WO2020182048A1 - Novel toy vehicle, and track system therefor - Google Patents
Novel toy vehicle, and track system therefor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2020182048A1 WO2020182048A1 PCT/CN2020/077972 CN2020077972W WO2020182048A1 WO 2020182048 A1 WO2020182048 A1 WO 2020182048A1 CN 2020077972 W CN2020077972 W CN 2020077972W WO 2020182048 A1 WO2020182048 A1 WO 2020182048A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- translational elements
- toy vehicle
- tubular track
- translational
- elements
- Prior art date
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H17/00—Toy vehicles, e.g. with self-drive; ; Cranes, winches or the like; Accessories therefor
- A63H17/26—Details; Accessories
- A63H17/36—Steering-mechanisms for toy vehicles
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- 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
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of toy vehicles, and more particularly to a toy vehicle and a track system for a toy vehicle.
- a number of toy vehicles and tracks and track systems thereof for such vehicles exist in the market, for entertainment, including providing a platform including for racing, display, entertainment and the like.
- a basic example of such toy vehicles and tracks includes gravity powered vehicles that may run along a track configured to retain the vehicle within the bounds of said track, which may be formed from a plurality of track segments.
- a degree of flexibility may be provided whereby a user may configure a desired track configuration by joining track segments together end to end.
- Such a system may include a loop or other non-planar variations to the track.
- the toy vehicles typically are toy cars with a set of wheels which interact with a drive surface of a track, and the track may include small side-walls to prevent lateral drift.
- toy vehicle and track system second type includes those of the traditional "slot car" type.
- These toy vehicles use a track laid out, generally on a substantially flat surface that typically allows two or more vehicles to run alongside each other in a race.
- the track may be configured within a finite number of configurations, such as straight sections, curved sections, or figure-eights.
- the toy vehicles are typically powered by a current supplied through metal slots or grooves embedded in the track, providing an electrical contact surface which is in contact with an electric motor in the vehicle by way of sliding contact brushes, and the toy vehicles are typically prevented from lateral drift by way of a pin protruding from the underside of the toy vehicle and into a slot in the track, save when excess speed causes a toy vehicle to leave the track, such that each toy vehicle has its own designated track, save for switch-overs whereby toy vehicles may switch tracks and as such, the path and direction of travel is predetermined.
- Such systems provide significantly more game play and player input in comparison to the first, basic type by way of user operable electric throttle devices which are in electrical communication with the electric contact of the track and hence with a player’s toy vehicle, and thereby allows for variation of speed, but not direction.
- a competition platform for racing between players can occur in that the vehicles may often leave the track unexpectedly and unintentionally, and the arrangement of the track is mostly restricted to a planar surface. Although some rises may be accommodated, these cannot be too significant without the toy vehicle losing traction and most likely dislodging the protruding pin from the track groove and thereby becoming inoperable/undriveable.
- toy vehicles are remote controlled toy vehicles, which may be in numerous forms including in the form of a typical car, and having its own power supply, speed controller and steering mechanism. These are generally intended for use outside of track constraints and although some competitive racing may be done, such toy vehicles are not readily adapted for using in a pre-defined track system.
- the present invention may involve several broad forms. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or any combination of the different broad forms herein described.
- the number of translational elements of the first plurality of translational elements may equal the number of translational elements of the second plurality of translational elements.
- Each translational element of the first plurality of translational elements may be collinear with a corresponding translational element of the second plurality of translational elements in the direction of the longitudinal central axis.
- the first plurality of translational elements may comprise 4 translational elements, and wherein the second plurality of translational elements may comprise 4 translational elements.
- the drive translational elements are translational elements of at least the same plurality of translational element.
- the drive translational elements may comprise a first set of drive translational elements and a second set of drive translational elements.
- the first set of drive translational elements and a second set of drive translational elements may be of at least a same plurality of translational elements.
- the first set of drive translational elements and a second set of drive translational elements may be of the same plurality of translational elements, and wherein the drive translational elements of the first set of drive translational and of the second set of drive translational elements are disposed alternately about the longitudinal axis.
- the drive translational elements of the first set of drive translational may be driven by a first motor and the drive translational elements of the second set of drive translational elements may be driven by a second motor.
- the first set of drive translational elements and a second set of drive translational elements may be both the first and the second plurality of translational elements. All translational elements of the first and the second plurality of translational elements may be drive translational elements.
- the translational elements of the first and the second plurality of translational elements may be drive translational elements and may be equally spaced about the longitudinal axis.
- the translational elements may be comprised of two wheels.
- the present invention comprises an elongated tubular track for use in conjunction with the toy vehicle according to the first aspect.
- the tubular track system is preferably modular.
- the tubular track system is preferably a three-dimensional arrangement.
- the tubular track system is preferably an open system opening to a planar surface, to provide entry of the toy vehicle into the tubular track system from a planar surface and exit from the tubular track system to the planar surface.
- the tubular track system may further include at least one flared element for entry and for exit of the toy vehicle in relation to the tubular track system, and may further include peripheral containment members, whereby the peripheral containment members define a play area therein and comprises a generally elongated perimeter structure having a concave inner lip portion extending upwardly for containing the toy vehicle within the play area.
- Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a toy vehicle according to the present invention
- Figure 1b (i) shows a sectional view of the toy vehicle of Figure 1a along the line A-A of Figure 1c;
- Figure 1b (ii) shows a sectional view of the toy vehicle of Figure 1a along the line B-B of Figure 1c;
- Figure 1c shows an end view of the toy vehicle of Figure 1a
- Figure 1d (i) shows a schematic side view of a flexural element of the toy vehicle of Figure 1b (i) in a first position
- Figure 1d (ii) shows a schematic side view of a flexural element of the toy vehicle of Figure 1b (i) in a second and deflected position;
- Figure 1e (i) shows a photographic representation of two planar “H” -shaped housing portions of the toy vehicle of Figures 1a to 1c;
- Figure 1e (ii) shows a photographic representation of two planar “H” -shaped housing portions of Figure 1e (i) in a partially assembled configuration
- Figure 1e (iii) shows a photographic representation of two planar “H” -shaped housing portions of Figure 1e (i) in a fully assembled configuration
- Figure 1e (iv) shows a photographic representation of two planar “H” -shaped housing portions of
- Figure 2a shows an end view of a toy vehicle of Figure 1a inside a tubular track
- Figure 2b shows a perspective view of the toy vehicle of Figure 2a inside the tubular track
- Figure 3a shows an end view of a toy vehicle of Figure 2a and 2b having exited the tubular track and partially engaged with a ground surface;
- Figure 3b shows an end view of the toy vehicle of Figure 2a, 2b and 3a having exited the tubular track and fully engaged with the ground surface;
- Figure 4a shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a toy vehicle according to the present invention at a first angular rotation
- Figure 4a (ii) shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the toy vehicle of Figure 4a (i) at a second angular rotation
- Figure 4a (iii) shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the toy vehicle of Figure 4a (i) at a third angular rotation
- Figure 4a (iv) shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the toy vehicle of Figure 4a (i) at a fourth angular rotation
- Figure 4b shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a toy vehicle according to the present invention.
- Figure 5a shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a toy vehicle according to the present invention.
- Figure 5b shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a toy vehicle according to the present invention.
- Figure 6a shows a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of a toy vehicle according to the present invention.
- Figure 6b shows a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of a toy vehicle according to the present invention.
- Figure 7 shows a further configuration of a tubular track for use with a toy vehicle in accordance with the present invention
- Figure 8 shows a further configuration of a tubular track system for use with a toy vehicle in accordance with the present invention having a flared entry element having concave inner lips and guidance grooves and protrusions and peripheral containment members with concave inner lips enclosing an open, extraneous play area;
- Figure 9 shows the flared entry element of Figure 8 and with concave inner lips and guidance grooves and protrusions of Figure 8;
- Figure 10a shows a first example of a tubular track element for the tubular track in accordance with the present invention
- Figure 10b shows a second example of a tubular track element for the tubular track in accordance with the present invention
- Figure 10c shows a third example of a tubular track element for the tubular track in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of a toy vehicle and tubular track system according to the present invention.
- Figure 12 shows a fourth example of a tubular track system accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 13 shows a further example of a tubular track system in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 14 shows a side view of a hand-held remote control device for use in conjunction with a toy vehicle in accordance with the present invention.
- the present invention is directed to a toy vehicle and a track system, which provides for enhanced play appeal to users in comparison with those of the prior art.
- the present invention provides for a toy vehicle which is capable of being operable both within a tubular track and on a ground surface external of and extraneous or external to such a tubular track.
- embodiments of the present invention provide for a toy vehicle and track system therefor, including an elongated tubular track, wherein the toy vehicle is operable and is capable of at least both of the following:
- the present invention provides a robust, elegant and versatile solution to deficiencies, limitations, complications and inefficiencies of toy vehicles and track systems of the prior art.
- planar has been used with reference to the area external of the tubular track, those skilled in the art will understand that the planar surface may include undulations and inclinations, and the term “planar” does not preclude three-dimensional planar surface. As such, the term “planar” in the present invention is not limited or restricted to two-dimensional planar playing areas.
- the toy vehicle is both drivable and steerable on such an extraneous planar surface.
- the toy vehicle is steerable and the tubular track system adapted so as to allow and provide for re-entry of the toy vehicle into the tubular track system.
- the drivability and steerability which is described in detail below, of the toy vehicle is not altered or influenced by the orientation of the vehicle upon it exiting the elongating tubular track, and the novel and innovative arrangement of the translational elements and motors controlling such translational elements.
- the present invention importantly provides for controlled steering of a toy vehicle when it exits a tube, irrespective of its orientation and irrespective of which translational elements or wheels are engaged with or are touching the ground surface.
- this is conveniently achieved by the implementation of the particulars of the present invention, again which is described and disclosed in detail below and which provides the significant advantage and benefit of providing steerability of the vehicle irrespective of which wheels or translation elements are engaged with the ground surface upon which the toy vehicle travels, thus obviating the necessity for the system to determine which wheels are engaged with the ground surface, such as by use of a sensor system for ascertaining the orientation of the toy vehicle.
- Such innovation as provided by the present invention provides a toy vehicle having driveability and steerability with:
- the present invention provides for a tubular track system having design freedom irrespective of the confines of the area in which the system is to be deployed and utilised, and provides design freedom for a user for configuring the tubular track system layout based on the available play area as well as on user desirability.
- a toy vehicle capable of both travel through both a non-linear elongated tubular track and also capable of travelling on a planar surface external to an elongated tubular track and to have controllability and steerability as provided by the present invention, the dual functionality and whereby the drivability and steerability of the toy vehicle is not altered or influenced by the orientation of the vehicle upon it exiting the elongating tubular track, and the novel and innovative arrangement of the translational elements and motors controlling such translational elements, provides the significant advantage and benefit of obviating the necessity of the requirement of determining which wheels or translational elements are engaged with the ground surface, such as a sensor system for ascertaining the orientation of the toy vehicle or the like, and advantages thereof, which is distinguished from and not provided by other toy vehicles and systems thereof within art and is not suggested, hinted of or anticipated within the prior art.
- embodiments of the present invention also provide for enhanced configurability of a tubular track system, with increased versatility and flexibility for utilization of the physical environment in which the tubular track system is deployed and as such, provides for increased creativity in track system configurations. As such, increased interest and play appeal is provided by such versatility.
- the provision for a multiplicity of configurations also allows users to provide user-defined track layouts, which provides for enhanced user or player interest.
- embodiments of the present invention allow for the track system to be configured in a three-dimensional arrangement, thus providing:
- the toy vehicle comprises
- n 1 or more, translational elements spaced about the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle for engagement with the inner surface of the elongated tubular track;
- control system for controlling at least the operable rotational speed of at least two translational elements, wherein said at least two translational elements are drive translational elements.
- the translational elements are urged towards the inner surface of the elongated tubular track and such that at least one of the drive translational elements is urged against and maintained in contact with the inner surface of the elongated tubular track such that the rotation of said at least one of the drive translational elements urges the toy vehicle through the elongated tubular track; Further, upon the toy vehicle travelling through a portion of the passageway of the elongated tubular track having a non-linear pathway.
- the translational elements move relative to the longitudinal central axis and are urged towards the longitudinal central axis such that the toy vehicle is prevented from impinging upon the inner surface of the elongated tubular track such that said at least one of the drive translational elements is maintained against the inner surface of the elongated tubular track.
- control system operably controls the rotational speed of said drive translational elements, such that the toy vehicle is drivable, and such that the toy vehicle is steerable on the planar surface by providing differential rotational speeds between the translational elements.
- FIG. 1a, 1b, 1c there is shown an embodiment of a toy vehicle 100 in accordance with the present invention.
- a body member 101 and drive train guards 104 shown which are omitted in Figure 1c, so to allow for ease of explanation.
- the toy vehicle 100 has a longitudinal central axis 130 aligned with a direction of travel through a passageway of an elongated tubular track having a non-linear pathway which extends in three dimensions and which at least partly confines said toy vehicle 100.
- the toy vehicle 100 has a longitudinal central axis 130, and is capable of travelling through a passageway of a tubular track.
- the tubular track may have different cross sections, and the travel ability of the toy vehicle 100 is not limited to any particular cross-section or geometry.
- the toy vehicle may travel though a tubular track having a circular transverse cross section with a curved inner surface.
- the toy vehicle 100 includes a first plurality of translation elements 110 spaced about the longitudinal central axis 130 of the toy vehicle 100 for engagement with the curved inner surface of the track, and further includes a second plurality of translation elements 120 spaced about the longitudinal central axis 130 of the toy vehicle 100 for engagement with the curved inner surface of the track.
- the first plurality of translational elements 110 comprises 4 translational elements 110
- the second plurality of translational elements comprises 4 translational elements 120.
- the translational elements are in the present embodiment a pair of wheels.
- all of the translational elements are drive translational element which are powered so as to drive the toy vehicle through the passageway of the elongated tubular track although in other and alternate embodiments, all translational elements need not necessarily be drive translational elements.
- Each of the translational elements of the first plurality of translational elements 110 and each of the translational elements of the second plurality of translation elements 120 are independently moveable in relation to each other and are biased in at least an outward radial direction from the longitudinal central axis 130 of the toy vehicle 100 such that when urged towards the longitudinal axis 130 they are urged radially outwardly from the longitudinal central axis. This feature is discussed in further detail of the present embodiment with reference to Figure 1e below.
- Such movable and radially outwardly biased translation elements 110, 120 provide that upon the toy vehicle 100 travelling through a portion of the track having a non-linear pathway, at least one drive translational element is maintained in contact with the curved inner surface of the elongated tubular track such that motion of the toy vehicle 100 through the elongated tubular track is maintained, and also provides that the toy vehicle 100 importantly is prevented from impinging upon the inner surface of the elongated tubular track.
- the translational elements 110, 120 that are radially moveable independently with respect to each other allows for the toy vehicle 100 to pass through tight bends or turns of the tubular track, and that the toy vehicle 100 does not become impinged upon passing through non-linear portions of the tubular track.
- diametrically opposed translational elements 110a, and diametrically opposed translational elements 120a are driven by one of the sets of gears 140.
- diametrically opposed translational elements 110b, and diametrically opposed translational elements 120b are driven by the other of set of gears 150.
- adjacent translational elements 110a and 110b, and 120a and 120b are driven by different sets of gears.
- a first electric motor (not shown) drives the first set of gears 140 and a second electric motor (not shown) drives the second set of gears 150.
- adjacent translational elements 110a and 110b, and 120a and 120b are driven and powered by different motors.
- this differential relative speed between adjacent translational elements 110a and 110b, and 120a and 120b allows for steering of the toy vehicle 100, as there will be two adjacent translational elements 110a and 110b, and 120a and 120b on a ground surface when the vehicle is on the ground and not within the passage of an elongated tubular track.
- the toy vehicle 100 includes a power supply, which in the present embodiment is two battery units 170a, 170b, which power the electric motors.
- a biasing element such as helical coil spring, leaf spring, spiral spring, air spring or flexural element or the like.
- the translational elements 110 and 120 to be outwardly radially biased by way of the flexural element 175 which, by virtue of the elastic properties from which it is formed in conjunction with its geometry and dimensions, when urged radially inwardly by force 178 as shown in Figure 1d (ii) , a restorative reaction force is induced whereby the translational elements 110 and 120 are urged radially outwardly.
- a restorative reaction force is induced whereby the translational elements 110 and 120 are urged radially outwardly.
- Such outward radial force urges the translational elements 110 and 120 against the inner surface of an elongate tubular track when the toy vehicle 100 traverses therethrough, thus maintaining sufficient contact and engagement with the inner surface of the track such that the vehicle has sufficient traction so as to be urged through the track by the electric motors.
- the toy vehicle 100 is provided as two planar “H” -shaped housing portions 101a and 101b, which encase the sets of gears 140 and 150 referred to above in reference to Figures 1b (i) and 1b (ii) respectively, as well as support translational elements 110a and 120a, and 110b and 120b respectively.
- the two planar housing portions 101a and 101b are urged together at a rotational displacement of 90 degrees with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle which is formed from the two planar housing portions 101a and 101b.
- the two planar housing portions 101a and 101 b are slotted together by the complimentary slots disposed between the long members of the “H” -shaped housing portions 101a and 101b, which, when urged fully together as shown in Figure 1e (iii) so as to form the body member 101 of the toy vehicle 100 as shown.
- side panel 102 and nose cone assembly 103 are affixed to the body member 101 so as to form the completed toy vehicle 100.
- FIG. 2a and 2b there is shown an end view of a toy vehicle 200 in a elongate tubular track 245, whereby the first translational elements 210 are urged against the inner wall 247 of the elongate tubular track 245, by way of a biasing element such as helical coil spring, leaf spring, spiral spring, air spring or a flexural element 175 or the like as shown in Figure 1d (i) and Figure 1d (ii) .
- the biasing elements maintain the translational elements as being urged against the inner wall 247 of the elongate tubular track 245 so as to maintain traction as the toy vehicle 200 traverses through the elongate tubular track 245 in a manner as describe above.
- the toy vehicle 200 rotates about its longitudinal axis which, although not shown, will be understood to be an axis which extends out of the page, such that translational element 210b also engages with adjacent ground surface 290.
- the toy vehicle 200 is now positioned to be both drivable and also steerable on the adjacent ground surface 290.
- the toy vehicle 200 is immediately both drivable and steerable on a planar surface outside the tube, irrespective of which translational elements are engaged with the planar ground surface.
- adjacent translational elements are driven by different motors independently, which provides for such steering irrespective of the orientation of the toy vehicle, thus again obviating the necessity for determining which translational elements or wheels are engaged with the ground surface, or the orientation of the vehicle about its longitudinal axis.
- FIG. 4a (i) to 4a (iv) there is shown a schematic representation of a front view of a toy vehicle 400A in accordance with the present invention, with characteristics and features embodied therein as described with reference to the toy vehicles above.
- the toy vehicle 400A include a first set of translational elements 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, which may be wheels for example, which in the present embodiment are equally spaced about a circumference about the end-on longitudinal central axis extending out of the page.
- the translational elements 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d need not necessarily be equally or evenly spaced apart.
- first motor and drive assembly represented schematically by 420a, powers and drives translational elements 410a and 410c
- a second motor and drive assembly represented schematically by 420b, powers and drives translational elements 410b and 410d.
- the translational elements 410a and 410b engaged with the ground surface are powered by different motor and drive assemblies 420a and 420b and as such and as described above, this provides for both driving and steering of the vehicle 400A on the ground surface whereby the steering is effected by differential rotational speeds between the translational elements 410a and 410b.
- each translational element 430a, 430b, 430c and 430d are each independently driven and controlled by motor and drive assemblies 440a, 440b, 440c and 440d respectively.
- steering can be effected in the same manner as described as above, as any adjacent translation elements engaged with the ground surface are driven and controlled by a different motor and control assembly.
- each motor and drive assemblies powering a respective translational element is operatively controlled in unison with motor and drive assemblies powering each alternate translational element.
- motor and drive assemblies 440a and 440c are controlled in unison with each other, while motor and drive assemblies 440b and 440d are controlled in unison with each other.
- the present invention can provide for steering by differential rotational speeds between the translational elements:
- the toy vehicle 500A has six translation elements 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d, 510e and 510f.
- Translation elements 510a, 510c, 510e are driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly 520b
- translation elements 510b, 510d, 510f are driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly 520a.
- one ground engaging translational element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly 520a and the other adjacent ground surface engaging translational element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly 520b, thus providing for steerability by differential rotational speed of ground engaging translational elements as described above and in accordance with the present invention.
- the toy vehicle 500B has six translation elements 530a, 530b, 530c, 530d, 530e and 530f are driven and controlled by motor and drive assemblies 540a, 540b, 540c, 540d, 540e and 540f respectively.
- Motor and drive assemblies 540a, 540c and 540e are controlled collectively together in unison, and motor and drive assemblies 540b, 540d and 540f and 540f are controlled collectively together in unison and such that there are only two groups of translational elements, and each group is independently controllable from the other.
- one ground engaging translational element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly group 540a, 540c and 540e, and the other adjacent ground surface engaging translational element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly group 540b, 540d and 540d, thus providing for steerability by differential rotational speed of ground engaging translational elements as described above and in accordance with the present invention.
- the toy vehicle 600A has eight translation elements 610a, 610b, 610c, 610d, 610e, 610f, 610g and 610h.
- Translation elements 610a, 610c, 610e and 610g are driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly 620a
- translation elements 610b, 610d, 610f and 610h are driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly 620b.
- one ground engaging translational element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly 620a and the other adjacent ground surface engaging translational element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly 620b, thus providing for steerability by differential rotational speed of ground engaging translational elements as described above and in accordance with the present invention.
- the toy vehicle 600B has eight translation elements 630a, 630b, 630c, 630d, 630e, 630f, 630g and 630h, whereby translation elements 630a, 630c, 630e and 630g are driven and controlled by motor and drive assemblies 640a and 640c, and whereby translation elements 630b, 630d, 630f and 630h are driven and controlled by motor and drive assemblies 640b and 640d
- Motor and drive assemblies 640a and 640c are controlled collectively together in unison, and motor and drive assemblies 640b and 640d are controlled collectively together in unison and such that there are only two groups of translational elements, and each group is independently controllable from the other.
- one ground engaging translational element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly group 640a and 640c, and the other adjacent ground surface engaging translational element will be driven and controlled by motor and drive assembly group 640b and 640d, thus providing for steerability by differential rotational speed of ground engaging translational elements as described above and in accordance with the present invention.
- the second corresponding plurality of translational elements may be passive elements, and not be powered at all.
- the corresponding front and rear translational elements are powered, and may be powered by the same electric motor.
- alternate translational elements of the first plurality of translational elements may be powered, by the same of different motors, and translational elements between those powered translational elements may not be powered.
- alternate translational elements may be powered and translational elements between those powered translational elements may not be powered, and the powered translational elements of the second plurality of translational elements are offset and not aligned with the powered translational elements of the first plurality of translational elements.
- translational elements on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis be powered so as to provide for steering via differential rotational speed
- the separately powered translational elements which are engaged with the ground surface may be on the same side of the central longitudinal axis yet at different lateral offsets.
- FIG. 7 there is shown a configuration of a tubular track 700 for use with a toy vehicle in accordance with the present invention.
- the tubular track 700 is placed on a planar surface 720 defining an open and extraneous play area, and has openings 730 and 750 through which a toy vehicle may exit or enter the tubular track 700.
- FIG. 8 there is shown a further configuration of a tubular track 800 on a planar surface 810 for use with a toy vehicle in accordance with the present invention having a flared entry element as an entry funnel 850 and peripheral skirt 840 which defines a play area within a perimetered area as prescribed by the peripheral skirt 840.
- the entry funnel 850 provides assistance for toy vehicles to enter the tubular track 800, and the peripheral skirt 840 includes a concave curved and upwardly extending surface upon which a toy vehicle may at least partially travel there along, so as to be retained within a prescribed play area.
- the play area allows for two or more toy vehicles which are individually controllable to be used at the same time so as to provide a competitive racing environment.
- the entry funnel 850 may be formed integrally with the peripheral skirt 840 without departing from the scope of the invention.
- the entry funnel 920 of Figure 8 includes an entry aperture 922 through which a toy vehicle may pass so as to enter the tubular track, and includes a plurality of guidance portions 924 converging towards the tubular track to guide the toy vehicle towards the tubular track from the planar surface or play area, wherein the guidance portions are a series of converging grooves and/or protrusions.
- the entry funnel 920 includes an upwardly extending curved lip 926 so as to further guide the toy vehicle towards the entry aperture 922.
- tubular track may be modular and configurable by a user, and various tubular elements may be incorporated, such as a U-bend as shown in Figure 10a, and S-bend as shown in Figure 10b or a loop element as shown in Figure 10c. Other elements may also be utilised and incorporated, such as bends, u-bends, corkscrew elements and the like.
- FIG. 11 there is shown a schematic representation of an example of a toy vehicle and tubular track system 1100 according to the present invention.
- the system 1100 includes a tubular track 1120 and a play area 1160 similar as described above in reference to Figure 8.
- two toy vehicles 1140a and 1140b are provided, each having respective remote controls 1180a and 1180b for controlling the toy vehicles 1140a and 1140b, so as to be able to traverse the play area 1160 and exit and enter the tubular track 1120As with other embodiments, the tubular track 1120 may be formed of individual tubular elements, such that the tubular track may be assembled and configured by a user.
- Figure 12 shows a tubular track 1200 for use with a toy vehicle in accordance with the present invention.
- the tubular track 1200 sits on a ground surface 1220 and is depicted as extending in a vertical direction.
- the tubular track includes a plurality of sections which include U-bend sections 1230, inclined sections 1240, straight vertical sections 1250 and straight, horizontal sections 1260.
- the tubular track 1200 is modular and can be configured to a user-preferred arrangement.
- the tubular track 1200 may extend in three dimensions and may be inclined at various angles and inclinations.
- the system 1300 includes a tubular track 1340 which include an exit end 1360 for a toy vehicle of the present invention to exit therefrom, and an entry funnel 1350 for the toy vehicle to enter the tubular track 1360.
- the system 1300 further includes a plurality of track extension elements 1370a, 1370b and 1370c.
- the system is deployed in a zone 1310 defied by a vertical perimetrical wall 1390 which defines a play area 1330 as a planar surface.
- the perimetrical wall 1390 has a first aperture 1320 and a second aperture 1320b which defines a pathway therebetween.
- the zone 1310 may be a room, such as a living room, and the first aperture 1320 and the second aperture 1320b may be doorways which define a pathway through which a person may walk traverse.
- the track extension elements 1370a, 1370b and 1370c are deployed in the zone 1310 and a play pathway extends from the exit end 1360 of the tubular track 1340, through extension element 1370a, through extension element 1370c and through extension element 1370b) back to entry funnel 1350.
- a toy vehicle may be driven through the track system 1300 which allows for the system 1300 to utilise a large play area within the zone 1310.
- the system may be utilised to optimise the area in which it is deployed, in three dimensions, whereby the tubular track 1340 can be configured in an applicable area whereby it does not obstruct the pathway between the apertures 1320 and 1320a, whilst further utilizing play area 1330 by virtue of the track extension elements 1370a, 1370b and 1370c, such that a person may walk between apertures 1320 and 1320a without being obstructed by any physical elements or components of the system 1300.
- the system 1300 provides versatility to use a three dimensional region, for example within a living room, so as to take advantage of both the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the room, whilst maintaining play appeal to users while simultaneously minimising any reduction of utility of the zone 1310 for other people/users of the space.
- This is in contrast to systems of the prior art, whereby a track requires a relatively large designated area to be laid out upon, which typically takes up a large two dimensional area of a room, causes obstruction to persons traversing or utilising the room, and is typically required to be disassembled and packed away when not in use in order to maximise overall utility of the space/zone.
- the track extension elements 1370a, 1370b and 1370c can be provided as slalom gates, and users are required to drive the toy vehicle therethrough, and cannot progress to a next gate until passing through a previous gate.
- a user may be required to re-enter and pass through the tubular track 1340 in order to be eligible to attempt to pass through the gates again.
- Two or more vehicles can be utilised at the same time, and a race type game may ensue whereby persons may compete against each other in order to pass through as many gates within a predefined time period.
- Numerous play/game schemes may be implemented for the system, and various configurations may be deployed to increase the difficulty and enhance player interest.
- the device 1400 includes a trigger control 1410 moveable forward and backwards in the direction 1415 of arrow A.
- a user may urge the trigger control 1410 in a forward direction to drive the toy vehicle in a first direction, and may urge the trigger control 1410 in the reverse direction to drive the toy vehicle in a second opposite direction, as well as vary the speed of the toy vehicle.
- a steering wheel 1420 is provided, which is rotatable 1425 in a clockwise direction to steer the toy vehicle in a first direction, and which is rotatable in an anti-clockwise direction to steer the toy vehicle in the opposite direction to the first direction.
- the device includes an antenna 1430 for providing wireless control of the toy vehicle, and buttons 1440 for changing modes and invoking optional features and the like.
- a toy vehicle which is capable of being operable both within a tubular track and on a planar ground surface external of and extraneous to such a tubular track.
- planar has been used with reference to the area external of the tubular track, those skilled in the art will understand that the planar surface may include undulations and inclinations, and the term “planar” does not preclude three dimensional planar surface. As such, the term “planar” in the present invention is not limited or restricted to two dimensional planar playing areas.
- embodiments of the present invention provide for a toy vehicle and track system therefor, including a tubular track, wherein the toy vehicle is operable and is capable of at least both of the following:
- the toy vehicle is immediately both drivable and steerable on a planar surface outside without the need for determining which wheels are engaged with the ground or the orientation of the vehicle, or include any sensor type system to determine which wheels are engaged with the ground surface or the like for example.
- the present invention provides a robust, elegant and versatile solution to deficiencies, limitations, complications and inefficiencies of toy vehicles and track systems of the prior art.
- the toy vehicle is both drivable and steerable on such an extraneous planar surface.
- the drivability and steerability of the toy vehicle of the present invention is not altered or influenced by the orientation of the vehicle upon it exiting the elongating tubular track, and the novel and innovative arrangement of the translational elements and motors controlling such translational elements, provides the significant advantage and benefit of obviating the necessity of the requirement of determining which wheels are engaged with the ground or the orientation of the vehicle so that appropriate wheels are powered or driven to provide steerability.
- Such innovation as provided by the present invention provides a toy vehicle having driveability and steerability with:
- the present invention provides for a tubular track system which can also be configured in the vertical dimension, thus allowing an increased efficiency of usable space in which the system may be deployed. Furthermore, in an embodiment having track extension elements, there is provided a system usable in a larger two dimensional area such as a room, in addition to the third vertical dimension, without causing disruption and inconvenience by physically occupying a relatively large two dimensional area, such as is typically required by track systems of the prior art.
- a toy vehicle capable of travel through a non-linear three dimensional elongated tubular track and also embodiments which are capable of travelling on a planar surface external to an elongated tubular track and to have controllability and steerability as provided by the present invention is new within the art, and the features which provide for such duality are not suggested within the prior art for such a dual environment functional toy vehicle.
- the present invention can provide children with a platform, such as on the floor, for actively arranging and creating their vision of a raceway and play area.
- Playing with building and construction toys encourages children to actively use their mind and their body to entertain themselves, rather than relying on electronic gadgets and devices to provide mainly passive entertainment, which is typically an emulated virtual reality world.
- the present invention can help prepare children for academic studies, sports and for their adult working life.
- the present invention when used by children, provides for such advantages to children by:
- Encouraging socialization skills Playing with others while creating and completing a physical construction project helps develop teamwork and cooperation skills. These are skills that are valuable throughout life, including in an adult workplace.
Abstract
Description
Claims (19)
- A toy vehicle having a longitudinal central axis aligned in a direction of travel and for travel through a passageway of an elongated tubular track having a non-linear pathway which extends in three dimensions and which at least partly confines said toy vehicle, said toy vehicle comprising:a first plurality of translational elements comprising two + 2n, wherein n = 1 or more, translational elements spaced about the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle for engagement with the inner surface of the elongated tubular track; and a second plurality of translational elements comprising two + 2m, wherein m = 1 or more, translational elements spaced about the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle for engagement with the curved inner surface of the elongated tubular track,wherein each of the translational elements of the first plurality of translational elements and each of the translational elements of the second plurality of translation elements are independently moveable in relation to each other and are biased in at least an outward radial direction from the longitudinal central axis of the toy vehicle, anda control system for controlling at least the operable rotational speed of at least two translational elements, wherein said at least two translational elements are drive translational elements;wherein upon the toy vehicle travelling through the passageway of the elongated tubular track the translational elements are urged towards the inner surface of the elongated tubular track and such that at least one of the drive translational elements is urged against and maintained in contact with the inner surface of the elongated tubular track such that the rotation of said at least one of the drive translational elements urges the toy vehicle through the elongated tubular track;wherein upon the toy vehicle travelling through a portion of the passageway of the elongated tubular track having a non-linear pathway, the translational elements move relative to the longitudinal central axis and are urged towards the longitudinal central axis such that the toy vehicle is prevented from impinging upon the inner surface of the elongated tubular track such that said at least one of the drive translational elements is maintained against the inner surface of the elongated tubular track; andwherein upon the toy vehicle exiting the elongated tubular track towards and onto a planar surface and being unconstrained within the elongated tubular track:(i) the toy vehicle rotates under effect of gravity about the longitudinal central axis such that said drive translational elements are operably engaged with the planar surface; and(ii) the control system operably controls the rotational speed of said drive translational elements, such that the toy vehicle is drivable, and such that the toy vehicle is steerable on the planar surface by providing differential rotational speeds between the translational elements.
- A toy vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the number of translational elements of the first plurality of translational elements equals the number of translational elements of the second plurality of translational elements.
- A toy vehicle according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each translational element of the first plurality of translational elements is collinear with a corresponding translational element of the second plurality of translational elements in the direction of the longitudinal central axis.
- A toy vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first plurality of translational elements comprises 4 translational elements, and wherein the second plurality of translational elements comprises 4 translational elements.
- A toy vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive translational elements are translational elements of at least the same plurality of translational element.
- A toy vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive translational elements comprises a first set of drive translational elements and a second set of drive translational elements.
- A toy vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the first set of drive translational elements and a second set of drive translational elements are of at least a same plurality of translational elements.
- A toy vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the first set of drive translational elements and a second set of drive translational elements are of the same plurality of translational elements, and wherein the drive translational elements of the first set of drive translational and of the second set of drive translational elements are disposed alternately about the longitudinal axis.
- A toy vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the drive translational elements of the first set of drive translational are driven by a first motor and the drive translational elements of the second set of drive translational elements are driven by a second motor.
- A toy vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the first set of drive translational elements and a second set of drive translational elements are of both the first and the second plurality of translational elements.
- A toy vehicle according to claim 10, wherein all translational elements of the first and the second plurality of translational elements are drive translational elements.
- A toy vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the translational elements of the first and the second plurality of translational elements are drive translational elements are equally spaced about the longitudinal axis.
- A toy vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the translational elements are comprised of two wheels.
- A tubular track system, comprising an elongated tubular track for use in conjunction with the toy vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
- A tubular track system according to claim 14, wherein the tubular track system is modular.
- A tubular track system according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the tubular track system is a three-dimensional arrangement.
- A tubular track system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the tubular track system is an open system opening to a planar surface, to provide entry of the toy vehicle into the tubular track system from a planar surface and exit from the tubular track system to the planar surface.
- A tubular track system according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the tubular track system further includes at least one flared element for entry and for exit of the toy vehicle in relation to the tubular track system.
- A tubular track system according to any one of claims 14 to 18, further including peripheral containment members, whereby the peripheral containment members define a play area therein and comprises a generally elongated perimeter structure having a concave inner lip portion extending upwardly for containing the toy vehicle within the play area.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CN202090000423.2U CN216366598U (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2020-03-05 | Novelty toy vehicle and tubular track system for same |
BR112021017665A BR112021017665A2 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2020-03-05 | Toy vehicle and track system for the same |
DE212020000545.1U DE212020000545U1 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2020-03-05 | Novel toy vehicle and track system for it |
JP2021600138U JP3236393U (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2020-03-05 | New toy vehicle and track system for the toy vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/297,122 | 2019-03-08 | ||
US16/297,122 US10814237B2 (en) | 2016-08-29 | 2019-03-08 | Toy vehicle and track system therefor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2020182048A1 true WO2020182048A1 (en) | 2020-09-17 |
Family
ID=72426892
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/CN2020/077972 WO2020182048A1 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2020-03-05 | Novel toy vehicle, and track system therefor |
Country Status (5)
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JP (1) | JP3236393U (en) |
CN (1) | CN216366598U (en) |
BR (1) | BR112021017665A2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE212020000545U1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020182048A1 (en) |
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US20190297122A1 (en) * | 2008-11-26 | 2019-09-26 | David Harrison | Relevancy improvement through targeting of information based on data gathered from a networked device associated with a security sandbox of a client device |
-
2020
- 2020-03-05 BR BR112021017665A patent/BR112021017665A2/en unknown
- 2020-03-05 CN CN202090000423.2U patent/CN216366598U/en active Active
- 2020-03-05 DE DE212020000545.1U patent/DE212020000545U1/en active Active
- 2020-03-05 JP JP2021600138U patent/JP3236393U/en active Active
- 2020-03-05 WO PCT/CN2020/077972 patent/WO2020182048A1/en active Application Filing
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US5507679A (en) * | 1994-08-24 | 1996-04-16 | Getsay; James G. | Toy vehicle system and associated vehicle |
US20050287916A1 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2005-12-29 | Sheltman David A | Pneumatically actuated stunt device |
US20050266768A1 (en) * | 2004-05-31 | 2005-12-01 | Bailey Robert J | Toy tube vehicle racer apparatus |
CN101801487A (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2010-08-11 | 美泰有限公司 | Toy vehicle track set |
CN201179344Y (en) * | 2008-02-05 | 2009-01-14 | 广东奥飞动漫文化股份有限公司 | Toy flying apparatus rail convenient to model |
US20190297122A1 (en) * | 2008-11-26 | 2019-09-26 | David Harrison | Relevancy improvement through targeting of information based on data gathered from a networked device associated with a security sandbox of a client device |
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CN104248846A (en) * | 2014-09-30 | 2014-12-31 | 广东奥飞动漫文化股份有限公司 | Double-side toy car capable of vertically turning in sealed track |
CN105833535A (en) * | 2015-02-02 | 2016-08-10 | 恒胜科技有限公司 | Toy track system and toy vehicle moving therein |
CN208448639U (en) * | 2018-05-30 | 2019-02-01 | 宁波业欣盛世进出口有限公司 | Pipeline toy car |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP3236393U (en) | 2022-02-17 |
DE212020000545U1 (en) | 2022-01-25 |
CN216366598U (en) | 2022-04-26 |
BR112021017665A2 (en) | 2021-11-16 |
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