CA2371157A1 - Connector for toy track components - Google Patents
Connector for toy track components Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2371157A1 CA2371157A1 CA 2371157 CA2371157A CA2371157A1 CA 2371157 A1 CA2371157 A1 CA 2371157A1 CA 2371157 CA2371157 CA 2371157 CA 2371157 A CA2371157 A CA 2371157A CA 2371157 A1 CA2371157 A1 CA 2371157A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- screw
- collar
- track
- section
- head
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H19/00—Model railways
- A63H19/30—Permanent way; Rails; Rail-joint connections
Landscapes
- Toys (AREA)
Abstract
A connector for toy track components includes a combination of a section of track and a support body. A screw is attached to the support body. The screw has a head and a threaded shaft . A deformable annular collar is disposed around the shaft of the screw. The collar and the head of the screw are adapted for insertion into an aperture in the section of track. When the head of the screw is moved toward the support body, the collar is compressed between the head of the screw and the support body; causing the collar to assume a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage sidewalls of the aperture of the section of track to prevent separation of the section of track and the support body.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Connector For Toy Track Components FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector used to connect toy track components when forming tracks for model trains and model cars.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When preparing a track layout for model trains or model cars, connectors must be used to connect various track components. Connectors are used to connect sections of track in end to end relation when forming a single track layout on a flat surface. Connectors are used to connect sections of track in side by side relation when forming a dual or multiple track layout. Connectors are used to connect underlying supports to sections of track when elevating sections of track to form an overpass.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a connector that combines ease of assembly with an ability to securely attached track components.
According to the present invention there is provided a connector for toy track components which includes a combination of a section of track and a support body. The section of track has a top surface, a bottom surface, and an aperture that extends through the section of track between the top surface and the bottom surface. A screw is attached to the support body. The screw has a head and a threaded shaft . A deformable annular collar is disposed around the shaft of the screw. The collar has a first end that engages the head of the screw and a second end that engages the support body. The collar has a non-deformed condition and a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly. The collar and the head of the screw are adapted for insertion into the aperture of the section of track when in the non-deformed condition. Means is provided for moving the head of the screw toward the support body, thereby compressing the collar between the head of the screw and the support body and causing the collar to assume a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage a sidewall of the aperture of the section of track to prevent separation of the section of track and the support body.
With the connector, as described above, track components are easily coupled merely by inserting the collar of the support body in a non-deformed condition into an aperture of a section of track and then causing the collar to assume a deformed condition in which the collar is expanded outwardly to tightly engage a sidewall of the aperture of the section of track. The support body can take a variety of forms. Several of the forms will be hereinafter illustrated and described including a support column and a connective plate.
There are various means that can be used to move the head of the screw toward the support body to deform the collar. For example, the shaft of the screw can be engaged with a threaded opening in the support body. Screwing the screw into closer engagement with the threaded opening would then serve as the means for moving the head of the screw toward the support body.
Alternatively, a nut can be is positioned on the shaft of the screw on an opposed side of the support body. Tightening the nut would then serve as means for moving the head of the screw toward the support body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a connector for connect toy track components connecting an underlying support column to a section of track.
FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view of a connector for connect toy track components connecting two sections of track with an underlying connective plate.
FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view of a connector for connect toy track components connecting an underlying support column to a section of track with a guard rail support also being attached with an underlying connective plate.
FIGURE 4 is an exploded side elevation view, in section, of a support column with connector constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Two preferred embodiments of connector for toy track components will now be described. A first embodiment of connector, generally identified by reference numeral 10, will be described with reference to FIGURES 1, 3 and 4. A second embodiment of connector, generally identified by reference numeral 100, will now be described with reference to FIGURES
2 and 3.
Structure and Relationship of Parts of Connector 10:
Referring to FIGURE 1, there is provided a connector 10 that includes the combination of a section of track 12 and a support body, generally referenced by numeral 14. Section of track 12 has a top surface 16, a bottom surface 18, and an aperture 20 which extends through section of track 12 between top surface 16 and bottom surface 18. Referring to FIGURE 4, support body 14 is provided in the form of a support column 22 with a first end 24, a second end 26, and a threaded opening 28 at first end 24. In the illustrated embodiment, threaded opening includes a threadable nut 29 that is disposed in first end 24 of support column 22. A cap 30 overlies first end 24 of support column 22. Cap 30 has an aperture 32 that is aligned with threaded opening 28 at first end 24 of support column 22. A screw 34 with a head 36 and a threaded shaft 38, is threaded through aperture 32 in cap 30 and through threaded opening 28 at first end 24 of support column 22. A deformable annular collar 40 disposed around threaded shaft 38 of screw 34. Collar 40 has a first end 42 that engages head 36 of screw 34 and a second end 44 that engages first end 24 of support column 22. Referring to FIGURES 1 and 4, collar 40 has a non-deformed condition as illustrated in FIGURE 4, and a deformed condition in which collar 40 deforms by expanding outwardly as illustrated in FIGURE 1. Referring to FIGURE 4, collar 40 and head 36 of screw 34 are adapted for insertion into aperture 20 of section of track 12 when in non-deformed condition.
Referring to FIGURES 1, screwing screw 34 into closer engagement with threaded opening 28 in support column 22 serves to move head 36 of screw 34 toward first end 24 of support column 22, thereby compressing collar 40 between head 36 of screw 34 and first end 24 of support column 22. This causes collar 40 to assume a deformed condition in which collar 40 deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage a sidewall 46 of aperture 20 in section of track 12 to prevent separation of section of track 12 and support column 22. Referring to FIGURE
4, a base 48 carried on a threaded shaft 50 is threaded into second end 26 of support column 22 to allow second end 26 of support column 22 to telescopically extend such that the height of support column 22 is adjustable.
Use and Operation of Connector 10:
The use and operation of connector 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 and 4. Referring to FIGURES l, with connector 10, as described above, support bodies 14 can be connected to sections of track 12 when elevating sections of track 12 to form an overpass. Section of track 12 and support body 14 are easily coupled merely by inserting collar 40 of support body 14 in a non-deformed condition into aperture 20 of section of track 12. Collar 40 is then caused to assume a deformed condition in which collar is expanded outwardly to tightly engage sidewall 46 of aperture 20 of section of track 12. A tool 52, such as a screw driver, may be used to engage head 36 on screw 34 in order to screw 34 into closer engagement with threaded opening 28 in support column 22. By moving head 36 of screw 34 toward first end 24 of support column 22, collar 40 is compressed between 5 head 36 of screw 34 and first end 24 of support column 22 to cause collar 40 to assume a deformed condition in which collar 40 deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage sidewall 46 of aperture 20 in section of track 12 to prevent separation of section of track 12 and support column 22.
Base 48 that is carried on threaded shaft 50 at second end 26 of support column 22 allows second end 26 of support column 22 to be telescopically extended so that the height of support column 22 can be adjusted. In the illustrated embodiment, support columns 22 are positioned at opposed ends 52 of section of track 12 so that section of track 12 is supported and elevated above an underlying surface 54. Adjustment of height of support columns 14 allow for adjustment of the height at which section of track 12 rests above underlying surface 54.
Furthermore, in the event that underlying surface 54 is not level, adjustments may be made to support columns 14 to ensure that section of track 12 is supported in a level manner.
Structure and Relationship of Parts of Connector 100:
Referring to FIGURE 2, connector 100 includes in combination a section of track 112 and a support body, generally reference by numeral 114. Section of track 112 has a top surface 116, a bottom surface 118, and an aperture 120 that extends through section of track 112 between top surface 116 and bottom surface 118. Support body 114 includes a connective plate 122. In the illustrated embodiment, connective plate 122 has two apertures 124, although it will be appreciated that connective plate 122 could have only one aperture 124 or more than two apertures 124. A screw 126 is attached to support body 114. Screw 126 has a head 128 and a threaded shaft 130. A wing nut 132 is positioned on shaft 130 of screw 126 on an opposed side 134 of connective plate 122.
Connector For Toy Track Components FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector used to connect toy track components when forming tracks for model trains and model cars.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When preparing a track layout for model trains or model cars, connectors must be used to connect various track components. Connectors are used to connect sections of track in end to end relation when forming a single track layout on a flat surface. Connectors are used to connect sections of track in side by side relation when forming a dual or multiple track layout. Connectors are used to connect underlying supports to sections of track when elevating sections of track to form an overpass.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a connector that combines ease of assembly with an ability to securely attached track components.
According to the present invention there is provided a connector for toy track components which includes a combination of a section of track and a support body. The section of track has a top surface, a bottom surface, and an aperture that extends through the section of track between the top surface and the bottom surface. A screw is attached to the support body. The screw has a head and a threaded shaft . A deformable annular collar is disposed around the shaft of the screw. The collar has a first end that engages the head of the screw and a second end that engages the support body. The collar has a non-deformed condition and a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly. The collar and the head of the screw are adapted for insertion into the aperture of the section of track when in the non-deformed condition. Means is provided for moving the head of the screw toward the support body, thereby compressing the collar between the head of the screw and the support body and causing the collar to assume a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage a sidewall of the aperture of the section of track to prevent separation of the section of track and the support body.
With the connector, as described above, track components are easily coupled merely by inserting the collar of the support body in a non-deformed condition into an aperture of a section of track and then causing the collar to assume a deformed condition in which the collar is expanded outwardly to tightly engage a sidewall of the aperture of the section of track. The support body can take a variety of forms. Several of the forms will be hereinafter illustrated and described including a support column and a connective plate.
There are various means that can be used to move the head of the screw toward the support body to deform the collar. For example, the shaft of the screw can be engaged with a threaded opening in the support body. Screwing the screw into closer engagement with the threaded opening would then serve as the means for moving the head of the screw toward the support body.
Alternatively, a nut can be is positioned on the shaft of the screw on an opposed side of the support body. Tightening the nut would then serve as means for moving the head of the screw toward the support body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a connector for connect toy track components connecting an underlying support column to a section of track.
FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view of a connector for connect toy track components connecting two sections of track with an underlying connective plate.
FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view of a connector for connect toy track components connecting an underlying support column to a section of track with a guard rail support also being attached with an underlying connective plate.
FIGURE 4 is an exploded side elevation view, in section, of a support column with connector constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Two preferred embodiments of connector for toy track components will now be described. A first embodiment of connector, generally identified by reference numeral 10, will be described with reference to FIGURES 1, 3 and 4. A second embodiment of connector, generally identified by reference numeral 100, will now be described with reference to FIGURES
2 and 3.
Structure and Relationship of Parts of Connector 10:
Referring to FIGURE 1, there is provided a connector 10 that includes the combination of a section of track 12 and a support body, generally referenced by numeral 14. Section of track 12 has a top surface 16, a bottom surface 18, and an aperture 20 which extends through section of track 12 between top surface 16 and bottom surface 18. Referring to FIGURE 4, support body 14 is provided in the form of a support column 22 with a first end 24, a second end 26, and a threaded opening 28 at first end 24. In the illustrated embodiment, threaded opening includes a threadable nut 29 that is disposed in first end 24 of support column 22. A cap 30 overlies first end 24 of support column 22. Cap 30 has an aperture 32 that is aligned with threaded opening 28 at first end 24 of support column 22. A screw 34 with a head 36 and a threaded shaft 38, is threaded through aperture 32 in cap 30 and through threaded opening 28 at first end 24 of support column 22. A deformable annular collar 40 disposed around threaded shaft 38 of screw 34. Collar 40 has a first end 42 that engages head 36 of screw 34 and a second end 44 that engages first end 24 of support column 22. Referring to FIGURES 1 and 4, collar 40 has a non-deformed condition as illustrated in FIGURE 4, and a deformed condition in which collar 40 deforms by expanding outwardly as illustrated in FIGURE 1. Referring to FIGURE 4, collar 40 and head 36 of screw 34 are adapted for insertion into aperture 20 of section of track 12 when in non-deformed condition.
Referring to FIGURES 1, screwing screw 34 into closer engagement with threaded opening 28 in support column 22 serves to move head 36 of screw 34 toward first end 24 of support column 22, thereby compressing collar 40 between head 36 of screw 34 and first end 24 of support column 22. This causes collar 40 to assume a deformed condition in which collar 40 deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage a sidewall 46 of aperture 20 in section of track 12 to prevent separation of section of track 12 and support column 22. Referring to FIGURE
4, a base 48 carried on a threaded shaft 50 is threaded into second end 26 of support column 22 to allow second end 26 of support column 22 to telescopically extend such that the height of support column 22 is adjustable.
Use and Operation of Connector 10:
The use and operation of connector 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 and 4. Referring to FIGURES l, with connector 10, as described above, support bodies 14 can be connected to sections of track 12 when elevating sections of track 12 to form an overpass. Section of track 12 and support body 14 are easily coupled merely by inserting collar 40 of support body 14 in a non-deformed condition into aperture 20 of section of track 12. Collar 40 is then caused to assume a deformed condition in which collar is expanded outwardly to tightly engage sidewall 46 of aperture 20 of section of track 12. A tool 52, such as a screw driver, may be used to engage head 36 on screw 34 in order to screw 34 into closer engagement with threaded opening 28 in support column 22. By moving head 36 of screw 34 toward first end 24 of support column 22, collar 40 is compressed between 5 head 36 of screw 34 and first end 24 of support column 22 to cause collar 40 to assume a deformed condition in which collar 40 deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage sidewall 46 of aperture 20 in section of track 12 to prevent separation of section of track 12 and support column 22.
Base 48 that is carried on threaded shaft 50 at second end 26 of support column 22 allows second end 26 of support column 22 to be telescopically extended so that the height of support column 22 can be adjusted. In the illustrated embodiment, support columns 22 are positioned at opposed ends 52 of section of track 12 so that section of track 12 is supported and elevated above an underlying surface 54. Adjustment of height of support columns 14 allow for adjustment of the height at which section of track 12 rests above underlying surface 54.
Furthermore, in the event that underlying surface 54 is not level, adjustments may be made to support columns 14 to ensure that section of track 12 is supported in a level manner.
Structure and Relationship of Parts of Connector 100:
Referring to FIGURE 2, connector 100 includes in combination a section of track 112 and a support body, generally reference by numeral 114. Section of track 112 has a top surface 116, a bottom surface 118, and an aperture 120 that extends through section of track 112 between top surface 116 and bottom surface 118. Support body 114 includes a connective plate 122. In the illustrated embodiment, connective plate 122 has two apertures 124, although it will be appreciated that connective plate 122 could have only one aperture 124 or more than two apertures 124. A screw 126 is attached to support body 114. Screw 126 has a head 128 and a threaded shaft 130. A wing nut 132 is positioned on shaft 130 of screw 126 on an opposed side 134 of connective plate 122.
It will be appreciated that other forms of threadable fasteners can be used in place of wing nut 132. A deformable annular collar 136 disposed around shaft 130 of screw 126. Collar 136 has a first end 138 that engages head 128 of screw 126 and a second end 140 that engages connective plate 122 of support body 114. Collar 136 has a non-deformed condition and a deformed condition in which collar 136 deforms by expanding outwardly. Collar 136 and head 128 of screw 126 are adapted for insertion into aperture 120 of section of track 112 when in the non-deformed condition. Tightening of wing nut 132 serves to move head 128 of screw 126 toward connective plate 122 of support body 114, thereby compressing collar 136 between head 128 of screw 126 and connective plate 122. A tool 133, such as a screw driver, may also be used to engage head 128 of screw 126 to rotate screw 126 while wing nut 132 is tightened.
The compression of collar 136 causes collar 136 to assume a deformed condition in which collar 136 deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage a sidewall 142 of aperture 120 of section of track 112 to prevent separation of section of track 112 and support body 114.
Use and Operation of Connector 100:
The use and operation of connector 100 will now be described with reference to FIGURE 2. Referring to FIGURE 2, with connector 100, as described above, sections of track 112 are easily coupled together. In order to do so, connective plate 122 is placed along bottom surface 118 of section of track 12 so that aperture 124 in connective plate 122 aligns with aperture 120 in section of track 112. Collar 136 is then inserted in a non-deformed condition through aperture 124 in connective plate 122 and into aperture 120 of section of track 112. Wing nut 132 on threaded shaft 130 of screw 126 is then rotated to cause collar 136 to assume a deformed condition in which collar 136 is expanded outwardly to tightly engage sidewall 142 of aperture 120 of section of track 112. An adjacent section of track 112 can then be secured to connective plate 122 in the same fashion such that both sections of track 112 are secured to connective plate 122 so as to form a continuous track.
Variations:
Referring to FIGURE 3, connector 10 and connector 100 need not be mutually exclusive, they can be combined. Connector 10, as described above, is used to connect an underlying support column 22 to section of track 12 while connector 100 is used to attach a guard rail support 144 to section of track 12 with underlying connective plate 122. In the illustrated embodiment, guard rail support 144 forms part of connective plate 122 and extends upward from connective plate 122. Guard rail support 144 has an outer side 146 which faces away from section of track 12 and an inner side 148 with a resilient pad 150 which engages a guard rail 152 to ensure that guard rail 152 is securely positioned between section of track 12 and guard rail support 144.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
The compression of collar 136 causes collar 136 to assume a deformed condition in which collar 136 deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage a sidewall 142 of aperture 120 of section of track 112 to prevent separation of section of track 112 and support body 114.
Use and Operation of Connector 100:
The use and operation of connector 100 will now be described with reference to FIGURE 2. Referring to FIGURE 2, with connector 100, as described above, sections of track 112 are easily coupled together. In order to do so, connective plate 122 is placed along bottom surface 118 of section of track 12 so that aperture 124 in connective plate 122 aligns with aperture 120 in section of track 112. Collar 136 is then inserted in a non-deformed condition through aperture 124 in connective plate 122 and into aperture 120 of section of track 112. Wing nut 132 on threaded shaft 130 of screw 126 is then rotated to cause collar 136 to assume a deformed condition in which collar 136 is expanded outwardly to tightly engage sidewall 142 of aperture 120 of section of track 112. An adjacent section of track 112 can then be secured to connective plate 122 in the same fashion such that both sections of track 112 are secured to connective plate 122 so as to form a continuous track.
Variations:
Referring to FIGURE 3, connector 10 and connector 100 need not be mutually exclusive, they can be combined. Connector 10, as described above, is used to connect an underlying support column 22 to section of track 12 while connector 100 is used to attach a guard rail support 144 to section of track 12 with underlying connective plate 122. In the illustrated embodiment, guard rail support 144 forms part of connective plate 122 and extends upward from connective plate 122. Guard rail support 144 has an outer side 146 which faces away from section of track 12 and an inner side 148 with a resilient pad 150 which engages a guard rail 152 to ensure that guard rail 152 is securely positioned between section of track 12 and guard rail support 144.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims (9)
1. A connector for toy track components, comprising in combination:
a section of track having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an aperture that extends through the section of track between the top surface and the bottom surface;
a support body;
a screw attached to the support body, the screw having a head and a threaded shaft;
a deformable annular collar disposed around the shaft of the screw, the collar having a first end that engages the head of the screw and a second end that engages the support body, the collar having a non-deformed condition and a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly, the collar and the head of the screw being adapted for insertion into the aperture of the section of track when in the non-deformed condition; and means for moving the head of the screw toward the support body, thereby compressing the collar between the head of the screw and the support body and causing the collar to assume a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage a sidewall of the aperture of the section of track to prevent separation of the section of track and the support body.
a section of track having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an aperture that extends through the section of track between the top surface and the bottom surface;
a support body;
a screw attached to the support body, the screw having a head and a threaded shaft;
a deformable annular collar disposed around the shaft of the screw, the collar having a first end that engages the head of the screw and a second end that engages the support body, the collar having a non-deformed condition and a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly, the collar and the head of the screw being adapted for insertion into the aperture of the section of track when in the non-deformed condition; and means for moving the head of the screw toward the support body, thereby compressing the collar between the head of the screw and the support body and causing the collar to assume a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage a sidewall of the aperture of the section of track to prevent separation of the section of track and the support body.
2. The combination as defined in Claim 1, wherein the support body is a support column.
3. The combination as defined in Claim 1, wherein the support body is a connective plate.
4. The combination as defined in Claim 1, wherein the shaft of the screw engages a threaded opening in the support body, and screwing the screw into closer engagement with the threaded opening serves as the means for moving the head of the screw toward the support body.
5. The combination as defined in Claim 1, wherein a nut is positioned on the shaft of the screw on an opposed side of the support body, and tightening the nut serves as means for moving the head of the screw toward the support body.
6. A connector for toy track components, comprising in combination:
a section of track having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an aperture that extends through the section of track between the top surface and the bottom surface;
a support body in the form of a support column having a first end, a second end, and a threaded opening at the first end;
a screw having a head and a threaded shaft, the screw being threaded into the threaded opening at the first end of the support column;
a deformable annular collar disposed around the shaft of the screw, the collar having a first end that engages the head of the screw and a second end that engages the first end of the support column, the collar having a non-deformed condition and a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly, the collar and the head of the screw being adapted for insertion into the aperture of the section of track when in the non-deformed condition, screwing the screw into closer engagement with the threaded opening in the support column serving as means for moving the head of the screw toward the support first end of the support column, thereby compressing the collar between the head of the screw and the first end of the support column and causing the collar to assume a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage a sidewall of the aperture of the section of track to prevent separation of the section of track and the support column.
a section of track having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an aperture that extends through the section of track between the top surface and the bottom surface;
a support body in the form of a support column having a first end, a second end, and a threaded opening at the first end;
a screw having a head and a threaded shaft, the screw being threaded into the threaded opening at the first end of the support column;
a deformable annular collar disposed around the shaft of the screw, the collar having a first end that engages the head of the screw and a second end that engages the first end of the support column, the collar having a non-deformed condition and a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly, the collar and the head of the screw being adapted for insertion into the aperture of the section of track when in the non-deformed condition, screwing the screw into closer engagement with the threaded opening in the support column serving as means for moving the head of the screw toward the support first end of the support column, thereby compressing the collar between the head of the screw and the first end of the support column and causing the collar to assume a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage a sidewall of the aperture of the section of track to prevent separation of the section of track and the support column.
7. The combination as defined in Claim 6, wherein means are provided for telescopically extending the second end of the support column, whereby the height of the support column is adjustable.
8. The combination as defined in Claim 7, wherein the means for telescopically extending the second end of the support column is a base carried on a threaded shaft which threads into the second end of the support.
9. A connector for toy track components, comprising in combination:
a section of track having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an aperture that extends through the section of track between the top surface and the bottom surface;
a support body that includes a connective plate;
a screw attached to the support body, the screw having a head and a threaded shaft;
a nut positioned on the shaft of the screw on an opposed side of the connective plate;
a deformable annular collar disposed around the shaft of the screw, the collar having a first end that engages the head of the screw and a second end that engages the connective plate of the support body, the collar having a non-deformed condition and a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly, the collar and the head of the screw being adapted for insertion into the aperture of the section of track when in the non-deformed condition; and tightening the nut serving as means for moving the head of the screw toward the connective plate of the support body, thereby compressing the collar between the head of the screw and the connective plate and causing the collar to assume a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage a sidewall of the aperture of the section of track to prevent separation of the section of track and the support body.
a section of track having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an aperture that extends through the section of track between the top surface and the bottom surface;
a support body that includes a connective plate;
a screw attached to the support body, the screw having a head and a threaded shaft;
a nut positioned on the shaft of the screw on an opposed side of the connective plate;
a deformable annular collar disposed around the shaft of the screw, the collar having a first end that engages the head of the screw and a second end that engages the connective plate of the support body, the collar having a non-deformed condition and a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly, the collar and the head of the screw being adapted for insertion into the aperture of the section of track when in the non-deformed condition; and tightening the nut serving as means for moving the head of the screw toward the connective plate of the support body, thereby compressing the collar between the head of the screw and the connective plate and causing the collar to assume a deformed condition in which the collar deforms by expanding outwardly to tightly engage a sidewall of the aperture of the section of track to prevent separation of the section of track and the support body.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2371157 CA2371157A1 (en) | 2002-02-08 | 2002-02-08 | Connector for toy track components |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2371157 CA2371157A1 (en) | 2002-02-08 | 2002-02-08 | Connector for toy track components |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2371157A1 true CA2371157A1 (en) | 2003-08-08 |
Family
ID=27626633
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2371157 Abandoned CA2371157A1 (en) | 2002-02-08 | 2002-02-08 | Connector for toy track components |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2371157A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9345980B2 (en) | 2013-10-03 | 2016-05-24 | Mattel, Inc. | Toy vehicle track systems and connectors for same |
| DE102023108392B3 (en) | 2022-09-16 | 2023-11-16 | Yamba (pty) GmbH | Connecting element for toy tracks |
-
2002
- 2002-02-08 CA CA 2371157 patent/CA2371157A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9345980B2 (en) | 2013-10-03 | 2016-05-24 | Mattel, Inc. | Toy vehicle track systems and connectors for same |
| DE102023108392B3 (en) | 2022-09-16 | 2023-11-16 | Yamba (pty) GmbH | Connecting element for toy tracks |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |