US5326267A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible terrain features for miniature modeling
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-04-11
•
Granted: 1994-07-05
•
Expires: 2011-04-11
Abstract
Abstract Model terrain accessories that are positioned for use on the surface of a miniature landscape are fabricated from a permanently flexible material, preferably polyvinyl chloride. These flexible accessories are realistically contoured models representing roads, streams, stream banks, earthworks, and walls, or segments thereof. These flexible accessories will conform to changes in surface elevation on any miniature landscape on which they are assembled. The flexible accessories fit together easily in an infinite variety of individual and group configurations, and can be easily removed from the landscape surface and reused when desired.
Inventors
- 👤 James W. Brokaw
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 21:31
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63H; A63H33/00; A63H33/42; G; G09; G09B; G09B25/00; G09B25/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
Miniature accessories suitable for use in miniature gaming on a miniature landscape surface in which said miniature accessories are changed for each game and wherein the miniature landscapes include simulated hills and valleys which are traversed by miniature accessories, and wherein the improvement comprises preformed bulky ribbon-like miniature accessories that are flexible both horizontally and vertically at the same time throughout their length while maintaining a uniform transverse dimension, whereby the miniature accessories may be readily shaped into horizontal curves that also conform with vertically variable terrain.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
Miniature accessories suitable for use in miniature gaming on a miniature landscape surface in which said miniature accessories are changed for each game and wherein the miniature landscapes include simulated hills and valleys which are traversed by miniature accessories, and wherein the improvement comprises preformed bulky ribbon-like miniature accessories that are flexible both horizontally and vertically at the same time throughout their length while maintaining a uniform transverse dimension, whereby the miniature accessories may be readily shaped into horizontal curves that also conform with vertically variable terrain.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein the miniature accessories can be bent as required and will hold a desired shape for as long as needed, after which it can be taken up and reused in the same or different curvature.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention of claim 2 wherein the miniature accessories are made from polyvinyl chloride.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
Miniature accessories according to claim 1 wherein the miniature accessories may be colored to look like roads or streams and shaped horizontally and vertically to conform with the topography of different miniature landscapes while being curved as are roads and streams.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-07-04 | 1998-01-03 | 1998-07-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-07-04 | 2002-01-03 | 2002-07-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-07-04 | 2006-01-03 | 2006-07-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |