DE202017006559U1 - Building block and building block set for a marble track and marble track with such a building block or such a building block set - Google Patents

Abstract

Channel building block (100, 110, 120, 140, 150, 160, 170, 300, 310, 320, 330) for a marble track (10) having the following features: a. the gutter module (100, 110, 120, 140, 150, 160, 170, 220, 300, 310, 320, 330) is designed for coupling to correspondingly configured further components of the marble track (10), in which case it has a plurality of upwards having coupling knobs (80) and downwardly facing coupling holes (82), which are arranged following a horizontal two-dimensional grid with longitudinally and transversely of the same basic dimension (G), wherein the coupling holes (82) for frictionally clamping reception of the coupling knobs ( 80) of the gutter module (100, 110, 120, 140, 150, 160, 170, 220) of identical coupling knobs (80) are formed, and b. the gutter brick (100, 110, 120, 140, 150, 160, 170, 220, 300, 310, 320, 330) has a marble gutter (72) with a first gutter end (74A) and a second gutter end (74B), and c. the channel block (100, 110, 120, 140, 150, 160, 170, 220, 300, 310, 320, 330) has at both channel ends (74A, 74B) laterally offset from the marble channel (72) via coupling portions (70) each with at least one coupling nub (80) and / or at least one coupling hole (82) are provided, and d. the gutter module (100, 110, 120, 140, 150, 160, 170, 220, 300, 310, 320, 330) has a central part (76) between the end coupling sections (70), which is free of coupling knobs and preferably free from Coupling holes is.

Description

AREA OF APPLICATION AND PRIOR ART

The invention relates to the area of the marble sheets of individual building blocks, ie of flexibly buildable marble sheets, where the marble channel is formed by a variety of different blocks that are positioned relative to each other, that together they form this marble channel, along which then marbles or other rollfähige Elements can roll.

From the EP 2 384 797 B1 Such a marble track is already known. Also, under the brand name "Hubelino" a marble track system is known, which has relationship to the inventive subject marble track.

These marble sheets as well as marble sheets according to the invention can be assembled in the manner known, for example, from the toy systems LEGO and DUPLO. For this purpose, the blocks have coupling knobs on the upper side and / or coupling holes on the underside, the arrangement of which is followed by a horizontal two-dimensional rastering with a basic dimension which remains constant in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The coupling holes are designed for frictionally clamping receiving coupling knobs. The known systems and preferably systems according to the invention also have a uniform standard height dimension in addition to the uniform horizontal basic dimension.

The systems known hitherto can be improved in terms of the stability of the system, in terms of the flexibility of the possible construction methods and with regard to the fun of playing.

TASK AND SOLUTION

The object of the invention is to reduce the disadvantages of the prior art.

The object underlying the invention is firstly achieved by a gutter module for a marble track, which is designed for coupling to correspondingly configured further components of the marble track. For this purpose, it has a plurality of coupling knobs pointing upwards and coupling holes pointing downwards, which are arranged following a horizontal two-dimensional grid with the same basic dimensions in the longitudinal and transverse directions, the coupling holes being designed for frictionally clamping reception of coupling knobs which are similar to the coupling knobs of the gutter brick are.

The channel module has a marble channel with a first channel end and a second channel end, wherein at one or preferably both channel ends laterally offset from the marble channel coupling sections are provided which are each provided with at least one coupling knob and / or at least one coupling hole.

The gutter module has a central part between the end-side coupling sections, which is free of coupling knobs and free of coupling holes.

In such a gutter module according to the invention is thus provided that this at each of the ends or both ends of the marble channel at least on one side of the channel has a coupling portion which can be fixed by means of coupling hole on an underlying block of the marble track and / or by means of at least a coupling knob allows the attachment of aufzusetzenden on the gutter module blocks. If the coupling section or sections on the underside have coupling holes laterally offset from the marble channel, a particularly good hold on the underlying block can be achieved. It has been shown that the stability is significantly higher than if such coupling holes are provided only below the marble channels.

If the coupling section or sections at the top have coupling knobs laterally offset from the marble channel, they can serve as fastening means for structures provided above the channel block. Although such fasteners could also be realized on additional blocks next to the gutter module. However, the structural stability is significantly improved by the integration in the gutter module.

Both coupling holes on the underside and coupling knobs on the upper side of the coupling sections are also suitable for connecting mutually adjacent channel blocks to one another. As a result, a high stability can be achieved, which avoids unwanted misalignment and disturbances of the marble roller between the blocks. In particular, the connection can be created by an attached to the coupling knobs of two gutter blocks arcuate part. This coupling possibility of the gutter modules according to the invention also makes it possible in particular to connect a plurality of gutter modules to a common stable bridge.

The said coupling sections can have the height of a standard height dimension, which is preferably also the height of the marble channel and the gutter block as a whole. Especially However, a design is preferred in which the coupling sections have a lower height, in particular one and two thirds of the standard height dimension. This makes it possible to connect more gutter components with each other by further patched blocks that do not protrude in the vertical direction of the marble trough and the gutter blocks as a whole.

The marble channel extends between at least two channel ends, wherein it extends according to the invention over said central part, in the region of which no coupling holes and in particular no coupling knobs are provided. This middle part has, based on a center line of the marble trough, at least the length of the simple basic measure, preferably at least twice, and more preferably at least four times the basic size.

Due to the freedom of pimples provided laterally to the marble trough, the central part can only consist of the marble trough itself. In particular, the gutter module in this central part at least partially have a cross section transverse to the direction of extension of the marble trough, which is formed solely by a channel cross-section substantially uniform material thickness, wherein the channel cross-section is preferably circular section-shaped or cup-shaped.

Channel cross-section of substantially uniform material thickness is also understood when the material thickness does not vary by more than 30%, or when the material thickness is uniformly less than 2 mm here.

The middle part gives the building blocks a high degree of lightness in terms of aesthetics, and this is also of functional importance. Since it is desired in a marble track to be able to follow the path of the marble as completely as possible with the eyes, the comparatively filigree middle parts are advantageous because you can look past them on lower levels of the marble track.

Preferably, the gutter module according to the invention at at least one end of the gutter, preferably at both trough ends, on both sides of the marble trough each have a coupling portion which is provided with at least one coupling nub and / or at least one coupling hole. In particular, the gutter module can be formed symmetrically and have at both ends of the marble trough one or two mirror-inverted coupling sections. The symmetrical design makes it easier for children to build such marble tracks.

The coupling sections on both sides of the marble channel are preferably connected to one another at the bottom by a connecting section and provided with coupling holes, so that they allow the coupling both laterally offset to the marble channel and below the marble channel.

Such coupled on both sides of the marble channel and at the bottom coupling sections again increase the stability, since the attachment of the gutter module can be done on a substructure in the range of comparatively many nubs of the substructure. In addition, the block also receives a higher internal stability, since a break off of the coupling sections of the actual gutter section that limits the marble trough, less easily done.

In particular, preferably at least one coupling section is provided at the top of the gutter module with exactly one coupling nub, wherein preferably at both trough ends on both sides of the marble trough in each case a coupling section is provided with exactly one coupling nub.

Although it is advantageous if at the top of each side of the marble trough two coupling knobs are available. However, in conventional construction, the gutter modules according to the invention are fitted adjacent to each other end face, so that they provide two mutually adjacent coupling knobs for constructing other blocks and for the stabilized connection of the two gutter blocks by a respective coupling section with a coupling knob.

But it is also possible that at least one coupling section is provided with at least two coupling knobs. Thus, for example, two coupling knobs could be provided in and / or across the direction of extent, so that 1 × 2, 2 × 1 or 2 × 2 coupling knobs for the attachment of further components are available at the top of the coupling portion.

The gutter module can be designed as a straight line component, so that it has a straight line projecting onto a horizontal plane. If such a gutter module has coupling sections on both ends of the marble channel on both sides, this results in a total of a kind of bone shape of the module.

The marble channel of such a straight line module can have a uniform level. Alternatively, the marble channel can have a varying level from one end of the channel to the other end of the channel, in particular a steadily falling or rising level. Under steady will be there understood that the block does not have slope and slope sections, but either only slope sections and possibly even sections or only slope sections and possibly even sections. However, straight line modules are also possible, which simply or repeatedly have a falling and rising level along the extension direction of the marble channel. Thus, for example, a kind of hill or dip may be provided, which slows down the marble in between and then accelerates again, or at first accelerates and then slows down again.

The gutter module can be designed as a curve module, wherein it has a 90 ° curved extension with respect to a horizontal plane

As well as the straight line component described, such a curve component may have a uniform level or a level varying from one end of the trough to the other end of the trough, in particular a continuously falling or simply decreasing and increasing level along the direction of extension of the marble trough.

When curve block, it is also possible to design the marble channel as a steep curve groove with an outside channel wall, which exceeds the inside gutter wall. The groove bottom can have a uniform or slightly raised in the middle part level. In particular with curve components with a gradient, the steep curve design can be advantageous.

In a particular embodiment of a gutter module according to the invention can be provided that the coupling nubs and coupling holes free central part is designed as a flexible middle part that allows non-destructive plastic and / or elastic deformation, positioned by the coupling portions at the two groove ends in at least two possible relative positions are that differ by at least the simple basic dimension in the longitudinal or transverse direction. The attachment in vertically offset by at least one standard height relative to each other relative positions is made possible.

The flexible middle part can be given the required flexibility by the choice of material, but in particular by two-sided and preferably alternating cuts in the middle part. Thus, it is possible to use such a gutter module at least limited flexibility by the coupling portions can be fixed at both ends in the vertical direction or in the transverse direction in different relative positions on a substructure. With sufficient flexibility, the gutter module can be used either as a straight line block or as a curve block.

A special design of a gutter module according to the invention provides that at least one of the coupling sections in the region of a gutter end has a coupling overhang which extends in the extension direction beyond the gutter end and which has at least one coupling nub and / or at least one coupling hole.

Such a coupling overhang thus extends at the respective end beyond the end of the marble trough. It allows to be coupled to the coupling portion of an adjacent gutter module via at least one coupling knobs and a coupling hole directly to a next gutter module, so that it does not need separate coupling modules.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one second coupling section of the channel module in the region of the same or of the opposite channel end has a shape, in particular with a kind of recess, which is suitable for coupling such coupling overhang, so that the coupling overhang at this second coupling section can be coupled under flush connection of the marble troughs.

In this case, a first variant is conceivable in which two coupling sections have a coupling overhang at the same channel end and in which the two coupling sections at the other end of the channel have a shape or recess provided for receiving it. In a second variant, however, the two coupling portions are formed on the opposite end of the same channel, which leads to the fact that both coupled gutter modules engage under each other in the coupling region and support from below. This increases the stability of the coupling. The object underlying the invention is secondly achieved by a block set for a marble track, the block set has a lower and an upper gutter module. The gutter modules are designed for coupling to correspondingly configured further modules of the marble track, wherein the lower gutter module for this purpose has a plurality of upwardly facing coupling knobs and downwardly facing coupling holes and wherein the lower gutter module for this purpose has a plurality of downwardly facing coupling holes, wherein further Coupling holes and coupling knobs are arranged in each case following a horizontal two-dimensional screening with the same basic length in the longitudinal and transverse directions and wherein the coupling holes for frictionally clamping recording of the Coupling knobs of the lower gutter module similar coupling knobs are formed.

The lower gutter brick has an upwardly open marble gutter, while the upper gutter brick has a downwardly open marble gutter.

The coupling knobs on the lower gutter block and the coupling holes on the upper gutter block are arranged relative to the respective marble channel of the gutter blocks such that it allows a frictional coupling of the gutter blocks through which the marble gutters are at least partially rectified and form a circumferentially closed tube structure.

The said block set is therefore suitable to build a kind of tube from two parts, whose lower part is formed by the lower gutter block and its upper part by the upper gutter block, each having a marble gutter. By coupling knobs on the lower channel block and coupling holes on the upper channel block, the channel blocks can be connected so that the circumferentially closed tube structure is formed. Such a tubular structure is particularly useful at those points of the marble track, where the ball is particularly fast and could otherwise be thrown off track.

The closed tube structure preferably has a substantially circular clear cross-section, wherein the clear cross-section is particularly preferably formed in substantially equal parts of the lower gutter brick and the upper gutter brick.

The lower gutter module is preferably designed in accordance with the above-described gutter module with end coupling sections. The upper gutter module is preferably designed with the exception of the coupling holes pointing in the direction of the gutter opening and coupling knobs pointing in the opposite direction corresponding to the lower gutter module described above and optionally with the optional features described there.

The coupling nubs and coupling holes may be arranged on the gutter blocks such that the marble troughs form a tubular structure that is shorter than the marble troughs or at least the longer of the marble troughs. It is advantageous, however, if the lower and the upper gutter module marble channels have the same extension direction and length and the coupling knobs and coupling holes are arranged so that by coupling the gutter blocks a circumferentially closed tube structure of this extension direction and length is created.

The circumferentially closed tube structure preferably has a length which corresponds to at least four times the basic dimension.

In a particular embodiment, both gutter blocks have a level varying from one end of the gutter to the other end of the gutter, in particular a steadily rising or falling level or a level simply or repeatedly falling and rising along the extension direction of the marble gutter. The formation of a tubular structure is particularly advantageous in the case of such differences in level, since the danger of ejection of the marble is particularly great here.

The object underlying the invention is thirdly achieved by a block set for a marble track, which has a gutter module and an engagement block, wherein the gutter module and the engagement block are designed for coupling to correspondingly configured further modules of the marble track, wherein the gutter module for this purpose a plurality of upwardly facing coupling knobs and downwardly facing coupling holes and the engagement block for this purpose has a plurality of downwardly facing coupling holes, wherein further the coupling holes and coupling knobs are each arranged a horizontal two-dimensional screening with longitudinally and transversely the same basic size and wherein the coupling holes for frictionally clamping recording of the coupling knobs of the gutter module similar coupling knobs are formed.

The gutter module has a marble gutter with a first gutter end and a second gutter end. He has further horizontally offset next to the marble channel via at least one coupling portion on which at least one coupling knob is provided.

The engagement module is non-positively coupled by means of its coupling holes on the coupling portion of the gutter module.

He has according to a variant of a rigid engagement portion which is arranged stationary to its coupling holes and protrudes when coupled to the gutter module in the marble trough, so that the movement of a marble in the marble trough is influenced by the rigid engaging portion.

The engagement module is thus shaped so that it simultaneously with at least one coupling hole on a coupling knob of the Gutter blocks can be attached and extends down with the engaging portion on the marble wall in the marmot trough, there to influence the movement of the ball.

Alternatively, the engagement block has a bearing portion on which an engaging member also belonging to this block set is movably mounted, said engagement member is movably mounted so that it protrudes into the marble trough hinwend or on the marble trough the movement of a marble in the marble trough.

The engagement member in this case is shaped to allow a movable mounting of the preferably one-piece engagement member by which the engagement member is movable between different positions so that the movement of the marble is affected by the engagement member and / or the marble moves the engagement member.

The bearing portion may in particular be formed by a preferably cylindrical hole, in which a shaft extension of the engagement member is mounted, or be formed by a cylindrical portion which projects into a hole of the engagement member.

The gutter module is preferably designed in accordance with the above-described gutter module with end coupling sections. These end coupling sections can be used as attachment points for the engagement block. If both sides of the marble channel coupling sections are provided with coupling knobs, it may be advantageous to fix the engagement block on both sides, thereby increasing the stability of the attachment. For this purpose, the engagement module preferably has coupling holes on both sides of the engagement section or of the bearing section, which can be coupled on both sides of the marble channel to coupling knobs of the channel block.

In the case of an engagement block with movable engagement element, it may also be expedient to provide two engagement blocks, each of which provide a bearing portion for a common engagement element, so that on both sides of the marble channel each have a bearing portion for the movable attachment of the engagement member available.

Below, various concrete intervention blocks are proposed:
The engagement module can be designed as a ski jump module and as such have a ski surface on the engagement section, which rises in coupling direction of the engagement block to the gutter module in the extension direction of the marble trough. The engagement portion of such engagement block thus forms a tread for the marble, through which the marble is lifted out of the marble channel and intended purpose of a piece of free flying.

