US20050191939A1

US20050191939A1 - Scaffold support for toy vehicle trackset

Info

Publication number: US20050191939A1
Application number: US11/041,072
Authority: US
Inventors: David Sheltman; Joe Pohlman; Michael Finizza; Mark Mayer; Mike Andrews; Nelson Tam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 2004-01-23
Filing date: 2005-01-21
Publication date: 2005-09-01

Abstract

A scaffold support system for toy vehicle tracksets utilizes a plurality of base members which in turn support a plurality of generally cylindrical rod elements. The rod elements are elongated and generally circular in cross-section. A plurality of joint members are utilized in securing combinations of the rod members together to form a scaffold structure. In turn, a further plurality of joint members are utilized in securing the track segments to the various rods found in the scaffold structure. The joints are movable and rotatable upon the supporting rods to provide substantial variation of track segment positioning and contour within the trackset. For the most part, each joint utilized in securing the track segments and the combinations of scaffold supporting rods within the trackset is capable of securely locking in a selected position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of Provisional Application 60/538,860 entitled SCAFFOLD SUPPORT FOR TOY VEHICLE TRACKSET filed Jan. 23, 2004 on behalf of the applicants of the present application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to toy vehicle tracksets and particularly to the structures utilized in supporting the track segments therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toy vehicle tracksets have grown in complexity and size as consumers have demanded evermore interesting and amusing and challenging tracksets. One of the aspects of toy vehicle tracksets which has enjoyed substantial improvement over the years is found in the support structures which maintain the track segments in their respective positions and elevations to maintain the secure trackway needed for proper operation of the trackset. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,762 issued to Glickman sets forth a VEHICLE TRACK FOR CONSTRUCTION TOY SYSTEM having a guide track structure for a wheeled toy vehicle. Basic structural components comprising rod-like struts and molded plastic connector elements are adapted for snap-together attachment of the strut elements. This enables support structures for the wheeled toy to be assembled in a variety of fashions to provide a self-supporting trackway.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,514 issued to Glickman, et al. sets forth a VEHICLE TRACK SUPPORT FOR CONSTRUCTION TOY SYSTEM providing a structure substantially the same as the structure set forth in the above U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,762 issued to Glickman.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,090 issued to Eisenburg sets forth a TRACKWAY FOR A TRACKBORNE TOY utilizing a pair of resiliently flexible carriers or track members stringently guided in bearings in a spaced juxtaposition. The bearings are supported on vertical supports which are height adjustable as well as vertically and horizontally pivotable.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,320 issued to Miller sets forth a ROLLER COASTER TOY having a multiply curved elevated track system in which a plurality of vertical supports each having independent support bases are secured to selected points along the toy vehicle track. The supports are adjustable in vertical height and are coupled to the track by ball and socket adjustable joints.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,394,489 issued to Martin sets forth an ARTICLE ROLL GAME AND TRACK THEREFOR having an elongated flexible track supported on a base by a plurality of vertical supports. The supports are coupled to the track in a manner permitting the track to move laterally with respect to the supports.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,252,616 issued to Reif sets forth a TOY having a trackway comprised of a plurality of interlocking segments supported by a plurality of vertical supports. The vertical supports allow the trackway to be secured at different heights by moving adjustable pegs which couple the supports to the trackway.
Published application U.S. 2003/0054727 filed by Quercetti sets forth a SUSPENDED RUNWAY over which toy vehicles travel under the influence of gravity. The suspended runway includes a supporting structure having four vertical elements each supported by an independent base. A plurality of cross-connected elements secure the four vertical structures in a rigid column. Adjustable connecting clamps secure portions of the runway to the vertical columns. An additional array of attachments are secured to the runway at various positions and are joined to the four columns by flexible strings or cables.
While the foregoing described prior art devices have to some extent improved the art and have in some instances enjoyed commercial success, there remains nonetheless a continuing need in the art for evermore improved, interesting and amusing toy vehicle tracksets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved toy vehicle trackset. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved supporting structure for a toy vehicle trackset.
The present invention scaffold support system for toy vehicle tracksets utilizes a plurality of base members which in turn support a plurality of generally cylindrical rod elements. The rod elements are elongated and generally circular in cross-section. A plurality of joint members are utilized in securing combinations of the rod members together to form a scaffold structure. In turn, a further plurality of joint members are utilized in securing the track segments to the various rods found in the scaffold structure. The joints are movable and rotatable upon the supporting rods to provide substantial variation of track segment positioning and contour within the trackset. For the most part, each joint utilized in securing the track segments and the combinations of scaffold supporting rods within the trackset is capable of securely locking in a selected position.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a toy vehicle trackset comprising: a plurality of elongated rod elements each having opposed rod ends; a plurality of rod connectors each defining first and second receiving passages and engagement mechanisms for receiving and engaging the rod ends; and at least one track connector having means for engaging at least one portion of a toy vehicle trackway, the rod connectors being joined by the rod elements to form a trackway support structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:
FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle trackset having a scaffold support constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 sets forth a perspective view of an alternate toy vehicle trackset also utilizing a scaffold support system constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle trackset having a further variation of the present invention scaffold support;
FIG. 4 sets forth a perspective of exemplary locking joints constructed in accordance with the present invention scaffold support system;
FIG. 5 sets forth perspective views of further illustrative locking joint members utilized in the present invention scaffold support system;
FIG. 6 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a still further alternate example of a joint utilized in the present invention scaffold support system; and
FIG. 7 sets forth a perspective view of a still further alternate toy vehicle trackset utilizing the present invention scaffold support.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

By way of overview, the present invention scaffold support system utilizes a plurality of base members which in turn support a plurality of elongated generally cylindrical rods or poles. A plurality of locking joints are provided which facilitate the building of a scaffold support structure using the bases and elongated rods or poles to provide secure support for segments of a toy vehicle trackset. For the most part, the joint members utilized are capable of being locked in a given position to further strengthen the resulting structure.
FIG. 1 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle trackset constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 10. Toy vehicle trackset 10 includes a scaffold-type support generally referenced by numeral 11. Support 11 includes a number of base elements such as base 12 which utilize a plurality of support rods such as rod 13. Trackset 10 further includes an intersection 30 supported by scaffold support 11. Intersection 30 includes an outer ring 31 pivotally supported upon support 11 and an inner ring 32. Inner ring 32 is small enough in diameter to fit within the interior of outer ring 31. Inner ring 32 is pivotally secured to outer ring 31. As a result, both outer ring 31 and inner ring 32 are pivotable both with respect to each other and with respect to support 11. Outer ring 32 is coupled to a pair of track portions formed by track loop 22 and track ramp 23. Similarly, inner ring 32 is coupled to one end of track loop 22 and to track segment 21. Because the end portions of track loop 22 are spaced from ramp 23 and track segment 21 respectively, a gap or “jump” is formed across outer ring 31 and inner ring 32. The angle between the jump paths thus formed within intersection 30 is determined by the pivotal positions of outer ring 31 and inner ring 32.
Trackset 10 further includes a booster 15 fabricated in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques which accelerates a toy vehicle passing downwardly upon ramp 23. Trackset 10 further includes a flexible multiple apertured panel 16 which in turn is supported by an adjustable support 17. The remainder of trackset 10 is coupled by a track segment 19 coupled to panel 16 and forming a U-shaped portion together with a straight track segment 20. Track segment 20 is coupled to track segment 21.
Track segment 21, loop portion 22 and ramp 23 are fabricated to provide a trackway which is highly flexible in use and readily adjustable to a variety of curves, loops and twists. Thus, for example, ramp 23 is formed of a track segment 18 comprising an elongated frame 33 supporting a plurality of guide rail posts such as posts 34 and 35. Posts 34 and 35 are supported along each side of frame 33. A pair of flexible generally rod-like rails such as rails 36 and 37 are secured within posts 34 and 35 as well as the remaining posts along frame 33. The utilization of frame 33 together with supporting posts such as posts 34 and 35 and flexible guide rails such as guide rails 36 and 37 provides a track structure which facilitates bending the resulting track into a variety of curves, loops, twists and the like which are maintained in shape due to the secure attachment of guard rails 36 and 37 on each side of the track frame. In the preferred fabrication of the track segments, the fit and attachment of the guard rails utilizes an extremely tight snap-fit attachment for secure holding of the guard rails. Conversely, the positioning of the guard rails after the track frame has been shaped as desired allows the snapped in guard rails to maintain the curvature or twist or other shaping of the track segment.
FIG. 2 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle trackset constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 40. Trackset 40 differs from trackset 10 in its utilization in a different arrangement of components and a different combination of components but functions basically the same. Accordingly, trackset 40 includes a loop segment 41 supported by a support structure 42 together with a loop segment 44. Loop segment 44 is coupled between a curved panel 43 having a support 45 and a booster 15. Booster 15 is fabricated in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques and is used to accelerate a toy vehicle passing through the booster stage. An intersection 30 fabricated in the manner described above in FIG. 1, is positioned with an outer ring 31 and an inner ring 32 in a flat or coplanar relationship. Thus, outer ring 31 is coupled to track loop 41 and booster 15 while inner ring 32 is coupled to the remaining end of loop 41 and curved panel 43.
Loop portion 41 and loop portion 44 of trackset 40 are fabricated in the above-described manner in which a track frame supports a plurality of posts which in turn are secured to a pair of flexible guide rails. It will be noted by examination of FIGS. 1 and 2 that this track structure provides substantial flexibility and variability in shaping the contours of the trackset.
In the horizontal configuration of intersection 30 shown in FIG. 2, the jump portions formed by the respective track segments are generally coplanar and generally horizontal. This allows intersection 30 to provide a more conventional toy vehicle-intersecting jump.
FIG. 3 sets forth a perspective view of a toy vehicle trackset utilizing the present invention scaffold support generally referenced by numeral 170. Toy vehicle trackset 170 includes a pair of track segments 171 and 172 coupled to a multi-use panel 176. A canister 173 which is generally cylindrical in form and which comprises a storage container for the various elements of trackset 170 when trackset 170 is dissembled and stored, supports a connector 174 and a base connector 178. A vertical pole 175 is secured to base 178 and connector 174. Further, a connector 177 is coupled to rod 175 and supports multi-use panel 176. The structures of the various connector utilized in trackset 170 are fabricated in accordance with the present invention described below. Suffice it to note here that the combination of base 178 and rod 175 allows connectors 177 and 174 to secure panel 176 in the desired position.
FIG. 4 sets forth perspective view of exemplary joint connectors utilized in the present invention scaffold support. As described above, the present invention scaffold support utilizes a plurality of generally cylindrical rods such as rods 195 and 201 joined by a corresponding plurality of locking joints. For purposes of weight saving and strength increase, rods 195 and 201 are fabricated having generally circular or cylindrical shapes with the further variation of fabrication using pluralities of circular webs to define the generally cylindrical outer structure while maintaining a substantial weight saving over solid cylindrical elements. It will be recognized that different shaped rods or poles may be utilized without departing from the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows a T-joint 180, a ninety degree joint 190 and a forty-five degree joint 196 each operative in accordance with the locking apparatus set forth below. Thus, T-joint 180 which is intended to couple to the above-mentioned multiple use panel supports a plurality of pegs 181 through 185. A pair of pivoting lock levers 186 and 189 provide movement of pegs 182, 183 and 184 to provide a secure attachment to the multi-use panel (not shown). T-joint 180 further defines a passage 187 which receives the end portion of a rod or pole. In accordance with the lock mechanism set forth below, a movable level 188 is used to securely lock the pole end within the passage 187.
Similarly, ninety degree joint 190 includes passages 191 and 192 and lock levers 193 and 194.
Forty-five degree joint 196 is similar in fabrication to joint 190 with the difference being the angle between receiving passages 197 and 199. Once again, pivoting lock levers 198 and 200 provide secure attachment to the end portion of inserted rods such as rods 200 and 195.
FIG. 5 sets forth perspective views of ninety degree joint 190 together with an early development version of joint 190 generally referenced by numeral 205.
FIG. 6 sets forth a partial assembly perspective view of joint 205. Joint 204 is shown partially opened to reveal a passage 206 which receives the end portion of a rod or pole. Joint 205 utilizes a swivel lock 208 coupled to a lock lever 207. Swivel lock 208 engages latch plate 209 when connector 205 is closed to the configuration shown in FIG. 6. Pivoting lever 207 engages latch plate 209 allowing a tightening of the grip upon an inserted pole or rod.
What has been shown is a scaffold support for toy vehicle trackset which utilizes a plurality of base members supporting elongated rod-like poles together with a plurality of locking joints which facilitate configuration in the scaffold members to provide the appropriately shaped support for the toy vehicle trackset.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A toy vehicle trackset comprising:

a plurality of elongated rod elements each having opposed rod ends;

a plurality of rod connectors each defining first and second receiving passages and engagement mechanisms for receiving and engaging said rod ends; and

at least one track connector having means for engaging at least one portion of a toy vehicle trackway,

said rod connectors being joined by said rod elements to form a trackway support structure.

2. The toy vehicle trackset set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of rod connectors include connectors having said receiving passages angled ninety degrees to each other.

3. The toy vehicle trackset set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of rod connectors include connectors having said receiving passages angled one hundred thirty five degrees to each other.

4. The toy vehicle trackset set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of rod connectors include connectors having said receiving passages angled one hundred eighty degrees to each other.

5. A toy vehicle trackset support structure comprising:

a plurality of elongated rod elements each having opposed rod ends;

a plurality of rod connectors each defining first and second receiving passages and engagement mechanisms for receiving and engaging said rod ends;

a toy vehicle trackset container having an interior space for receiving and storing said rod connector and rod elements and said container being attachable to said support structure to further support a trackway; and

said rod connectors being joined by said rod elements to form said trackway support structure.