accommodation o guide-tongue 39 of adjacent traclc-section part 2 (Fig. 1). [n the example of embodiment illustrated, the recess is ~ormed by a slot formed in the said side 37 of the guide-post and in the inner side 41. The outer side 42 is flat. In addition to this, and as may be seen particularly in Fig. 3, guide-post 36 contains a cavity 43 which, ~or technclogical production reasons extends from bottom 34 to the vicinity of recess 40. Supports, ox the like~, may be inserted in cavity 43 if it is desited to raise the roadway formed by the track-section parts. Outer side 44 of guide-tongue 39 is displaced in relation to outer side 42 of guide-post 36 by an amount corresponding substantially to the wall-thickness of the said guide-post in the vicinity of inner cavity 43 or recess 40.
Guide-means 7, associated with the two track-section-part halves, are spot-symmetrical with point 9 of intersection and with vertical axis 8.
In the examp~e of embodiment illustrated, track-section part 2 is a one-piece mould:ing made of a synthetic material. For shaping purposes therefore, as may be seen particularly in Fig. 3, recesses 45 are provided in bottom 34, recesses 46 are provided in the bottom part of projection 11, and a further recess 47 is provided in the middle of the track-section part. Again for technological production reasons, the guide-post comprises, in the vicinity of the opening sections of recess 40, on upper side 43, material omissions 49~ On the other hand, inner side 50 of guide-tongue 39 is substantially in alignment with inner side 41. The engagement of the tongue in the recess, when the track-sections are pushed together, is thus clearly recognizable from above.
Each track-section part thus formed is substantially rectangular in plan view, is highly resistant ~1 ~ ` ` ` ` `' .:
~L26833~
in all directions to twl~ting and buckling, ancl this applies in both directiorl in each plane. Such a track-~ection part 2 is thus ex-traordinarily ~trong. As may also be gathered from the plan view in Fig. 4, the only projecting parts which might relatively easily be damaged are wedge-shaped lug 17 and guide-tongue 39. The stability of the said lug is greatly increased by base 18. Substantially cylindrical projection 11, which is essentially for locking, is protected and stil:L remains even if lug 17 and base 18 are broken off, and the track-section part can still be used.
This also applies if guide-tongue 39 is broken off or damaged. Even if one of dogs 14 is broken off, which would obviously occur only by way of exception, the track-section part can s-till be used since, according to the invention, two locking means are provided.
As a result of the spot-symmetrical design, the playing child no longer has to find out which of the sides of adjacent track-section parts fit together.
There is also another advantage as compared with track-section parts having a single absolutely centrally arranged coupling device, namely that a sharper radius of curvature can be obtained, since adjacent parts 2 do not become unlocked if projection 11 and locking means 12 in one half of the roadway almost come out of engagement. An arrangement of this kind is also extraordinarily stable, thus enabling the child to ensure better adaptation to local conditions, without seeing the track-sections come apart.
All in all, tha configuration of the flexible track-sections according to the invention allows a very stable and robust roadway for toy vehicles to be built, even by pre-schoolers. The toy vehicles used may correspond the age of the child using them, i.e. they may be ramote-controlled, they may be set in~motion mereIy by an inclined plane, or thay may be merely pushed along. Complete : ~ ' 333~
:Elexib.Le ~3ecti.0ns of traclc, conc3;i.c3t:Lng o:E many pLlr~.C3 ~, can be put toget.her relatively easily, if the spo-t-symmetrical design o E the parts is used. A vert wide variety of colour may be used in designing the moulded-synthetic-material S track-section parts, the result being achanging structure oE
pleasing colours.
~? .
, "' ' .
!
'' .
guide-tongue 39 extends substantially horizontally, from side 38 of guide-post 36, towards this other end-face 13.
Arranged in the vicinity of the other side 37 of guide-post ~!
.:: ~; ' `
33~i 36 is a correspond:Lng complementary rece,ss 40 ~or the accommodation o guide-tongue 39 of adjacent traclc-section part 2 (Fig. 1). [n the example of embodiment illustrated, the recess is ~ormed by a slot formed in the said side 37 of the guide-post and in the inner side 41. The outer side 42 is flat. In addition to this, and as may be seen particularly in Fig. 3, guide-post 36 contains a cavity 43 which, ~or technclogical production reasons extends from bottom 34 to the vicinity of recess 40. Supports, ox the like~, may be inserted in cavity 43 if it is desited to raise the roadway formed by the track-section parts. Outer side 44 of guide-tongue 39 is displaced in relation to outer side 42 of guide-post 36 by an amount corresponding substantially to the wall-thickness of the said guide-post in the vicinity of inner cavity 43 or recess 40.
Guide-means 7, associated with the two track-section-part halves, are spot-symmetrical with point 9 of intersection and with vertical axis 8.
In the examp~e of embodiment illustrated, track-section part 2 is a one-piece mould:ing made of a synthetic material. For shaping purposes therefore, as may be seen particularly in Fig. 3, recesses 45 are provided in bottom 34, recesses 46 are provided in the bottom part of projection 11, and a further recess 47 is provided in the middle of the track-section part. Again for technological production reasons, the guide-post comprises, in the vicinity of the opening sections of recess 40, on upper side 43, material omissions 49~ On the other hand, inner side 50 of guide-tongue 39 is substantially in alignment with inner side 41. The engagement of the tongue in the recess, when the track-sections are pushed together, is thus clearly recognizable from above.
Each track-section part thus formed is substantially rectangular in plan view, is highly resistant ~1 ~ ` ` ` ` `' .:
~L26833~
in all directions to twl~ting and buckling, ancl this applies in both directiorl in each plane. Such a track-~ection part 2 is thus ex-traordinarily ~trong. As may also be gathered from the plan view in Fig. 4, the only projecting parts which might relatively easily be damaged are wedge-shaped lug 17 and guide-tongue 39. The stability of the said lug is greatly increased by base 18. Substantially cylindrical projection 11, which is essentially for locking, is protected and stil:L remains even if lug 17 and base 18 are broken off, and the track-section part can still be used.
This also applies if guide-tongue 39 is broken off or damaged. Even if one of dogs 14 is broken off, which would obviously occur only by way of exception, the track-section part can s-till be used since, according to the invention, two locking means are provided.
As a result of the spot-symmetrical design, the playing child no longer has to find out which of the sides of adjacent track-section parts fit together.
There is also another advantage as compared with track-section parts having a single absolutely centrally arranged coupling device, namely that a sharper radius of curvature can be obtained, since adjacent parts 2 do not become unlocked if projection 11 and locking means 12 in one half of the roadway almost come out of engagement. An arrangement of this kind is also extraordinarily stable, thus enabling the child to ensure better adaptation to local conditions, without seeing the track-sections come apart.
All in all, tha configuration of the flexible track-sections according to the invention allows a very stable and robust roadway for toy vehicles to be built, even by pre-schoolers. The toy vehicles used may correspond the age of the child using them, i.e. they may be ramote-controlled, they may be set in~motion mereIy by an inclined plane, or thay may be merely pushed along. Complete : ~ ' 333~
:Elexib.Le ~3ecti.0ns of traclc, conc3;i.c3t:Lng o:E many pLlr~.C3 ~, can be put toget.her relatively easily, if the spo-t-symmetrical design o E the parts is used. A vert wide variety of colour may be used in designing the moulded-synthetic-material S track-section parts, the result being achanging structure oE
pleasing colours.
~? .
, "' ' .
!
'' .
Claims (19)
1. Track-elements for a flexible track having a coupling device comprising a cylindrical projection extending, in the direction of travel, from one end of one track-element at right angles to the plane thereof; a pair of claws arranged at the end of said track-element remote from said projection and accommodating the projection of an adjacent track-element with a locking action; and guide elements at edges of said track-elements, wherein:
- said projection and said pair of claws are arranged at the same distance from the centre of said one track-element, and further comprising:
- a substantially wedge-shaped nose which protrudes from said projections in the direction of travel, - an extension-space which runs rearwardly from an accommodation space between the pairs of claws, the width of said extension-space, at right angles to the direction of travel, being less than the diameter of the projection, - said nose comprising an expanded foot at the bottom engaging under said extension-space.
- said projection and said pair of claws are arranged at the same distance from the centre of said one track-element, and further comprising:
- a substantially wedge-shaped nose which protrudes from said projections in the direction of travel, - an extension-space which runs rearwardly from an accommodation space between the pairs of claws, the width of said extension-space, at right angles to the direction of travel, being less than the diameter of the projection, - said nose comprising an expanded foot at the bottom engaging under said extension-space.
2. Track-elements for a flexible track, wherein said two projections, and said two complementary pairs of claws are arranged spot-symmetrically with respect to a vertical axis passing through the centre of the track-elements, in such a manner that, on each end-face, a projection and a pair of claws are arranged adjacent each other, tongues and recesses of said guide-elements being also arranged spot-symmetrically with respect to said vertical axis.
3. Track-elements according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said claws and said extension-space extend as far as the upper side of the roadway.
4. Track-elements according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said nose has an expanded base which engages under an extension-space without substantial contact but substantially flush therewith.
5. Track-elements according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said accomodation space between said claws of a pair of claws corresponds, in the direction of travel, to an elongated hole, the width of which is slightly greater than the that of said projection, thus permitting free play at right angles to said direction of travel.
6. Track-elements according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each claw is separated from the remaining area, on the side remote from said accommodation space, by a slot in the direction of travel.
7. Track-elements according to claim 2, wherein extending from the centre of the roadway to the edge thereof, on the sides of said tongues is a surface located below the upper side of the roadway and, on the sides of said recesses, a free space extending to the bottom of a track-element, in such a manner that, in the assembled state of two adjacent track-elements, said lower surface engages in said free space, without substantial contact, but substantially flush therewith.
8. Track-elements according to claim 7, wherein a first transition between the upper side of the roadway and the lower surface is such that, even with a maximum of mutual pivoting and a maximal pushing together of two adjacent track-elements, said transition between the centre of the roadway and one edge thereof lies approximately flush with the corresponding opposing end-face of the adjacent track-element.
9. Track-elements according to claim 8, wherein a second transition between the upper side of the free space and the bottom is such that even with a maximum of mutual pivoting and maximal pushing together of two adjacent track-elements, said second transition between the centre of said roadway and said one edge thereof lies approximately flush with the corresponding opposing end-face of the adjacent track-element.
10. Track-elements according to claim 9, wherein from said projection, a web extends rearwardly as far as said second transition.
11. Track-elements according to claim 2, wherein in plan view, an area of the upper side of the roadway, comprising said tongues and said recesses, is angular in shape.
12. Track-elements according to claim 11, wherein said angular area comprises transverse grooves at right angles to the direction of travel, and wherein the remainder of the upper side of the roadway is roughened.
13. Track-elements according to claim 1, with a guide-means for guiding a toy vehicle wherein said guide-means is in the form of substantially parallelpipedal guide-posts, each projecting upwardly, at the edge of the roadway, from the upper side of said roadway, a guide-tongue projecting substantially horizontally from one end-face thereof, and a recess, for the accommodation of a guide-tongue of an adjacent track-element, being provided in the other end-face thereof, in the direction of travel; the overall dimension of a guide-post and the guide-tongue, in the direction of travel, corresponding substantially to the overall dimension of the track-element in the direction of travel; the dimension of a guide-post, in the direction of travel, corresponding, however, to at least half the overall dimension of the track-element in the direction of travel.
14. Track-elements according to claim 13, wherein said guide-posts and said guide-tongues are arranged at the edges of the roadway in spot-symmetry with a vertical axis.
15. Track-elements according to claim 14, wherein each guide-post comprises a downwardly open internal cavity.
16. Track-elements according to claim 15, wherein each guide-tongue projects at a distance from the upper side and from the outer side of the guide-post, said recess being formed by a slot in the guide-post which is open towards the inner side and to an end-face remote from the guide-tongue.
17. Track-elements according to claim 16, wherein said end-face of the guide-post, remote from the guide-tongue, and an associated end-face of the track-element, lie in a vertical plane.
18. Track-elements according to claim 1, 13 or 17, characterized in that is is in one piece.
19. A flexible track-section according to claim 1, 13 or 17, characterized in that it is made of synthetic material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP3440875.4 | 1984-11-08 | ||
| DE3440875A DE3440875C2 (en) | 1984-11-08 | 1984-11-08 | Section of a flexible roadway |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1268336A true CA1268336A (en) | 1990-05-01 |
Family
ID=6249833
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000494830A Expired - Lifetime CA1268336A (en) | 1984-11-08 | 1985-11-07 | Flexible track-section |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0180711B1 (en) |
| AR (1) | AR240611A1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE41744T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU4544985A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1268336A (en) |
| DD (1) | DD237475A5 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3440875C2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES296287Y (en) |
| MX (1) | MX158606A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1986002856A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE8714278U1 (en) * | 1987-10-27 | 1989-02-16 | Hesse, Kurt, 8510 Fürth | Toy train |
| US6398121B1 (en) * | 2000-02-10 | 2002-06-04 | Barry Z. Morgan | Toy train tracks |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1603351A1 (en) * | 1966-01-13 | 1971-01-21 | Hoewe August W | Train game |
| US4241875A (en) * | 1979-01-19 | 1980-12-30 | Aurora Products Canada Limited | Flexible track |
| GB2055593B (en) * | 1979-08-08 | 1983-03-16 | Refined Ind Co Ltd | Toy vehicle tracks |
| DE2946890C2 (en) * | 1979-11-21 | 1985-04-04 | Hermann Dipl.-Chem. Dr. 8510 Fürth Neuhierl | Guide wall for a flexible track section of a car racing track system with free-moving, steerable toy vehicles |
| DE3132527A1 (en) * | 1981-08-18 | 1983-03-10 | Neuhierl, Hermann, Dipl.-Chem. Dr., 8510 Fürth | "TRAIN PIECE FOR RAILWAY TOYS" |
| DE3436201A1 (en) | 1984-10-03 | 1986-04-10 | Hesse, Kurt, 8500 Nürnberg | COMPONENT |
-
1984
- 1984-11-08 DE DE3440875A patent/DE3440875C2/en not_active Expired
-
1985
- 1985-06-26 EP EP85107931A patent/EP0180711B1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-06-26 WO PCT/DE1985/000216 patent/WO1986002856A1/en unknown
- 1985-06-26 AU AU45449/85A patent/AU4544985A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1985-06-26 AT AT85107931T patent/ATE41744T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1985-11-01 DD DD85282375A patent/DD237475A5/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1985-11-06 MX MX523A patent/MX158606A/en unknown
- 1985-11-07 CA CA000494830A patent/CA1268336A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1985-11-07 ES ES1985296287U patent/ES296287Y/en not_active Expired
- 1985-11-08 AR AR30220885A patent/AR240611A1/en active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE3440875C2 (en) | 1986-11-27 |
| WO1986002856A1 (en) | 1986-05-22 |
| ES296287Y (en) | 1988-03-16 |
| ATE41744T1 (en) | 1989-04-15 |
| EP0180711B1 (en) | 1989-03-29 |
| DD237475A5 (en) | 1986-07-16 |
| EP0180711A1 (en) | 1986-05-14 |
| DE3440875A1 (en) | 1986-05-07 |
| AU4544985A (en) | 1986-06-03 |
| MX158606A (en) | 1989-02-20 |
| AR240611A1 (en) | 1990-06-30 |
| ES296287U (en) | 1987-08-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |