Toy train track adapter

Abstract

A toy train track adapter system for adapting a toy train track made for use with trains having a specific wheel configuration for use with vehicles having other wheel configurations is provided. The adapter system is comprised of a plurality of adapters having a support surface to support the adapters when placed along the toy train track. The adapters also have an upper surface having at least one travel surface dimensioned to receive at least one set of wheels of a vehicle having another wheel configuration that is different from the specific wheel configuration. At least one guiding feature is provided by the adapters and / or the toy train track when the adapters are placed along the toy train track to maintain the vehicle on the at least one travel surface. The adapters having longitudinal ends that permit them to be placed end-to-end along the toy train track to create a continuous track length from the at least one travel surface of the adapters.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to hobby toys and, in particular, to the use of toy train tracks with different types of toy trains and other vehicles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Toy trains, in particular electric toy trains, are well known in the art. A typical toy train track layout will generally comprise multiple track segments that, when connected together, will form at least one loop or circuit. The track segments are generally comprised of two or more rails fastened to a plurality of railway ties. The railway ties serve to maintain the rails in a pre-determined, spaced-apart relationship, thereby defining a particular gauge of model railroad. To ensure both electrical and physical continuity, as well as to ensure proper alignment of the rails between adjoining track segments, connectors are used. For example, with O27 and O gauge tubular track manufactured by Lionel LLC, the connectors are pins that friction fit into each of the a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention allows toy train tracks to be used with different types of vehicles, such as other trains and cars. This is achieved through the use of adapters that can be placed onto the toy train track, making it easy to switch between vehicles and configurations. This reduces the need for disassembly of the track when not in use and provides a safer play environment for young children. The train tracks can also have travel surfaces between or adjacent to the rails to allow for vehicles of various wheel configurations to be used with the track."

Problems solved by technology

For younger children, electric toy trains can present certain difficulties with respect to operation.

In particular, some trains are difficult to mount on the rails where failure to do so generally results in potentially hazardous electrical shorts.

Consequently, the suitability of electric toy trains for use by young children is often questioned.

Depending on the gauge and the extent of the track layout, track layouts can potentially occupy a large amount of space that, by design, is devoted to operation of only a specific gauge of toy train.

Due to the inherent hazards discussed above with respect to electric toy trains, such a space is generally unusable for a younger child without adult supervision or assistance.

While the electricity that powers such tracks can be turned off, trains designed for powered motion are usually unsuitable as “push” toys.

Further, some electric train locomotives can be damaged when being manually urged along the track.

For many, due to space constrictions, this may not be possible.

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