US3552322A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Toy in which an object is moved on a surface
Assignee: Eldon Industries Inc
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Filing: 1968-09-25
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Granted: 1971-01-05
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Expires: 1988-09-25
Abstract
Abstract A toy is disclosed with which objects may be moved on a track structure. Such a track structure includes an upper surface, an enclosed channel located beneath such a surface, and a groove connecting the channel with the surface. A drive structure is located within this channel which is sufficiently large so as to be incapable of passing through the groove. It includes a series of bodies which fit within the channel so as to be capable of being moved in the channel and a series of flexible links of smaller dimension than the bodies connecting at least some of the adjacent to said bodies. Means are provided for advancing the drive structures in the channel. An object to be moved on the upper surfaces of the track structure carries a projection which fits between adjacent to the bodies of the drive structure through the groove. Such an object will normally be a toy vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Garth A Clowes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 19:54
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63H; A63H18/00; A63H18/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
A toy structure which includes: an endless track structure having a surface; an enclosed endless channel located beneath said surface in said track structure; said groove being of smaller width than said channel; a drive structure located in said channel; said drive structure being sufficiently large so as to be incapable of passing through said groove and being movable through said channel; said drive structure including a plurality of separate drive members substantially filling said groove, each of said drive members having a series of bodies and a series of flexible links connecting at least some of the adjacent of said bodies; said links being smaller than said bodies; means for advancing said drive structure through said channel located on said track structure and extending into said channel; and said means for advancing said drive structure, engaging one of said drive members at a time so as to cause the driven drive member to push the other of said drive members through said channel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
A toy structure which includes: an endless track structure having a surface; an enclosed endless channel located beneath said surface in said track structure; said groove being of smaller width than said channel; a drive structure located in said channel; said drive structure being sufficiently large so as to be incapable of passing through said groove and being movable through said channel; said drive structure including a plurality of separate drive members substantially filling said groove, each of said drive members having a series of bodies and a series of flexible links connecting at least some of the adjacent of said bodies; said links being smaller than said bodies; means for advancing said drive structure through said channel located on said track structure and extending into said channel; and said means for advancing said drive structure, engaging one of said drive members at a time so as to cause the driven drive member to push the other of said drive members through said channel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
A toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein Each of said drive members is a unitary body formed of a polymer composition which is flexible in a member of comparatively small cross-sectional configuration and which is substantially inflexible when present in a body of larger cross-sectional configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said means for advancing including a gear; the teeth in said gear being capable of being located between the bodies on said drive structure; and means for rotating said gear.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
A toy structure a s claimed in claim 1 wherein: said track structure is composed of a plurality of sections secured to one another; each of said sections contains a channel and a groove; and said channels and said grooves in said sections being in communication so as to define said channel and said groove in said track section.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
126 words
A toy structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said track structure is composed of a plurality of sections secured to one another; each of said sections contains a channel and a groove; said channels and said grooves in said sections being in communication so as to define said channel and said groove in said track section; each of said drive members is a unitary body formed of a polymer composition which is flexible on a member of comparatively small cross-sectional configuration and which is substantially inflexible when present in a body of larger cross-sectional configuration; said means for advancing including a gear, the teeth in said gear being capable of being located between the bodies on said drive structure; and means for rotating said gear.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-04 | 1974-07-06 | 1975-01-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-04 | 1978-07-06 | 1979-01-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-04 | 1982-07-06 | 1983-01-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |