US3734026A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coaster vehicle and trackway
Assignee: Tomy Co Ltd
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Filing: 1971-06-17
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Granted: 1973-05-22
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Expires: 1991-06-17
Abstract
Abstract An amusement device featuring a continuous trackway having a first end of lower elevation than a second end, a lift mechanism interposed between and connected to the ends of the trackway and including an elongated helical screw powered by a motor and extending upwardly from the first end of the trackway to the second end thereof and a coaster vehicle arranged to travel along the trackway and up the lift mechanism as the rotating screw continuously contacts one or more hooks depending from the vehicle urging the vehicle upwardly along the lift mechanism.
Inventors
- 👤 M Saito
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:34
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63H; A63H18/00; A63H18/14; A63H18/02; A63H18/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
An amusement device comprising: a trackway provided with a surface and having a first end of lower elevation than a second end thereof; a lift mechanism interposed between and connected to said ends of said trackway, said lift mechanism being provided with a pair of inwardly facing flanges defining therebetween a continuous opening extending between said ends of said trackway, a rigid elongated helical screw extending the length of said lift mechanism and located below said opening therein, means rotating said screw; and a vehicle provided with wheels which engage said surface of said trackway as said vehicle moves from said second end to said first end thereof, said vehicle being provided with at least one downwardly extending flange terminating above the bottoms of said wheels, a portion of said flange extending within said screw such that the rotation of said screw moves said vehicle upwardly along said lift mechanism, said vehicle further being provided with outwardly extending lugs positioned adjacent said inwardly extending flanges of said lift mechanism stabilizing said vehicle during movement along said lift mechanism.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
An amusement device comprising: a trackway provided with a surface and having a first end of lower elevation than a second end thereof; a lift mechanism interposed between and connected to said ends of said trackway, said lift mechanism being provided with a pair of inwardly facing flanges defining therebetween a continuous opening extending between said ends of said trackway, a rigid elongated helical screw extending the length of said lift mechanism and located below said opening therein, means rotating said screw; and a vehicle provided with wheels which engage said surface of said trackway as said vehicle moves from said second end to said first end thereof, said vehicle being provided with at least one downwardly extending flange terminating above the bottoms of said wheels, a portion of said flange extending within said screw such that the rotation of said screw moves said vehicle upwardly along said lift mechanism, said vehicle further being provided with outwardly extending lugs positioned adjacent said inwardly extending flanges of said lift mechanism stabilizing said vehicle during movement along said lift mechanism.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
An amusement device as in claim 1, wherein said inwardly facing flanges are provided along the top of said lift mechanism.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
An amusement device as in claim 1, wherein the bottoms of said wheels of said vehicle rest upon said screw when said vehicle is moving upwardly along said lift mechanism.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
An amusement device as in claim 1, wherein said flanges of said lift mechanism are higher in elevation than said surfaces of said ends of said trackway at the intersections of said lift mechanism and said ends of said trackway.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
An amusement device as in claim 1, wherein said lugs of said vehicle are positioned below said inwardly extending flanges of said lift mechanism.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
An amusement device as in claim 1, including a second flange extending downwardly from said vehicle, a portion of said second flange extending within said screw.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
An amusement device as in claim 1 wherein said means rotating said screw comprises a motor mounted within said lift mechanism having a drive shaft terminating in a pinion wheel, said screw terminating at one end in a gear wheel meshing with said pinion wheel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
An amusement device as in claim 1, wherein said trackway includes means defining a loop-to-loop section wherein said vehicle moves vertically through 360*.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
An amusement device as in claim 1, wherein said trackway includes a switching section comprising a second surface, means within said second surface for stopping said vehicle and means permitting said vehicle to travel along either of said surfaces, as desired.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-21 | 1976-11-20 | 1977-05-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-21 | 1980-11-20 | 1981-05-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-21 | 1984-11-20 | 1985-05-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |