US20110086574A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20110086574A1
Application number: US12/577,118
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Wayne Nuttall; Paul Schmid
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-09
Filing date: 2009-10-09
Publication date: 2011-04-14

Abstract

A toy vehicle track set is provided. The track set, designed to be used with non-motorized toy vehicle, enables a toy vehicle to travel in a vertical loop without a loop track segment. The track set includes base with an entrance ramp and an exit ramp that enables a toy vehicle to enter and exit a vehicle carrier located at the end of a pendulum arm. The pendulum arm rotates in a vertical loop as a result of the kinetic energy of the toy vehicle and the spring energy of a coil spring located in an axle that couples the pendulum arm to a pillar.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to toy vehicle track sets and more particularly to loop apparatus utilized therein.

BACKGROUND

Toy vehicle track sets in which self-powered vehicles are used are a popular and long-lasting category of toys. In some instances, such toy vehicles are powered by wind-up motors, electric motors, or inertial motors. In other instances, popular non-motorized toy vehicles include toy vehicles to which a velocity has been imparted such as, by the toy vehicle traveling a down sloping acceleration ramp at the entrance to the guided track or by placing the toy vehicle in a launcher, for example a spring loaded launcher that exerts a force on the toy vehicle. As toy vehicle track sets become more competitive, developers have sought to enhance the amusement and entertainment value of such toy vehicle track sets by including a variety of features. These features are sometimes referred to as “stunt devices”. These stunt devices include a wide variety of track segment loops, jumps, collision apparatus and the like. Track loops are particularly popular enhancements to toy track sets. Examples of toy vehicle track sets containing such enhancements and stunt devices include U.S. patents U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,951, U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,216, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,573, and published United States Applications US20070293122 and US20080020675, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Examples of toy vehicle track sets include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,508,179, 6,358,112, 5,643,040, 4,558,687, 4,575,350, 4,558,867, 4,496,100 and published United States Application US20070293123, assigned to the assignee of the present invention each of which is incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Multiple loops and interlocking loops are popular especially for non-motorized toy vehicle track sets. Loops may serve to increase the toy vehicle's speed and therefore increase the excitement of the entertainment provided by the toy vehicle. Existing toy vehicle tracks for non-motorized toy vehicles generally include full loops or loops with only minor interruptions. Because non-motorized toy vehicles generally move only due to external forces imparted upon them, there are limited ways to increase the speed and or entertainment value of such toys. Moreover, interruptions along the track length often result in the toy vehicle becoming displaced from the track thereby ending the instant play session.

A substantial number of toy vehicle track sets utilize one or more loop portions to increase the amusement and entertainment of the user. Some toy vehicle track sets utilize loop portions in the track, which define a gap rather than a continuous loop. In such instances, the gaps are intended to be traversed or “jumped” by high-speed toy vehicles within the track set. However, the size of the gap that may be used for non-motorized toy vehicle track sets is limited by the speed of the toy vehicle.

While there are a vast variety of track sets with loops and other stunt devices, there is still a need and demand for toy track sets that provide novel entertainment mechanisms. Embodiments of the present invention provide a novel virtual track loop for use with non-motorized toy vehicles. Embodiments of the present invention include a novel mechanism that causes a toy vehicle to travel in a nearly complete loop, using the vehicle's kinetic force combined with spring force, without the need for a complete track.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a toy vehicle track set is provided, the track set includes: a track segment with a first end and a second end; a base coupled to the first end of the track segment, the base including an entrance ramp and an exit ramp; a pillar having a first end and a second end; the first end of the pillar coupled to the base; an arm rotatably coupled to the second end of the pillar by an arm axle near the proximal end of the arm, such that the arm is free to rotate in a vertical loop; and a toy vehicle cage coupled to the platform at the distal end of the arm.

In another embodiment, a toy vehicle track set base is provided, the base includes a substantially level undersurface; an upper surface defining two ramps; a first ramp having an arm lock to secure a spring-loaded rotatable arm; a second ramp having a release mechanism to cause a gate on a toy vehicle cage located at the distal end of the spring loaded rotatable arm to open; and a foundation frame laterally coupled to the upper surface, the foundation frame supporting a pillar having the spring loaded rotatable arm with a toy vehicle cage coupled at the distal end of the pillar.

In addition a method of play for a toy vehicle track set is provided, the method of play includes loading a spring-loaded arm and cage assembly; propelling a toy vehicle toward the arm and cage assembly such that the toy vehicle enters the cage; releasing an arm lock such that the spring loaded arm and cage assembly rotate in a loop engaging a catch mechanism to stop the rotation of the loaded arm and cage assembly; and releasing the toy vehicle from the cage.

Other and further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following descriptions of the various embodiments. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the following embodiments are provided for illustrative and exemplary purposes only, and that numerous combinations and modification of the elements of the various embodiments of the present invention are possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

For a better understanding of embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the following Detailed Description, which is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary toy vehicle track set in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the virtual loop system of the toy vehicle track set ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is perspective view of the base of the virtual loop system ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the arm of the virtual loop system ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the arm axle of the virtual loop system ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the cage of the virtual loop system ofFIG. 2; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a virtual loop system in motion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments of the present invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Among other things, the present invention may be embodied as systems, or devices. The following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Furthermore, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

Embodiments of the invention provide novel stunt devices that may be used in toy vehicle track systems. In the various embodiments toy vehicle track systems are designed to provide a track loop experience without the need to have a complete track loop. Embodiments of the invention provide for the novel loop system to be implemented with existing toy track systems.

By way of overview, embodiments of the present invention utilize an arm with a toy vehicle cage at its distal end, coupled to a pillar that enables the arm to travel in a vertical loop.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a toy track set100. Thetrack set100 is designed to be used with non-motorized toy vehicles. A straightelongated track segment160 is coupled to atoy vehicle launcher170 at afirst end162 and to a base150 at asecond end164. Although shown as a single-track segment, it is contemplated within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention that multiple track segments could be utilized by interconnecting the segments using coupling means known in the art. Furthermore, although depicted as a straight track segment, this is not intended to be a limitation on the embodiments and other geometries are contemplated within the scope of the embodiments. In addition, although depicted as having atoy vehicle launcher170 at oneend162 of thetrack segment160, this is not intended to be a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention. Other means of placing a toy vehicle in motion are contemplated within the scope of the embodiments, including but not limited to a sloping acceleration track segment ramp, a track loop causing toy vehicle acceleration, a spring-loaded wheel system within the toy vehicle, and human-imparted velocity.

Thesecond end164 of thetrack segment160 is coupled to anentrance ramp152 of thebase150. Apillar140 is located adjacent to the base150 on the side opposite theentrance ramp152. At theproximal end112 of thepillar140, there is an opening (not shown) configured to accept anaxle arm130. Theaxle arm130 couples anarm110 to thepillar140. Thearm110 has atoy vehicle cage120 located at itsdistal end114.

Optionally included with the toy vehicle track set is atarget180. Thetarget180 is not coupled to thebase150 and may be placed anywhere in proximity to thebase150. The target is placed at a distance such that a toy vehicle exiting the track set may strike or land in the target. For example, in use the target may be placed approximately 24 inches or closer to the track set to catch the toy vehicle. Thetarget180 may be a container with a backstop and is designed to stop or catch and contain a toy vehicle when implemented with the toyvehicle track system100.

The various components of the toy track set100 may be comprised of plastic or any other suitable material and are fabricated in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques.

FIG. 2 is a breakaway view of the loop system ofFIG. 1. Theloop system200 provides for a toy vehicle to travel in a nearly complete loop without the need for a track segment while still providing a track set that is easily storable. The various components are designed to be alternatively assembled in either an operative configuration or storage configuration.FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of theloop system200 in which thebase150,pillar140,arm110,arm axle130 andvehicle cage120 have been separated one from the other disassembling the configuration previously described inFIG. 1. The elements shown inFIG. 2 may be easily stored when the track set is not in use.

FIG. 3 is perspective view of thebase150 of theloop system200. Thebase150 has a substantially level undersurface and an upper surface defining two ramps, anentrance ramp302 and anexit ramp304 offset from theentrance ramp302. A track segment, such as the track segment160 (not shown) described inFIG. 1 is coupled to theentrance ramp302. Theentrance ramp302 and theexit ramp304 are preferably constructed such that the cross section of theentrance ramp302 and the cross section of the exit ramp are substantially similar to the cross section of thetrack segment160. Theentrance ramp302 andexit ramp304 are constructed with sidewalls or curbs322,324 to help ensure a toy vehicle used with theloop system200 remains on the ramps. Theexit ramp304 extends the length of thebase150 and preferably has a curved shape. Theexit ramp304 more preferably is shaped as a portion of a loop. Adjacent to anouter edge306 of theexit ramp304 is afoundation frame308. Thefoundation frame308 may be positioned anywhere along the length of theouter edge306 of theexit ramp304, preferably however thefoundation frame308 is located half way to two thirds down the length of theexit ramp304.

Also located on thebase150 is alaunch block310. Thelaunch block310 is positioned along the same side and at the far end of theentrance ramp302. Thelaunch block310 is configured with anarm lock312 at itsfar end314 to mate with a gate on a toy vehicle cage as described below in detail. Thearm lock312 is attached to thelaunch block310 with alock axle316 and an opening and closing mechanism is controlled by alock torsion spring318. Theexit ramp304 is configured with arelease latch mechanism320 to mate with a gate on thetoy vehicle cage120 as describe below is detail. Therelease latch mechanism320 causes a gate on thetoy vehicle cage120 to open allowing the toy vehicle to exit thecage120. Thearm lock312 acts to hold thetoy vehicle cage120 in a start position (with a loaded coil spring force) described in detail below.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of thearm110 of theloop system200 ofFIG. 2. Thearm110 has areceptacle404 designed to receive an arm axle fitting at oneend408 and aplatform406 at theopposite end402. Theplatform406 forms a base of a vehicle cage, described in detail below. When in place, thearm axle130 couples thearm110 to thepillar140. Theplatform406 is curved in shape and preferably has a similar or the same profile as theexit ramp304. Thearm110 acts as a pendulum to rotate thevehicle cage120, which holds a toy vehicle, located at thedistal end402 in a vertical loop. The opposite end of thearm110 is configured with areceptacle404 to receive an axle arm so that thearm110 may be coupled to a pillar.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of thearm axle130 of the virtual loop system ofFIG. 2. Thearm axle130 has a fitting502 designed to mate with thereceptacle404FIG. 4 of thearm110. The fitting may be part of the cylindrical structure or it may be a separate piece. Thearm axle130 is a hollow cylindrical structure with aspiral grove504 along the outer surface of its length. Contained within thearm axle130 is acoil arm spring506. Thecoil arm spring506 is held within thearm axle130 by a pin508 at the fitting502 end of thearm axle130 and by aspring cap510 that is connected to the opposite end of thearm axle130. Thespiral grove504 mates with a pin (not shown) located within the opening at the distal end of thepillar140.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the toyvehicle cage assembly120 of the loop system ofFIG. 2. The toy vehicle cage assembly120 (“the cage”) may also be referred to as a carrier. Thecage120 enables a toy vehicle to be transported. Thecage120 is configured to attach to theplatform406 of thearm110. Thecage120 may be permanently affixed to theplatform406 or may be removable and attached by clips, screws, or any other coupling means. Preferably, thecage120 is sized so that a toy vehicle fits in thecage120 easily and can easily enter and exit the cage but should not be so wide as to allow a toy vehicle to rotate about within the cage. The toy vehicle cage is generally a hollow rectangular shape having smoothed corners, with the one side of the rectangle removed. The removed portion is however not limited to a complete side and the portion removed may be greater or less than that specified. Thecage120 has an inner surface and an outer surface. Thevehicle cage120 may have solid sidewalls or sidewalls with openings so that a toy vehicle contained within thecage120 is visible. Although described as rectangular in shape, this is not intended to be a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention, alternative geometries suitable to contain a toy vehicle are contemplated within the scope of the embodiments. The cage may be any elongated hollow structure that is sized to contain the toy vehicle. The toy vehicle cage preferably however surrounds all sides of the toy vehicle to ensure the vehicle does not fall out of the vehicle cage when in motion.

In another embodiment, the toy vehicle cage is constructed with an uninterrupted outer wall and is affixed to theplatform406. In still another embodiment, thearm110 does not have a platform and the vehicle cage is constructed with an uninterrupted outer wall and is affixed directly to the arm.

Afirst end602 of thecage120 is open and configured to receive a toy vehicle. Theopposite end604 of thecage120 is configured with acage gate606. The cage gate has atension tab608. Thecage gate606 is coupled to thecage120 with agate axle610. Atorsion spring612 maintains near constant tension on the cagegate tension tab608. Although depicted as having thecage gate606 coupled to thecage120 at the lower edge of thecage120, this is not intended to be a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention. It is contemplated within the scope that thecage gate606 may be attached at the upper edge of the opening at theend604 thecage120 or along either side of the opening of theend604. Similarly, the location of thetension tab608 may vary depending on the point at attachment of thecage gate606

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the virtual loop system track set ofFIG. 1 in motion in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a novel toy track set loop in which anarm110 having atoy vehicle cage120 rotates atoy vehicle702 in a loop and enables thetoy vehicle702 to make a stunt jump without a track. In operation, thearm110 is wound counterclockwise so that thecoil spring506 is in a stretched state and loaded with energy. Thecage120 is locked in place by thearm lock312 on theentrance ramp302. Thetoy vehicle702 is then set in motion. In the depicted embodiment, thetoy vehicle702 is launched from atoy vehicle launcher170. The energy from thelauncher170 is imparted to the toy vehicle to create kinetic energy.

Thetoy vehicle702 travels along thetrack segment160 to theentrance ramp302 and enters thecage120. The kinetic energy of thetoy vehicle702 causes thearm lock312 to release resulting in thearm110 traveling upward. Because thearm110 is fixed at one end, thearm110 travels in a circular motion. Thearm110 continues to travel in a clockwise direction as thecoil spring506 located in thearm axle130 returns toward its resting, non-stretched state. The spiral groove along thearm axle130 guides thearm axle130 through thereceptacle404 in thearm110 resulting in thearm110 traveling in a loop. The rotation of thearm110 is driven by both the energy imparted from the toy vehicle and the energy stored in thecoil spring506. Preferably, thearm110 travels clockwise approximately 320-340 degrees.

After thearm110 rotates 320 to 340 degrees, thevehicle cage120 comes in contact with theexit ramp304 where thecage tension tab608 contacts a release mechanism, which stops the rotation of the arm and thecage gate606 opens releasing thetoy vehicle702 onto theexit ramp304. The remaining approximately 20-40 degrees of the loop is provided by theexit ramp304 on the base.

Upon making contact with the exit ramp, thetoy vehicle702 is thrust from thecage120 and travels along or slightly above theexit ramp304 which terminates in an upwardly projecting ramp portion and from which the toy vehicle is launched in an airborne projectile path. The landing point of the toy vehicle varies as a function of the vehicle's pre-launch velocity. The prelaunch velocity may vary depending upon the speed in which thetoy vehicle702 initially entered thevehicle cage120.

When thetoy vehicle702 leaves thecage120, its velocity will cause it to traverse the plane ofexit ramp304 on thebase150. Thetoy vehicle702 once launched continues toward thetarget180 in a ballistic path. The toy vehicle will either miss the target entirely, impact a portion of the target and fall out outside of the target or impact the target at either aninterior wall704 orbackstop portion706 in which case thetarget180 may rotate backward, catching thetoy vehicle702.

The virtual loop system is preferably designed to release the toy vehicle from the cage such that it travels 6-24 inches horizontally from the virtual loop system to the target180 (FIG. 1). The toy vehicle preferably travels at a maximum vertical height of between approximately 6 and 9 inches above the surface on which the toy vehicle track set rests.

As noted previously the forgoing descriptions of the specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments thereof as suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A toy vehicle track set comprising:

a track segment having a first end and a second end;

a base coupled to the first end of the track segment, the base having an entrance ramp and an exit ramp;

a pillar having a first end and a second end; the first end of the pillar coupled to the base;

an arm rotatably coupled to the second end of the pillar by an arm axle near a proximal end of said arm, such that the arm is free to rotate in a vertical loop; and

a toy vehicle cage coupled to the platform at a distal end of the arm.

2. The track set ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a launcher coupled to the second end of the track segment.

3. The track set ofclaim 1, wherein the toy vehicle cage comprises:

a generally hollow member having a portion of a sidewall removed and a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the hollow member is open; and

a gate having a tension tab coupled to the second end of the hollow member.

4. The track set ofclaim 1, wherein the arm axle comprises:

a hollow cylindrical structure having a spiral grove along an outer surface and a first end and a second end wherein the first end is configured to accept a pin;

a fitting coupled to the first end;

a spring cap coupled to the second end; and

a coil spring contained within the hollow cylindrical structure by the pin at a first end and the spring cap at a second end.

5. The base ofclaim 1, wherein the exit ramp is offset from the entrance ramp.

6. The toy track set ofclaim 3, wherein the launcher comprises:

a block positioned along the same side and at a far end of the entrance ramp;

an arm lock coupled to the block with an axle and configured to mate with the gate on the toy vehicle cage and retain the toy vehicle cage in a start position; and

a torsion spring coupled to the arm lock to control the opening and closing of the arm lock.

7. The toy track set ofclaim 6, wherein the exit ramp further comprises a release latch mechanism configured to open the gate of the toy vehicle cage.

8. The toy track set ofclaim 7, further comprising a target positioned in proximity to the base and designed to stop or catch and contain a toy vehicle exiting the toy vehicle cage.

9. A toy vehicle track set base comprising:

a substantially level undersurface;

an upper surface defining two ramps;

a first ramp having an arm lock to secure a spring-loaded rotatable arm;

a second ramp having a release mechanism to cause a gate on a toy vehicle cage located at the distal end of the spring loaded rotatable arm to open; and

a foundation frame laterally coupled to the upper surface, the foundation frame configured to support a pillar having the spring loaded rotatable arm with a toy vehicle cage coupled at the distal end of the pillar.

10. The base ofclaim 9 wherein the second ramp having a curved cross section extends the length of the base.

11. A toy vehicle stunt loop comprising:

a base;

a pillar coupled to the base;

a rotatable arm coupled to the pillar, wherein the rotatable arm is configured with a spring-loaded mechanism; and

a toy vehicle cage assembly coupled to a distal end of the rotatable arm.

12. The rotatable arm ofclaim 11 further comprising:

a platform located at the distal end of the pillar arm.

13. The toy vehicle cage assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the toy vehicle cage comprises:

an elongated hollow structure having a first end and a second end;

the first end of the hollow structure being open and configured to receive a toy vehicle; and

the second end of the elongated hollow structure configured with a gate having a tension tab.

14. The toy vehicle cage ofclaim 13, wherein the hollow structure is rectangular in shape.

15. The toy vehicle cage ofclaim 13, wherein the elongated hollow structure has solid sidewalls.

16. The toy vehicle cage ofclaim 13, wherein the sidewalls of the elongated hollow structure have openings.

17. The toy vehicle cage ofclaim 13, wherein a portion of the elongated hollow structure is removed and elongated hollow structure is couple to a platform located at the distal end of the pillar arm such that the platform restores the removed portion of the elongated hollow structure.

18. The base ofclaim 13, further comprising:

an arm lock located at one end to mate with the tension tab on the gate of the toy vehicle cage, the arm lock configured to hold the spring loaded rotatable arm with the vehicle cage assembly in a start position;

a release mechanism located at another end configured to mate with the tension tab on the gate, the release mechanism configured to stop the rotatable arm and open the gate on the toy vehicle cage assembly.

19. A method of play for a toy vehicle track set comprising:

loading a spring-loaded arm and cage assembly;

propelling a toy vehicle toward the arm and cage assembly such that the toy vehicle enters the cage;

releasing an arm lock such that the spring loaded arm and cage assembly rotate in a loop

engaging a catch mechanism to stop the rotation of the loaded arm and cage assembly; and

releasing the toy vehicle from the cage.

20. The method ofclaim 19, further comprising

releasing the toy vehicle from the cage onto an upwardly projecting ramp;

launching the toy vehicle in an airborne projectile path; and

providing a target to which the launched toy vehicle is directed.