Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ASSEMBLY FOR GUIDING TOY VEHICLE
This invention relates to a toy with educational uses and in particular, but
not
exclusively, to an assembly for guiding a toy vehicle.
One of the primary aims of the invention is to improve on the established
format of track formation that is provided by most toy vehicle systems.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly for
guiding a toy vehicle, the assembly comprising a plurality of substantially
rectilinear
track elements and a plurality of connector elements formed separately from
said
track elements, each track element having three or more edges, and each edge
having
a shaped recess for receiving and retaining one end of one cormector element,
such
that, in use, the connectors releasably retain the abutting the track elements
with the
ends of abutting edges in alig~unent.
Known track elements of this general type each have a jigsaw type
combination of "male" and "female" connectors integrally formed with track
element.
This limits the number of orientations in which the elements can be connected
to other
elements, whereas the assembly according to the invention described above is
not
limited in tlus manner.
Each track element may be provided with a single track-defining formation
such as a groove, rail, or the like, or each track element may be provided
with two or
more track-defining formations to allow the vehicle to be guided along two
distinct
pathways, the track-defining formations being configured and positioned to
facilitate
alignment of the pathways between abutting track elements. The track defiling
formation may also take the form, for example, of a, possibly hidden wire
which
defines an electromagnetic path or even simply a surface marked path which
could be
pre-printed, but could also be user defined, whether drawn or using sticlcers,
which
merely visually identifies the path to the user.
The invention differs from the established means of creating a toy of this
type
which uses sections of connecting track pieces each providing a single pathway
for
the vehicle. An assembly according to the invention utilises rectilinear track
elements
which are more robust and easier and quicker to assemble in a coherent way to
create
a complete circuit or loop, than conventional track elements. Further, the
multiple
pathways defined on each traclc element make it simpler to create or change a
complicated track layout, allowing the user more "playing time".
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Once the track elements are coimected together each unique configuration of
traclc elements irmnediately becomes a robust playing surface that can be
moved and
stored in its entirety, either flat, folded or in sections. Also an assembly
of this type is
more robust than the conventional equivalent which is made up of a number of
discrete track elements, each providing a single track pathway for a vehicle.
Preferably both main faces of each track element are provided with two or
track-defining formations, the track-defnung formation being configured
differently
on each face. The traclc elements according to this embodiment of the
invention are
reversible. Alteniatively the other main face of the track element could have
information printed on it conveying an appropriate educational or promotional
message, such as a storyboard, or it can be provided with a surface that can
be written
on or drawn on by the user.
The traclc-defining formations preferably comprise a pair of equi-spaced
grooves.
The individual track elements of the assembly may be formed from wood, but
almost any rigid or semi-rigid board material, such as plywood, laminated
chipboard
or a plastics material, could be used. The use of a semi-rigid or flexible
foam
material, such as EVA foam, has a number of advantages: each track element is
light
and easily transportable; the track elements have no hard or sharp edges that
might
cause injury; the play surface that it creates provides a quieter playing
surface than
those made of wood. It is also advantageous to manufacture the track elements
from a
material that can be re-cycled.
Although the track elements of the assembly may be square they may be, for
example, rectangular, triangular or hexagonal. In a preferred embodiment
connecting
means are associated with each edge of each track element, and the comlecting
means
are positioned and configured to allow any edge of a track element to be
connected to
any edge of another track element with a pair of parallel edges of the
conjoint track
elements in alignment.
In a preferred embodiment each connection means comprises pairs of shaped-
recesses formed in the abutting edges of the track elements and a connector of
complementary shape. The recesses are preferably compatible for connection
with
known track pieces of other systems.
In a preferred embodiment, one or more secondary elements are provided,
each secondary element having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower
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3
surface having formations for complementary engagement with track-defining
formations, such that, in use, the secondary formations overlie some or all of
a
pathway on a track element.
The upper surfaces of secondary elements may present educational
information to the user, and preferably a number of secondary elements are
provided
with related informational content. For example, one set of secondary elements
could
relate to a clock face, allowing the user to construct a complete clock face
from a
number of component parts. Alternatively the upper surface of each secondary
element could be provided with, say, a gear wheel, allowing a gear train to be
constl-ucted by the user by positioning the secondary elements in a suitable
arrangement. Any number of alternative uses for the upper surface of the
secondary
elements can be found. The combination of the track elements and the secondary
element enhances the educational value of the assembly without detracting from
the
enjoyment of the user.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
connection member for use in association with track elements of an assembly
for
guiding a toy vehicle, the connection piece comprising a central body having
enlarged
end sections, said end sections being shaped so as in use, to be engageable in
complementary shaped recesses formed in the track elements, the connecting
member,
in use, extending between adjacent track pieces with each end section engaged
in a
recess formed in one of the two track pieces so as to secure said pieces
together.
The aim of this aspect of the invention is to provide a simple and effective
means of connection between track elements that is safe and easy to use. More
particularly, the connecting member is of generally dumbbell shape, in
particular with
dovetail end sections which may be of, for example, circular or oval cross-
section and
which are co-planar with each other.
A connection piece according to this aspect of the invention has numerous
advantages over the most common connection system used in this type of product
that
comprises a recess in one track element with a complementary protrusion
integrally
formed with the mating traclc element, but in particular there are savings
both in terms
of materials and costs that result from not having to cut down oversize track
elements
in order to cut away the waste required to form the integral protrusion.
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The connection piece may be formed from a compressible material and
configured to fit into the recesses on the track elements only in a compressed
form to
provide a secure fit between track elements.
In a preferred embodiment the main body has a basal flange. The flange
increases the overall size of the connection piece to eliminate the chance
that a small
child could swallow the connection piece, and it improves the functionality of
the
connection piece by reducing and controlling vertical movement relative to the
track
elements so as to prevent pull/push through and resulting unevenness or
destruction.
Upward vertical movement of the connection piece might obstruct the passage of
the
toy vehicle, and downward vertical movement of the connection piece, for
instance on
a soft surface such as a carpet, can allow the upper faces of the track
elements to
become vertically misaligned and thereby prevent smooth passage of the
vehicles
across the boundary between track elements. The flange underlies the track
elements
and thus supports the track elements above the surface supporting the assembly
to
protect the underside of each tile from abrasion or damage. Superior traction
of track
elements on hard/slippery surfaces is also achieved since instead of the
entire weight
of a board being spread over a board's entire surface area and being fully in
contact
with the supporting substrate, in which case the load per unit area is very
low and
would have a tendency to slip/slide, the flanges create points of greater
load, where
boards are supported by connectors, the friction at the interface of the base
flaszge and
supporting substrate then being considerably greater and therefore more likely
not to
slide about. The support of the track elements on the flange also serves to
increase
the stability of the assembly partially when there is a loose fit between the
toggle and
the track piece, such as when used with existing track pieces. Also, the need
to place
the track elements on to the connection piece rather than the connection piece
in to the
recesses reduces the chance that the fingers of the user may become caught or
stuck as
the assembly is put together.
The flange may alternatively extend from, for example, the middle of the
connector so as to form a skirt. The portion of the connector which extends
below the
skirt could, then, for example be pressed into a soft surface to anchor each
connector
in position. This form of connector would also be better suited for use as on
an
uneven terrain.
In a further development, the flanges may be expanded to connect with the
flanges on neighbouring connectors so as to form a continuous mat or web from
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which the connectors protrude in predefined positions. Track elements may then
be
positioned on the mat with their recesses engaged with the connectors, and,
once the
track layout is complete, the mat may be folded up with the track in place for
compact
storage whilst enabling the mat later to be unfolded with the track layout
still intact.
The end sections of the connection piece may be solid, or they may be hollow.
The hollow end sections can be used to accommodate other elements of the
assembly,
such as pegs carried on surface mounted accessories or support struts that
might be
used to support multi-layered constructions so as to provide a positive
mounting
thereon, and the devices such as signal or trigger devices, which might be
magneto,
electro, optical, mechanical or audio activated or the lilce.
The end sections of the connection piece may be rigidly comlected but are
preferably flexibly coimected. The flexible connection of the end sections
allows
conjoined track elements to be folded over to overlie one another, back-to-
back or
face-to-face, whilst they remain connected. This arrangement facilitates
storage and
transportation of track element assemblies. The flexible connection may be
achieved
by forming the connection member as two separate parts, each part including
one of
the end sections and a portion of the central body. The two parts are then
either
connected together by a double hinge such as a double living hinge, that is a
hinge
which allows uni-axial rotation in two directions, preferably through
180° in each
direction hinge or includes an elastic member extending between the two of
them
which urges the two parts into engagement with the portions of the central
body
aligned but which enables constraint movement of the two parts relative to
each other
so as to permit the connection member to be folded.
Each end portion advantageously also includes at least one recess, such as a
hole, formed therein, for mounting accessories such as scenery in the form of
trees,
building or the like, or for attaching locking means wluch loclc each together
against
being folded and/or eliminate finger/hand trapping risk when folded. These
recesses
could also be used to lockingly receive struts by means of which the
connectors and
hence the track pieces may be suspended, for example, from a ceiling, shelf or
the
like.
According to the broadest aspect of the present invention, there is provided
an
assembly for children's entertainment comprising a plurality of substantially
rectilinear elements and a plurality of element connectors, each element
having three
or more edges, and each edge having a shaped recess for receiving arid
retaining one
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end of one of a connector, such that, in use, the comlectors releasably retain
abutting
elements in aligned engagement. Rather than being used as a traclc for a toy
vehicle,
the elements of the assembly could be used, say, as construction elements in a
building orientated toy.
The track pieces and/or end connectors may be formed of plastic, rubber,
wood and/or any other suitable manmade or natural material.
A clear understanding of the various aspects of the present invention will be
gained from the following detailed description, given by way of example only,
with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a plan view of a track element according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a cross-section through the line AA of Figure l;
Figures 3 and 4 show a number of conjoint track elements in different
configurations;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a connection piece with a basal flange;
Figure 6 is a plan view of the connection piece of Figure 5;
Figures 7a and 7b are views along the lines AA and BB of Figure 6
respectively, with Figure 7b showing an exploded view of the component parts
of the
connection piece;
Figure 8 shows an illustrative view of an alternative embodiment of the
connection piece;
Figure 9 shows an illustrative view of a connection piece in use;
Figure 10 shows a side view, partially cut away of an assembly;
Figures 11 a, b, c and d show illustrative cross-sectional views of parts of
track
elements;
Figures 12a and 12b shows a plan view of a bespoke track element suitable for
incorporating further elements, such as bridges or the like; and
Figures 13 and 14 show alternative shapes for track elements and their
interaction;
Figure 15 and Figure 16 show alternative track element configurations;
Figures 17a to 17h show illustrative views of alternative connector
configurations;
Figures 18a to 18g show various pathway configurations that can be adopted;
Figures 19a to 19d show a particularly preferred embodiment of the connector
of the invention; and
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Figure 20 shows yet another embodiment of the connector of the invention.
With reference to Figure 1 a square tile or panel, generally designated 1, has
a
generally mliplanar upper face 2 and four edges 3a to 3d. The upper face 2 has
a
multitzxde of tracl~s or chaimels 6 (see Figure 2), and equi-spaced pairs of
tracl~s 6
define ten or more pathways 4a to Se and Sa to Se traversing the tile 1 from
one edge
to the parallel edge. Each pathway has an entry point El and an exit point EZ.
Although the entry and exit points El, E2 are shown to be connected by
straight tracl~s
6, it will be understood that the tile shovcm in Figure 1 simply illustrates
the general
configuration of pathways and entry/exit points, and the traclcs could follow
any path
between the entry and exit points, subject to the constraint of the turning
circle of the
toy vehicle.
However it is preferred that a standard location of the entry and exit point
El,
EZ etc. relative to the tile edges is adopted to facilitate the alignment of
tracl~ between
adjacent tiles. By equi-distant spacing of the tracl~s can be used to define a
further
sub-set of pathways 7.
In theory any number of tracl~s can be formed on each individual tile, but in
practice a practical limit is defined by the width of the tracl~s as, beyond a
certain
point, the tracl~s will merge with on another and lose coherence.
Nevertheless, the
assembly provides a tracl~ density that is many times greater than lrnown
systems. As
number of difference configurations of tracl~ are shown in Figure 18;
Figure 18a shows a general tile with the most commonly used pathways,
although it will be appreciated that a single tile will not include all of the
possible
pathways depicted;
Figure 18b shows a tile with the tracl~s marled in bold defined on the tile
surface, and defining along' switch arrangement;
Figure 18c and 18d show'short' and'return' switch arrangements respectively;
Figures 18e and 18f show 'return' and 'universal' loop arrangements
respectively;
Figure 18g shows a'S-splitter' arrangement.
The lower main face 3 of the tile can also be provided with tracl~s. The
pathways on the lower face 3 have a different configuration to those on the
upper face
2, and the tiles can be reversed. Figures 3 and 4 show some examples of
assemblies
of tiles with different pathways, and with the tiles arranged to define part
of a circuit
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of the toy vehicle. The left hand tiles show the upper face 2 and the right
hand tiles
show the lower face 3 of each tile.
Each tile edge 3a to 3d has shaped recesses 8 in the region of the each
corner.
Each recess has a bulbous inner part 10 of generally circular cross section,
and a
narrower necl~ part 11 that communicates between the inner section 10 and the
edge
of the tile 3.
The recesses 8 are centrally located between the tracl~s 6 of the outermost
pathways 4a, 4e, Sa and Se and they are equidistant from the corners of the
tile. This
arrangement allows any edge of any tile to be connected to any edge of any
other tile
with the outermost edges of the tiles aligyled. Other suitable arrangements of
recess
location, such as a single centrally located recess would be equally
efficacious. A
connector or toggle for holding the tiles together is described in more detail
below.
As can be seen from Figure 4, not all of the tiles in the assembly need to be
square; the lower tiles shown in Figure 4 are rectangular with a pair of minor
edges
being half the length of two major edges. One of the minor edges is provided
with
additional recesses 8' to allow connection of the associated pathways on the
tiles with
the track pieces of other types of traclc systems. The tiles show in Figures
13 and 14
are triangular and hexagonal. It is generally preferred that the tiles are
shaped to
allow tessellation.
Figures 12a and b shows another tile configuration that could be used, say to
incorporation bridges or other tracl~ features.
The pairs of tracl~s 6 which form each pathway could be replaced by a single
channel 9 (see Figure 11 c), a pair of raised protrusions, simulating railway
tracl~s, or a
single protrusion, simulating, say, a road way.
The spaces in between each tracl~ can be coloured and graphically enhanced to
create scenery or other picture and further enhances the attraction of the
assembly.
A connector or toggle, generally designated 20 (see Figures 5 and 6) has
opposed end portions 21 comlected by a central spar or bar 22. The end
portions 21
and bar 22 have a cross-sectional shape which complements the shape of the
inner
part 10 of the recesses 8 and the necl~ part 11 respectively. The bar 22 is
approximately twice the length of the neclc part 11 or the recesses, so that
the toggle
20 holds connected tiles in close abutment.
Although the cross-sections of the inner part 10 of the tiles and end portions
21 of the toggles 20 are shown to be circular, it will be understood that the
shapes
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dove-tail together and any shape could be used, provided the shapes are
complementary and the maximum width of the inner part of the recess is greater
than
the maximum width of the neck part 11. Similarly other shapes could be used
for the
necl~ part 11 and the bar 22.
Toggle 20 preferably has a flange-life panel 23 that provides a circumjacent
lip at base of the toggle. The toggle could be a one-piece construction, but
it is
prefeiTed that a three piece construction is used, with upper and lower panels
24 and
26 and a central body portion 25 (see Figures 7a and 7b). The three parts of
the
toggle are formed for releasable 'snap-fit' engagement, and the may be
supplied to the
user ready assembled or in a lit form.
A toggle could be provided two lower panels 26, both having flanges. One of
the panels 26 can be attached to the toggle body 25 after the toggle is
attached to the
tiles so that, in use, the flanges sandwich the interjacent part of the tiles
and hold the
tiles in secure engagement. Alternatively, the toggle can be formed of
resilient
material and forced into a 'push-fit' engagement with the tile recesses. This
form of
toggle could be of particular use if the tiles are used as a construction-type
toy where
the tiles are used as building panels to form, say, a house. The 'double-
flanged' toggle
offers a secure connection between the tiles, even when the tiles are
vertically
orientated. The toggle with two flanges could also be used where a more secure
coimection is required between tile used in a toy vehicle assembly, and for
instance
where a semi-permanent assembly is created.
Figure 8 depicts an alternative toggle, generally designated 20'. The overall
shape of the alternative toggle 20' is the same as the toggle 20, and it is
made up from
a three-piece construction. However, the toggle 20' has two distinct end
pieces, each
with a flange 23' cormected to an upright cylindrical tube 21'. The tube 21'
has a
mouth or slot running along its length for receiving a flexible central
membrane 22' of
similar overall shape to the main body of toggle 20. The two ends of the
membrane
22', which are themselves hollow cylinders, are each received and retained in
the
tubes 21' and the membrane serves to hold the end pieces 21',23' in alignment.
The
end pieces 21', 23' can be identically configured to reduce manufacturing
costs.
The flexibility of the membrane may be increased by providing a cut-out
section between the two ends of the membrane, such that the central section of
the
membrane comprises upper and lower beams or struts (see Figure 2).
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The alternative toggle 20' provides an articulated joint between two tiles so
that the tiles can be moved into a position with their main faces in
confrontation
without removal of the toggle 20'. As a result the alternative toggle 20'
allows large
assemblies to be stored compactly and transported easily.
Figure 17 depicts further alternative toggle configurations. Figure 17b shows
a plan view of an alternative toggle generally designated 20". The toggle is a
one-
piece construction formed from a resilient flexible material, such as rubber.
Figure
17d shows a side view of the toggle 20" (the other side view corresponds), and
Figures 17a and 17c show central transverse and longitudinal sections. A
single
circumjacent flange 23" of uniform width surrounds the end portions 21" and
central
section 22". A cut away section 24 of the flange 23" defined between the two
end
portions improves the flexibility of the toggle 20", as does the narrowed
waist portion
25 adjacent the cut away section 24.
The upper part of the central section 22", here designated as 26 is an
inverted
C-section. The arms 40 of the C-section increase the resistance of the toggle
20" to
lateral and torsional movement. The outer surfaces of the arms 40 can also
serve to
form an engagement surface with ornamental inserts.
The toggle 20"' of Figures 17e to 17h has a similar configuration to the
toggle
20", but a removable central section is provided and the end sections of the
toggle 20"'
are separately formed.
As shown more clearly in Figure 9, the toggles 20" and 20"' are configured in
the region of the interface between the end sections and the upper part or
strut 26 of
the central section to assist in folding of the toggle. Particularly, the
confronting walls
of the end portions are narrower in width than the outer walls, and the width
of the
confronting walls narrows further in the region of the interface. The
interface region
is shaped such that, in a folded configuration shown in Figure 9, the upper
side of the
strut 26 lies in close abutment with the adjacent part of the inner walls of
the end
portions so that a more compact folded arrangement is achieved.
The hollow end sections 21 of the toggle can be used to mount accessories,
such as signal post or the life on the board. The upper panel 24 of the toggle
20 can
be removed and the end of the accessory inserted. Other accessories could
include
rods 27 for supporting one layer of tiles above another. The respective upper
and
lower panels 26,24 of confronting toggles 20 can be removed and the rod 27
inserted.
Abutments 28 hold the tiles 1 in the correct vertical alignment (Figure 10).
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With reference to Figure 11, a number of inserts or inlays may be provided.
The inlays 30a to 30f are configured with projections for engagement with the
tracks
6 or channel 9, or they are sized to fit within the tracks or channels. The
inlays may
be coloured, pre-marked or blank for writing on. Inlays like 30f are narrower
than the
channel 6 and they may be used to create the impression of 'rails' for the
user. h1
addition the inlay 30f may be coloured to distinguish between different
pathways on
the assembly of tiles.
A large variety of different pre-printed inlays can be envisaged to increase
the
educational benefit of the assembly. For instance with tiles suitably arranged
to
provide a circular pathway, pre-printed inlays of corresponding shape can be
provided
with the various elements of a clock face. The user can then assemble these
elements
under supervision.
Referring next to Figure 19, there is shown a further embodiment of the toggle
of the invention which is configured to be easily foldable so as to enable an
assembled
track easily to be folded up for compact storage. The toggle 120 of Figure 19
is
formed of two separate symmetrical portions 121a, 121b, each portion carrying
on
end part 122 of the toggle 120 and a portion of the central bar 123 which
extends
between the end parts 122. Each half 121a, 121b of the toggle also includes a
base
flange 125 as previously described. An elastomeric member in the form of, for
example, a rubber band 124 is connected to and extends between the two end
portions, the band having circular ends, each of which is received in an
amular recess
formed in each end part 122 of the toggle 120 so as to anchor the band 124 to
each
end portion. The tension in the band 124 thereby urges the two end portions
together
with the two halves of the central bar 123 aligned as shown in Figure 19a,
whilst
permitting the toggle to be folded in half either in a first direction to
bring the base
flanges 125 of the two portions 121a, 121b into face to face engagement as
shown in
Figure 19c, or in a second direction to bring the upper ends of the end
portions 122
into face to face engagement as shown in Figure 19d. This arrangement thereby
enables neighbouring track pieces to be folded together in order to fold up a
particular
track array for compact storage.
As with the previous embodiments, each end part 122 includes a recess in its
upper end in which may be received a mounting post of a piece of scenery or
the like,
but in which is preferably received a locking plate which extends between the
two end
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parts 122 so as to prevent relative movement therebetween whilst also possibly
forming an upper flange which prevents track pieces lifting up relative to
each other.
As shown in Figure 19b, the top of the end part 122 carried on each toggle
portion 121a, 121b has a hinged lid 1265 which is raised to enable access to
the
annular recess formed therein so as to facilitate proper locating of the
spring band
within said recess.
Figure 20 shows a further embodiment of the toggle which is identical with
the embodiment of Figure 19 except that the two portions of the toggle are
connected
together by a double live hinge of a type well known in the art which enables
the two
portions to be folded laterally onto each other about the pivot axis, in the
same
manner as the toggle of Figure 19, either in a first direction so as to bring
their base
flanges in abutment or in the opposite direction so as to bring the upper
faces of their
end sections into engagement. A recess in the form of a central, axially
extending
hole is also again formed in each end part for engagement of a locl~ing plate,
scenery
or the like.
In this arrangement, the separation between the end parts of the toggle may be
slightly smaller than the separation between the aligned recesses of
neighbouring
track pieces so as to place the hinge connection between the two portions of
the toggle
into tension and hence remove any play which exists in the hinge due to
manufacturing tolerances.
In the case of all the described embodiments, the end parts and associated
recesses formed in the track pieces are preferably sized to have a close
tolerance fit,
thereby ensuring that the track pieces are securely fastened together. The
size of the
end parts of the toggle is also preferably set so as to be no bigger than the
size of the
recess in existing third party traclc pieces, thereby enabling it to be used
with existing
third party track pieces, albeit possibly with a loose fit between the end
parts of the
toggle and the recesses formed in existing tracks.
The tracks 6 or channels 9 of the tiles may be formed by milling or otherwise
cutting the grooves into the tiles. Cutting the grooves allows for greater
flexibility of
track layout and for the production of bespoke tiles if required.
Alternatively, and
where the material allows, the tiles may be preformed or moulded with grooves
by
processes such as injection moulding.
Figure 15 shows a novel tile configuration. A raised section 50 is stamped or
integrally formed with the tile 1 to provide a downhill ramp for a vehicle.
The raised
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13
section can be in the form of a spiral, and the pathway defined by the raised
section is
contiguous with a pathway on the planar section of the tile with surrounds the
raised
section.
The spilled person will understand that modifications to the exemplary
embodiments of the invention described above can be made without departing
from
the scope of the following claims. For example, the lower main face 3 of each
tile
could be provided with a reusable surface, such as a'dry-wipe' board, so that
when the
board is reversed it provides a large area for the user to draw or write on.
Alternatively the lower main faces 3 of a number of tiles could be pre-printed
with a
storyboard or a game, such as shapes and ladders.
Also a trace element could be divided transversely into a number of distinct
parts, with each part being flexibly connected along an axis substantially at
a right
angle to the transverse division. Tlus arrangement would allow the tile to be
moved
between a flat configuration and a configuration where the cross-section is
generally
S-shaped and thus line different horizontal layers of tiles.
