EP1150752B1 - Game provided in the form of a ball track - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to game which is provided in the form of a ball track and which is comprised of individual components having roller rails. The roller rails have a guide for balls that roll and have at least one through boring for leading into a connecting element arranged below said through boring. The connecting element has a ball passageway which is essentially vertical and/or which is distinctly slanted with regard to the horizontal. In order to provide a ball track which can be variably composed of few different elements (roller rails and connecting elements), whereby a high degree of stability should be attained also in high structures, roller rails and connecting elements can be assembled side by side or one above the other to produce a ball path which leads away over more than one component, whereby the ball path horizontally extends at least on a section of the rolling rail.

Description

The present invention relates to a ball track consisting of individual components Running rails that have a guide for rolling balls and with connecting elements that an essentially vertical and / or clearly inclined with respect to the horizontal Have ball passage, the running rails at least one passage opening or Have a through hole for the transition of a ball to another component.

Ball tracks are known in various forms, for example. GB-A-1405105 or WO-A-98/35733 and available on the market. The majority of the ball tracks to be found have fixed and mostly inclined tracks installed one above the other. These mostly made in one piece Ball tracks have the advantage that they can be played on immediately. Because of the firm predetermined tracks and that the use of the ball track on the application a sphere or another suitable object, the interest of the However, users of the marble run soon lost.

The ball track known from the utility model GM 75 11 147, which the state of the Technology, from which the present invention is based, has the advantage that the Users are given certain freedom in the choice of floor plan for the ball track. Thereby it is guaranteed that the interest of the user, especially of a playing child, is bound to the ball track over a longer period of time. The educational value of such variable orbits is far greater because of the imagination and the logical and constructive Child’s thinking will be encouraged more here.

In this known ball track, the rails run inclined to the ball along the Accelerate rails so that the tracks are only used in one direction can. Furthermore, this ball track has the disadvantage that it is not intended for this to be able to mount several rails one above the other. Because of the inclined paths in principle, no simple build-up of the connecting elements can be realized, so that in the assembled state, especially for tall structures, the ball track becomes unstable.

From utility model application DE 296 15 318, a ball track is parallel guided careers known. The balls pass through this firmly attached ball track a hole in the track on a circular track segment. Thereby the balls accelerated by the free fall become horizontal on the underlying one running track is steered. Due to the one-piece design, however, none Flexibility regarding the layout design possible.

A variable ball track is also known from GB 2285755. However, are here Running rails and connecting elements already made in one piece. In addition, they are Tracks of the combined components inclined so that the components of the Pass through the rolling elements only in a direction that is already predetermined in terms of production technology can be.

The toy kit of DE 25 47 070 is constructed in a comparable manner. Be here cuboid building blocks with an inclined groove and an opening in the lowest point on top of each other. Again, the direction of the ball is due to the prefabricated building blocks.

DE 24 42 904 attempts to provide rails inclined in hollow cylindrical support elements are inserted or hooked, the variability of Increase ball track. However, this construction is rather unstable. It is also because of here the inclined arrangement of the running tracks a reversal of the running direction on a Track not possible.

Finally, German utility model DE 1 676 519 also shows a variable ball track. The variability is limited to the fact that inclined rails in Connecting elements are inserted, which are arranged on columns of different heights, the connecting elements about a vertical axis opposite the columns are rotatable. Compared to the fixed ball tracks, this only has the advantage that individual tracks can be turned out of the ball track level.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a ball track, made of a few different elements (rails and connecting elements) can be put together variably, even with high structures a high Stability is achieved.

This object is achieved by turning the running rails and the connecting elements on and off are stackable to create a ball path that has more than one component leads away, the ball path at least on a portion of the running rails runs horizontally.

A ball path is the path that a ball takes when it travels rolls along the components.

The horizontal rail sections allow a stable connection to the Fasteners without affecting variability. This allows the ball track even with high structures, i.e. Superstructures with many rail sections in different Heights, especially when accidentally bumped or converted, not easily knocked over become.

Running rails which produce a ball path that extends over the entire are particularly preferred Length of the running track runs horizontally. Since the running track or the ball track on the Track does not have a predetermined inclination, it is possible to use the track in both Go through directions with a ball. The variability of the ball track is clear elevated. On the one hand, it is not necessary to already build the ball path Determine the running direction. On the one hand, a ball track can also be built up depending on the starting point of the ball in one or the other direction can be run through.

In principle, such a ball track also allows the connection of connecting elements or running tracks one below the other. So is a construction of only connecting elements possible.

The variability of this ball track can be increased significantly if running tracks and Connecting elements rotatable with one another about a substantially vertical axis are connectable.

Buildings on an inclined plane are also possible within certain limits, so that the Axis of rotation is tilted somewhat from the vertical. The limits of a permissible inclination of the in essential horizontal rails result from the fact that the ball track is still playable must be, i.e. that a ball has to run through the track up to the intended point, where it falls through a through hole again in a subsequent one Ball passage of a connecting element accelerated again by gravity become.

Preferably, the connecting elements are essentially in the form of columns or Blocks and are provided with vertical through holes or bore sections.

It may be advantageous to connect the connecting element with a sound generating device equip a sound when passing through the connecting element with a ball generated. The sound generating device can be, for example, a bell, which is through the Ball is kicked, but it is particularly advantageous, especially if the Fasteners are made of wood to provide a resonance volume by the ball rolls so that when the ball hits a sound, for example, on a wall is produced. It is then also possible to use different tones in different ways Generate fasteners. Through the ball track whole melodies can then be put together.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that at least some of the connecting elements at least one lateral outlet opening is provided and that at least one section the bore within the connecting element a pitch angle with respect to Horizontal between 0 ° and 90 °, so that a ball that is in the upper hole of the connecting element, an acceleration occurs when passing through the bore horizontal component.

This makes it possible to close evenly flat tracks even for longer ball paths use. Due to the not negligible friction between ball and Running track, the ball loses speed on horizontal running tracks. For longer In the meantime, to complete ball paths, the ball must be accelerated again. The The ball experiences the necessary speed as it passes through the vertical and inclined passages or curved bores, in the connecting elements. This ensures that the (horizontal) running rails can in principle be traversed from both sides.

The ball track can be made more interesting in that at least a part of the Connecting elements has two lateral outlet openings, which are branched of the vertical bore section are formed. This makes it possible from such a Continue connecting element from the ball track in at least two directions. The Decide which side exit opening the through the vertical bore section in the connecting element takes incoming ball, depending on the embodiment, either be left to chance or manually or by means of a suitable device be felled remotely. It is also possible to use a device that has a type Has tilting mechanism, which is switched by continuous balls, so that the Take balls alternately one or the other side outlet opening.

The lateral outlet openings are preferably arranged at least so high that two tracks can be placed one above the other and one from the side Outlet opening exiting ball is directed into the upper track.

A further increase in variability is possible in that at least part of the Fasteners in the lower area a horizontal passage having. This makes it possible for a ball to have two or more connecting elements passes or fails immediately in succession.

In an advantageous embodiment of the ball track, the connecting elements partially have different effective heights that are an integer multiple of a given Pitch correspond, which is preferably due to the (vertical) thickness of the running rails given is. This makes it very easy, especially for small children Assembling the ball track to ensure that the running rails horizontally on the Mount the fasteners.

The variability of the ball track can be further increased if at least one part the rails have at least three through holes. By additional Through holes can be used on the same rail for very different ball paths become. These additional holes can either be used to build another level, in which another running track is provided, can be used, or as a connection path to another level, which is in a direct way via one or more connecting elements or can be reached over a longer distance in free fall. Of course you can too two different ball paths can be brought together on one track. To meet For example, different ball paths at different ends of the Track on the track so the two ball paths on the Bore facing bore center united.

So that the running track for a ball track can be used in full length, if possible it is advantageous that at least a part of the running rails on at least one end section has two holes at a close distance. This can be at the end of the track existing bore can be used to build another additional ball path, without the running length of the first ball path using the running groove being significantly shortened.

The variability of the ball track is further increased by the fact that at least part of the Running rails at its two end sections each arranged at a close distance Has through holes. The narrow distance should be at least so large that two connecting elements next to each other on the arranged at a close distance Through holes can be placed. This creates circulation and Link points that are used to build additional ball paths from a wide variety Directions can be used without having to rebuild from the ground. As a result, the construction of very complex different ones is possible with just a few blocks Ball paths possible.

To increase the variability of the ball track, it can be advantageous that part of the Rails one or even two arranged approximately in the middle in terms of their length Has passage hole or passage holes.

In addition, a bridging element can be provided, which can be connected to an (arbitrary) Through hole can be placed to close them. So can Through holes that prove to be unnecessary or even disruptive during the construction phase turn out to be closed. The bridging element advantageously has a guide for the balls on at least one side, so that through the Bridging element, the interrupted guidance of the through hole Balls can be added. So that the leadership does not accidentally face the Track can be rotated is a guide lug on the bridging element expedient, which engages in the rail and against the bridging element Secures torsion.

In an advantageous embodiment, the ball guides in the rails by a preferably along a longitudinal center line of the continuous slot educated. This embodiment has the advantage that it is implemented very inexpensively can be. The width of the slot affects the running speed of the balls, as well conversely, the stability of the rolling process.

By adjusting the inclination of the side outlet openings of some connecting elements the running speed can be adjusted almost as desired to the width of the slot. A low running speed and thus a long running time is preferred Bullets realized. This makes it possible, especially with long ball paths, for the balls optically track.

Alternatively, the ball guides can also be inserted into the top of the rails milled or molded groove are formed.

A further increase in stability can be achieved in that on the running rails and projections and recesses are provided on the connecting elements, which assembled condition of running rails and connecting elements mutually interlock so that the assembled rails and fasteners against lateral relative displacements are secured.

This means that, despite almost any variability, a very stable construction is possible.

The protrusions and recesses are preferably concentric with the vertical ones Through bores or bore sections of the rail and connecting element arranged. This arrangement allows one on a connector resting rail in a rotated about the vertical axis of the connecting element Position can be brought up without the connecting element and the underneath existing structure must be moved.

In a preferred embodiment, the projections and recesses are circular or annular or arranged so that rails and connecting elements in assembled condition relative to each other about the common circular axis of projections and recesses can be rotated as desired or in fixed angular sections. This makes it possible that individual tracks within the composite Structure rotated about the vertical axis of the connecting element connected to them can be without endangering the stability of the entire structure.

A further improvement is possible in that the connecting elements on their Have an annular recess surrounding the upper opening and at their top Underside of a coaxial cylindrical or hollow cylindrical projection, the Outside diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the upper opening of the through holes of the rails, which in turn is preferably the inside diameter of the corresponds to the recess at the top. These are stable connecting elements the blocks stackable one below the other. In addition, the cylindrical or hollow cylindrical Snap the projection of the connecting element into the through hole of the rails. Also this results in a very stable rotatable connection.

The stability of the ball track can be further increased in that the running rails a concentric to its underside in at least some of the through holes this bore arranged annular projection, the outer diameter is equal to the inner diameter of the annular recess of the connecting elements. This ensures that the annular projection on the underside of the rails inserted into the ring-shaped recess on the top of the connecting elements can be.

In a preferred embodiment of the ball track, connecting plates are provided, which have one or more through holes, their dimensions, including any projections provided at the lower end of the bore, the dimensions of the Correspond to through hole of the running rail. The connecting plates can be used for construction and the connection of stair-shaped arrangements of the connection elements within of an overall structure with running tracks or only within a tower structure Serve fasteners.

The connecting plates preferably have an effective height which is an integer Corresponds to multiples of the grid dimension or the (vertical) thickness of the running rails. Thereby It is ensured that the horizontal arrangement of the Running tracks can be easily reached.

In a preferred embodiment, the ball track is essentially next to the horizontal rails provided at least one rail, the horizontal running end sections provided with through holes or connecting holes are connected by an inclined runway section, the length and Inclination is such that the level difference between horizontal End sections an integer multiple of that given by the track thickness Corresponds to grid dimension. This allows additional, inclined tracks, which in turn through their horizontal end sections and the secure engagement of the projection and Recess are firmly connected to be included in the structure without the Stability of the entire structure is jeopardized. Due to the given grid dimension adjusted level difference ensures that for structures of this Starting from the connecting rail, a horizontal arrangement of the running rails or Track sections to other rails constructed without an inclined track section is possible.

In order to be able to use several balls at the same time, it is advantageous to that at least one pair of guide pieces on the top of the connecting rails Both sides of the groove are attached to the through hole of the End of the guide pieces facing the rails are somewhat further away from the groove than at the other end of the guide pieces. Which may be in larger quantities at a faster rate Result or even emerging from the lateral opening of the connecting elements Balls may collide, jump, and then pass through the leads attributed to the groove. Without the guiding pieces, it is particularly useful possible from very many balls that two or more balls collide, jump and leave the running rail sideways.

A further increase in the versatility of the present invention can be achieved through a Sieve element can be achieved. The screen element has a passage that is smaller than that Through openings in rails and fasteners is. Will the marble run with Balls of different sizes are used, some of the balls can pass through the Sieve elements happen while others are prevented from doing so.

Such a screen element can be, for example, a running track with a smaller one Be through opening. If such a track is installed in the ball track, fall the small diameter balls through the smaller through hole, while the Balls with a larger diameter continue along the track (almost unhindered) to run.

Of course, such a screen element can also be a connecting element or a Bridging element can be realized.

A further increase in the versatility of the ball track can be achieved in that a rocker element is provided that on the rails and / or the connecting elements is positionable and that a recording device with a recording position and has a release position, wherein the receiving device in the receiving position is able to accommodate at least one rolling element and in the release position in the Is able to release at least one rolling element.

An embodiment in which the receiving device in FIG Position assumes a stable balance, which is achieved by the inclusion of one or more rolling elements becomes unstable, so that the receiving device in the Release position passes. This rocker element is installed in the ball path in such a way that the balls fall or roll into the receptacle of the rocker element while the Recording device is in the recording position. The rocker is designed so that the receiving device when a certain number of balls picked up is reached automatically goes into the release position and at least part of the recorded Releases bullets. The automatic transition to the release position can e.g. B. happen that the shooting position by the weight of the balls at some point becomes unstable so that the receiving device automatically goes into the release position, which has become stable due to the weight of the balls. After the bullets at least have been partially released again on the track, the release position unstable again and the receiving device again goes into the now stable again Pickup position.

The described rocker element can be further improved in that the Rocker element has two receiving devices, wherein in a first state of the Rocker is the first receiving device in the receiving position and the second in the release position and in a second state of the rocker element is the first Pickup device in the release position and the second pickup device in the Shooting position is. In this embodiment of the rocker, the released balls released in two different directions. The seesaw element has two equilibrium points here. At the beginning the rocker element takes any one Position on. The balls are then passed into the receiving device in the Shooting position is. Once this receiving device a certain number (or a certain weight) has taken up on balls, the recording position of these Pickup device unstable and it goes into the release position. At the same time, the second Recording device, which was initially in the release position, in the Position taken. The first pickup device releases the picked up balls free again and the second receiving device picks up the balls that are now arriving she also picked up a certain number of balls. Then the two swap Reception facilities again their roles.

It is understood that the two receiving devices can be provided such that they can pick up a different number of balls before entering the Go to release position. Such a seesaw element, for example, makes it possible alternately steer two balls in one direction and one ball in the other to steer.

