US20140206256A1

US20140206256A1 - Connector for Modular Model Vehicle Tracks

Info

Publication number: US20140206256A1
Application number: US13/788,585
Authority: US
Inventors: Stanley Ting Chung Chan; Roger Kwok Wai Wu
Original assignee: Hasbro Inc
Current assignee: Hasbro Inc
Priority date: 2013-01-24
Filing date: 2013-03-07
Publication date: 2014-07-24

Abstract

Modular tracks for model vehicles comprising a plurality of interconnected track sections, and connectors for interconnecting the track sections and attaching the track to a support structure are disclosed. In some embodiments, a modular track for toy vehicles includes a track section having a top surface for supporting toy vehicles and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first end with recessed corners on the top surface, and a connection flange extending downward from the bottom surface at the first end. The modular track may also include a track section connector configured to connect and align adjacent track sections, the connector including a lower receptacle for receiving the connection flange and an upper receptacle for receiving the recessed corners.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/756,114, filed on Jan. 24, 2013, and the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This patent specification relates to a modular track for model vehicles, and more particularly to connectors for joining individual track sections to form a modular track for model vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Modular tracks for model vehicles are generally constructed from a plurality of track sections interconnected with one another. Various types of systems for connecting adjacent track sections have been developed. These systems, however, suffer from a number of shortcomings. For example, some of the existing connection systems may be difficult to manipulate and thus are not suitable for children and some adults. Some existing systems are also not able to prevent lateral movement of track sections relative to one another. Accordingly, there is still a need for an improved system for connecting adjacent track sections of a modular track.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a modular track for model vehicles comprising a plurality of interconnected track sections, and connectors for interconnecting the track sections and attaching the track to a support structure.
According to some embodiments, a modular track for toy vehicles includes a track section having a top surface for supporting toy vehicles and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first end with recessed corners on the top surface, and a connection flange extending downward from the bottom surface at the first end. The modular track may also include a track section connector configured to connect and align adjacent track sections, the track section connector comprising a frame connecting a first side wall and an opposing second side wall extending upward from the frame, a pair of lips extending inward from the first side wall and second side wall for receiving the connection flange of the first end of the track section between the lips and the frame; a first support surface extending outward from the first side wall and a second support surface extending outward from the second side wall, and a first upper flange depending from the first support surface and a second upper flange depending from the second support surface for receiving the recessed corners of the first end of the track section between the upper flanges and the first surface and second surface.
According to some embodiments, a modular track for toy vehicles includes a track section having a top surface for supporting toy vehicles, where the top surface includes a plurality of recessed corners, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and at least one connection flange depending from the bottom surface. The modular track may further include a track section connector configured to connect and align adjacent track sections, the track section connector including a frame connecting a first side wall and an opposing second side wall extending upward from the frame, a first receptacle for receiving the connection flange of the tract section, the first receptacle being defined by the frame and a pair of lips extending inward from the first and second side walls, and a second receptacle positioned above the first receptacle for receiving recessed corners of the track section, the second receptacle being defined by a first support surface extending outward from the first side wall and a second support surface extending outward from the second side wall and a pair of upper flanges depending from the first support surface and second support surface of the connector.
According to some embodiments, a modular track for toy vehicles includes a track support structure having a plurality of track coupling sections, a track section having a top surface for supporting toy vehicles, the top surface includes a plurality of recessed corners, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and at least one connection flange depending from the bottom; and a track section connector configured to connect and align adjacent track sections, the track section connector including a frame connecting a first side wall and an opposing second side wall extending upward from the frame, a first receptacle for receiving the connection flange of the tract section, the first receptacle being defined by the frame and a pair of lips extending inward from the first and second side walls, and a second receptacle positioned above the first receptacle for receiving the recessed corners of the track section, the second receptacle being defined by a first surface extending outward from the first side wall and a second surface extending outward from the second side wall to the side walls and a pair of upper flanges depending from the first surface and second surface of the connector; and a pin extending downward from the frame for insertion into an aperture at a track coupling section of the support structure to connect the track section received in the crack section connector to the track support structure.
In some embodiments, the connection flange of the modular track has a substantially t-shaped cross-section.
In some embodiments, the connection flange of the modular track has a transverse surface spaced apart from the bottom surface of the track section by a bridge member, the transverse surface being substantially parallel to the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the connector may include a plurality of rounded protrusions disposed on the first and second side wall, the plurality of rounded protrusions being configured to fit into a plurality of pockets in the transverse surface of the connection flange.
In some embodiments, in the modular track of the present disclosure, the first upper flange is connected to the first support surface by a first alignment rail and the second upper flange is connected to the second support surface by a second alignment rail, the first alignment rail and the second alignment rails being spaced apart to provide lateral alignment and support to the track section, when engaged to the connector.
In some embodiments, in the modular track of the present disclosure, the first support surface and the second support surface each include a flat section which forms with the first or second upper flanges, respectively, a receptacle for receiving the recessed corners and a sloped section which forms a ramp into the receptacle. In some embodiments, the first receptacle is formed by the first and second upper flanges and flat sections of the first support surface and the second support surface, and wherein each of the first support surface and the second support surface further includes a sloped section which forms a ramp into the first receptacle.
In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the track section includes a pair of incline surfaces on each side of the track section configured to engage the sloped sections of the first support surface and the second support surface, when the track section is engaged to the connector.
Further features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a prospective view of an embodiment track of the present disclosure including a plurality of interconnected track sections.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a track section of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a track section of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of a track section of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a track section of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a track section connector of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a top view of an embodiment of a track section connector of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6C is a bottom view of an embodiment of a track section connector of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A illustrates steps for engaging an embodiment of a track section of the present disclosure with an embodiment of a track section connector of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B also illustrates steps for engaging an embodiment of a track section of the present disclosure with an embodiment of a track section connector of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a track section connector of the present disclosure engaged to an embodiment of a track section of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of a track section connector of the present disclosure engaged to an embodiment of a track section of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a track section connector of the present disclosure engaged to an embodiment of a track section of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a track section connector of the present disclosure engaged to an embodiment of two track sections of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a top view of an embodiment of a track section connector of the present disclosure engaged to an embodiment of two track sections of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a close-up view of an embodiment of a track section connector of the present disclosure being connected to an embodiment of a track support structure of the present disclosure.

While the above-identified drawings set forth presently disclosed embodiments, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. This disclosure presents illustrative embodiments by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the following description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, systems, processes, and other elements in the invention may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known processes, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments. Further, like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.
Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process may be terminated when its operations are completed, but could have additional steps not discussed or included in a figure. Furthermore, not all operations in any particularly described process may occur in all embodiments. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be implemented, at least in part, either manually or automatically. Manual or automatic implementations may be executed, or at least assisted, through the use of machines, hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a machine readable medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks.
In reference to FIG. 1, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a modular modular track for model vehicles, such as trains or cars. FIG. 1 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of a modular track 100 formed by a plurality of track sections 110 a, 110 b interconnected with one another by a connector 200. The shapes of adjacent track sections 110 a, 110 b may vary as long as a continuous, substantially smooth track is formed to enable model vehicles to travel along the track with minimal interruptions. In some embodiments, the modular track 100 may be supported by a track support structure 300. In some embodiments, the modular track 100 may connect to the track support structure 300 by attaching the connector 200 to the track support structure 300 at a track coupling section 302.
In reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, each track section 110 has a first end 114 and a second end 116. Each track section 110 further includes a top surface 118 and a bottom surface 120. The track section 110 can be straight, arched, or curved. The track section 110 can be either planar or three dimensional. In some embodiments, the plurality of track sections 100 may have various shapes to form a continuous track of any desired shape, including, but not limited to, oval, circle, figure eight loops or another shape.
Each track section 110 further includes a first surface 118 and a second surface 120. In some embodiments, the top surface 110 may be modelled as a thoroughfare along which model vehicles can travel. In some embodiments, the second surface 120 may also be made to resemble a thoroughfare, preferably different than that of the first surface 118. In some embodiments, the first surface 118 and the second surface 120 are configured such that the toy track may be used with either one of the surfaces facing upward and the opposite surface actions as supporting surface. For the ease of description, the surface facing upwards so that the vehicles can drive on that surface may be referred to herein as the top or upper surface, while the surface facing downward may be referred to herein as the lower or bottom surface. This naming convention also applies to other features of track sections.
As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the top surface 118 may include a first recessed corner 124 a and a second recessed corner 124 b at the first end region 114. The first recessed corner 124 a includes a first open end 123 a and a first abutting surface 127 a. The second recessed corner 124 b includes a second open end 123 b and a second abutting surface 127 b. In some embodiments, the corners of the top surface 118 may not be solid or leveled with the rest of the top surface 118.
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the underside of the recessed corners 124 a, 124 b may include sloped or ramp section 125 to facilitate engagement between the track section 110 and the connector 200, as is described below. In some embodiments, the sloped or ramp section 125 may also facilitate alignment of top surfaces of adjacent track sections connected by the connector 200. In some embodiments, the top surface 118 may include one or more rails 122 to facilitate attachment of model vehicles to the track 100.
In reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the bottom surface 120 of the track section 110 may be of any shape or configuration suitable for connection to the connector 200. In some embodiments, a connection flange 126 extends downward from the bottom surface 120 for connecting the track section 110 to the connector 200. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the connection flange 126 has be substantially t-shaped, formed by a bridge 128 extending from the bottom surface 120 and a transverse surface 130 supported by the bridge 128. In some embodiments, the transverse surface 130 is substantially parallel to the bottom surface 120. In some embodiments, the bridge 128 is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 120 and is substantially perpendicular to the transverse surface 130, thus positioning the transverse surface 130 in a substantially parallel relation to the bottom surface 120. In some embodiments, the bridge 128 connects to the transverse surface 130 substantially along a centerline of the transverse surface 130. The connection flange 126 may be of dovetail shape instead of “T” shaped. In this manner, the connection flange may slide into a dovetail glove provided on the corresponding receptacle, as is described below.
Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the transverse surface 130 may include a narrow section 132 and a broad section 134. The narrow section 132 and the broad section 134 may be connected by a transition section 136, which may form pockets 137, 139 between the narrow section 132 and the broad section 134 of the transverse surface 130. The pockets 137, 139 may be configured to engage retaining means of the connector 200, as is described above. In some embodiments, the transition section 136 may have rounded or curved edges so that the pockets 137, 139 are concave. In some embodiments, a leading edge 140 of the narrow section 132 may be substantially aligned with a leading edge 142 of the track section 110.
In some embodiments, the second end 116 of the track section 110 may be symmetrical to the first end 114. That is, in some embodiments, the top surface 118 maybe recessed at the corners at the second end 116. The second end 116 may also include a connection flange, similar to the connection flange 126 of the first end 114. In some embodiments, the second end 116 of the track section 110 may not be symmetrical to the first end 114. In some embodiments, the second end 116 of the track section 110 may include connective features different than those of the first end 114. In some embodiments, the second end 116 of the body portion 110 may include no connective features at all.
In reference to FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C, the connector 202 includes a frame 202 having a top side 204 and a bottom side 206. The frame 202 connects a first side wall 208 and an opposing second side wall 210 extending upward from the frame 200. The connector 200 includes a first end 214 into which a first track section 110 a can be received to engage the connector 200 and a second end 216 into which a second track section 110 b can be received to engage the connector 200. The first end 214 and the second end 216 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical depending on the connective features of the first track section 110 a and the second track section 110 b.
In reference to FIG. 6A, the connector 200 may include a first or lower receptacle 218 configured to engage the connection flange 126 of a track section 110 to connect the track section 110 to the connector 200. The first receptacle 218 may include a pair of lips 220 a, 220 b extending inward from the first side wall 208 and second side wall 210 for receiving the connection flange 126 of the track section 110 between the lips 220 a, 220 b and the top side 204 of the frame 202. The first receptacle 218 is thus defined by the pair of lips 220 a, 220 b, the first and second side walls 208, 210 and the frame 202. In some embodiments, the lips 220 a, 220 b may extend from the top of the side walls 208, 210, respectively. In some embodiments, the lips 220 a, 220 b may be substantially perpendicular to the side walls 208, 210, respectively. In some embodiments, the lips 220 a, 220 b may be substantially parallel to the frame 202. In some embodiments, the lips 220 a, 220 b may be sloped toward the center of the connector 200 in relation to the frame 202.
In reference to FIG. 6A, the connector 200 may further include a second or upper receptacle 230 positioned above the first receptacle 218 and configured to receive the recessed corners 124 a, 124 b of a track section 110 to connect the track section 110 to the connector 200. In some embodiments, the second receptacle 230 is formed between a first supporting surface 232 extending outward from the first side wall 208 and a second supporting surface 234 extending outward from the second side wall 210 and a pair of upper flanges 244, 246 depending from the first supporting surface 232 and the second supporting surface 234. The recessed corners 124 a, 124 b can be inserted into the second receptacle 230 between the supporting surfaces 232, 234 and the upper flanges 244, 246. When the track section 110 is received in the connector 200, the bottom surface 120 of the track section 110 may rest on the supporting surfaces 232, 234, and thus the supporting surfaces 232, 234 provide support to the track section 110. In some embodiments, when the corners of the top surface 118 are not recessed, the second receptacle 230 may have no upper flanges 244, 246.
In some embodiments, the first supporting surface 232 may be disposed on the top of the first side wall 208. In some embodiments, the second supporting surface 234 may be disposed on the top of the second side wall 210. In some embodiments, the first supporting wall 234 has a first inner section 236 and a first outer section 238. Similarly, the second supporting wall 234 has a second inner section 240 and a second outer section 242.
In some embodiments, the first and second inner sections 236, 240 are substantially flat or leveled. In some embodiments, the first and second inner sections 236, 240 are substantially perpendicular to the side walls 208, 210. In some embodiments, the first and second inner sections 236, 240 are substantially perpendicular to the frame 202. In some embodiments, the second receptacle 230 may only be formed along a section of the first and second supporting surfaces 232, 234. In some embodiments, to form the second receptacle 230, the upper flanges 244, 246 may be shorter than the supporting surfaces 232, 234 so that the upper flanges 244, 246 extend over only a section of the supporting surfaces 232, 234. In some embodiments, to form the second receptacle 230, the upper flanges 244, 246 have a length similar to the length of the inner sections 236, 240 and are positioned only over the inner sections 236, 240 of the supporting surfaces 232, 234. That is, the length of the second receptacle 230 is limited to the length of the inner sections 236, 240 of the supporting surfaces 232, 234.
In some embodiments, the first and second outer sections 238, 242 are sloped toward the center of the connector 200 to form a ramp to facilitate inserting a track section 110 into the second receptacle 230. In some embodiments, the outer sections 238, 242 are shaped to correspond to the sloped sections 125 of a track section 110 such that when the track section 110 is received in the second receptacle 230, the track section 110 is leveled and fully supported by the supporting surfaces 232, 234.
In some embodiments, the upper flanges 244, 246 can be connected to the supporting surfaces 232, 234 by alignment rails 248, 250 extending upward from the supporting surfaces 232, 234. In some embodiments, the distance between the alignment rails 248, 250 is substantially equal to the width of the track section 110. In this manner, when the track section 110 is engaged with the connector 200, the track section 110 fits snugly between the alignment rails 248, 250 so that the alignment rails 248, 250 center and align the track section 110 in a desired position. During use, the alignment rails 248, 250 may also provide lateral support to the track section 110. In some embodiments, the second receptacle 230 may be defined by the first and second supporting surfaces 232, 234, upper flanges 244, 246 and alignment rails 248, 250.
In reference to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, to connect the track section 110 to the connector 200, the first end 114 of the track section is inserted into the connector 200. To that end, as shown in FIG. 7A, the first end 114 of the track section 110 is aligned with the first end 214 of the connector 200. The bottom surface 120 of the track section 110 may then be positioned on top of the supporting surfaces 232, 234 between the alignment rails 248, 250. Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, the first end 114 of the track section 110 may then be advanced forward toward the center of the connector 200. As the first end 114 of the track section 110 is advanced forward, the connection flange 126 is received in the first receptacle 218 between the lips 220 a, 220 b, the frame 202 and the side walls 208, 210. Simultaneously, the recessed corners 124 a, 124 b are received in the second receptacle 230 between the supporting surfaces 232, 234 and the upper flanges 244, 246.
In some embodiments, the first receptacle 218, the second receptacle 230, or both can be sized so there is a tight fit between the first receptacle 218, the second receptacle 230, or both and the corresponding connective features of the track section 110, which may prevent vertical movement of the track section 110 when engaged to the connector 200. In some embodiments, the first receptacle 218 is sized such that when the connection flange 126 is inserted into the first receptacle 218, the connection flange 126 fits tightly into the first receptacle. To adjust the size of the first receptacle 218, the distance between the lips 220 a, 220 b and the frame 202, the distance between the first side wall 208 and second side wall 210, or both can be varied. In some embodiments, the distance between the lips 220 a, 220 b and the frame 202 may be substantially similar or only slightly larger than the height of the connection flange 126. In some embodiments, the distance between the first side wall 208 and second side wall 210 may be substantially similar or only slightly larger to the width of the transverse section 130. In some embodiments, the second receptacle 230 is sized such that when the recessed corners 124 a, 124 b are inserted into the second receptacle 230 between the supporting surfaces 232, 234 and the upper flanges 244, 246, the recessed corners 124 a, 124 b fit tightly between the supporting surfaces 232, 234 and the upper flanges 244, 246. In some embodiments, the distance between the supporting surfaces 232, 234 and the upper flanges 244, 246 may be substantially the same or only slightly larger than the width of the recessed corners 124 a, 124 b.
In reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10, the track section 110 can be advanced forward until the abutting surfaces 127 a, 127 b of the recessed corners 124 a, 124 b are pressed against side edges of the 245, 247 of the upper flanges 244, 246. At that position, the track section 110 is fully engaged to the connector 200, as shown in FIG. 9.
Referring back to FIG. 6A, the connector 200 may be provided with retaining means to ensure that the track section 110 remains engaged to the connector during the operation of the track. In some embodiments, the connector may include protrusions 211 a, 211 b along the first side wall 208 and the second side wall 210, respectively. When the track section 110 engages the connector 200, the protrusions 211 a, 211 b may be configured to fit into pockets 137, 139 of the connection flange 126 to secure the track section 110 in place in the connector 200, as shown in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the protrusions 211 a, 211 b may be rounded to fit into concave pockets 137, 139, but the protrusions 211 a, 211 b and the pockets 137, 139 may be of any other shape as long as the protrusions 211 a, 211 b and the pockets 137, 139 are correspondingly shaped to enable the protrusions 211 a, 211 b to mate with the pockets 137, 139.
Referring back to FIG. 6A, in some embodiments, the connector 200 may include a stopper 212 disposed on the frame 202 at or near the first end 214 of the connector. When the connection flange 126 is fully received in the first receptacle 218 of the connector 200, the stopper 212 is positioned behind the transverse surface of the connection flange 126, as shown in FIG. 10. The stopper 212 thus prevents the track section 110 from sliding backward, out of the connector 200. In some embodiments, the stopper 213 is a pyramid, but other shapes are also possible.
The second end 216 of the connector 200 may be symmetrical to the first end 214 of the connector 200, including all the features described above in connection with the first end 214. In this manner, the connector 200 may be used to connect two track sections 110 a and 110 b having the same connective features, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. When the track sections 110 a, 110 b are connected by the connector 200, the connector 200 aligns the top surfaces of the track sections 110 a, 110 b to form a continuous, substantially smooth track to enable model vehicles to travel along the track. In some embodiments, the upper flanges 220 a and 220 b are sized so that, when the track sections 110 a, 110 b are connected by the connector 200, the top surfaces of the upper flanges 220 a and 220 b are at the level of the top surfaces 118 a, 118 b of the track sections 110 a, 110 b.
Referring to FIG. 13, the connector 200 is utilized to attach track sections 110 engaged to the connector 200 to the track support structure 300. In some embodiments, the track support structure 300 may include a plurality of track coupling sections 302, at which the connector may attach to the track support structure 300. In some embodiments, each track coupling section 302 may include an aperture 304. On the other hand, the connector 200 may include a pin 260 extending downward from the bottom side 206 of the frame 202 of the connector 200, the pin 260 being configured to be inserted into an aperture 304 for attaching the connector 200, and thus track sections engaged to the connector, to the track support structure. Other means for coupling the connectors 200 to the track coupling sections 302 may also be used. In some embodiments, to connect the connector 200 to the support structure 300, the connector 200 and the support structure 300 may include corresponding ball and socket to form a ball and socket joint. In some embodiments, a hook may be employed to hang the connector 200 from the support structure 300. In some embodiments, the connector 200 may be provided with one or more C-shaped clips that can snap onto the support structure 300.
In some embodiments, a modular track for toy vehicles includes a track section having a top surface for supporting toy vehicles and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a first end with recessed corners on the top surface, and a connection flange extending downward from the bottom surface at the first end. The modular track may also include a track section connector configured to connect and align adjacent track sections, the track section connector comprising a frame connecting a first side wall and an opposing second side wall extending upward from the frame, a pair of lips extending inward from the first side wall and second side wall for receiving the connection flange of the first end of the track section between the lips and the frame; a first support surface extending outward from the first side wall and a second support surface extending outward from the second side wall, and a first upper flange depending from the first support surface and a second upper flange depending from the second support surface for receiving the recessed corners of the first end of the track section between the upper flanges and the first surface and second surface.
In some embodiments, a modular track for toy vehicles includes a track section having a top surface for supporting toy vehicles, where the top surface includes a plurality of recessed corners, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and at least one connection flange depending from the bottom surface. The modular track may further include a track section connector configured to connect and align adjacent track sections, the track section connector including a frame connecting a first side wall and an opposing second side wall extending upward from the frame, a first receptacle for receiving the connection flange of the tract section, the first receptacle being defined by the frame and a pair of lips extending inward from the first and second side walls, and a second receptacle positioned above the first receptacle for receiving recessed corners of the track section, the second receptacle being defined by a first support surface extending outward from the first side wall and a second support surface extending outward from the second side wall and a pair of upper flanges depending from the first support surface and second support surface of the connector.
In some embodiments, a modular track for toy vehicles includes a track support structure having a plurality of track coupling sections, a track section having a top surface for supporting toy vehicles, the top surface includes a plurality of recessed corners, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and at least one connection flange depending from the bottom; and a track section connector configured to connect and align adjacent track sections, the track section connector including a frame connecting a first side wall and an opposing second side wall extending upward from the frame, a first receptacle for receiving the connection flange of the tract section, the first receptacle being defined by the frame and a pair of lips extending inward from the first and second side walls, and a second receptacle positioned above the first receptacle for receiving the recessed corners of the track section, the second receptacle being defined by a first surface extending outward from the first side wall and a second surface extending outward from the second side wall to the side walls and a pair of upper flanges depending from the first surface and second surface of the connector; and a pin extending downward from the frame for insertion into an aperture at a track coupling section of the support structure to connect the track section received in the crack section connector to the track support structure.
The disclosure has been described with reference to particular preferred embodiments, but variations within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art. It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure in its aspects. Although the present disclosure has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present disclosure extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.
All patents, patent applications, and published references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. While the methods of the present disclosure have been described in connection with the specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the devices and methods of the present disclosure, including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the devices and methods of the present disclosure pertain, and as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A modular track for toy vehicles comprising:

