Magnetically controlled motorbike slot-racing system

Abstract

33 Abstract A motorbike slot-racing system comprises a track defining discrete track sections including a curved track section, and a motorbike toy configured to travel along the track. The motorbike toy comprises a motorbike body supported for lateral leaning movement and an onboard side magnetic element. A track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement is located at the curved track section and is configured to magnetically interact with the onboard side magnetic element as the motorbike toy traverses the curved track section, thereby generating a lateral leaning moment which causes the motorbike body to lean inwardly relative to the travel direction. The magnetic lean- biasing arrangement may include an outer magnetic guide rail, an inner magnetic guide rail, or both, and may have a variable standoff profile for progressively reducing magnetic force through the curve. A pivot-return carriage may maintain guided track engagement while mechanically biasing the motorbike body towards an upright orientation. orientation.orientation.orientation.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to slot-racing toys. More particularly, the disclosure relates to motorbike-type slot-racing systems configured to exhibit dynamic lateral leaning during travel along discrete sections of a guided track. Background of the Invention

[0002] Slot-racing systems have long been used as a form of miniature vehicle racing, offering interactive entertainment by guiding motorised or unpowered vehicles along a defined track. Traditional systems typically involve vehicles equipped with a fixed guide pin, guide blade or other track-following formation that follows a slot or groove in the track. In many electrically powered arrangements, electrical contacts carried by the vehicle engage conductive rails embedded in, or otherwise associated with, the track surface.

[0003] Many slot-racing systems have historically been configured for cars or similar four-wheeled vehicles. Such vehicles generally have a relatively wide stance and relatively low centre of gravity, and therefore may be visually and mechanically represented in a comparatively stable upright condition during travel around straight and curved track sections.

[0004] Motorbike-based slot toys present different design challenges. A motorbike has a narrow lateral profile and, in real use, typically changes its roll orientation when negotiating a bend. However, accurately reproducing such behaviour in a miniature track-following toy can be difficult because the toy must remain guided by the track while also presenting a visually convincing side-to-side leaning movement. If the toy is rigidly constrained to the track, it may appear unrealistic. Conversely, if the toy is permitted excessive freedom of movement, it may become unstable, derail from the track, or lose reliable electrical contact with the track.

[0005] Various mechanical arrangements have been proposed to influence the orientation of two-wheeled model vehicles. For example, GB 2390982 A (ALL STARS RACING LTD) 28 January 2004 describes a two-wheeled model vehicle in which magnetic repulsion is used in association with a steering mechanism. In that arrangement, repulsive magnets 152 travel with the model vehicle 10 and move laterally with a sway bar as the steering wheel turns. The lateral movement of the repulsive magnets 152 causes the body of the vehicle 10 to lean from side to side in response to steering movement.

[0006] Despite these developments, motorbike-type slot-racing toys remain technically challenging because the toy must coordinate track-following, electrical pickup, body support, lateral lean, and upright recovery in a compact miniature structure. Achieving these behaviours in a repeatable, manufacturable and robust toy system can be difficult, particularly where passive or low-complexity arrangements are preferred.

[0007] The present invention seeks to provide a motorbike slot-racing system, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0008] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Disclosure

[0009] According to one aspect, there is provided a motorbike slot-racing system comprising a track defining a travel path comprising a plurality of discrete track sections, the plurality of discrete track sections comprising at least one curved track section having an inside of curvature and an outside of curvature; a motorbike toy configured to travel along the track in a travel direction through the at least one curved track section, the motorbike toy comprising a motorbike body supported for lateral leaning movement and at least one onboard magnetic element; and a track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement located at the at least one curved track section and fixed relative to the at least one curved track section during travel of the motorbike toy therethrough, wherein the at least one onboard magnetic element and the track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement are arranged so that magnetic interaction therebetween, as the motorbike toy traverses the at least one curved track section, generates a lateral leaning moment on the motorbike body relative to the travel direction, thereby causing the motorbike body to lean inwardly towards the inside of curvature of the at least one curved track section.

[0010] The track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement may allow the leaning behaviour of the motorbike toy to be determined by discrete sections of the track. This may allow a curved track section to induce a realistic inward roll or lean of the motorbike body while the motorbike toy remains guided along the track. The motorbike toy may therefore exhibit different riding orientations at different track sections, such as generally upright travel along straights and inward leaning travel through bends, according to the local magnetic configuration of the track.

[0011] Preferably, the at least one onboard magnetic element comprises an onboard side magnetic element located at a lateral side of the motorbike body. Locating the onboard magnetic element laterally may increase the moment arm through which the magnetic force acts and may thereby assist generation of the lateral leaning moment.

[0012] Preferably, the at least one onboard magnetic element comprises opposed onboard side magnetic elements located at opposed lateral sides of the motorbike body. This may allow the motorbike body to be magnetically influenced from either side of the motorbike toy and may allow the same motorbike toy to lean appropriately through left-hand and right-hand curved track sections.

[0013] In embodiments, the track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement comprises an outer magnetic guide rail located at the outside of curvature of the at least one curved track section. Preferably, the outer magnetic guide rail is configured to magnetically repel the at least one onboard magnetic element to urge the motorbike body inwardly towards the inside of curvature. This may allow a track-side magnetic structure located externally of the curve to push the motorbike body inwardly into a leaning posture as the motorbike toy enters or travels through the curved track section.

[0014] In embodiments, the track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement comprises an inner magnetic guide rail located at the inside of curvature of the at least one curved track section. Preferably, the inner magnetic guide rail is configured to magnetically attract the at least one onboard magnetic element to urge the motorbike body inwardly towards the inside of curvature. This may allow a track-side magnetic structure located internally of the curve to pull the motorbike body inwardly into a leaning posture.

[0015] In embodiments, the track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement further comprises an outer magnetic guide rail located at the outside of curvature of the at least one curved track section and configured to magnetically repel the at least one onboard magnetic element. The inner magnetic guide rail and the outer magnetic guide rail may thereby cooperate so that attraction from the inside of the curve and repulsion from the outside of the curve together generate or stabilise the inward leaning moment.

[0016] Preferably, the outer magnetic guide rail is supported alongside the at least one curved track section by a plurality of supports attached to the track. The supports may maintain the outer magnetic guide rail at a desired height and lateral spacing relative to the onboard magnetic element, thereby providing repeatable magnetic interaction during successive laps of the motorbike toy.

[0017] In embodiments, the plurality of supports comprises clip-in supports configured to removably attach the outer magnetic guide rail to a side of the track. This may allow the magnetic guide rail to be fitted to existing or modular track sections, removed for storage, replaced if damaged, or interchanged to alter the leaning behaviour of the motorbike toy.

[0018] Preferably, the outer magnetic guide rail is profiled such that a lateral standoff distance between the outer magnetic guide rail and the at least one onboard magnetic element increases from an entrance of the at least one curved track section towards an exit of the at least one curved track section, thereby progressively reducing magnetic force applied to the motorbike body as the motorbike toy travels towards the exit. This may provide a strong lean initiation near the entrance of the curved track section and a gradual reduction of the lean-inducing magnetic force towards the exit, thereby assisting a smooth transition back towards an upright orientation.

[0019] In embodiments, the outer magnetic guide rail is removably attachable to a side of the track so that the outer magnetic guide rail is interchangeable with another magnetic guide rail having a different standoff profile. This may allow different guide rails to be selected for different curve radii, motorbike weights, magnet strengths, spring return forces, vehicle speeds or desired racing characteristics.

[0020] In embodiments, the plurality of discrete track sections comprises at least one straight track section having a magnetic upright-biasing arrangement configured to magnetically interact with the at least one onboard magnetic element to bias the motorbike body towards an upright orientation. This may assist in stabilising the motorbike body along straight track sections, particularly after the motorbike toy exits a curved track section.

[0021] Preferably, the magnetic upright-biasing arrangement comprises opposed same-polarity magnetic elements located at opposed lateral sides of the at least one straight track section and configured to repel opposed onboard magnetic elements of the motorbike body. Balanced magnetic repulsion from opposed sides of the straight track section may tend to centre the motorbike body and resist unintended lateral lean while the motorbike toy travels along a straight portion of the track.

[0022] In embodiments, the motorbike toy is supported by a pivot-return carriage configured to engage the track and to maintain guided travel along the track while permitting lateral leaning movement of the motorbike body. This may allow the motorbike body to lean relative to the track while a track-engaging portion of the pivotreturn carriage remains guided by the track, thereby reducing the likelihood of derailment or loss of electrical contact during leaning.

[0023] Preferably, the pivot-return carriage comprises a blade fin for engagement with a slot of the track and a pivot formation supporting the motorbike body for lateral leaning movement relative to the pivot-return carriage. The blade fin may maintain the travel path of the motorbike toy, while the pivot formation allows the motorbike body to roll or tilt laterally independently of the track-engaging blade fin.

[0024] In embodiments, the pivot formation comprises a centre post and a pivot ball supported by the centre post, the motorbike body comprising a pivot socket which receives the pivot ball to form a ball-and-socket joint. The ball-and-socket joint may provide a compact leaning support which permits the motorbike body to lean laterally relative to the pivot-return carriage while remaining attached to and supported by the pivot-return carriage.

[0025] In embodiments, the pivot-return carriage comprises opposed compressors positioned on opposite lateral sides of a pivot formation of the pivot-return carriage, the opposed compressors being configured to act against respective opposite underside regions of the motorbike body to mechanically bias the motorbike body towards an upright orientation. The opposed compressors may provide a passive return force which urges the motorbike body back towards upright orientation when the magnetic leaning moment reduces.

[0026] Preferably, each compressor comprises a lower static section, a movable plunger operably engaged with the lower static section and a compression spring biasing the movable plunger towards the motorbike body. This telescopic compressor arrangement may provide a compact and repeatable mechanical return mechanism, while allowing different spring rates, preload levels or plunger profiles to be selected to tune the lean and return behaviour.

[0027] In embodiments, the motorbike body comprises internal left and right spring compartments having springs arranged to act against lateral stand-up sections of the pivot-return carriage to mechanically bias the motorbike body towards an upright orientation. By locating the springs within the motorbike body, a compact pivot-return carriage may be used while the motorbike body provides additional space for returnbias components.

[0028] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a side view of a motorbike toy engaged with a slot-racing track.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a carriage for mounting the motorbike toy to the track.

[0032] Figure 3 shows the carriage of Figure 2 in a tilted orientation.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a socket structure for limiting angular movement of the motorbike toy relative to the carriage.

[0034] Figure 5 shows a front view of the motorbike toy in an upright orientation on a straight section of the track.

[0035] Figure 6 shows a front view of the motorbike toy in a leaned orientation on a curved section of the track.

[0036] Figure 7 shows a plan view of a representative figure-of-eight track configuration.

[0037] Figure 8 shows a curved section of the track comprising a bias leaning guide rail arranged to magnetically induce inward leaning of the motorbike toy through the curved section.

[0038] Figure 9 shows a front view of a pivot-return carriage supporting the motorbike toy in an upright orientation.

[0039] Figure 10 shows the pivot-return carriage of Figure 9 with one compressor compressed during lateral leaning of the motorbike toy.

[0040] Figure 11 shows a view of the pivot-return carriage.

[0041] Figure 12 shows a side or end view illustrating lateral curvature of the pivotreturn carriage for engaging the underside of the motorbike toy.

[0042] Figure 13 shows a further side or end view illustrating longitudinal curvature of the pivot-return carriage for engaging the underside of the motorbike toy.

[0043] Figure 14 shows the motorbike toy supported upright on the pivot-return carriage, with the pivot ball received in the pivot socket and opposed compressors acting against the underside of the motorbike body.

[0044] Figure 15 shows the motorbike toy leaning through a curved section of the track, with an inner compressor compressed to a greater extent than an outer compressor.

[0045] Figure 16 shows a front view of an alternative embodiment wherein spring return components are housed within internal lateral compartments of the motorbike body.

[0046] Figure 17 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 16, with the pivotreturn carriage positioned forwardly relative to the rear wheel.

[0047] Figure 18 shows the embodiment of Figures 16 and 17 during leaning of the motorbike toy through a curved section of the track. Description of Embodiments

[0048] Figure 1 shows a side view of a motorbike slot-racing system 100 comprising a motorbike toy 101 configured to travel along a track 102. Figure 7 shows an exemplary track 102 comprising a plurality of discrete track sections, including straight sections 103 and curved sections 104. The motorbike toy 101 is configured to travel along the track 102 in a travel direction defined by the track 102, including through each curved section 104. The system 100 is configured so that, as the motorbike toy 101 traverses a curved section 104, the motorbike toy 101 is caused to lean laterally with respect to the travel direction, and preferably inwardly towards an inside of curvature of the curved section 104.

[0049] The motorbike toy 101 comprises a motorbike body which is supported for lateral leaning movement. In this regard, the motorbike body is not merely fixed upright relative to the track 102, but is able to roll or tilt laterally with respect to the travel direction while continuing to travel along the track 102. This allows the motorbike toy 101 to simulate, in miniature, the riding posture of a real motorcycle negotiating a bend, in which the body of the motorcycle leans inwardly relative to its forward travel direction.

