Decorative object with at least one longitudinally extending and solid base, on which base at least one model track is arranged

Abstract

Decorative object with at least one longitudinally extending and solid base, wherein at least one model track is arranged on the base, on which at least one model vehicle can be set up, characterized in that the model track has an overall length which is a multiple of the length of the set-up model vehicle and that a movement drive is provided for the model vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a decorative object with at least one longitudinally extending and solid base, wherein at least one model track is arranged on the base, on which at least one model vehicle can be placed.

[0002] In living rooms or even home offices, various decorative objects are placed. These can be reminders of certain life situations or even specific hobbies.

[0003] If model vehicles are a hobby, such as model cars or model trains, then such a model vehicle can be placed as a decorative object, for example, on a desk, on a shelf, or even in a display case. If the model vehicles are larger model locomotives, such as those from the Lehmann Large Railway series, then such a model locomotive can be placed on a piece of track and thus stand in the display case.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of further developing a decorative object of the type mentioned at the beginning and equipping it with additional functions.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention in that the longest extended base and the model track each have a length which is a multiple of the length of the erectable model vehicle and in that a movement drive is provided for the model vehicle.

[0006] In the decorative object according to the invention, the base and model track are not only as long as the model vehicle, so that it can be placed on this section of the model track. The base and model track are extended, thus allowing the model vehicle to move when placed on the model track. The model vehicle can move back and forth a short distance along the model track; for this purpose, a drive mechanism is provided for the model vehicle according to the invention.

[0007] The model track can be a stretch of road, while the model vehicle represents a motor vehicle. This can drive forward or backward on the road. According to a first refinement of the invention, the model track is a model track, and the model vehicle is a model railway locomotive. This locomotive can travel back and forth on the model track.

[0008] The model track should preferably have a length of approximately 1.50 to 5 meters. The model vehicle's back-and-forth travel can be designed accordingly.

[0009] The movement drive is preferably an electric drive, which particularly includes the drive installed in the model vehicle. Especially if the model vehicle is a model railway locomotive, it has an electric drive in the locomotive housing. This is supplied with the necessary electrical energy via the model track, allowing it to initiate movement of the model railway locomotive.

[0010] A further development of the invention provides for limit switches to be assigned to the model track's ends. These limit switches prevent the model vehicle from driving beyond the end of the model track.

[0011] The limit switches are preferably connected to a microcontroller. This is also connected to the model railway locomotive, for example, so that reaching a limit switch in the microcontroller reverses the direction of travel of the model vehicle or even stops the model vehicle's travel. The microcontroller can be linked to a time unit that causes the model vehicle to move along the model track every hour on the hour. Additionally, when configured as a model railway locomotive, the model vehicle can emit an audible signal, which then functions like the hourly signal of older quartz digital clocks. Lighting of the model vehicle is also possible.

[0012] The decorative object can also be designed by attaching a hood to the longest, solid base with the model track as a cover. The entire base can be covered by a hood that rests on the edges of the base. This protects the decorative object's components from dust, even from contact. If the hood is made of a transparent material, the operation of the model track can be observed from the outside under the hood.

[0013] Finally, the base can be provided with fastening elements for attaching it to a wall. These fastening elements allow the base, and thus also the model track and model vehicle, to be mounted on a wall. The model vehicle can then drive back and forth along the model track in front of the wall, creating an interesting decorative effect. In this case, the model track, limit switches, and microcontroller are supplied with the necessary electrical power via an electrical supply line.

[0014] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 a side view of a model railway track with a model railway locomotive placed on the model railway track and Fig. 2 a plan view of the model track according to Fig. 1.

[0015] The decorative object in Fig. 1 has a longitudinally extending and solid base 1. A model track 2 is arranged on this base 1, extending over a length of, for example, 3 meters. The base 1 and the model track 2 are covered with a cover 5, preferably made of transparent material.

[0016] A model railway locomotive 6 is set up on model track 2. The model railway locomotive 6 is located on a section of track between two limit switches 4. It can be driven back and forth between these limit switches 4 using electrical power. The locomotive 6 can emit sounds, and its lighting can be turned on or off.

[0017] The movements of the model railway locomotive 6 and its additional functions are triggered by a microcontroller 3, which is located at one end of the model track 2.

[0018] Fig.Figure 2 shows once again the elongated extension of the base 1 as well as the formation of the model track 2 on this base 1. The model railway locomotive 4 stands on the model track 2, microswitch 4 and microcontroller 3 are assigned to the model track 2.

Claims

[1] Decorative object with at least one longitudinally extending and solid base, wherein at least one model track is arranged on the base, on which at least one model vehicle can be placed, characterized by that the model track has a construction length which is a multiple of the length of the model vehicle that can be set up and that a movement drive is provided for the model vehicle. [2] Decorative object according to claim 1, characterized by that the model track comprises a model track (2) and that the model vehicle is a model railway locomotive (6). [3] Decorative object according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the model track has a length of 1.50 m to 5 m. [4] Decorative object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the movement drive is an electric drive, in particular comprising the drive arranged in the model vehicle. [5] Decorative object according to claim 4, characterized bythat limit switches (4) are assigned to the ends of the model track. [6] Decorative object according to claim 5, characterized by that the limit switches (4) are connected to a microcontroller (3). [7] Decorative object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a hood (5), in particular made of transparent material, is assigned to the model track. [8] Decorative object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the model track has fastening elements for attaching it to a wall.

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