Model toy train track

Details Model toy train track Model toy train track

2003-01-15

2004-09-28

Morano, S. Joseph (Department: 3617)

Railways: surface track

Portable track

Simulated roadbeds

C104SDIG001

Reexamination Certificate

active

06796509

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a model railroad track.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Model train railroad tracks with roadbeds are known in the toy train industry. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,289. Prior art tracks are often too expensive. A need exists for a comparatively inexpensive model toy train and roadbed with durable connectors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention preferably provides a track for a toy train wherein the track includes a plurality of track segments. Each track segment includes an elongate roadbed having first and second ends. First and second elongate outer rail segments are connected to the roadbed. Each outer rail segment has a substantially U-shaped hollow cross-section, a substantially flat top surface, and first and second ends that are proximate to the first and second ends of the roadbed, respectively. Each track segment has an elongate intermediate rail segment interposed between the first and second outer rail segments. The intermediate rail segment also has a substantially U-shaped hollow cross-section with a substantially flat top surface. The first and second ends of the intermediate rail segment coincide with the first and second ends of the roadbed.
A first outer pin is engaged with the first end of the first outer rail and the second end of that rail is adaptable for receiving an outer pin that is preassembled in an adjacent rail segment positioned on an adjacent track segment. The second outer rail has an outer pin preassembled in the second end and the first end is adaptable for receiving an outer pin preassembled in an adjacent rail segment positioned on an adjacent track segment. The intermediate rail has an intermediate pin that is preassembled in both the first and second ends. Each intermediate rail end is adaptable for receiving a second intermediate pin from an adjacent rail segment The second intermediate pin is slidingly engageable with the preassembled intermediate pin in the original track segment.
The outer pins are preferably rectangular in shape and of substantially similar width as the width of the hollow cavity of the outer rail throughout the entire length of the pin. The intermediate pins have a substantially similar width as the hollow cavity of the intermediate rail along a first portion of the pin, and the width of the pin narrows to substantially half of the width of the rail along a second portion of the pin. This configuration allows each track segment to be preassembled with the pin in predetermined locations such that each track segment can be utilized with curved track segments oriented in either direction without rearranging any of the pins.
Other applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 1467475 (1923-09-01), Egolf
patent: 2021514 (1935-11-01), Martin
patent: 2265965 (1941-12-01), Frisbie
patent: 2673689 (1954-03-01), Bonanno
patent: 2871308 (1959-01-01), Pettit
patent: 3074647 (1963-01-01), Bonanno
patent: 4231517 (1980-11-01), Cheng
patent: 4709856 (1987-12-01), Rother et al.
patent: 4953785 (1990-09-01), Keska
patent: 5299735 (1994-04-01), Thomas
patent: 5503330 (1996-04-01), Riley
patent: 5690278 (1997-11-01), Grubb
patent: D421281 (2000-02-01), Riley
patent: 6019289 (2000-02-01), Sung
patent: 6398120 (2002-06-01), Klein
Marklin HO Brochure: “With a ‘Click’ into the new millennium. C Track” 1996 E.
Lionel Brochure: “Lionel Trutrack System”.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Model toy train track does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Model toy train track, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Model toy train track will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3235832