[0050] The motorbike toy 101 comprises at least one onboard magnetic element 105 configured to magnetically interact with the track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement. The onboard magnetic element 105 may be carried by, embedded within, or otherwise supported by the motorbike body. Preferably, the onboard magnetic element 105 is located at a lateral side of the motorbike body, such as by being carried by, embedded within, or otherwise supported by a side fairing 108 of the motorbike toy 101. Locating the onboard magnetic element 105 laterally outwardly on the motorbike body may increase the moment arm between the onboard magnetic element 105 and a central leaning or pivot region of the motorbike toy 101, thereby allowing magnetic force applied to the onboard magnetic element 105 to generate a leaning moment on the motorbike body. In other embodiments, the onboard magnetic element 105 may be located centrally or otherwise arranged within the motorbike body, provided that magnetic interaction with the track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement generates or contributes to lateral leaning movement of the motorbike body.

[0051] Figure 8 shows an embodiment wherein the track 102 is provided with a trackside magnetic lean-biasing arrangement located at a curved section 104 of the track 102. The track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement is provided at a discrete track section, rather than being carried internally by the steering mechanism of the motorbike toy 101. As such, the leaning behaviour of the motorbike toy 101 may be determined by the particular section of the track 102 being traversed, with one or more curved sections 104 being configured to induce lean and other sections being configured differently.

[0052] In embodiments, the track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement comprises a bias leaning guide rail 121 positioned adjacent the curved section 104. The bias leaning guide rail 121 may be fixed relative to the curved section 104 during travel of the motorbike toy 101 through the curved section 104. In this sense, the bias leaning guide rail 121 may define a localised magnetic lean-control section of the track 102. As the motorbike toy 101 travels through the curved section 104, the onboard side magnetic element 105 is brought into magnetic interaction with the bias leaning guide rail 121, thereby applying magnetic force to a lateral side of the motorbike body.

[0053] The magnetic interaction between the onboard side magnetic element 105 and the bias leaning guide rail 121 generates a lateral leaning moment on the motorbike body relative to the travel direction. The leaning moment causes the motorbike body to lean inwardly towards the inside of curvature of the curved section 104. The magnetic interaction may therefore use the geometry of the track 102 itself to determine when lean is induced, because the leaning force is applied at the discrete curved section 104 rather than being applied uniformly along the entire track 102.

[0054] In embodiments, the track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement may induce the leaning moment by magnetic repulsion, magnetic attraction, or a combination of magnetic repulsion and magnetic attraction. For example, a magnetic element positioned outwardly of the curved section 104 may repel an onboard side magnetic element 105 of the motorbike toy 101 to push the motorbike body inwardly. Alternatively, or additionally, a magnetic element positioned inwardly of the curved section 104 may attract an onboard side magnetic element 105 of the motorbike toy 101 to pull the motorbike body inwardly. In each case, the magnetic interaction is arranged to generate a roll or leaning moment on the motorbike body with respect to the travel direction through the curved section 104.

[0055] The use of a track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement at a curved section 104 allows different sections of the track 102 to impart different riding behaviours to the same motorbike toy 101. For example, a curved section 104 may be provided with a magnetic arrangement which causes the motorbike body to lean inwardly, whereas a straight section 103 may be devoid of such a lean-biasing arrangement or may be provided with a different arrangement for maintaining or restoring an upright orientation. The track 102 may therefore encode the desired riding orientation of the motorbike toy 101 along the travel path by the placement and configuration of magnetic elements at selected discrete track sections.

[0056] In embodiments, the magnetic elements of the system 100 may comprise permanent magnets so that leaning of the motorbike toy 101 can be achieved passively, without requiring active electronics, sensors, motors or control circuitry to generate the leaning force. In other embodiments, one or more magnetic elements may comprise electromagnets, in which case the magnetic field strength, polarity or activation timing may be controlled according to the position, speed or orientation of the motorbike toy 101.

[0057] In embodiments, the motorbike toy 101 comprises opposed onboard side magnetic elements 105 located at opposed lateral sides of the motorbike body. The opposed onboard side magnetic elements 105 may be positioned symmetrically about a longitudinal centreline of the motorbike toy 101 so that the motorbike body can be magnetically influenced in either lateral leaning direction depending on the side of the track 102 at which a magnetic lean-biasing arrangement is provided. The opposed onboard side magnetic elements 105 may be embedded within, attached to, overmoulded into, or otherwise carried by respective side fairings 108 of the motorbike toy 101.

[0058] The opposed onboard side magnetic elements 105 may be positioned to generally coincide with a vertical location of the rail body 123 or magnetic element 124 of the bias leaning guide rail 121. In this way, the onboard side magnetic elements 105 may travel laterally adjacent the corresponding track-side magnetic elements, thereby increasing magnetic coupling between the motorbike toy 101 and the track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement. In embodiments, the onboard side magnetic elements 105 may be located at or adjacent lower side fairings 108 of the motorbike body where the corresponding bias leaning guide rail 121 is located relatively low adjacent the track 102. In other embodiments, the onboard side magnetic elements 105 may be located higher on the motorbike body, with the rail body 123 or magnetic element 124 being correspondingly elevated, so that the magnetic force is applied at a greater distance from the leaning or pivot region of the motorbike body. Such a higher magnetic force application point may increase the available leaning moment for a given magnetic force, as compared with a lower magnetic force application point. The relative vertical position of the onboard side magnetic elements 105 and the magnetic element 124 may therefore be selected according to the desired lean initiation force, lean angle, available packaging space and visual design of the motorbike toy 101.

[0059] In embodiments, and with reference to Figure 8, the bias leaning guide rail 121 may comprise an outer guide rail 121A located at an outside of curvature of the curved section 104. The outer guide rail 121A may be positioned laterally outwardly of the track 102 so as to present magnetic elements towards the corresponding onboard side magnetic element 105 of the motorbike toy 101 as the motorbike toy 101 traverses the curved section 104. The outer guide rail 121A may extend along at least part of the curved section 104, and preferably along a substantial length of the curved section 104 between an entrance 127 and an exit 128 thereof.

[0060] The outer guide rail 121A may be configured to magnetically repel the onboard side magnetic element 105 located on the outside of the motorbike body as the motorbike toy 101 travels through the curved section 104. For example, the magnetic polarity of the outer guide rail 121A facing the motorbike toy 101 may be the same as the magnetic polarity of the corresponding onboard side magnetic element 105 facing the outer guide rail 121A. The resulting repulsive magnetic force urges the outside lateral region of the motorbike body away from the outer guide rail 121A and towards the inside of curvature of the curved section 104, thereby generating an inward leaning moment on the motorbike body.

[0061] In embodiments, the bias leaning guide rail 121 may comprise an inner guide rail 121B located at an inside of curvature of the curved section 104. The inner guide rail 121B may be positioned laterally inwardly of the track 102 so as to magnetically interact with an onboard side magnetic element 105 located at the inside lateral side of the motorbike body. The inner guide rail 121B may be used instead of, or in addition to, the outer guide rail 121A.

[0062] The inner guide rail 121B may be configured to magnetically attract the onboard side magnetic element 105 located on the inside of the motorbike body as the motorbike toy 101 travels through the curved section 104. For example, the magnetic polarity of the inner guide rail 121B facing the motorbike toy 101 may be opposite to the magnetic polarity of the corresponding onboard side magnetic element 105 facing the inner guide rail 121B. The resulting attractive magnetic force pulls the inside lateral region of the motorbike body towards the inside of curvature of the curved section 104, thereby generating or assisting generation of the inward leaning moment.

[0063] In embodiments, the track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement may comprise both the inner guide rail 121B and the outer guide rail 121A at the curved section 104. In such embodiments, the inner guide rail 121B may magnetically attract the inside onboard side magnetic element 105 while the outer guide rail 121A magnetically repels the outside onboard side magnetic element 105. The attractive and repulsive magnetic forces may act cooperatively to generate a stronger and more controlled inward leaning moment than either magnetic interaction acting alone.

[0064] The relative strengths, positions, polarities and longitudinal extents of the inner guide rail 121B and the outer guide rail 121A may be selected to define a desired leaning response through the curved section 104. For example, the outer guide rail 121A may provide the principal lean-inducing force, while the inner guide rail 121B provides supplemental attraction to stabilise the lean angle. Alternatively, the inner guide rail 121B may provide the principal lean-inducing force, while the outer guide rail 121A provides supplemental repulsion to sharpen lean initiation at entry to the curved section 104.

[0065] In embodiments, only one of the inner guide rail 121B and the outer guide rail 121A may be used at a particular curved section 104. This may reduce the number of magnetic components required and allow the track 102 to be assembled using removable magnetic rail modules. In other embodiments, both the inner guide rail 121B and the outer guide rail 121A may be used at tighter-radius curved sections 104, higher-speed sections, or sections where a more pronounced leaning effect is desired.

[0066] In embodiments, the outer guide rail 121A is supported alongside the curved section 104 by a plurality of supports attached to the track 102. With reference to Figure 8, the supports may comprise stanchions 125 extending between the track 102 and the outer guide rail 121A. The stanchions 125 may locate the outer guide rail 121A at a selected lateral spacing from the track 102 and at a selected vertical position relative to the onboard side magnetic element 105 of the motorbike toy 101. In this way, the stanchions 125 may define both the height and the lateral offset of the magnetic interaction region of the outer guide rail 121A.

[0067] The stanchions 125 may be spaced apart along the curved section 104 so that the outer guide rail 121A follows the curvature of the track 102. The spacing between adjacent stanchions 125 may be selected so that the outer guide rail 121A is held sufficiently rigidly in position during repeated use while still permitting the outer guide rail 121A to have a curved, tapered or progressively offset profile. In embodiments, the stanchions 125 may be integrally formed with the outer guide rail 121A. In other embodiments, the stanchions 125 may be separately formed and connected to the outer guide rail 121A, thereby allowing different guide rails to be fitted to a common support arrangement.

[0068] In embodiments, the supports comprise clip-in supports configured to removably attach the outer guide rail 121A to a side of the track 102. For example, each stanchion 125 may comprise a clip-in boot 126 configured to clip onto, under, around or otherwise engage a lateral edge, rail or side formation of the track 102. The clip-in boot 126 may provide a non-permanent mechanical connection so that the outer guide rail 121A can be installed, removed or replaced without permanently modifying the track 102.

[0069] The removable support arrangement allows the same track 102 to be used with different magnetic lean profiles. For example, a user may attach one outer guide rail 121A to produce a relatively aggressive lean response at a curved section 104 and may replace it with another outer guide rail 121A configured to produce a more gradual leaning response. The removable support arrangement may also allow magnetic guide rails to be added only to selected curved sections 104, leaving other sections of the track 102 unmodified or configured for different vehicle types.

[0070] In embodiments, the outer guide rail 121A is profiled such that a lateral standoff distance between the outer guide rail 121A and the onboard side magnetic element 105 varies along the curved section 104. Preferably, the lateral standoff distance increases from the entrance 127 of the curved section 104 towards the exit 128 of the curved section 104. In this configuration, the outer guide rail 121A is closer to the onboard side magnetic element 105 near the entrance 127 and progressively farther from the onboard side magnetic element 105 towards the exit 128.

[0071] Because magnetic force decreases as separation distance increases, the closer spacing at the entrance 127 may produce a relatively strong magnetic repulsive force to initiate inward leaning of the motorbike body as the motorbike toy 101 enters the curved section 104. As the motorbike toy 101 travels towards the exit 128, the progressively increasing standoff distance may progressively reduce the magnetic force applied to the motorbike body. This may allow the motorbike body to move gradually back towards an upright orientation as the motorbike toy 101 exits the curved section 104, especially where the motorbike toy 101 is also mechanically biased towards upright orientation by a pivot-return carriage 111.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 8, an entrance stanchion 125A may hold the outer guide rail 121A relatively close to the track 102 at the entrance 127 of the curved section 104, whereas an exit stanchion 125B may hold the outer guide rail 121A at a greater lateral spacing from the track 102 near the exit 128. Intermediate stanchions 125 may be arranged at progressively increasing lateral offsets between the entrance stanchion 125A and the exit stanchion 125B. This progressively offset support arrangement may cause the outer guide rail 121A to define a tapered magnetic path alongside the curved section 104.

[0073] The progressive standoff profile may be selected to correspond to a desired lean characteristic. For example, a relatively steep change in lateral standoff distance may provide rapid lean initiation followed by relatively quick release of the magnetic lean force. A more gradual change in lateral standoff distance may maintain the motorbike body in a leaning orientation for a longer portion of the curved section 104 before allowing gradual upright return. Different standoff profiles may therefore be used to tune the behaviour of the motorbike toy 101 according to curve radius, intended vehicle speed, magnet strength, spring return force, or desired play characteristics.

[0074] In embodiments, the outer guide rail 121A is removably attachable to the side of the track 102 so that the outer guide rail 121A is interchangeable with another outer guide rail 121A having a different standoff profile. In this way, the track 102 may be reconfigured  without changing the  motorbike toy  101. For  example, interchangeable outer guide rails 121A may be provided for beginner, standard and high-performance modes, or for different motorbike toys 101  having different magnetic strengths, weights or return-bias characteristics.

[0075] The outer guide rail 121A may include a rail body 123 carrying at least one magnetic element 124. The magnetic element 124 may comprise a plurality of discrete permanent magnets spaced along the rail body 123, a continuous curved permanent magnet extending along the rail body 123, or another magnetic arrangement configured to generate the required magnetic field along the curved section 104. Where discrete magnetic elements 124 are used, the spacing, orientation or strength of the magnetic elements 124 may be selected to supplement the standoff profile, for example by providing stronger magnetic elements 124 near the entrance 127 and weaker magnetic elements 124 near the exit 128, or by maintaining equal magnet strength while relying primarily on the changing standoff distance to vary magnetic force.

[0076] In embodiments, the plurality of discrete track sections comprises at least one straight section 103 having a magnetic upright-biasing arrangement configured to bias the motorbike body towards an upright orientation. The magnetic upright-biasing arrangement may be provided at one or more straight sections 103 of the track 102 so that, after the motorbike toy 101 exits a curved section 104, the motorbike body may be magnetically stabilised or maintained in a generally upright orientation while the motorbike toy 101 travels along the straight section 103.

[0077] The magnetic upright-biasing arrangement may magnetically interact with one or more onboard side magnetic elements 105 of the motorbike toy 101. In embodiments, the magnetic upright-biasing arrangement may be arranged generally symmetrically on opposite lateral sides of the straight section 103 so that magnetic forces applied to opposed lateral sides of the motorbike body are substantially balanced when the motorbike body is upright. If the motorbike body begins to lean to one side while travelling along the straight section 103, the magnetic force on that side may increase or otherwise become unbalanced so as to urge the motorbike body back towards the upright orientation.

[0078] In embodiments, the magnetic upright-biasing arrangement comprises opposed same-polarity magnetic elements located at opposed lateral sides of the straight section 103. The opposed same-polarity magnetic elements may be arranged so that their inwardly facing polarities correspond to the outwardly facing polarities of respective opposed onboard side magnetic elements 105 of the motorbike toy 101. As such, the opposed same-polarity magnetic elements may repel the opposed onboard side magnetic elements 105 from both lateral sides of the motorbike body.

[0079] The opposed repulsive forces may act as a magnetic centring or uprightbiasing arrangement. When the motorbike body is upright, the repulsive forces applied to the opposed onboard side magnetic elements 105 may be substantially balanced. When the motorbike body leans laterally, the onboard side magnetic element 105 on the leaning side may move closer to the corresponding same-polarity magnetic element of the track 102, increasing repulsive force on that side and urging the motorbike body back towards the upright orientation.

[0080] In embodiments, the magnetic upright-biasing arrangement may be used together with a mechanical upright-biasing arrangement. For example, the magnetic upright-biasing arrangement may help maintain the motorbike body upright along straight sections 103, whereas the mechanical upright-biasing arrangement may provide a return force after the motorbike body has been magnetically leaned through a curved section 104. This combination may allow the curved section 104 to use a strong localised magnetic lean-biasing arrangement for cornering while allowing the straight section 103 to provide passive magnetic stabilisation.

[0081] In other embodiments, the magnetic upright-biasing arrangement may provide the primary upright return or stabilisation force. For example, the straight section 103 may include opposed magnetic elements arranged to repel opposed onboard side magnetic elements 105 and thereby restore the motorbike body towards upright orientation after exiting the curved section 104. This embodiment may reduce reliance on mechanical return springs or may allow relatively light mechanical return biasing to be used.

[0082] In embodiments, the same-polarity magnetic elements of the straight section 103 may be permanent magnets. This allows upright biasing to be achieved passively without requiring sensors, switching circuitry or active control. In other embodiments, the same-polarity magnetic elements may comprise electromagnets, in which case the upright-biasing force may be selectively varied according to the speed of the motorbike toy 101, detected lean angle, vehicle type, or user-selected mode.

[0083] Figures 9 to 15 show embodiments wherein the motorbike toy 101 is supported by a pivot-return carriage 111. The pivot-return carriage 111 is configured to engage the track 102 and maintain guided travel of the motorbike toy 101 along the track 102 while permitting lateral leaning movement of the motorbike body relative to the track 102. The pivot-return carriage 111 may therefore perform both a track-guiding function and a lean-supporting function.

[0084] In embodiments, the pivot-return carriage 111 is configured so that a portion of the pivot-return carriage 111 remains substantially aligned with, and guided by, the track 102 while the motorbike body leans relative to the pivot-return carriage 111. This allows the motorbike toy 101 to lean into a curved section 104 under magnetic force without the track-engaging portion of the pivot-return carriage 111 lifting out of, binding in, or losing alignment with the track 102.