a track section having

a top surface for supporting toy vehicles and a bottom surface opposite the top surface,

a first end with recessed corners on the top surface, and a connection flange extending downward from the bottom surface at the first end; and

a track section connector configured to connect and align adjacent track sections, the track section connector comprising:

a frame connecting a first side wall and an opposing second side wall extending upward from the frame,

a pair of lips extending inward from the first side wall and second side wall for receiving the connection flange of the first end of the track section between the lips and the frame;

a first support surface extending outward from the first side wall and a second support surface extending outward from the second side wall, and

a first upper flange depending from the first support surface and a second upper flange depending from the second support surface for receiving the recessed corners of the first end of the track section between the upper flanges and the first surface and second surface.

2. The modular track of claim 1, wherein the connection flange has a substantially t-shaped cross-section.

3. The modular track of claim 1, wherein the connection flange has a transverse surface spaced apart from the bottom surface of the track section by a bridge member, the transverse surface being substantially parallel to the bottom surface.

4. The modular track of claim 3, wherein the connector further comprising a plurality of rounded protrusions disposed on the first and second side wall, the plurality of rounded protrusions being configured to fit into a plurality of pockets in the transverse surface of the connection flange.

5. The modular track of claim 1, wherein the first upper flange is connected to the first support surface by a first alignment rail and the second upper flange is connected to the second support surface by a second alignment rail, the first alignment rail and the second alignment rails being spaced apart to provide lateral alignment and support to the track section, when engaged to the connector.

6. The modular track of claim 1, wherein the first support surface and the second support surface each include a flat section which forms with the first or second upper flanges, respectively, a receptacle for receiving the recessed corners and a sloped section which forms a ramp into the receptacle.

7. The modular track of claim 6, wherein the bottom surface of the track section includes a pair of incline surfaces on each side of the track section configured to engage the sloped sections of the first support surface and the second support surface, when the track section is engaged to the connector.

8. A modular track for toy vehicles comprising:

a track section having a top surface for supporting toy vehicles, the top surface includes a plurality of recessed corners, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and at least one connection flange depending from the bottom surface; and

a first receptacle for receiving the connection flange of the tract section, the first receptacle being defined by the frame and a pair of lips extending inward from the first and second side walls, and

a second receptacle positioned above the first receptacle for receiving recessed corners of the track section, the second receptacle being defined by a first support surface extending outward from the first side wall and a second support surface extending outward from the second side wall and a pair of upper flanges depending from the first support surface and second support surface of the connector.

9. The modular track of claim 8, wherein the connection flange has a substantially t-shaped cross-section.

10. The modular track of claim 8, wherein the connection flange has a transverse surface spaced apart from the bottom surface of the track section by a bridge member, the transverse surface being substantially parallel to the bottom surface.

11. The modular track of claim 10, wherein the connector further comprising a plurality of rounded protrusions disposed on the first and second side wall, the plurality of rounded protrusions being configured to fit into a plurality of pockets in the transverse surface of the connection flange.

12. The modular track of claim 8, wherein the first upper flange is connected to the first support surface by a first alignment rail and the second upper flange is connected to the second support surface by a second alignment rail, the first alignment rail and the second alignment rails being spaced apart to provide lateral alignment and support to the track section, when engaged to the connector.

13. The modular track of claim 8, wherein the first receptacle is formed by the first and second upper flanges and flat sections of the first support surface and the second support surface, and wherein each of the first support surface and the second support surface further includes a sloped section which forms a ramp into the first receptacle.

14. The modular track of claim 13, wherein the bottom surface of the track section includes a pair of incline surfaces on each side of the track section configured to engage the sloped sections of the first support surface and the second support surface, when the track section is engaged to the connector.

15. A modular track for toy vehicles comprising:

a track support structure having a plurality of track coupling sections;

a track section having a top surface for supporting toy vehicles, the top surface includes a plurality of recessed corners, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and at least one connection flange depending from the bottom; and

a second receptacle positioned above the first receptacle for receiving the recessed corners of the track section, the second receptacle being defined by a first surface extending outward from the first side wall and a second surface extending outward from the second side wall to the side walls and a pair of upper flanges depending from the first surface and second surface of the connector; and

a pin extending downward from the frame for insertion into an aperture at a track coupling section of the support structure to connect the track section received in the crack section connector to the track support structure.

16. The modular track of claim 15, wherein the connection flange has a substantially t-shaped cross-section.

17. The modular track of claim 15, wherein the connection flange has a transverse surface spaced apart from the bottom surface of the track section by a bridge member, the transverse surface being substantially parallel to the bottom surface.

18. The modular track of claim 17, wherein the connector further comprising a plurality of rounded protrusions disposed on the first and second side wall, the plurality of rounded protrusions being configured to fit into a plurality of pockets in the transverse surface of the connection flange.

19. The modular track of claim 15, wherein the first upper flange is connected to the first support surface by a first alignment rail and the second upper flange is connected to the second support surface by a second alignment rail, the first alignment rail and the second alignment rails being spaced apart to provide lateral alignment and support to the track section, when engaged to the connector.

20. The modular track of claim 15, wherein the first receptacle is formed by the first and second upper flanges and flat sections of the first support surface and the second support surface, and wherein each of the first support surface and the second support surface further includes a sloped section which forms a ramp into the first receptacle.