Such a ski jump module is particularly advantageous combined with a gutter module, which has a slope, so that the marble before the ski jump construction part still undergoes acceleration.

The gutter module can also be designed as a turnout module, the marble channel extending between the first end of the gutter and the second gutter end and at least one third gutter end. The marble can thus be directed from one end of the gutter optionally to one of the other two gutter ends.

The engagement module for attachment to the points module forms a control module, wherein the bearing portion thereof is preferably vertically extending, thereby allowing a horizontal pivotal movement of the movable engagement member. This engagement element serves as a steering part and protrudes when coupling the engagement block to the gutter module with attached engagement element into the marble gutter or over the marble gutter, so that, depending on its position, the movement of the marble coming from the first end of the gutter towards the second or third end of the gutter causes becomes.

The gutter module can also be used in reverse, so that from two gutter ends the marble always rolls to a third gutter end. In this case, the engagement block can be dispensed with.

The engagement block may be formed in another design as a bearing block for supporting a rotor forming the engaging element, which projects in coupling the engagement block to the gutter module in the marble trough that he can be rectified by the marble trough rectified traversing marbles continuously rectified rotated.

Such a rotor can serve purely aesthetic purposes. However, it is also possible to use it functionally, for example by moving the rotor from marbles rolling along the marble trough so as to release marbles elsewhere for further rolling.

As already explained, the building blocks to be used according to the invention are designed in the manner of LEGO or DUPLO bricks, which the use of coupling knobs and coupling holes and their clamping interaction.

Preferably, the building blocks are also directly compatible with one of these systems so that substructures can be built from the bricks of these or similar systems. For compatibility with the LEGO system, the basic dimension is 8 mm and for compatibility with the DUPLO system 16 mm. The coupling knobs, which preferably have a circular cylindrical basic shape, the outer diameter for LEGO compatibility at 4.8 mm and for DUPLO compatibility at 9.6 mm.

The maximum clear width of the marble channel is preferably between 1.6 and 2 times the basic dimension transversely to the extension direction, so that the width of a channel module at the channel end corresponds to four times the basic dimension with two coupling sections arranged on both sides of the marble channel.

The standard height dimension is preferably corresponding LEGO or DUPLO either 9.6 mm or 19.2 mm. The coupling sections described offset to the marble channel preferably have this standard height dimension or a third of its height (without coupling knobs).

As in the case of the known LEGO and DUPLO systems, the building blocks preferably consist entirely or predominantly of plastic, in particular of ABS, polycarbonate or polyamide.

The various components described in the context of this invention are preferably one-piece bodies that are not destructible dismantled.

The invention also relates to a marble track, which has a plurality of building blocks, which at least partially have a marble channel, wherein the blocks are designed for coupling to correspondingly configured further modules of the marble track, wherein for this purpose a plurality of upwardly facing coupling knobs and / or has downwardly facing coupling holes, which are arranged following a horizontal two-dimensional screening with the same length in the longitudinal and transverse basic dimensions, wherein the coupling holes are designed for frictionally clamping recording of coupling knobs.

In this case, a marble track according to the invention comprises at least one module or at least one module set of the type described above.

Such a marble track usually has at least one marble, preferably several marbles. Although the use of the described spherical marbles is the primary field of application of the invention, alternatives are conceivable such as out-of-round rollers or other moving bodies such as miniature vehicles or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the figures.

1 and 2 show a built up of individual bricks marble track, which for better comprehensibility in 2 a base plate of the marble track is hidden.

3A and 3B show a straight lower channel block of the marble track.

4A and 4B show a straight lower channel block of the marble track with a slope.

5A and 5B show a straight lower channel block of the marble track with alternative coupling sections.

6A and 6B show a straight upper channel block of the marble track.

7 shows the coupling of a lower and an upper gutter brick to form a circumferentially closed tubular structure.

8A and 8B show a straight lower gutter block with flexible middle part.

9A and 9B show a lower channel block of the marble track with further 90 ° curve.

10A and 10B show a lower channel block of the marble track with a narrow 90 ° curve and gradient.

11A and 11B show a lower channel block of the marble track with a narrow 90 ° curve and alternative coupling sections.

12A and 12B show an upper channel block of the marble track with a narrow 90 ° curve and with a slope.

13A and 13B show an upper channel block of the marble track with further 90 ° curve and.

14A and 14B show a trained as a ski jump module block.

15 shows the coupling of the ski jump module to a lower gutter module.

16A and 16B show a rotor provided with engaging block.

17 shows the coupling of the engaging block to a lower gutter module.

18A and 18B show a trained as turnout block lower gutter module.

19A and 19B show a trained as a control module block, which is provided with a pivotable steering module.

20 shows the coupling of the control module to the points module.

21 to 24 show alternative gutter blocks whose coupling sections are at least partially provided with coupling overhangs.

25 shows two gutter blocks with coupling overhangs in coupled form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The 1 shows a marble track 10 , consisting of a base plate 20 and aufauf applied structures of individual blocks. In 2 are the constructions 30 without base plate 20 presented for better comprehensibility.

The various building blocks and baseplate are interconnected via a coupling system which is well known in various toy systems, such as LEGO and DUPLO in particular. The blocks have downwardly directed coupling holes or upwardly directed coupling knobs, which form a slight clamping connection with each other and can be firmly joined together with little effort, but can also be easily separated from one another again by a child. The coupling holes and coupling knobs are following a basic grid in the longitudinal and transverse directions each by a basic dimension G (in the case of LEGO: 8 mm) or an integral multiple of each other. The height of most stones displayed is consistent with a standard height measurement (in the case of LEGO: 9.6 mm).

The superstructures 30 The marble track is composed of a large number of different building blocks, some of which are gutter blocks 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 240 . 220 with an upwardly open marble channel acts. Other building blocks 130 . 190 . 250 form a cover for marble troughs. Still other building blocks 210 . 230 with attachments 214 . 234 or intervention blocks 200 are arranged so that they are with marbles 40 interact in the marble channel. A lot of other components 50 . 60 . 62 form the substructure or the superstructure under or over blocks with marble channel.

As already on the basis of 2 it can be seen, most of the building blocks with upwardly open marble gutter or downwardly open marble gutter are designed such that they have a bone-like shape. To a slender middle part, which is formed only by the walls of the marble channel, connect at both ends and in each case on both sides of the marble channel coupling sections.

The described coupling holes and coupling knobs are provided in particular at the mentioned coupling sections of the approximately bone-shaped channel blocks. This allows such gutter blocks over from above or from above attached connecting blocks 60 . 62 to couple with each other and to make a firm connection, which is also in the 2 well-behaved way the construction of elongated bridges allowed.

The concrete marble track 10 of the 1 and 2 is to be understood as merely exemplary in order to clarify the assembly of components according to the invention and component sets. Especially with larger and more interleaved marble sheets, the building blocks and component sets according to the invention are advantageous.

Based on the following figures are elements of the marble track 10 as well as other building blocks, which could additionally be used here, explained in detail.

The 3A and 3B show a simple gutter module 100 that has a straight marble channel 72 features. In the area of the ends 74A . 74B the marble trough 72 are on both sides of the marble trough 72 coupling portions 70 provided, each facing upward via a coupling knob 80 and pointing down each have a coupling hole 82 feature. These coupling sections 70 have the footprint equal to the base G in square and a height equal to the standard height H. At the bottom are the coupling sections 70 through a connecting section 71 together connected, so here at each end in each case four coupling holes 82 are provided.

In the extension direction in a middle part 76 between the terminal coupling and connecting sections 70 . 71 the module is slim and consists essentially only of the directly forming the marble channel walls. It is thus a light and transparent construction with such gutter blocks 100 to achieve.

The opposite the marble trough 72 offset coupling knobs 80 at the top are particularly well suited for the coupling of gutter blocks together and also provide coupling points to build with other simple stones structures can be placed through the higher levels of gutter blocks. The offset to the marble channel 72 provided outer coupling holes 82 at the bottom of the gutter module 100 allow it to be fastened particularly firmly to a base plate or other substructure.

The 4A and 4B show a different gutter module 110 , Also this gutter module forms a straight line projected onto a horizontal plane. The marble channel 72 However, this block is provided with a slope, so that the coupling sections 70 at the opposite ends of the gutter block 110 are offset by a standard height unit H against each other. One related to 4A from the left side entering marble 40 gets in the marble trough 72 therefore accelerated.

The 5A and 5B show an alternative gutter module 120 as well as the gutter brick 100 straight and just trained. However, the coupling sections are 70 here each with two coupling knobs 80 provided, which may be advantageous in individual cases for the cultivation of additional elements such as the ski jump further explained below.

The 6A and 6B show an upper gutter block 130 that is the same length and basic shape as the gutter brick 100 of the 3A and 3B having. However, the marble trough is 73 open down here, leaving the gutter brick 130 deviating from the gutter module 100 four upturned knobs at each end 80 but only two down-facing coupling holes 82 having.

This module is primarily for interacting with a gutter module according to the gutter module 100 educated. 7 shows how the gutter blocks are joined together to form a circumferentially closed tube. This particular may be there in the marble track 10 used where the marble 40 Especially fast or uncontrolled is a jumping out of the marble 40 to avoid.

The 8A and 8B show a special gutter module 140 whose special feature lies in the fact that in the middle part 76 the marble channel with two-sided incisions 78 is provided. This allows flexible use of this gutter module. So can the coupling sections 70 offset at the two ends in the basic grid to each other to underlying blocks. Also it is possible, according to the representation of the 2 to use such a flexible gutter module as a curve and the coupling sections 70 rotated by 90 ° against each other to fix on a substructure.

The 9A and 9B show a rigidly designed as a 90 ° curve gutter module, which, moreover, with respect to its coupling sections 70 with, for example, the gutter module 100 of the 3A and 3B matches.

The 10A and 10B again show a curve block 160 , this being similar to the gutter brick 110 is provided with a slope. It is, so to speak, an acceleration curve.

The 11A and 11B show an alternative design, in turn, according to the 5A and 5B , the coupling sections 70 each with two coupling knobs 80 are provided.

The 12A and 12B such as 13A and 13B show similar to the 6A and 6B upper gutter blocks 180 . 190 with downwardly open marble troughs 73 , on correspondingly shaped lower gutter blocks 150 . 170 be placed in order to form a tubular groove together.

The 14A and 14B show an engaging block 200 , which has two attachment sections 206 with coupling knobs 80 as well as coupling holes 82 features. Between the attachment sections 206 is an integrally formed with these engaging portion 202 provided, which is a shaped like a ski jump ski area 203 provides.

As based on the 15 it can be seen, this jump block module 200 intended to a gutter module such as the provided with gradient gutter module 110 attached to the marble gutter 72 intervene that a marble 40 here from the marble trough can be lifted out and make a jump.

The 16A and 16B show two engagement blocks 210 , each via a provided as a through hole bearing section 212 feature. This is used to make an engaging element 214 in the form of a rotor by means of shaft sections attached thereto 215 to store. The overall composite of the intervention blocks 210 and the engagement element 214 in the form of a rotor can in the in 17 clarified manner be mounted on a gutter module, so that here rolling marbles continue to turn the rotor.

The 18A and 18B show a gutter module 220 in the form of a turnout module. The marble channel 72 this building block 220 thus not only has a first gutter end 74A and a second gutter end 74B but also an alternative third gutter end 74C , Incidentally, this turnout block 220 as well as the previous blocks with end coupling sections 70 on both sides or between the marble channel 72 educated. To be able to steer at this turnout block, like one from the gutter end 74A is forwarded in the 19A and 19B illustrated engagement block 230 provided, in the present case a control module with a vertical bearing section 232 forms. This is an engaging element 234 provided in the form of a steering element, which is opposite to the block 230 is limited pivoting. Due to its special design, a marble arriving at the switch pivots this steering element so that marbles alternate with the gutter end 74B and 74C be steered. Also another steering element, which is manually pivoted to marbles permanently to one of the two gutter ends 74B and 74C to steer is possible.

As the 20 shows, the compound from the engagement block 230 and the engagement element attached thereto 234 as intended between the gutter ends 74B . 74C on the turnout block 220 put on to get a steerable turnout.

The 21 to 25 show further lower gutter blocks 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 whose special feature is that their coupling sections 70 partly over coupling overhangs 73 have the marble gutter 72 in the extension direction.

In the case of the gutter module 300 of the 21 are two coupling overhangs 73 on the same side of the gutter module 300 intended. At the opposite end are the coupling knobs 80 something deepened attached that the coupling overhangs of a similar coupling module 300 due to the recessed arrangement of the coupling knobs 80 with flush connection of the marble channels 72 can be connected to each other. 25 shows such a connection.

In the case of the gutter module 310 of the 22 are at both ends of the marble trough 72 Coupling overhangs 73 provided, at one end above, at the other end below. In addition, at the front end of the coupling knobs 80 lowered and at the rear end of the coupling holes 82 lifted, so that several such building blocks can in turn be connected to each other with flush connection of the marble channels and thereby the coupling with coupling knobs 80 and coupling holes at different heights. This increases the stability.

In the case of the gutter module 320 of the 23 are the coupling sections corresponding to the gutter module 310 However, at each end of the trough two differently shaped coupling sections 70 are provided. As a result, similar gutter blocks 320 be connected so that they support each other from below in the coupling area.

In the case of the gutter module 330 of the 24 are again at both ends of the marble trough 72 coupling portions 70 with coupling overhangs 73 provided, wherein these are formed such that the rear coupling sections 70 for coupling of similar components, the front coupling sections 70 completely uncovered.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2384797 B1 [0002]

Claims (26)

Gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) for a marble track ( 10 ) having the following characteristics: a. the gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) is for coupling to correspondingly configured further modules of the marble track ( 10 ), wherein for this purpose it has a plurality of upwardly pointing coupling knobs ( 80 ) and downwardly facing coupling holes ( 82 ), which are arranged following a horizontal two-dimensional grid with the same basic length (G) in the longitudinal and transverse directions, wherein the coupling holes ( 82 ) for frictionally clamping reception of the coupling knobs ( 80 ) of the gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 ) similar coupling knobs ( 80 ), and b. the gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) has a marble trough ( 72 ) with a first gutter end ( 74A ) and a second gutter end ( 74B ), and c. the gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) has at both gutter ends ( 74A . 74B ) laterally offset to the marble channel ( 72 ) via coupling sections ( 70 ), each with at least one coupling nub ( 80 ) and / or at least one coupling hole ( 82 ), and d. the gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) has a central part ( 76 ) between the end-side coupling sections ( 70 ), which is free of coupling knobs and preferably free of coupling holes. Gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) according to claim 1, having the following additional feature: a. the gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) at at least one gutter end ( 74A . 74B ), preferably at both gutter ends ( 74A . 74B ), on both sides of the marble channel ( 72 ) each have a coupling section ( 70 ), which with at least one coupling knob ( 80 ) and / or at least one coupling hole ( 82 ) is provided. Gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) according to claim 2, having the following additional feature: a. the coupling sections ( 70 ) on both sides of the marble channel ( 72 ) are connected to each other at the bottom and with coupling holes ( 82 ) equipped to receive the coupling of knobs ( 80 ) laterally offset to the marble channel ( 72 ) as well as under the marble trough ( 72 ). Gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3 with the following additional features: a. at least one coupling section ( 70 ) is at its top with exactly one coupling nub ( 80 ), preferably at both gutter ends ( 74A . 74B ) on both sides of the marble channel ( 72 ) each a coupling section ( 70 ) each having exactly one coupling nub ( 80 ), and / or b. at least one coupling section ( 70 ) is equipped with at least two coupling knobs ( 80 ) is provided. Gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, having the following additional feature: a. the center part free of coupling knobs and coupling holes ( 76 ) has at least in sections a cross section transverse to the direction of extension of the marble channel ( 72 ), which is formed solely by a channel cross-section of substantially uniform material thickness, wherein the channel cross section is preferably circular section-shaped or cup-shaped. Gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, having the following additional feature: a. that of coupling knobs ( 80 ) and coupling holes ( 82 ) free middle part has a minimum length in the extension direction of the marble trough ( 72 ) of twice the basic size (G), preferably at least four times the basic size (G). Gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, having the following additional feature: a. the gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) is designed as a straight line module with a rectilinear extension with respect to a horizontal plane, preferably with one of the following additional features: b. the marble channel ( 72 ) has a uniform level, or c. the marble channel ( 72 ) indicates one of a gutter end ( 74A ) to the other end of the gutter ( 74B ) varying level, in particular a continuously falling or rising level or along the direction of extension of the marble channel ( 72 ) simply or repeatedly falling and rising level. Gutter module ( 150 . 160 . 170 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, having the following additional feature: a. the gutter module ( 150 . 160 . 170 ) is designed as a curve component with an extent that is curved in the horizontal direction by 90 °, preferably with one of the following additional features: b. the marble channel ( 72 ) has a uniform level, or c. the marble channel is formed as a steep curve groove with an outside groove wall that exceeds the inside gutter wall, or d. the marble channel ( 72 ) has a varying level from one end of the gutter to the other end of the gutter, in particular a continuously falling or simply falling or rising level along the direction of extension of the marble gutter. Gutter module ( 140 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, having the following additional feature: a. the center part, which is free of coupling knobs and coupling holes, is designed as a flexible middle part which permits non-destructive deformation by means of which the coupling sections can be positioned at the two groove ends in at least two possible relative positions which differ from each other by at least the basic basic dimension (G) in the longitudinal or transverse direction , preferably with the additional feature: b. the marble channel has in the middle part of a deformability, by bilateral cuts ( 78 ) is increased. Gutter module ( 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, having the following additional features: a. at least one of the coupling sections ( 70 ) in the region of a gutter end ( 74A . 74B ) has a coupling overhang ( 73 ) extending in the direction of extent over the gutter end ( 74A . 74B ), and b. the coupling overhang ( 73 ) has at least one coupling nub ( 80 ) and / or via at least one coupling hole ( 82 ). Gutter module ( 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) according to claim 8, having the following additional features: b. at least one second coupling section ( 70 ) in the area of the same or another gutter end ( 74A . 74b ) has a shape suitable for coupling a similar gutter module with a coupling section ( 70 ) with coupling overhang ( 73 ), so that the coupling overhang ( 73 ) at this second coupling section with flush connection of the marble channels ( 72 ) can be coupled. Building block set, for a marble track ( 10 ) having the following characteristics: a. The block set has a lower and an upper gutter block ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ; 130 . 180 . 190 b. the gutter blocks ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ; 130 . 180 . 190 ) are for coupling to correspondingly configured further modules of the marble track ( 10 ), wherein the lower gutter block ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) for this purpose a plurality of upwardly pointing coupling knobs ( 80 ) and downwardly facing coupling holes ( 82 ) and wherein the lower gutter brick ( 130 . 180 . 190 ) a plurality of downwardly facing coupling holes ( 82 ), wherein further the coupling holes ( 82 ) and coupling knobs ( 80 ) are each arranged following a horizontal two-dimensional grid with the same basic dimension (G) in the longitudinal and transverse directions, and wherein the coupling holes ( 82 ) for frictionally clamping reception of the coupling knobs ( 80 ) of the lower gutter module ( 130 . 180 . 190 ) similar coupling knobs ( 80 ), and c. the lower gutter building block ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) has an upwardly open marble trough ( 72 ), and d. the upper channel block ( 130 . 180 . 190 ) has a downwardly open marble trough ( 73 ), and e. the coupling knobs ( 80 ) at the lower gutter building block ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) and the coupling holes ( 82 ) on the upper gutter block ( 130 . 180 . 190 ) are relative to the respective marble channel ( 72 . 73 ) of the gutter blocks ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ; 130 . 180 . 190 ) arranged in such a way that it allows a non-positive coupling of the gutter blocks through which the marble gutters ( 72 . 73 ) are at least partially rectified and form a circumferentially closed tube structure. The device set of claim 11 having the following additional feature: a. the lower gutter building block ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ) is formed according to one of claims 1 to 11. The kit of claims 12 of 13 with the following additional feature: a. the lower and the upper gutter block ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ; 130 . 180 . 190 ) have marble troughs ( 72 . 73 ) of the same extension direction and length, so that by coupling the gutter blocks ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ; 130 . 180 . 190 ) a circumferentially closed tube structure of this extension direction and length is created. The kit of any one of claims 12 to 14, having the following additional feature: a. the circumferentially closed tube structure has a length which is at least four times the basic dimension (G). The kit of any one of claims 12 to 15, having the following additional feature: a. both gutter blocks ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ; 130 . 180 . 190 ) indicate one of a gutter end ( 74A ) to the other end of the gutter ( 74B ) varying level, in particular a continuously rising or falling level or along the direction of extension of the marble channel ( 72 . 73 ) simply or repeatedly falling and rising level. Building block set for a marble track with the following features: a. The block set has a gutter module ( 120 . 220 ) and an intervention block ( 200 . 210 . 230 ), and b. the gutter module ( 120 . 220 ) and the intervention block ( 200 . 210 . 230 ) are for coupling to correspondingly configured further modules of the marble track ( 10 ), wherein the gutter module ( 120 . 220 ) for this purpose a plurality of upwardly pointing coupling knobs ( 80 ) and downwardly facing coupling holes ( 82 ) and the engaging block ( 200 . 210 . 230 ) a plurality of downwardly facing coupling holes ( 82 ), wherein further the coupling holes ( 82 ) and coupling knobs ( 80 ) are each arranged following a horizontal two-dimensional grid with the same basic dimension (G) in the longitudinal and transverse directions, and wherein the coupling holes ( 82 ) for frictionally clamping reception of the coupling knobs ( 80 ) of the gutter module ( 120 . 220 ) similar coupling knobs ( 80 ), and b. the gutter module ( 120 . 220 ) has a marble trough ( 72 ) with a first gutter end ( 74A ) and a second gutter end ( 74B ), and c. the gutter module ( 120 . 220 ) has horizontally offset next to the marble channel via at least one coupling section ( 70 ), at which at least one coupling nub ( 80 ), and d. the intervention block ( 200 . 210 . 230 ) is by means of its coupling holes ( 82 ) at the coupling section ( 70 ) of the gutter module ( 120 . 220 ) can be coupled non-positively, and e. the intervention block ( 210 . 230 ) has a rigid engaging portion ( 202 ) fixed to its coupling holes ( 82 ) is arranged and when coupled to the gutter module in the marble trough ( 72 protruding so that the movement of a marble ( 40 ) in the marble channel ( 72 ) by the rigid engaging portion ( 202 ), or the intervention block ( 210 . 230 ) has a storage section ( 212 . 232 ), on which an engagement element ( 214 . 234 ) is movably mounted, said engagement element ( 214 . 234 ) is mounted so movable that it in the marble trough ( 72 ) or over the marble channel ( 72 ) affecting the movement of a marble in the marble trough. A kit set according to claim 17, having the following additional feature: a. the lower gutter building block ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ; 130 . 180 . 190 ) is formed according to one of claims 1 to 11. The kit of claims 14 or 15, having the following additional feature: a. the intervention block ( 200 . 210 . 230 ) has coupling holes ( 82 ) on both sides of the engaging portion ( 202 ) or the storage section ( 212 ) on both sides of the marble channel ( 72 ) at coupling knobs ( 80 ) of the gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ; 130 . 180 . 190 ) can be coupled. The kit of any one of claims 17 to 19, having the following additional feature: a. the intervention block ( 200 ) is designed as a ski jump module and has a ski area ( 203 ) at the engaging portion ( 202 ) when coupled to the gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ; 130 . 180 . 190 ) in the extension direction of the marble channel ( 72 ) increases. A kit of blocks according to any one of claims 17 to 19, having the following additional features: a. the gutter module ( 220 ) is designed as a switch block, with the marble channel ( 72 ) between the first gutter end ( 74A ) and second gutter end ( 74B ) and at least one third gutter end ( 74C ), and b. the intervention block ( 230 ) is designed as a control module, wherein the bearing section ( 232 ) is vertically extending and a horizontal pivoting movement of the movable engagement element ( 234 ), which when coupling the engagement block ( 230 ) to the gutter module ( 220 ) as a steering part in the marble channel ( 72 ) or over the marble channel ( 72 ), so that depending on its position, the movement of a from the first gutter end ( 74A ) coming marble ( 40 ) towards the second or third gutter end ( 74B . 74C ) is effected. The kit of any one of claims 17 to 20, having the following additional feature: a. the intervention block ( 210 ) is as a bearing block for supporting a the engagement element ( 214 ) forming rotor, which in coupling the engagement block ( 210 ) to the gutter module ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 . 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ; 130 . 180 . 190 ) protrudes into the marble channel in such a way that it passes through the marble channel ( 72 ) rectified traversing marbles ( 40 ) can be rotated rectified continuously. Building block set for a marble track with the following features: a. The block set has at least two channel blocks ( 300 . 310 . 320 . 330 ), which are connected via coupling sections ( 70 ) with coupling overhangs ( 73 ) by which they can be coupled directly to each other so that their marble channels ( 72 ) flush with each other. Block set or block according to one of the preceding claims having at least one of the following features: a. the basic dimension (G) is 8 mm or 16 mm and / or b. the coupling knobs have a circular cylindrical basic shape and preferably an outer diameter of 4.8 mm or 9.6 mm and / or c. the clear width of the channel of the at least one channel module is transversely to the extension direction at least in sections between 1.6 times and 2.0 times the basic size (G) and / or d. the blocks are made of plastic. Marble track ( 10 ) having the following characteristics: a. the marble track ( 10 ) has a plurality of building blocks ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 ; 130 . 180 . 190 ), which at least partially a marble channel ( 72 ), and b. the building blocks ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 ; 130 . 180 . 190 ) are for coupling to correspondingly configured further modules of the marble track ( 10 ), wherein for this purpose they have a plurality of upwardly pointing coupling knobs ( 80 ) and / or downwardly facing coupling holes ( 82 ), which are arranged following a horizontal two-dimensional grid with the same basic length (G) in the longitudinal and transverse directions, wherein the coupling holes ( 82 ) for frictionally clamping reception of coupling knobs ( 80 ), and c. the marble track ( 10 ) comprises at least one building block ( 100 . 110 . 120 . 140 . 150 . 160 . 170 . 220 ; 130 . 180 . 190 ) according to claims 1 to 11 or at least one building block set according to claims 12 to 24. A marble track according to claim 25, having the following additional feature: a. the marble track ( 10 ) has at least one marble ( 40 ).

Images