Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02774748 2012-04-13
Booster Mechanism for Toy Vehicle Track Set
Cross-Reference to Related Application
[0001] This application claims priority to and is based on U.S. Patent
Application No.
61/475,997, filed April 15, 2011, entitled "Booster Mechanism for Toy Vehicle
Track
Set," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety.
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a booster mechanism for a toy vehicle
track set,
and in particular, to a windable booster mechanism with multiple engagement
portions or
booster arms that can continuously boost toy vehicles.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Some booster mechanisms are known in the art. Some conventional
boosters are
manually activated by a child. In such boosters, a child attempts to
manipulate an
actuator at the appropriate time to engage a passing toy vehicle to provide a
boost to the
toy vehicle. For such booster mechanism, a child must be involved with each
boost of a
toy vehicle.
[0003] There is a need for a booster mechanism that can be loaded for multiple
uses.
There is also a need for a booster mechanism that can boost consecutive toy
vehicles
without interaction from a user.
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Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present invention is directed to a toy vehicle track set that
includes a track
along which toy vehicles can travel, and a booster mechanism coupled to the
track, the
booster mechanism including a body mounted for complete rotation about an
axis, the
body including a plurality of booster arms, each of which is configured to
engage a toy
vehicle, the body being windable against a biasing mechanism to a loaded
position so that
each time the booster mechanism is activated by a toy vehicle, the body
rotates a partial
rotation about the axis away from the loaded position so that one of the
booster arms
engages and propels the activating toy vehicle.
[0005] The present invention is also directed to a toy vehicle booster coupled
to a closed
loop track. The booster includes a base portion, a booster member rotatably
coupled to
the base portion, the booster member being configured to move 360 degrees
relative to
the base portion, the booster member including a plurality of engaging
portions, each of
the engaging portions being configured to engage a toy vehicle, and an
indexing
mechanism coupled to the booster member, the indexing mechanism permitting the
booster member to rotate only a partial rotation repeatedly in response to
activation of the
booster by sequential toy vehicles.
[0006] The present invention is also directed to a toy vehicle booster coupled
to a closed
loop track. The booster includes a base portion, a booster member rotatably
coupled to
the base portion, the booster member being configured to move 360 degrees
relative to
the base portion, the booster member including a plurality of engaging
portions, a biasing
member coupled to the booster member, the biasing member biasing the booster
member
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toward a rest position, and a catch engageable with the booster member to stop
the
booster member during its rotation after activation by a toy vehicle so that
the booster
member rotates only a partial rotation.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of toy vehicle tracks
with booster
mechanisms according to the present invention.
[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a portion of one of
the toy vehicle
tracks illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0009] Figs. 3-5 illustrate different top perspective views of some of the
components of
the toy vehicle track illustrated in Fig. 2 in different states of
disassembly.
[0010] Fig. 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the booster mechanism
illustrated in
Fig. 2.
[0011] Fig. 6A illustrates a bottom perspective view of some components of the
booster
mechanism illustrated in Fig. 2 in a disengaged configuration.
[0012] Fig. 6B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the components of the
booster
mechanism illustrated in Fig. 6A in an engaged configuration.
[0013] Fig. 6C illustrates an inverted side view of the components illustrated
in Figs. 6A
and 6B in a locked configuration.
[0014] Fig. 6D illustrates an inverted side view of the components illustrated
in Fig. 6C in
a release configuration.
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[0015] Fig. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of a
toy vehicle
track according to the present invention and as illustrated in Fig. 1.
[0016] Fig. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of the booster mechanism
illustrated in
Fig. 7 in a state of disassembly.
[0017] Fig. 8A illustrates a top view of a ratchet mechanism of the booster
mechanism
illustrated in Fig. 8.
[0018] Figs. 9-11 illustrate different top perspective views of the booster
mechanism
illustrated in Fig. 7 in different states of disassembly.
[0019] Fig. 12 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the booster mechanism
illustrated
in Fig. 7 with several components disassembled.
[0020] Figs. 12A and 12B illustrate views showing the relative movements of
portions of
the actuator of the booster mechanism illustrated in Fig. 7.
[0021] Fig. 13 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the booster mechanism
illustrated
in Fig. 7 with several components disassembled.
[0022] Fig. 14 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a
booster
mechanism for a toy vehicle track according to the present invention.
[0023] Fig. 15 illustrates a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
booster
mechanism for a toy vehicle track according to the present invention.
[0024] Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements
throughout this
disclosure.
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Detailed Description of the Invention
[0025] A booster mechanism according to the present invention includes at
least one
booster arm or engagement portion that can be moved into engagement with a toy
vehicle
on a toy vehicle track set. When the booster arm moves while in contacts with
the toy
vehicle, a force is applied to the toy vehicle along the direction of the
track which moves
or propels the toy vehicle along the track. In one embodiment, the booster
mechanism
includes a rotating body with three booster arms that are equally spaced
apart.
[0026] The booster mechanism also includes a drive mechanism which can be
referred to
alternatively as a winding or wind-up mechanism. The drive mechanism includes
a
biasing member that can be wound to generate potential energy in the biasing
member. A
child can wind-up the biasing member, which is retained in a loaded
configuration or
condition until released.
[0027] The booster mechanism includes an actuator that is engageable by a toy
vehicle on
the track. The actuator has a portion that prevents the rotating body of the
booster
mechanism from moving. When the actuator is engaged by a passing toy vehicle,
the
actuator moves to a releasing or released position which releases the rotating
body. In
one embodiment, the rotating body rotates through a portion of a full
rotation, such as
120 , until the actuator engages the rotating body and prevents further
movement. These
steps of releasing, moving, and locking repeat for each passing toy vehicle
that activates
the actuator until the potential energy in the biasing member runs out.
[0028] Referring to Fig. 1, two toy vehicle track or track sets according to
the present
invention are illustrated. Each of the track sets includes a booster mechanism
that is used
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to boost or propel a toy vehicle along the track. As each of the track sets is
a closed loop
track, a toy vehicle that is boosted travels along the track from one end to
the other end
and returns back to the booster mechanism to be boosted again.
[0029] As shown in Fig. 1, toy vehicle track 10 includes a booster mechanism
100 and
toy vehicle track 500 includes a booster mechanism 600. Toy vehicle track set
10 is
illustrated in and discussed relative to Figs. 1-6, and 6A-6D. Toy vehicle
track set 500 is
illustrated in and discussed relative to Figs. 1 and 7-8, 8A, 9-12, 12A, 12B,
and 13. The
track sets 10 and 500 have several similar features as discussed below.
[0030] Referring to Fig. 1, toy vehicle track set 10 includes a closed loop
track 20 with
opposite ends 22 and 24. The track 20 is inclined from end 22 to end 24 and
retained in
that position or orientation via several supports 26. The angle of inclination
facilitates
the return of a toy vehicle from end 24 to end 22, where the booster mechanism
100 is
located. The track 20 includes a track portion 30 that includes a channel 32
that is
formed by opposite side walls and along which a toy vehicle can travel.
[0031] Referring to Fig. 2, a top perspective view of a portion of the track
20 and the
booster mechanism 100 is illustrated. Proximate to the track 20 is a base or
base portion
110 that has an upper surface 112 and a lower surface 114 (see Fig. 6). In one
embodiment, the base 110 can be formed separately from the track 20 and placed
in
proximity to the track 20 or coupled thereto. In another embodiment, the base
110 can be
integrally formed with the track 20.
[0032] Track 20 includes a turn 34 along which toy vehicles can travel.
Coupled to the
turn 34 is a shield 50, which can be a piece of plastic integrally formed with
the turn 34
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or formed separately and subsequently coupled thereto. The shield 50 reduces
the
likelihood that a boosted toy vehicle is lifted off the track 20 through the
turn 34. The
booster mechanism 100 is located proximate to turn 34 and a portion of the
booster arms
of booster mechanism 100 extends into the turn 34 of the track 20 to engage a
passing toy
vehicle along the turn 34.
[0033] In this embodiment, the booster mechanism 100 includes a body 120 that
has
multiple engagement portions. The body 120 is rotatably mounted to the base
110 and
can rotate through a complete circle. The multiple engagement portions permit
the
booster to incrementally rotate or advance in a particular direction and to
boost
successive toy vehicles.
[0034] Extending from the body 120 are arms or booster arms 130, 140, and 150,
which
can also be referred to as engagement portions. Each arm 130, 140, and 150 has
a
longitudinal axis along which the arm extends. Each longitudinal axis, and the
corresponding arm, is spaced apart 120 from the other two adjacent axes and
arms.
[0035] As shown in Fig. 2, arm 130 includes an engaging finger or member 132
that
provides a larger surface area with which to contact a toy vehicle than just
the side edge
of the arm 130. In this embodiment, the engaging member 132 has a flat contact
surface
that engages a rear surface of the toy vehicle. The engaging member 132 can be
integrally formed with the rest of the arm 130, or alternatively, can be
formed separate
from the rest of the arm 130 and subsequently coupled thereto.
[0036] Similarly, arm 140 includes an engaging finger or member 142 with a
flat contact
surface 144 (see Fig. 3) and arm 150 includes an engaging finger or member 152
with a
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flat contact surface 154 (see Fig. 3). In one embodiment, the body 120 and the
arms 130,
140, and 150 can be formed integrally. In another embodiment, the body 120 and
the
arms 130, 140, and 150 can be formed separately and the arms coupled to the
body 120.
[0037] As described below, the body 120 of the booster mechanism 100 has an
initial rest
or unbiased position relative to the base 110. The body 120 can be moved
against the
force of a biasing member to a loaded or wound position and retained in that
position via
a catch or latch. When the catch or latch is released, the biasing member can
bias the
body 120 to rotate and engage a passing toy vehicle. The body 120 will
continue to
rotate as long as the biasing member provides a force on the body 120 and as
long as the
catch or latch is not in a locking or engaging position.
[0038] The booster mechanism 100 includes a drive mechanism 250, which can be
referred to alternatively as a winding or loading mechanism, that can be
manipulated by a
user to load or wind the booster mechanism 100. In this embodiment, the
loading or
winding mechanism 250 includes a handle 260. A user can rotate the handle 260,
and as
a result, the body 120, along the direction of arrow "A" about a shaft 116
defining a
rotation axis 125. The handle 260 is coupled to a sleeve portion 262 and has
an abutment
270 that contacts an engagement member 280 to wind the spring internal to the
sleeve
portion 262 as the handle 260 is turned or cranked. The engagement member 280
also is
part of clutch mechanism that prevents the over-winding of the handle 260 and
protects
the biasing member or spring, which is discussed in detail below.
[0039] In this embodiment, the booster mechanism 100 includes an actuator, a
portion
430 of which extends above the travel surface of the toy vehicle track. In one
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embodiment, the actuator portion 430 is located along the turn 34. When the
booster
body 120 rotates to boost toy vehicles, the body 120 rotates along the
direction of arrow
"B" about axis 125.
[0040] Referring to Fig. 3, the components of the booster mechanism 100,
including the
body 120 and the winding mechanism 250, have been removed from the base 110.
As
shown, the shaft 116 extending upwardly from the base 110 has a sufficient
length so that
the body 120 and the winding mechanism 250 can be rotatably mounted thereon.
Each of
the body 120 and the winding mechanism 250 includes an opening or hole that is
configured to receive the shaft 116. The body 120 has an upper surface 124
(see Fig. 3)
and an opposite, lower surface 126 (see Fig. 5).
[0041] Referring back to Fig. 3, in this embodiment, the booster mechanism 100
includes
a boss 282 that extends upwardly from the winding mechanism 250. The boss 282
includes a notch 284 formed in its upper surface. The notch 284 is sized to
receive a
portion of the engagement member 280. As the handle 260 is rotates and the
abutment
270 contacts the engagement member 280, movement of the engagement member 280
results in the boss 282 rotating as well.
[0042] Also shown in Fig. 3, as referenced above, are the contact surfaces 144
and 154 of
the booster arms 140 and 150, respectively. In this embodiment, the contact
surfaces 144
and 154 are generally flat. In other embodiments of the invention, the contact
surfaces
144 and 154 may be textured and/or have a non-planar shape or configuration.
[0043] Referring to Fig. 4, the winding mechanism 250 is illustrated separate
from the
body 120. The body 120 includes a central portion 122 and coupled to the upper
surface
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124 of the central portion 122 is a winder 290 that has several abutments 294
that define
slots or slits 296 between adjacent abutments 294. Located between all of the
abutments
294 is a central hole 292 through which the shaft 116 of the base 110 can
pass.
[00441 As shown, coupled to the handle 260 is a sleeve 262 that has a wall 264
that
defines a receptacle 266. The wall 264 also includes a slot 268 formed
therethrough. In
this embodiment, the handle 260 and the sleeve 262 are integrally formed.
[00451 A biasing member 300, such as a coil spring, has opposite ends 302 and
304 and is
located in the receptacle 266. Due to the coiled configuration of the spring
300, end 302
is an inner end and end 304 is an outer end of the spring 300. End 304 extends
through
slot 268, as shown. End 302 of the spring 300 is placed between one or more of
the slots
296 between abutments 294. The end 302 is retained in one or more of the slots
296 due
to friction, and in some cases, crimping or bending of the end 302.
[00461 The winder 290 is used to wind the spring 300. As the handle 260 is
turned, the
handle 260 rotates relative to the body 120. As biasing member end 302 is
coupled to the
winder 290 on the body 120, the rotation of the handle 260 moves biasing
member end
304 relative to biasing member end 302. This relative movement results in the
biasing
member 300 being wound and constricted about the winder 290. The extent of the
winding of the biasing member 300 is limited to when the biasing member 300 is
tightly
wound on the winder 290 and itself. When the biasing member 300 is wound, it
stores
potential energy which is used to drive and rotate the body 120 relative to
the base 110
and the track 20.
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[0047] Referring to Fig. 5, a lower perspective view of the body 120 of the
booster
mechanism 100 is illustrated. As shown, the body 120 has a lower surface or
side 126 to
which several catches or stops are coupled. In this embodiment, the body 120
has three
catches 160, 170, and 180 that are equally spaced apart. The catches 160, 170,
and 180
collectively form part of an indexing mechanism that enables the body 120 to
index or
incrementally rotate. Each of the catches 160, 170, and 180 is positioned so
that one of
the booster arms 130, 140, and 150 is in a loaded position ready to boost a
toy vehicle
when released (such as arm 140 in Fig. 2). The catches 160, 170, and 180 are
used to
control the amount of rotation of the body 120 about axis 125 as the biasing
mechanism
300 unwinds. As the catches 160, 170, and 180 are spaced apart by 120 , the
engagement of successive catches by an actuator, as described below, results
in rotation
of the body 120 along approximately 120 . This incremental or partial rotation
of the
body facilitates multiple toy vehicle boosts for each full rotation of the
rotating body 120.
[0048] The catches 160, 170, and 180 have lips or projections 162, 172, and
182,
respectively. The lips 162, 172, and 182 are oriented so that they engage a
portion of an
actuator, as described below. The catches 160, 170, and 180 can be formed
separately
from the body 120 and subsequently coupled thereto using an adhesive or a
connector,
such as a screw. Alternatively, the catches 160, 170, and 180 can be
integrally formed
with the body 120.
[0049] Referring to Fig. 6, a bottom perspective view of the booster mechanism
100 and a
portion of the track 20 is illustrated. As shown, the base 110 has a lower
surface or lower
side 114 that is oriented toward and/or placed in contact with a support
surface on which
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the track set 10 is placed. Coupled to the base 110 is an actuator 400 that is
activated by
a toy vehicle on the track 20 and that releases the body 120 to rotate under
the bias of the
biasing member 300.
[0050] In this embodiment, the actuator 400 includes an elongate member 410
with
opposite ends 412 and 414. The elongate member 410 can be a rod or link.
Proximate to
end 412 is an engaging portion 420 that engages the body 120, as shown. In
Fig. 6, the
engaging portion 420 is illustrated as being engaged with catch 180. Proximate
to end
414 is a projecting portion 430 (see Fig. 2) that extends into the pathway of
the track 20
through an opening formed in the track 20. The elongate member 410 is coupled
to the
track 20 and/or the base 110 and is mounted for at least partial rotation
about its
longitudinal axis 425. A biasing mechanism, such as a spring, is positioned to
bias the
elongate member 410 into an initial position where the projecting portion 430
extends
into the channel or area of the track 20.
[0051] When a toy vehicle contacts the projection portion 430, the projecting
portion 430
moves downwardly and the elongate member 410 rotates about axis 425 against
the bias
of its biasing mechanism. The rotation of elongate member 410 about axis 425
causes
the engaging portion 420 to rotate as well. When the engaging portion 420
rotates from
its latched or locked position shown in Fig. 6, the body 120 rotates until the
next catch is
stopped by the engaging portion 420.
[0052] Referring to Figs. 6A-6D, the interaction between the actuator 400 and
catch 180
is illustrated. Each of the Figs. 6A-6D is an inverted view of some of the
components of
the booster mechanism 100.
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[0053] In this embodiment, the actuator 400 is biased by a biasing member,
such as a
spring, into a locking position 422. In this position, the engaging portion
420 of the
actuator 400 is in a position in which it can engage one of the catches 160,
170, or 180.
As shown in Fig. 6A, rotation of the body 120 moves the portion of the body
120 with
catch 180 along the direction of arrow "C." The catch 180 with its tip 182
defines a
notch 184 with which the engaging portion 420 engages as shown in Fig. 6B.
When the
engaging portion 420 contacts the catch 180, the rotation of the body 120
about axis 125
is stopped. Referring to Fig. 6C, an end view of the components illustrated in
Figs. 6A
and 6B is shown. The body 120 and catch 180 move from a disengaged position
186 to
an engaged position 188 as the body 120 moves along the direction of arrow
"Cl."
[0054] Referring to Fig. 6D, the engaging portion 420 is shown in its initial
position 422
(shown in phantom) in which it contacts the catch 180. As the elongate member
410
rotates along the direction of arrow "D," the engaging portion 420 moves about
axis 426
to its unlocked position 424. In this position 424, there is a gap 440 between
the
engaging portion 420 and the body 120. The gap 440 is sufficiently sized to
permit the
catch 180 to move therethrough, which results in the body 120 rotating along
the
direction of arrow "B."
[0055] When the toy vehicle disengages from the actuator, the elongate member
410
rotates about axis 426 along the direction of arrow "F" from position 424 to
position 422.
The engaging portion 420 is thus positioned to contact the next catch, such as
catch 160,
and stop the body 120 after it rotates 120 .
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[0056] Once the biasing mechanism 300 is wound, the process of a toy vehicle
activating
the actuator 400, the actuator 400 moving to permit rotation of the body 120,
the body
120 of the booster mechanism 100 rotating 120 about axis 125 and engaging the
toy
vehicle, the actuator 400 stopping the rotation of the body 120 repeats itself
with each
successive actuation by a toy vehicle until the stored potential energy in the
biasing
mechanism runs out. In one implementation, the winding mechanism 250 can be
turned
or cranked seven times, which enables the body 120 to make seven full
revolutions due to
the potential energy in the wound biasing mechanism 300. The body 120 can
boost
twenty-one toy vehicles in a row as the toy vehicles continuously activate the
actuator
400 for track set 10.
[0057] Referring back to Fig. 1, toy vehicle track set 500 includes a closed
loop track 510
with opposite ends 512 and 514. The track 510 is similarly inclined from end
512 to end
514 and retained in that position via supports 516 and a base support 518 (see
Fig. 7).
The booster mechanism 600 is located proximate to end 512 of the track 510.
[0058] Referring to Fig. 7, a portion of the track 510 and the booster
mechanism 600 are
illustrated. Similar to booster mechanism 100, booster mechanism 600 includes
a drive
mechanism 700, which can be referred to as a winding or loading mechanism. In
this
embodiment, the track 510 includes a turn 520 along which an arm of the
booster
mechanism 600 travels to boost a passing toy vehicle. The track 510 includes a
shield
530 with a projecting portion 532 located near where a booster arm initially
engages a toy
vehicle. The shield 530 is coupled to a frame 534 that has several posts 536
extending
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therefrom. In one embodiment, the shield 530 is transparent, which allows a
child to see
the booster mechanism 600 engage a toy vehicle.
[0059] The track 510 includes a base 540 coupled thereto or formed therewith.
The base
540 rotatably supports the booster mechanism 600. The track 510 includes an
outer wall
550 that has several spaced apart mounts 552 with openings 554 into which
posts 536 can
be inserted to couple the shield 530 to the track 510.
[0060] Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, some of the components of booster mechanism
600 are
illustrated. In this embodiment, the booster mechanism 600 includes a body 620
with an
upper surface 624 and arms 630, 640, and 650, each of which is spaced apart by
120 .
[0061] In this embodiment, the booster mechanism 600 includes a loading or
winding
mechanism 700 that can be manipulated by a child to wind the booster mechanism
600.
As shown in Fig. 8, the winding mechanism 700 includes a cover 720 that has a
wall 722
with teeth 724 formed along an inner surface. The wall 722 defines a
receptacle 726 and
the cover 720 includes a centrally located hole 728.
[0062] The winding mechanism 700 includes a handle 710 that is coupled to a
body 712
with an upper surface 713 to which a ratchet mechanism 740 is mounted. The
body 712
also includes a downwardly depending wall 714 that defines a receptacle 716
(see Fig. 9).
[0063] Referring to Figs. 8 and 8A, the components of the ratchet mechanism
740 are
illustrated. As shown, the ratchet mechanism 740 includes a pair of cam
members 750
and 760. The cam members 750 and 760 include mounting holes 756 and 766
through
which connectors 770 and 772 are inserted to pivotally mount the cam members
750 and
760 to the body 712 coupled to the handle 710. As shown in Fig. 8A, each of
the cam
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members 750 and 760 includes opposite ends 752, 754, and 762, 764 and a
movement
hole 757 and 767, respectively.
[00641 A biasing member 780, such as a resilient band, couples the cam members
750 and
760 to each other. The biasing member 780 extends around the posts 715 and 717
that
are formed on the upper surface 713 of the body 712. The biasing member 780
biases the
cam member 750 about connector 770 in hole 756 along the direction of arrow
"G."
Similarly, the biasing member 780 biases the cam member 760 about connector
772 in
hole 766 along the direction of arrow "H." The result of the biasing of cam
members 750
and 760 in those directions is that the distal tips or ends 752 and 762 of the
members 750
and 760 are forced outwardly into engagement with the inner surface of the
wall 722 of
the cover 720. The tips 752 and 762 engage the teeth 724 of the cover 720,
which results
in the translation of rotation of the handle 710 into rotation of the winding
mechanism
700.
[00651 Referring to Fig. 9, the winding mechanism 700 also includes a winder
790 that
has a central post 792 and stands 794 located proximate to the central post
792. Slots or
gaps 796 are formed between the post 792 and the stands 794. The winding
mechanism
700 also includes a biasing member or mechanism 800, such as a coiled spring,
with
opposite ends (only inner end 802 is illustrated in Fig. 9). The biasing
member 800 is
located in the receptacle 716 of the handle portion 710 and inner end 802 is
placed into
one or more of the slots 796. The other end of the biasing member 800 is fixed
to the
handle 710 so that rotation of the handle 710 moves the other end. As a
result, as the
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biasing member 800 unwinds, the biasing member 800 imparts motion to the body
620
because of the connection between the biasing member 800 and the body 620.
[0066] Referring to Fig. 10, the base 540 includes a post or shaft 546 that
extends from
the upper surface 542. A slot 548 is formed near the post 546. A stop 942 of
an actuator
900 is illustrated as extending through slot 548. The stop 942 moves along the
directions
of arrow "I." The details of the stop are discussed in greater detail below.
[0067] Referring to Fig. 11, a bottom view of the body 620 is illustrated. The
body 620
includes a lower surface 626 to which several catches are coupled. As shown,
catches
660, 670, and 680 are coupled to the lower surface 626 via connectors, such as
screws,
that extend through the catches 660, 670, and 680. Each of the catches 660,
670, and 680
includes a tip or lip 662, 672, and 682, respectively. The catches 660, 670,
and 680 are
spaced apart by 120 in the same configuration as catches 160, 170, and 180
for track set
described above.
[0068] Referring to Figs. 12, 12A, 12B, and 13, the details of the actuator
900 of track set
500 are illustrated. In this embodiment, the base 540 has a lower surface 544
with a
cavity or chamber 545. A cover plate 570 can be coupled to the base 540 to
cover the
cavity 545. The cover plate 570 has several openings 572 through connectors
574, such
as screws, can be inserted to be connected to openings formed in mounting
structures on
the base 540. The cover plate 570 can be coupled to the base 540 to cover the
cavity 545.
As shown in Fig. 12, the track 510 includes a slot 560 that extends through
the track 510
between the upper and lower surfaces of the track 510.
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[0069] In this embodiment, the actuator 900 includes an elongate member 910
with
opposite ends 912 and 914. Proximate to end 912 is an engaging member 930 and
proximate to end 914 is a catch or latch member 940. The elongate member 910
is
coupled or mounted to the base 540 and is rotatable about its longitudinal
axis 915.
[0070] Referring to Fig. 13, several stands with notches in their ends are
spaced apart and
used to position the elongate member 910. Stand 921 is located to engage the
elongate
member 910 near end 912. Stands 923 and 925 are located to engage the elongate
member 910 near end 914.
[0071] As shown in Fig. 13, the elongate member 910 has a collar or sleeve 920
that has a
groove formed therein. The collar 920 is positioned in engagement with the
stand 921
and the stand 921 engages the groove. Similarly, the elongate member has
collars 922
and 924 proximate to end 914. The collars 922 and 924 engage stands 923 and
925,
respectively, and have grooves that receive the ends of the stands 923 and
925. The
grooves in collars 920, 922, and 924 extend around the perimeter of the
collars and
permit the rotation of the collars 920, 922, and 924 relative to the stands
921, 923, and
925. The inner surface of the cover plate 570 has stands that correspond to
and that are
aligned with the stands 921, 923, and 925 when the cover plate 570 is coupled
to the base
540. The different sets of stands capture the corresponding one of the collars
920, 922, or
924 therebetween.
[0072] As mentioned above, the elongate member 910 is mounted for rotation
about axis
915. Fig. 12A illustrates the movement of engaging member 930 as elongate
member
910 rotates and Fig. 12B illustrates the movement of catch portion 940 as
elongate
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member 910 rotates. Each of the engaging member 930 and the catch portion 940
is
fixed to the elongate member 910. As a result, the movement of any one of the
components
[0073] Referring to Fig. 12A, a toy vehicle 1000 travels along the track 510
along the
direction of arrow "J," which is also illustrated in Fig. 12. As the toy
vehicle 1000 moves
in that direction, a portion of the toy vehicle 1000 contacts or engages a
contact surface
933 on an upper portion 932 of the engaging member 930. The engaging member
930
has an initial or biased position 934 in which the engaging member 930 is
positioned
without any force applied to the engaging member 930. A biasing member, such
as a
spring, is provided to bias the elongate member 910, and thus, the engaging
member 930,
into this orientation. When the toy vehicle 1000 contacts the surface 933, the
engaging
member 930 moves within slot 560 and rotates about axis 915 along the
direction of
arrow "K." As a result, the engaging member 930 moves to a contact position
936
(shown in phantom) and the elongate member 910 rotates about axis 915 as well.
When
the force from the toy vehicle 1000 is no longer applied to the contact
surface 933, the
engaging member 930 returns to its initial or biased position 934.
10074] Referring to Fig. 12B, the catch portion 940 located at the opposite
end of the
elongate member 910 from engaging member 930 also moves. The latch portion 940
has
a projecting portion 942 that extends upwardly through the slot 548 in the
base 540 (see
Figs. 10 and 13) when the latch portion 940 is in its locking position 944. In
this position
944, the projecting portion 942 contacts or engages one of the catches 660,
670, and 680
on the rotating body 620. When the engaging member 930 rotates about axis 915
along
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the direction of arrow "K," the latch portion 940 also rotates about axis 915
along the
direction of arrow "L" to an unlocking position 946, which permits the catch
to move
past the projecting portion 942. The body 620 rotates until the next catch
engages the
latch portion 940 of the actuator 900. This process is repeated until the
biasing member
has insufficient potential energy to cause the body 620 to rotate
incrementally any
further.
[0075] Referring to Fig. 14, a perspective view of another embodiment of a
track set is
illustrated. In Fig. 14, only the turn portion of the track 1170 and the
booster mechanism
1100 are illustrated. The track 1170 has connectors 1172 and 1174 that
facilitate
connection of the track 1170 with other track pieces which may have any
configuration or
shape.
[0076] The track 1170 has a base portion 1105 integrally formed therewith. The
booster
mechanism 1100 is rotatable mounted to the base portion 1105 and includes a
rotatable
body 1110 with several booster arms or engaging portions 1120, 1130, and 1140.
In this
embodiment, each of the arms includes a contact surface that may be coated
with a
material to reduce the impact of the arm on the toy vehicle. For example, the
arms may
include a rubber coating or similar material as shown by surfaces 1132 and
1142 of arms
1130 and 1140, respectively. The booster mechanism 1100 includes a winding
mechanism 1150 with a handle 1152 that can be used to wind a spring that is
internally
located in the winding mechanism 1150.
[0077] Referring to Fig. 15, a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a
track set is
illustrated. The toy vehicle track set 1500 includes a closed loop track 1510
with
A CA 02774748 2012-04-13
opposite ends 1512 and 1514 which may each be circular, but unlike the
previous
embodiments, first end 1512 may be oriented as a substantially vertical loop.
The two
ends 1512 and 1514 may be connected to each other at intersection 1570 and
portions of
track 1510 may be supported by supports 1516 so that track 1510 is inclined
from
intersection 1570 to end 1514. Similar to track 20 of a previous embodiment,
the angle
of inclination facilitates the return of a toy vehicle 2000 from end 1514 to
end 1512,
where the booster mechanism 1600 is located. The track 1510 includes a channel
1532
that is formed by opposite side walls and along which a toy vehicle can
travel. In one
embodiment, the track 1510 includes a repositionable portion 1580 that can be
moved
relative to the intersection 1570 to create various play configurations. For
example, the
portion 1580 can be positioned so that a toy vehicle 2000 traveling therealong
jumps over
the intersection 1570, thereby avoiding collisions with other toy vehicle
2000.
[0078] Referring to Fig. 15, track set 1500 also includes a base 1540. A base
1540
supports booster 1600 in a vertical orientation while receiving a portion of
track 1510. In
some embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in Fig. 15, a turn 1520 is
supported
or included in a portion of an outer wall 1550 of the base 1540, such that
turn 1520 may
be engaged by the vertically orientated booster 1600. Thus, the outer wall
1550 of track
1500 is at least a portion of a vertically oriented annulus such that outer
wall 1550
provides a loop or ring for the booster mechanism 1600 to rotate within. Outer
wall 1550
also includes openings 1554 so that toy vehicles may enter and exit the base
1500 and
mounts 1552 so that base 1500 may be mounted to a previously existing track
1500.
Additionally, a loader or winding mechanism 1700 may be mounted to booster
1600 such
that any winding may occur about the central axis of the annular outer wall
1550.
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[0079] Also shown in Fig. 15 is the booster mechanism 1600 including arms
1630, 1640,
and 1650, which each include an engaging portion, 1662, 1672, and 1682,
respectively.
Each of the arms 1630, 1640, and 1650 may be coupled to or formed integrally
with a
body 1620 (see Fig. 15) such that the arms 1630, 1640, and 1650 may rotate
about the
central axis of outer wall 1550 while alternately engaging at least a portion
of turn 1520.
The multiple engagement portions permit the booster to incrementally rotate or
advance
in a particular direction and to boost successive toy vehicles. In this
particular
embodiment, a vehicle 2000 may be boosted in a substantially upwards
direction, such
that it has enough speed to traverse the vertical loop included at end 1512.
[0080] In order to actuate the booster mechanism, a user may wind the winding
mechanism 1700 and subsequently activate an actuating mechanism 1900 (seen in
Fig.
15). The winding mechanism may include a body which may be covered by cover
1720,
which may include an outer wall. Cover 1720 and the body may form a housing
which
may house any suitable energy storage mechanism (not pictured). In order to
transfer
energy to this mechanism, a handle 1710 (seen in Fig. 15) may be rotated about
a central
axis of the cover 1720. The winding mechanism may be operatively coupled to
the
booster mechanism such that energy transferred to the winding mechanism may be
transferred to the booster mechanism.
[0081] Once energy has been transferred to winding mechanism 1700, actuation
of the
actuating mechanism may cause the booster mechanism 1600 to boost a toy
vehicle. The
actuating mechanism 1900 is included on and in the base 1540 and operatively
connected
to both the winding mechanism 1700 and the booster mechanism 1600, such that
the
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booster mechanism 1600 may rotate one third of a rotation (120 degrees) when
the
actuating mechanism is actuated. In this particular embodiment, an actuating
member
1930 is included in base 1540 and protrudes therefrom such that it may be
engaged by a
vehicle 2000 traveling along track 1510.
[0082] In this embodiment, the track set 1500 includes one or more supports to
locate the
booster mechanism so that it engages at least a portion of track 1510. In one
embodiment, it is preferable to mount booster mechanism in a position which
maximizes
its engagement with track 1510. Winding mechanism 1700 may be mounted on the
same
axis as booster mechanism 1600 in order to provide an efficient and aesthetic
design.
Therefore, in this embodiment, where booster 1600 engages track 1500 at turn
1520, it is
preferable to mount booster mechanism 1600 and winding mechanism 1700 at the
center
of the turn 1520. One or more supports support the booster mechanism in such a
position
while other supports support the winding mechanism in such a position.
[00831 In alternative embodiments, a booster mechanism according to the
present
invention may include a rotating body with two booster arms or with four or
more
booster arms. For the multiple booster arms in a booster mechanism, the
booster arms
are equally spaced apart. The quantity of booster arms determines the extent
that the
rotating body incrementally rotates during each activation of the booster
mechanism.
The booster arms may be may of any material that provides sufficient force to
a boosted
toy vehicle, such as a plastic material.
10084] It is to be understood that terms such as "left," "right," "top,"
"bottom," "front,"
"end," "rear," "side," "height," "length," "width," "upper," "lower,"
"interior,"
23
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"exterior," "inner," "outer" and the like as may be used herein, merely
describe points or
portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular
orientation
or configuration. Further, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc.,
merely identify
one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as
disclosed herein,
and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or
orientation.
[00851 Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein
as embodied
in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be
limited to the
details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made
therein
without departing from the scope of the inventions. For example, the booster
arms of the
rotating mechanism may engage a vehicle traveling on a straight portion of the
track. In
addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated
into another
of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the invention be
construed
broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.
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