Electrically controlled competitive game system with information and control center

Abstract

A system for racing an electrically powered toy vehicle over a defined course under operator control comprises a continuous track having at least one lane (24, 26) with a pit stop segment (39) and an electrical path (30, 32) extending along the lane for providing electrical power to the vehicle. A control unit (18, 20) is operably connected to the electrical path and has at least a first manual control mechanism (96, 108) used to vary a speed of the electrical vehicle and another (97, 98) to perform at least either a tire change or a vehicle refueling pit stop function. A display unit (16), operably connected to the control unit via a microprocessor (54), displays a progression of the pit stop function in response to actuations of the other control mechanism. The display further includes a changing animated display area (154) as well as other dedicated display areas (156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166). <IMAGE>

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toy game system, and more particularly to an information and control center for a toy race game system having an electronically controlled vehicle running on an electric track. Background technique

[0002] Slotted, slotless and maneuverable types of toy racing systems have become increasingly popular in recent years. Vehicles of this system come in a variety of sizes and types, but each typically includes an electric motor for propelling the vehicle around the track. The track of such a system can expand from a simple oval that includes a single lane with an electric track extending along the lane to provide electric power to the vehicle to multiple lanes and paths arranged through various curves and loops electric track, thereby providing a challenging environment for those with more advanced operating skills, and therefore better entertainment during operation of the toy racing system.

[0003] In order to be abl...

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