Amusement devices: toys – Smoking – Wheeled vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-16
2001-08-28
Ackun, Jr., Jacob K. (Department: 3712)
Amusement devices: toys
Smoking
Wheeled vehicle
C446S024000, C446S467000, C105S001500, C472S065000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06280278
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to smoke generation systems for use in model toys, and in particular to a puffing smoke system for use in model trains that provides for variable control of the density, volume and rate of smoke output by the smoke generation system so as to allow the smoke output to be controlled relative to the operation of the model train.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Prior to the present invention, known model train smoke systems typically utilize a “wick-based” system for delivering the smoke fluid to a heating element, which vaporizes the smoke fluid, thereby creating smoke. More specifically, these “wick-based” systems include a wicking material, such as a fiberglass rope made out of a plurality of fine strands that are loosely wound together. One end of the wicking material is disposed in a reservoir containing the smoke fluid, and the other end of the wicking material is wrapped around the heating element, which is for example a resistor.
In operation, because the wicking material comprising a plurality of fine strands loosely wound together, a “capillary action” occurs which causes the smoke fluid to be absorbed by the portion of the wicking material disposed in the smoke fluid and delivered to the wicking material adjacent the heating element. In other words, the smoke fluid in the reservoir travels or “wicks” its way through the wicking material and is presented directly on or adjacent the heating element. When the smoke fluid is delivered to the heating element, the heating element causes the fluid to vaporize, thereby generating smoke. The smoke is then dispensed from the model train.
While the use of such wick-based smoke systems in model train applications has been widespread, there are significant disadvantages associated with these systems. One of the most significant disadvantages is that the design of the wicked-based system is such that the system is prone to destroy itself. More specifically, if the wick-based smoke system is operated without smoke fluid (which is highly likely to occur), in a short period of time the surface of the wicking material in contact with the heating element begins to overheat and melt. As a result, the wicking material becomes hardened and chard, and stops “wicking” (i.e., delivering smoke fluid from the reservoir to the heating element). When this occurs, the smoke system is rendered useless, and must be repaired/replaced. However, replacement of the wicking material is a time consuming and costly process.
Another disadvantage of wicked-based systems is that the systems do not allow for any control of the amount of smoke dispensed from the model train. The amount of smoke fluid delivered to the heating element is strictly a function of the “wicking” capabilities of the wicking material.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a smoke system that does not self-destruct in the event the system runs out of smoke fluid.
In addition, there exists a need for a smoke system that provides for continuous and variable control over the density, volume and output rate of the smoke generated by the system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a smoke generation system for use in model toys that provides for continuous and variable control over the density, volume and output rate of the smoke generated by the system, and that does not self-destruct in the event that the system is operated without smoke fluid.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a smoke generation system for use in model trains. The system comprises a reservoir for holding smoke fluid, a heating element for converting the smoke fluid into smoke, a pump unit for delivering smoke fluid from the reservoir to the heating element, a fan for dispensing smoke from a smoke corridor, and a controller coupled to the pump unit and the fan. The controller functions to govern the operation of the pump unit and the fan so as to control the delivery of smoke fluid to the heating element and the dispensing of the smoke from the smoke corridor, thereby providing continuous and variable control of the density, volume and output rate of the smoke generated by the system.
As described in detail below, the present invention provides important advantages over prior art devices. Most importantly, the present invention provides a smoke generation system that provides the ability to control and adjust the density, volume and output rate of the smoke generated by the system on a continuous basis. Accordingly, the system allows the smoke output of the toy train to be adjusted relative to the operation of the train. For example, if the train is going up a hill, the current load on the motor increases. In one embodiment of the present invention, the current load of the motor is monitored and utilized as the basis for adjusting the output of the smoke generation system. In fact, the present system provides for a smoke output appearance ranging from a low density steady stream to a high density independent puffing style output. As a result, the operation of the model train is made more realistic.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the smoke generation system does not destroy itself if the system is operated without smoke fluid. As such, the present invention significantly improves the reliability of smoke generation systems as compared to prior art systems.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it allows for precise control of the amount of smoke fluid provided to the heating element during a given “pump cycle”. There is substantially no waste of the smoke fluid during operation of the system. As a result, the smoke generation system of the present invention having a fixed reservoir for holding smoke fluid can “smoke” for a substantially longer period of time than a prior art device having the same size smoke fluid reservoir.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that because the smoke generation system of the present invention eliminates the use of the wicking material, for a given size smoke fluid reservoir, the present invention can hold more smoke fluid than prior art devices, thereby allowing for a longer “smoke” period for a single fill of the reservoir.
Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, which exemplify the best mode of carrying out the invention.
The invention itself, together with further objects and advantages, can be better understood by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: Re. 30174 (1979-12-01), Schedler
patent: 1683760 (1928-09-01), Conners
patent: 2317974 (1943-05-01), Bastiansen
patent: 2413284 (1946-12-01), Bonanno
patent: 2882834 (1959-04-01), Smith
patent: 3003279 (1961-10-01), Bonanno
patent: 3664060 (1972-05-01), Longnecker
patent: 3839822 (1974-10-01), Rexford
patent: 4291877 (1981-09-01), Ensmann et al.
patent: 4303397 (1981-12-01), Swiatosz
patent: 4374038 (1983-02-01), Tamura
patent: 4450772 (1984-05-01), Van Sickle
patent: 4741717 (1988-05-01), Wolf
patent: 5069230 (1991-12-01), Green
patent: 5725126 (1998-03-01), Poissant
patent: 5855004 (1998-12-01), Novosel et al.
patent: 2251391 (1992-08-01), None
Ackun Jr. Jacob K.
M.T.H. Electric Trains
McDermott & Will & Emery
Miller Bena B.
LandOfFree
Smoke generation system for model toy applications does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Smoke generation system for model toy applications, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Smoke generation system for model toy applications will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2546621