Patent · US Active

Toy racetrack having collapsible loop portion

US9573071B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
48References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 4, 2014
Grant dateFeb 21, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 21, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA63H18/028
  • WIPO fieldFurniture, games
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A toy racetrack including a partial loop section is configured to maintain a partial loop configuration when maintained in an unloaded, freestanding configuration, and to collapse when in a loaded state in which a toy vehicle passes over such partial loop section. When a force is applied to the upper section of the pathway from a traversing toy vehicle, the added force shifts the center of gravity past the balancing point that maintains the partial loop section in its freestanding configuration, and the partial loop section collapses. A spring-loaded head may be provided at the end of the upper portion of the partial loop section, and may be configured to spring away from the partial loop section when contacted by a toy vehicle. A wind-up motor may be provided that drives a diverter in the base of the partial loop section, which may direct a toy vehicle through the partial loop section or onto an alternative racetrack path.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.