Otherwise, the rocker element can be combined with the screen element, for example. In In this case, the rocker element between the first and second receiving device Have passage that is only passable for small balls. Then the balls steered in one direction until a larger ball blocked the passage and the the following balls ensure that the rocker element tilts.

Another embodiment of the rocker element with two holding devices provides that a movable separating device, for example in the form of a movable flap, which separates the two recording devices from one another is present. Through the Mobility of the separating device can increase the capacity of a receiving device at the expense of the capacity of the other cradle. Therefore, if a ball falls into the one receiving device, it can be the separating device move solely on the basis of their weight and thus the absorption capacity of some Raise the cradle. This ensures that the same size of Rocker element significantly more balls are recorded in the receiving device can before the receiving device goes into the release position. Alternatively, it is but it is also possible to design the separating device in such a way that it cannot be separated by the weight of the balls can be moved, but manually adjusted, for example can be. So the rocking element can be easily adapted to individual needs become. For example, the separator can be set so that one Pick-up device only takes one ball before it goes into the release position, while the other receiving device only goes into the release position when there are at least three balls in it.

A further increase in variability is possible in that a spiral element is provided is which the balls on a spiral path, preferably along a cone surface runs, leads. Such an element also increases the visual appeal of the ball track. she thus arouses greater interest and the gambling user is occupied with it for longer this educationally valuable toy.

A particularly useful embodiment of the spiral element provides that the height of the cone, which is orbited by the spiral path, an integer multiple corresponds to the grid dimension. This allows the spiral element to easily enter the ball track to get integrated.

For some applications it can be advantageous if the spiral element at least can assume two positions, the spiral path in a storage position has essentially no vertical component and in a playing position the spiral Path runs along a conical surface. This takes the spiral element in the storage position only a small space. Is the spiral element for building the ball track used, it must be moved from the storage position to the playing position. That the spiral element is extended, for example, telescopically in the vertical direction until the game position is reached.

A further increase in variability is possible in that the spiral element two or has several game positions, which are characterized by a different height of the spiral-shaped path circumscribed cone ', preferably each one be an integral multiple of the grid dimension. Depending on your needs, you can use one Spiral element to change the speed of the balls. Because the height of the Cone, which is encircled by the spiral path, is adjustable, the slope of the Ball path on the spiral element and thus the speed of the balls changed become.

A particularly easy to implement spiral element provides that the balls on the spiral path experience an acceleration through the spiral element, which in essentially only has a radially inward-facing component, which by a Outside of the spiral trajectory of the ball defining guide (as Reactive force on a centrifugal force) is exerted on the ball. An embodiment where the cone, which will be encircled by the spiral path, goes down tapered, often requires no additional guide elements for the balls. moreover is ensured by such a design that the balls are never in the radial direction can leave the spiral element to the outside. For example, a ball also thrown into the spiral element by hand (if possible in the right direction) become. Alternatively, the ball can also come into the Fall spiral element. By safely guiding the balls through the outside of the such a spiral element can be played on almost any way.

Another embodiment of the spiral element has an essentially horizontal, straight track section and a spiral section. The spiral element can then instead of a running track including the following connecting element in one Ball track can be integrated. For this purpose, the spiral element preferably also has in the Center of the spiral element on a horizontal section, which connects to a next connecting element or to a next running rail.

An embodiment is particularly preferred in which the spiral element is designed for that it is playable from both sides. In this case, the spiral path of the spiral element both a tapered cone and an upward taper Rewrite tapered cone.

A further increase in variability can be achieved with a locking element with a lockable element Locking device can be reached. This locking element, which of course also in other ball tracks can be used is able to run the balls during their run to stop. By opening the locking device, the balls can then continue their run. Preferably, the locking device has an opening mechanism that by a rolling balls can be triggered. This is due to a kind of handle possible that protrudes into the ball path of an adjacent track. Now roll a ball along the adjacent track, it triggers the opening mechanism, and the stopped balls continue their ball path. The neighboring track can both run laterally as well as above or below the locking element. Preferably, the However, the opening mechanism is arranged so that it is by a on a below the Blocking element extending ball is triggered.

The locking mechanism of the locking device is particularly preferably constructed such that when the mechanism is triggered, the locking device opens and exactly one ball passes leaves. For all other balls, the ball path is still blocked until another ball triggers the mechanism and releases exactly one ball again.

Of course, it is also possible for the sieve element, the rocker element, the blocking element or the spiral element individually or in any combination with one another in others Realize ball tracks. For example, the spiral element can also be in one of the fixed ball tracks mentioned above can be integrated.

It also goes without saying that the running tracks do not necessarily have to run linearly. So are for example, curved or circular rails or rails that follow the course of a circle segment, have been realized with advantage. The variability of Running rails can be further increased if the circular segment running rails join Cover circumferential angle that is a multiple of a given screen angle. This Screen angle should preferably be a divider of 360 °. Advantageously, 60 ° and 120 ° circular segment tracks have been used.

The variability of the ball track can be increased even further that at least one Part of the rails has a fork, so that the ball path branches. The Choosing which of the ball paths to take can either be random be left or manually adjusted with the aid of a deflection element.

Figur 1a) und 1b) eine perspektivische Seitenansicht und eine Draufsicht einer ebenen Laufschiene mit vier Durchgangsbohrungen,

Figur 2a) und 2b) eine perspektivische Seitenansicht und eine Draufsicht einer Laufschiene mit fünf Durchgangsbohrungen,

Figur 3a) und 3b) eine perspektivische Seitenansicht und eine Draufsicht einer Laufschiene mit vier Durchgangsbohrungen, deren mittlerer Schienenabschnitt geneigt ist,

Figur 4a) und 4b) eine perspektivische Ansicht und eine Schnittzeichnung eines Verbindungselementes bzw. Stabilisierungselementes mit einer Durchgangsbohrung,

Figur 5a) und 5b) eine perspektivische Ansicht und eine Schnittzeichnung eines Verbindungselementes der Dicke der Laufschiene mit einer Durchgangsbohrung und einem dazu koaxial an der Unterseite befestigten Hohlzylinder,

Figur 6a) und 6b) eine perspektivische Ansicht und eine Schnittzeichnung eines Verbindungselementes der doppelten Dicke der Laufschiene mit einer Durchgangsbohrung und einem koaxial dazu an der Unterseite befestigten Hohlzylinder,

Figur 7a) und 7b) eine perspektivische Ansicht und eine Schnittzeichnung eines Verbindungselementes mit einem oberen Bohrungsabschnitt und einer seitlichen Öffnung,

Figur 8a) und 8b) eine perspektivische Ansicht und eine Schnittzeichnung durch ein Tunnelelement ohne Vorsprung,

Figur 9a) und 9b) eine perspektivische Ansicht und eine Schnittzeichnung durch ein Tunnelelement mit einem Vorsprung,

Figur 10a) und 10b) eine perspektivische Ansicht und eine Schnittzeichnung eines Verbindungselementes mit zwei seitlichen Öffnungen,

Figur 11a) und 11b) eine perspektivische Ansicht und eine Schnittzeichnung durch ein Tunnelelement mit oberer und seitlicher Öffnung,

Figur 12a) und 12b) eine perspektivische Ansicht und eine Schnittzeichnung einer Verbindungsplatte mit zwei Durchgangsbohrungen,

Figur 13a) und 13b) eine perspektivische Ansicht und eine Schnittzeichnung einer Verbindungsplatte mit vier Durchgangsbohrungen,

Figur 14 eine einfache zusammengesetzte Kugelbahn,

Figur 15 eine komplizierte zusammengesetzte Kugelbahn,

Figur 16a) und 16b) eine perspektivische Ansicht und eine Schnittzeichnung eines Überbrückungselements,

Figur 17a) und 17b) ein Tunnelelement ähnlich dem in Figur 11 gezeigten sowie ein entsprechendes Siebelement,

Figur 18a) und 18b) zwei perspektivische Ansichten eines Wippelements ohne und mit Verbindungselement,

Figur 19 eine Draufsicht auf ein Wippelement,

Figur 20a) und 20b) eine perspektivische Ansicht und eine Schnittansicht auf ein Verbindungselement, welches für die Aufnahme des Wippelements geeignet ist,

Figur 21a) und 21b) eine Draufsicht und eine Schnittansicht eines Spiralelements,

Figur 22a), 22b) und 22c) eine perspektivische Seitenansicht, eine perspektivische Ansicht von unten und eine Schnittzeichnung durch ein Tunnelelement mit oberer und drei seitlichen Öffnungen,

Figur 23 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Verbindungsplatte mit fünf Durchgangsbohrungen,

Figur 24a) und 24b) jeweils eine perspektivische Schnittansicht eines Wippelements mit zwei Aufnahmevorrichtungen und Trennvorrichtung,

Figur 25 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zusammengesetzten Kugelbahn mit einem Wippenelement mit zwei Aufnahmeeinrichtungen,

Figur 26a) und 26b) eine perspektivische Ansicht und eine Schnittansicht des Grundkörpers eines Sperrelements,

Figur 27a), 27b) und 27c) eine perspektivische Ansicht von zwei unterschiedlichen Ausführungsformen des Schwengels der Sperrvorrichtung, sowie eine Detailvergrößerung des Sattels des Schwengels,

Figur 28 eine Durchsichtzeichnung des zusammengesetzten Sperrelements,

Figur 29a) und 29b) jeweils eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kugelbahn mit Sperrelement,

Figur 30a) und 30b) eine Draufsicht und eine perspektivische Ansicht einer kreisförmigen Laufschiene,

Figur 31a) und 31b) eine Draufsicht und eine perspektivische Ansicht einer 60°-Kreissegment-Laufschiene,

Figur 32a) und 32b) eine Draufsicht und eine perspektivische Ansicht einer 120°-Kreissegment-Laufschiene,

Figur 33a) und 33b) jeweils eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kugelbahn mit kreisfömigen Laufschienen und/oder Kreissegmentlaufschienen,

Figur 34a) und 34b) eine Draufsicht und eine perspektivische Ansicht einer 60°-Kreissegment-Laufschiene mit Kerbe und

Figur 35a) und 35b) jeweils eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Weichenelements.

Further advantages, features and possible uses of the present invention will become clear from the following description of a preferred embodiment and the associated figures. Show it:

1a) and 1b) show a perspective side view and a top view of a flat running rail with four through holes,

2a) and 2b) a perspective side view and a top view of a running rail with five through holes,

3a) and 3b) show a perspective side view and a top view of a running rail with four through bores, the central rail section of which is inclined,

4a) and 4b) show a perspective view and a sectional drawing of a connecting element or stabilizing element with a through hole,

5a) and 5b) show a perspective view and a sectional drawing of a connecting element of the thickness of the running rail with a through hole and a hollow cylinder fastened coaxially to the underside thereof,

6a) and 6b) show a perspective view and a sectional drawing of a connecting element of twice the thickness of the running rail with a through hole and a hollow cylinder which is fastened coaxially thereto on the underside,

7a) and 7b) show a perspective view and a sectional drawing of a connecting element with an upper bore section and a lateral opening,

8a) and 8b) show a perspective view and a sectional drawing through a tunnel element without a projection,

9a) and 9b) show a perspective view and a sectional drawing through a tunnel element with a projection,

10a) and 10b) show a perspective view and a sectional drawing of a connecting element with two lateral openings,

11a) and 11b) show a perspective view and a sectional drawing through a tunnel element with an upper and lateral opening,

12a) and 12b) show a perspective view and a sectional drawing of a connecting plate with two through bores,

13a) and 13b) show a perspective view and a sectional drawing of a connecting plate with four through bores,

FIG. 14 shows a simple assembled ball track,

FIG. 15 a complicated compound ball track,

16a) and 16b) show a perspective view and a sectional drawing of a bridging element,

17a) and 17b) a tunnel element similar to that shown in FIG. 11 and a corresponding sieve element,

18a) and 18b) show two perspective views of a seesaw element with and without a connecting element,

FIG. 19 shows a plan view of a rocker element,

20a) and 20b) show a perspective view and a sectional view of a connecting element which is suitable for receiving the seesaw element,

FIGS. 21a) and 21b) are a top view and a sectional view of a spiral element,

22a), 22b) and 22c) show a perspective side view, a perspective view from below and a sectional drawing through a tunnel element with upper and three lateral openings,

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a connecting plate with five through bores,

24a) and 24b) each show a perspective sectional view of a seesaw element with two holding devices and separating device,

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of an assembled ball track with a rocker element with two holding devices,

26a) and 26b) show a perspective view and a sectional view of the base body of a locking element,

27a), 27b) and 27c) show a perspective view of two different embodiments of the handle of the locking device, and an enlarged detail of the saddle of the handle,

FIG. 28 is a see-through drawing of the assembled blocking element,

29a) and 29b) each show a perspective view of a ball track with locking element,

30a) and 30b) are a top view and a perspective view of a circular running rail,

FIGS. 31a) and 31b) are a top view and a perspective view of a 60 ° circular segment running rail,

FIGS. 32a) and 32b) are a top view and a perspective view of a 120 ° circular segment running rail,

FIGS. 33a) and 33b) each show a perspective view of a ball track with circular running rails and / or circular segment running rails,

34a) and 34b) are a top view and a perspective view of a 60 ° circular segment guide rail with notch and

35a) and 35b) each show a perspective view of a switch element.

In Figures 1 to 3, three different variants of rails 1, 2, 3 are shown. They have a slot running alongside, a plurality of through openings 15 which partly on the underside have an axially extending hollow cylinder 16, and Conductors 17 on. The outer diameter of the hollow cylinder corresponds to the diameter of the Through openings. The running rails typically have lengths of approximately 25 cm to about 50cm. The diameter of the through hole is preferably between 25% and 75% of the track width. The track width varies depending on the ball diameter usually between 4cm and 15cm. Through holes are narrow in pairs Clearance at the end sections of the running rails. Nevertheless, it is guaranteed that two connecting elements are placed side by side on the through holes can. The, for example, web or semi-cylindrical guide pieces 17 are in the vicinity of one Through hole attached towards the middle of the rail and point in the direction Center of the rail a smaller distance apart than in the direction of the rail end. This ensures that the balls are guided onto the raceway.

It goes without saying that the above measurement ranges are not an obligatory definition, but rather themselves have only proven to be practical areas in practice. The tracks can of course, also have dimensions that lie outside the ranges mentioned.

FIG. 2 shows a running rail which additionally has a rail mounted approximately in the middle Has through hole 15. This additional through hole increases the variability the present marble run considerably. Running rails are also particularly useful have two additional through holes 15 which are arranged approximately in the middle are. The two additional through holes are preferably so far spaced from each other that at the same time one connecting element on each Through hole can be placed.

While the rails in FIGS. 1 and 2 are flat, the rail in FIG. 3 two flat end portions 24, 26 and a central rail portion 25 opposite the horizontal is inclined.

FIG. 4 shows a connecting element 4 with a substantially cuboid shape Through hole 18 shown. The thickness of this connecting element corresponds to the thickness the running track. This element also serves to stabilize fasteners and Running rails to be placed on the floor and a cylinder or Have hollow cylinders on their underside.

In Figures 5a) and 5b), a connecting element 5 is shown, which in addition to the 4 a hollow cylinder 16 extending axially to the through bore 18 has, which is attached to the underside of the connecting element. The Through hole 18 is tapered stepwise towards the bottom, so that the diameter the tapered bore the inner diameter of the hollow cylinder 16 and the further bore corresponds to the outer diameter of the hollow cylinder. This connecting element is like this formed that on the one hand the balls both through holes 18 and Can pass through hollow cylinder 16, and on the other hand, the hollow cylinder 16 in the Through holes 18 of both the rails and the connecting elements can be used. The parts assembled in this way can be horizontal Direction can not be shifted relative to each other. However, it is possible to use the two parts against each other about an axis corresponding to the axis of the hollow cylinder and the bore to turn.

The connecting element designated 6 in FIG. 6 differs from that Connection element in Figure 5 only by a different effective height.

In Figure 7, a connecting element 7 is shown, which has a lateral opening that with the upper bore section 18 is connected. A bore section 20 of the bore within the connecting element has an incline with respect to the horizontal. On further bore section 27 has a larger bore section 20 Incline. Of course, bore section 27 can also run vertically. The inclined bore section 20, which are of course also curved can ensure that a ball passes through the upper hole in the connector falls, a horizontal speed component when passing through the connecting element experiences. The connecting elements have a height that is an integer Corresponds to multiples of the track thickness. The connecting element 7 must also Fulfill the requirement that the height of the connecting element 7 is at least so great that a ball sufficiently horizontally directed through the connecting element 7 The running track is accelerated from the ball to the intended point is going through. The side opening is so high that the connecting element 7 are inserted with the cylinder into a through hole in a running rail can and another running rail on the first running rail next to the connecting element 7 can be placed or inserted and a ball passing through the connecting element is guided on the second track.

The connecting element 8 shown in FIG. 8 has an upper bore section 18 and a tunnel-like passage 21. The bore section 18 is in this connecting element not rejuvenated. In principle, this connecting element can be anywhere be placed on the rails 1 or 2 such that the rolling on the track Bullets can cross the tunnel-like passage. The upper bore 18 allows that starting from this connecting element further rails and / or connecting elements can be built upwards.

The connecting element designated 9 in FIG. 9 faces the connecting element 8 additionally has a cylinder 22 attached to the underside. The cylinder 22 has on its side facing the tunnel-like passage 21 a groove 28, the Width corresponds to the width of the groove 14 of the rails and parallel to the tunnel-like passage 21 runs. This cylinder can be in the through holes Snap the rails 1, 2, 3 so that the balls passing through the groove 14 can roll through tunnel-like passage 21 of the connecting element 9 without in the through bore closed by the cylinder 22 to fall.

Figure 10 shows a connecting element with two lateral outlet openings 19. By the Device 23 ensures that a ball passes through the upper bore section 18 enters the connecting element 10, through one of the two lateral outlet openings 19 exits with a horizontal speed component. The device 23 has a deflection mechanism, which through falling balls between the one and the switches other lateral outlet opening 19. But it can also be permanently installed be so that the ball happens to use one of the two lateral outlet holes 19, or be movable manually or remotely so that the user can decide which side outlet opening 19 is to be used by the ball.

FIG. 11 shows a connecting element 11 which has an upper bore section, a side outlet opening 19 and an inclined or curved bore section 20th and has a tunnel-like passage 21. This element can be used to build a Ball track with multiple ball paths can be helpful. While with a ball path a ball rolls on a running track in the tunnel-like passage 21 and into which is located below the Connecting element 11 in the assembled state hole or in the bore section 18 of a running rail or another connecting element falls, another ball path may allow a ball to enter through the upper bore portion 18 of the connecting element 11 and the one provided with a horizontal acceleration Provide exit from the lateral outlet opening 19. Two different ones Embodiments of such a connecting element are also shown in FIGS. 17a) and 17b). Apart from a slightly different design of the Figures 17a) and 17b) differ in tunnel-like passage in that the Size of the vertically extending outputs 32 and 32 'are different. That that in figure 17b) shown connecting element serves as a sieve element, so that when it For example, is placed on a through hole of a rail, only balls with of a smaller size than the size of the exit 32 'pass through the track can, while the other balls remain largely unimpeded on the track and go through the tunnel-like passage completely. Of course, one can Embodiment can be realized in which both the upper bore portion 18 with a lateral outlet opening 19 is connected as well as three lateral tunnel-like Openings are provided. Such a connecting element 49 is shown in FIGS. 22a), b) and c) shown. This connecting element 49 can therefore come from three different sides a ball can be fed laterally, which then through the lower outlet Connecting element 49 leaves again. This element can advantageously be placed on a running track set with at least one essentially centrally located through hole become. In this case, for example, a ball can pass through the ball path the upper bore 18 and the lateral outlet opening 19 are guided on the running rail while another ball path is guided on the same rail and down through the centrally arranged through hole of the running rail becomes.

The connecting plates shown in Figures 12 and 13 also have upper ones Bore sections 18 and for this axially extending hollow cylinder attached to the underside 16 on. With these connecting plates z. B. two or more side by side standing connecting elements are secured against lateral relative movements. Also can use such connecting plates to build stair-shaped arrangements Fasteners serve. In addition, there are connecting plates with three Bore sections that are arranged in a row are appropriate. It is also beneficial if part of the connecting plates shown in FIG. 13 has a further bore 18 ' has, which is arranged approximately centrally. Such a connection plate is shown in Figure 23 shown. It is then possible, for example, a connecting element with a side Place opening on the central bore 18 'and the connecting element in such a way align that a ball that falls into the connector through the side opening is passed into one of the outer holes 18.

FIG. 14 shows a very simple construction of a ball track. Two lower ones Connecting elements 7 engage with the hollow cylinder located on the underside or Cylinder in the connecting elements 4. This ensures a secure stand on the base guaranteed. The running rail 1 is now located on the underside of it Hollow cylinder snapped into the upper bore opening of the lower connecting elements 7. Another connecting element 7 is located on the running rail 1. A ball can now be thrown into the upper opening of the upper connecting element 7. When passing through this connecting element, the ball experiences due to the inclined or curved bore section a horizontal acceleration. It then rolls along the Running groove of the running rail 1 until it falls into the next through hole of the running rail 1.

By connecting the running rail 1 to the connecting element 7 located underneath it is ensured that the ball falls into the lower connecting element 7. There she learns again a horizontal acceleration and leaves the connecting element 7 from the side opening.

FIG. 15 shows a more complicated structure of the ball track. Several different ones Ball paths are realized in a single structure. All tracks are horizontal on the connecting elements or other running rails. Through this and through that rotatable attachment by means of the hollow or solid cylinder and the bore portions 18 an extremely stable construction possible. In principle there are no limits to the height of the ball track set. Provided there are enough tracks and fasteners available standing structures are possible. Also, the ball track does not necessarily have to be out Be made of wood. Ball tracks made of transparent materials, e.g. B. Plexiglas. This will result in the use of colored balls or other rollable Elements achieved an optical effect.

The bridging element shown in FIGS. 16a) and 16b) is used for bridging of through holes on the running rails. Should z. B. in an already built Ball track of the ball path can be changed, so a through hole can Track can be very cumbersome. Then the bridging element in this hole set, a ball can run through the track across the hole. The Bridging element in this embodiment has holding arms 30 which Prevent the bridging element from falling through the through hole. In addition, the bridging element also has a guide for continuous Balls and a nose 31, which ensures that the bridging element or the guide aligned parallel to the running rail and a twisting of the bridging element is excluded during operation. Of course, can be used as a bridging element the connecting element shown in FIG. 9 can also be used. In this case can the bridging element at the same time as a support point for another track serve.

A rocker element 33 is shown in FIGS. 18a), 18b) and 19. The rocker element 33 can with the help of the guide web 35 in a running rail or on a suitable connecting element 34 are placed so that it rests on the journal 36. The The rocker element has an essentially U-shaped cross section in the longitudinal direction. The Balls are guided into the rocker element 33 such that they on the surface 41 of the Rocker box hit by the surfaces 40, 41 and the leg surfaces of the U-shape is formed. The random elements 42, which are essentially semi-cylindrical here, the balls are directed into the rocker base. The design of the rocker box, d. H. the weight of the rocker box ensures that the rocker element in the unfilled state in the receiving position, so that it is in Figures 18a) and b) around the journal 36 in Clockwise is tilted. Incoming balls reach the base of the seesaw and lie initially on the slightly inclined surface 40. Takes in the number of balls the rocker element 33, so more and more balls have to take a position in the Figures to the left of the bearing point Bearing pin 36 lies. From a certain number of The position of the rocker element then becomes unstable and the ball tilts around the ball Bearing pin 36 counterclockwise to the left and gives at least part of the Bullets free. The quarter cylinder 39 prevent a plurality of balls from side by side in the Rocker element 33 can wedge. The guide elements 38, which are asymmetrical are, make sure that when releasing the balls, the balls in turn on z. B. the Track are released. The rocker element has an optical identification 37, the attention of the playing user to the pivotability of the rocker element 33 should do. The optical marking can e.g. B by colored marking.

The number of balls that the seesaw element can hold until it becomes unstable and releases at least some of the balls again, u. a. on the weight of the seesaw box certainly. It is therefore also possible for the advanced user to provide weights which can be mounted in the rocker box if necessary so that the user can influence the absorption capacity of the rocker element 33.

As already mentioned, the seesaw element 33 is primarily designed for one Running track to be put on, but it is also possible to the rocker element 33 to set up special connecting elements 34, which are shown in FIGS. 20a) and 20b) are. The connecting element 34 has a guide slot 43 for receiving the Guide web 35 and notches for receiving the bearing pin 36.

FIGS. 24a) and 24b) show a rocker element 50 with two holding devices, where always one in the recording position and the other in the Release position is. To illustrate the mode of operation, there is a ball track in FIG shown, which has a rocker element 50 with two receiving devices. In the The position shown falls through the central hole in the top track ball passing through into the right receiving device. Once this position becomes unstable is, the rocker element tilts clockwise, so that the right receiving device in the Release position goes and the balls picked up to the right on the lower track releases while the left cradle goes into the cradle position so that the balls falling through the central hole of the upper track into the left one Receiving device. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 24a) and 24b), the rocker element 50 has a partition 51 which can be rotated or pivoted via the pivot pin 52 is pivotally mounted. In addition, two stops 53 are provided which Limit the pivoting radius of the partition in order to open the partition 51 completely prevent. In the embodiment shown here, the partition can be based solely on the Own weight of the balls are moved. The balls fall, for example, in the figure 24a) shown position in the right receiving device. The balls are through the Gravity is pressed against the partition 51, and the partition 51 moves left against the stop 53 in the position shown in Figure 24b). The absorption capacity the pick-up device can be easily enlarged by this tricky construction, without the rocker element taking on too large dimensions overall. After the right one Recording device has reached its maximum absorption capacity, so it becomes unstable and goes into the release position, the following balls get into the left one Receiving device. Again, the partition 51 is solely by the weight of the Bullets moved, but this time to the right up to the right stop 53. In this Position is now increased the recording capacity of the left recording device, while at the same time, the absorption capacity of the right reception device is reduced. The smaller one Capacity of the right recording device is irrelevant, however, as it is currently in is the release position and therefore cannot pick up any balls.

A spiral element 55 is shown in FIGS. 21a) and b). It consists of one Track section with ball guide 14 and through holes 15 and one Spiral section that guides the balls on a conical and spiral path. The production of the spiral element 55 shown is very simple. In an approximately trowel-shaped body a continuous groove that is parallel to the track section (corresponds to the trowel handle) Running track and spiral section (corresponds to the actual trowel). With a suitable choice of material (e.g. wood) it is possible, as shown in Figure 21b) to move the inner part of the spiral section down. With suitable support elements 48, the spiral section can be fixed in its "extended" position. This one The embodiment shown has the further advantage that the support elements 48 are fixed are mounted and depressions 46 are provided on the underside of the spiral section, which serve to accommodate the support elements 48 in the storage position. So it is possible that innermost, ring 'of the spiral element in the circumferential direction with respect to the outer' rings' to twist something and bring the support elements 48 into the recesses 46. Securing elements 47 prevent the supporting elements 48 from being inadvertently moved.

The spacer 45 serves for stabilization. The guide elements 17 'guide the balls during particularly critical trajectories when entering or leaving the Scroll member. It is particularly noteworthy that the balls on the spiral element are not in the groove run, but on the rails, so that they go solely through the radially outward walls are held. Leaving the rails inwards is done by the Centrifugal force prevented. Due to this extremely simple design of the ball guide, it is for example, it is even possible to use such a spiral element as a "funnel". If the balls are, if possible in the right direction, in the spiral section thrown, they will automatically find the appropriate path and spiral inwards guided. Likewise, a connecting element with a lateral opening or a Rocker element above the spiral element can be arranged such that the outlet opening in aligned approximately in the direction of an imaginary tangent to the spiral course of the ball is.

The blocking element and its mode of operation are shown in FIGS. 26 to 29. The The embodiment of the locking element shown here consists of a base body 54 which can also be regarded as a specially designed connecting element and also for this can serve, and a trigger device in the form of a handle 66, 67. Two exemplary Arrangements of such a blocking element in a ball track are shown in FIGS. 29a) and 29b). It is thought that at least one ball path is such that balls get into the upper opening of the base body 54. The balls are 60 through the saddle of the leg held in the base body 54. Only when there is a ball under it passes through the horizontal running rail and deflects the Schwengel 66, 67, becomes exactly one ball released through the side opening of the base body. The Schwengel 66, 67 swings thereupon back and the passage through the base body 54 is blocked again. How out The two arrangement examples clearly show, the under the body 54 running track both a track 2 with a horizontal central section and one Track 3 with an inclined central portion. It goes without saying that the Schwengel 66, 67, if necessary, to the different distances between the adjacent tracks must be adjusted.

Figures 26a) and 26b) show the base body 54 of the locking element in detail. The The base body has an upper bore 18 and a lateral outlet opening 19 there is also a lower hole through which the handle 66, 67 into the base body 54 can be guided and hinged. The base body 54 also has one optical marking 37 'on the functioning of the ball track on the user of the blocking element should draw attention. This is indicated by the identification 37 ' pivotable suspension of the handle. The Schwengel 66, 67 consists of the Schwengelarm 58, the pivot 57 and the saddle 60. The pivot 57 serve the pivotable suspension of the arm 66, 67 in the base body 54. Zur Clarification is a see-through drawing of the blocking element in FIG shown assembled state. A ball into the upper opening 18 of the Basic body 54 arrives, first lands on the saddle 60, which is a concavely rounded Has saddle surface 61. The ball is held securely here and can be the side Do not leave outlet opening 19. If the handle is now by hand or preferably deflected by another ball in the direction of the arrow in Figure 28, the moves Saddle 61 to the left until it hits section 63 against section 64 of the Basic body beats. In this position, the 'hollow' of the saddle 61 is inclined so far that the Ball passes through the side outlet opening 19. The Schwengel 66, 67 swings back and the passage is blocked again for the following balls until a next ball Schwengel deflects again and repeats the process.

The embodiment of the locking element shown here is particularly tricky Construction on, which ensures that only one ball at a time the locking element can leave. The locking element is therefore designed according to the invention that only if there are at least two balls in the base body 54, the actuation of the lever 66, 67 ensures that a ball leaves the base body 54 from the side opening 19. Therefore, tilting the saddle 60 alone is not enough to get the bottom ball in the To move the body to the side outlet opening, rather is the Weight force of another ball necessary, which acts on the lower ball and the lower one Ball when pivoting the saddle 60 slightly to the side in the direction of the surface 64 of the Base body presses. Only when the saddle swings back does the edge 63 of the Saddle 60 laterally the ball out of the base body 54. A return of the ball on their original position is not possible because of the weight of the subsequent ball is prevented.

For this purpose, the saddle 60 has the shape shown in FIG. 27c). The saddle has a substantially quadrangular shape in cross-section, the top surface 61, as already mentioned, being concave, so that a kind of hollow or depression is formed in which a ball can be held securely. It is clear from FIG. 27 c) that the height of the square is greater on the side facing the outlet opening than on the other side, ie that d ₂ <d ₁ . The edge portions 62, 63 of the upper surface of the saddle 60 are not curved. As is also clear in FIG. 27c), the surface 65 of the saddle 60 facing the outlet opening is not arranged to run completely vertically, but rather has an inclination. This inclination is to be adapted to the inclined contact surface 64 of the base body 54.

Both shown embodiments of the arm 66, 67 have a notch 72 that serves to enlarge the swivel range of the handle, as this causes a stop of the arm on the hollow cylinder 16 of the base body 54 only with a larger deflection of the wing 66, 67 takes place. Especially when using small balls or if the handle 66 directly above a through hole 15 of a running rail is arranged, as is the case for example in FIG. 29b), it is advantageous if the Schwengel 66 has a bump 59. This will deflect the handle 66 enlarged.

As already mentioned, the running tracks do not necessarily have to be linear to have. Of course, curved tracks are also possible. For example the circular tracks shown in FIGS. 30a) and 30b) can be used. The circular running rails particularly preferably have six through holes 15, which are equally spaced in the circumferential direction, so that the running rail of one Through hole to the next describes a circle segment of 60 °. 30a) The embodiment shown additionally has an uncurved track section, the two opposite through holes 15 connects and therefore, so to speak Represents the diameter of the circular path. The non-curved track section has to which a centrally arranged further through hole 15.

The circular track described can also consist of different circular segment tracks be put together. Such circular segment rails are in the Figures 31 and 32 shown. Conveniently, these can be attached to at least one End portion a semicircular incision 15 'and essentially one have centrally arranged semi-hollow cylinders 16 '. This allows these rails For example, be securely joined to the connecting elements. Figure 31 shows a 60 ° circular segment running rail 70 and FIG. 32 a 120 ° circular segment running rail 71. The running rail 71 is essentially central to increase variability arranged bore 15 on. Bars 69 are provided to reinforce the running rails, which connect the two parts of the running track separated by a continuous slot. It should of course be ensured that the webs 69 do not roll the balls hinder. The circular runners or the circular segment runners can, like shown in Figures 30b) and 32b), also have guide pieces 17.

With the help of these rails, circular structures are possible, such as is shown in Figure 33b), the circular paths in the individual planes also to each other can be arranged laterally offset. Alternatively or in combination, however also wavy courses are formed. Due to the additional curved Running rails are almost the imagination when creating a wide variety of floor plans no more limit. For example, ball tracks can also be implemented, whose floor plan represents one or more letters.

The radius of the circular running rails 68 or the radius of curvature of the circular segment running rails 70, 71 preferably corresponds to the effective length of at least part of the Tracks. The distance between the effective length of the running rail two not necessarily adjacent through holes 15 of the rails Roger that. A 60 ° circular segment running track then necessarily has the same effective length.

Otherwise, it is also possible to connect two circular segment running tracks directly to one another couple so that the rails overlap. The connecting element can then be dispensed with because, in general, the height difference to be overcome is due to the rail thickness is sufficient to give the ball the necessary horizontal speed component. The circular segment running rail therefore particularly preferably has a notch 72, which the Stepping over the ball from one circular segment running track to the next is simplified. This is shown in Figures 34a) and 34b).

In Figures 35a) and 35b) there is a branching circular segment running track shown. In both cases, a deflection element 73 is approximately in the center of the y-shaped one Track arranged with the help of back and forth between different ball paths can be switched down. The distance between two through holes of the y-shaped Running rails is chosen here in such a way that they act as 60 ° circular segment running rails in the Ball path can be installed. In principle, this track can be used on any Be installed in the ball track. By swiveling or redirecting the Deflection mechanism 73, the ball course is changed. In principle, this track is also from playable on all sides. In one case, however, it may be necessary for the returning Ball actuated the deflection mechanism 73. The deflection mechanism 73 is shown in FIG pivotably arranged latch formed. The latch is on one side around one Pivotal pivot. In addition, end stops 75 are provided, which too prevent wide deflection of the bolt 73. The embodiment of the Deflection element 73 in Figure 35a) has a wedge 73 which is pivotable about the axis 74 is arranged. The axis 74 is arranged in the rail plane, so that the axis 74 runs essentially horizontally. It is understood that such a branch is not can only be used in circular segment rails.

It can be clearly seen that with the present ball track of the imagination practically none There are limits. Any layout structure is possible. It also remains with the user leave whether connecting element must follow on track and vice versa, or whether also running rail on running rail or connecting element on connecting element should be put on. The variability achieved with the present invention provides sure that children of all ages and in many cases even adults are using it have fun on the marble run.

Claims (56)

1. A ball track comprising individual components with guide rails (1, 2, 3) which have a guide for rolling balls, and with connecting elements (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) having a ball passage which is substantially vertical and/or markedly inclined with respect to the horizontal, wherein the guide rails have at least one through opening or through bore for the transfer of a ball on to another component, characterised in that the guide rails (1, 2, 3) and the connecting elements (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) can be fitted to and on to each other to produce a ball path which passes over more than one component, wherein the ball path extends horizontally at least on a portion of the guide rails.
2. A ball track according to claim 1 characterised in that the guide rails (1, 2, 3) and the connecting elements (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) can be connected together rotatably about a substantially vertical axis.
3. A ball track according to one of claims 1 and 2 characterised in that the connecting elements are substantially in the form of pillars or blocks (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) and are provided with vertical through bores (18) or bore portions (18).
4. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that at least one connecting element has a sound-producing device provided for producing a sound when a ball passes through the connecting element.
5. A ball track according to claim 4 characterised in that at least in regard to a part of the connecting elements (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) there is provided at least one lateral exit opening (19) and that at least one portion (20) of the bore within the connecting element has an angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal of between 0° and 90° so that a ball which drops into a vertical bore portion (18) experiences acceleration with a horizontal component on passing through the bore.
6. A ball track according to claim 5 characterised in that at least a part of the connecting elements (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) has two lateral exit openings (19) which are formed by a branching of the vertical bore portion (18).
7. A ball track according to claim 5 or claim 6 characterised in that the centre point of the lateral exit openings (19) is at a spacing from the lower edge of the connecting element, which spacing is the sum of the thickness of the guide rails and the radius of the lateral exit opening.
8. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that at least a part of the connecting elements (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) has a horizontally extending passageway (21) in the lower region.
9. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that the connecting elements (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) are in part of different effective heights corresponding to an integral multiple of a predetermined modular size.
10. A ball track according to claim 9 characterised in that the modular size is determined by the (vertical) thickness of the guide rails (1, 2, 3).
11. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterised in that at least a part of the rails (1, 2, 3) have at least three respective through bores (15) or openings.
12. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 11 characterised in that at least a part of the guide rails (1, 2, 3) has at at least one end portion two bores (15) at a close spacing.
13. A ball track according to claim 12 characterised in that rails (1, 2, 3) have at least three respective through bores (15) or openings.
14. A ball track according to one of claims 11 to 13 characterised in that a part of the rails have a through bore (15) arranged substantially centrally with respect to their length.
15. A ball track according to claim 12 or claim 13 characterised in that a part of the rails has two through openings or bores (15) arranged substantially centrally with respect to their length.
16. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 15 characterised in that the ball guides in the rails are formed by a continuous slot (14) preferably extending along a longitudinal centre line of the rails.
17. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 16 characterised in that provided on the guide rails (1, 2, 3) and the connecting elements (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) are projections (16) and apertures (15, 18) which in the assembled condition of the guide rails and the connecting elements engage alternately into each other so that the assembled rails and connecting elements are prevented from lateral relative movements.
18. A ball track according to claim 17 characterised in that the projections (16) and apertures (15, 18) are arranged concentrically with respect to the vertical through bores (15, 18) or bore portions of the rail (1, 2, 3) and the connecting element (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11).
19. A ball track according to claim 18 characterised in that the projections and apertures are of a circular or annular configuration respectively so that in the mutually assembled condition the rails (1, 2, 3) and connecting elements (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) are rotatable relative to each other about the common axis of a circle of projections (16) and apertures (15, 18).
20. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 19 characterised in that the connecting elements (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) have at their top side an annular aperture (18) surrounding the upper opening and at their underside a cylindrical or hollow-cylindrical projection (16) which is coaxial with respect to the aperture and the outside diameter of which is smaller than or equal to the diameter of the upper opening of the through bores (15) of the rails (1, 2, 3), wherein the outside diameter preferably in turn corresponds to the inside diameter of the upwardly arranged aperture.
21. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 20 characterised in that at their underside the guide rails (1, 2, 3) in relation to at least a part of the through bores (15) have an annular projection which is arranged concentrically with respect to said bore and the outside diameter of which is equal to the inside diameter of the annular aperture of the connecting elements.
22. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 21 characterised in that there are provided connecting plates (12, 13) having one or more through bores (18), the sizes of which including any projections at the lower end of the bore correspond to the sizes of the through bore (15) of the guide rail (1, 2, 3).
23. A ball track according to claim 22 characterised in that the connecting plates (12, 13) are of an effective height corresponding to an integral multiple of the (vertical) thickness of the guide rails (1, 2, 3).
24. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 23 characterised in that there is provided at least one guide rail (3) whose end portions which extend horizontally and which are provided with through bores or connecting bores respectively are connected by an inclined rolling track portion whose length and inclination are such that the difference in level between the horizontal end portions corresponds to an integral multiple of the modular size determined by the guide rail thickness.
25. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 24 characterised in that fixed to the top side of the connecting rails is at least one pair of guide portions (17) on both sides of the guide channel, which at the end of the guide portions that is towards the through bore (15) of the guide rails (1, 2, 3) are somewhat further away from the channel than at the other end of the guide portions.
26. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 25 characterised in that there is provided at least one bridging element which can be fitted on to a through opening or bore to close same.
27. A ball track according to claim 26 characterised in that the bridging element has guide elements at least on one side.
28. A ball track according to claim 26 or claim 27 characterised in that the bridging element has at least one guide nose (31).
29. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 28 characterised in that there is provided at least one sorting element having a through opening or bore (32') which is smaller than the through openings of the guide rails and connecting elements (32) so that rolling elements or balls of small size can pass therethrough while rolling elements or balls of larger dimensions are prevented from doing so.
30. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 29 characterised in that there is provided a tilting element (33) which can be substantially freely positioned on the guide rails and/or the connecting elements and has a receiving device with a receiving position and a release position, wherein in the receiving position the receiving device is capable of receiving at least one rolling element and in the release position it is capable of releasing at least one rolling element.
31. A ball track according to claim 30 characterised in that in the receiving position the receiving device assumes a condition of stable equilibrium which becomes unstable by virtue of receiving one or more rolling elements so that the receiving device moves into the release position.
32. A ball track according to claim 30 or claim 31 characterised in that the tilting element has two receiving devices, wherein in a first condition of the tilting element the first receiving device is in the receiving position and the second receiving device is in the release position and in a second condition of the tilting element (33) the first receiving device is in the release position and the second receiving device is in the receiving position.
33. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 32 characterised in that there is provided a spiral element (35) serving to receive rolling elements, preferably balls, which are guided by the spiral element (35) on a spiral path which preferably extends conically.
34. A ball track according to claim 33 characterised in that the height of the cone around which the spiral path passes corresponds to an integral multiple of the modular size.
35. A ball track according to claim 33 or claim 34 characterised in that the spiral element (35) can assume at least two positions, wherein in a storage position the spiral path has substantially no vertical component and in a playing position the spiral path extends conically.
36. A ball track according to claim 35 characterised in that the spiral element has two or more playing positions which differ by virtue of a differing height of the cone encircled by the spiral path, which preferably each correspond to an integral multiple of the modular size.
37. A ball track according to one of claims 33 to 36 characterised in that on the spiral track through the spiral element (35) the balls experience an acceleration effect which has essentially only a radially inwardly directed component which is exerted on the ball by a guide defining the outside of the spiral path of movement of the ball (as a reaction force to a centrifugal force).
38. A ball track according to one of claims 33 to 37 characterised in that the spiral element (35) has a substantially horizontal, straight guide rail portion and a spiral portion.
39. A ball track according to one of claims 33 to 38 characterised in that the spiral element (55) is designed such that it can be played upon from both sides.
40. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 39 characterised in that there is provided a blocking element (54, 66, 67) which at least at times blocks the ball path.
41. A ball track according to claim 40 characterised in that the blocking element (54, 66, 67) has a trigger device (66, 67), upon the actuation of which at least one ball can overcome the blocking element.
42. A ball track according to claim 40 or claim 41 characterised in that the blocking element has a main body (54) and a trigger device (66, 67) arranged movably therein.
43. A ball track according to claim 42 characterised in that the trigger device (66, 67) is so designed that it can be triggered by a ball rolling on an adjacent guide rail, preferably on a guide rail extending therebeneath.
44. A ball track according to claim 43 characterised in that the trigger device comprises a clapper bar (58), a pivotable suspension for example in the form of a pivot pin (57) and a saddle (60).
45. A ball track according to claim 44 characterised in that the saddle (60) has a hollow or depression (61).
46. A ball track according to claim 44 or claim 45 characterised in that the main body (54) has an upper inlet opening (18) and a lateral exit opening (19).
47. A ball track according to claim 46 characterised in that the saddle substantially in lateral cross-section is in the form of a rectangle, wherein the upper surface is optionally concavely curved, and the height d₂ of the rectangle is greater at the side of the saddle that is towards the exit opening than the height d₁ of the rectangle at the side of the saddle that is remote from the exit opening.
48. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 47 characterised in that at least one guide rail has a portion curved about a vertically extending axis.
49. A ball track according to claim 48 characterised in that at least one guide rail (68) describes a circle.
50. A ball track according to claim 48 or claim 49 characterised in that at least one guide rail (70, 71) describes a segment of a circle.
51. A ball track according to claim 50 characterised in that at least one guide rail (70, 71) describes a 60° or a 120° segment of a circle.
52. A ball track according to claim 50 or claim 51 characterised in that at least one guide rail (70, 71) in the form of a segment of a circle has at at least one end portion a substantially semicircular bore (15') which is preferably surrounded by a hollow half-cylinder (16') extending concentrically with respect thereto.
53. A ball track according to one of claims 49 to 52 characterised in that the circular guide rails and/or the guide rails in the form of a segment of a circle have through bores which are preferably at a spacing from each other along the path of the circle, which is about 0.333 x π x r, wherein r is the radius of curvature of the guide rail and π represents the number pi.
54. A ball track according to claim 53 characterised in that the radius of curvature r corresponds to the effective length of at least one guide rail, wherein the effective length corresponds to the spacing of two through bores (15) which are arranged on the guide rail but which are not necessarily adjacent.
55. A ball track according to one of claims 1 to 54 characterised in that at least one guide rail has a branching.
56. A ball track according to claim 55 characterised in that at least one guide rail which has a branching has a deflection element (73) which makes it possible to adjust the ball path along which a ball travels.

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