[0085] With reference to Figure 9, the pivot-return carriage 111 may comprise a bottom plate 131 configured to travel over or adjacent an upper surface of the track 102. The bottom plate 131 may support electrical contacts 132 exposed at a lower side thereof for contacting conductive rails of the track 102. The pivot-return carriage 111 may further comprise a blade fin 133 depending from the bottom plate 131 and configured to engage a slot of the track 102. The blade fin 133 may mechanically follow the slot of the track 102 so that the motorbike toy 101 follows the travel path defined by the track 102.

[0086] The pivot-return carriage 111 may comprise a pivot formation configured to support the motorbike body for lateral leaning movement relative to the pivot-return carriage 111. The pivot formation may allow the motorbike body to roll or tilt laterally while the bottom plate 131 and blade fin 133 remain in guided engagement with the track 102. This separates the leaning movement of the motorbike body from the trackfollowing function of the pivot-return carriage 111.

[0087] In embodiments, the pivot formation comprises a centre post 143 and a pivot ball 130 supported by the centre post 143. The motorbike body may comprise a pivot socket 138 configured to receive the pivot ball 130 so as to form a ball-and-socket joint. The ball-and-socket joint may allow the motorbike body to lean laterally relative to the pivot-return carriage 111 while also allowing a degree of fore-aft or compound angular movement so that the motorbike body can move smoothly under changing magnetic and mechanical forces.

[0088] The pivot socket 138 may be formed in an underside of the motorbike body. Preferably, the pivot socket 138 is moulded directly into the motorbike body or into a chassis portion of the motorbike toy 101. In other embodiments, the pivot socket 138 may be provided by a separate insert, bearing component or socket fitting secured to the underside of the motorbike body. The pivot socket 138 may be configured to clip over and retain the pivot ball 130 while allowing relative angular movement between the motorbike body and the pivot-return carriage 111.

[0089] In embodiments, the pivot ball 130 is positioned generally centrally between left and right lateral sides of the motorbike body. This allows the motorbike body to lean in either direction about the pivot ball 130. The pivot ball 130 may also be positioned forwardly of the rear wheel 110, and preferably closer to a front wheel 141 of the motorbike toy 101 than to the rear wheel 110, so that the rear region of the motorbike toy 101 can accommodate an electric motor, drivetrain and rear wheel drive components.

[0090] With reference to Figures 9, 10, 14 and 15, the pivot-return carriage 111 may comprise opposed compressors 129 positioned on opposite lateral sides of the pivot formation. The opposed compressors 129 may be configured to act against respective opposite underside regions of the motorbike body, such as opposite underside regions of the fairings 108. The opposed compressors 129 may mechanically bias the motorbike body towards an upright orientation while allowing the motorbike body to lean when the magnetic leaning moment generated at the curved section 104 is sufficient to overcome the mechanical bias.

[0091] At rest, the opposed compressors 129 may apply substantially equal and opposite upward forces to the underside of the motorbike body. These forces may stabilise the motorbike body in the upright orientation and reduce wobble or dead band about the pivot ball 130. When the motorbike body leans towards one side, the compressor 129 on that side may be compressed to a greater extent than the compressor 129 on the opposite side. The increased compression generates a restoring force which urges the motorbike body back towards the upright orientation when the magnetic leaning moment is reduced.

[0092] Figure 15 shows the motorbike toy 101 leaning through a curved section 104. In this condition, an inner compressor 129A may be compressed to a greater degree than an outer compressor 129B as the motorbike body leans inwardly. The magnetic lean-biasing arrangement at the curved section 104 may provide sufficient magnetic force to overcome the restoring bias of the inner compressor 129A and thereby hold or guide the motorbike body in the leaning orientation through at least part of the curved section 104.

[0093] In embodiments, each compressor 129 comprises a lower static section 144, a movable plunger 135 operably engaged with the lower static section 144, and a compression spring 136 biasing the movable plunger 135 towards the underside of the motorbike body. The lower static section 144 may be fixed relative to the bottom plate 131 or another structural portion of the pivot-return carriage 111. The movable plunger 135 may slide, telescope or otherwise move relative to the lower static section 144 under compression of the compression spring 136.

[0094] The movable plunger 135 may comprise a profiled upper surface 137 configured to engage the underside of the motorbike body. The profiled upper surface 137 may be shaped to conform to the curvature of the underside of the fairing 108 or another underside region of the motorbike body. For example, the profiled upper surface 137 may have a concave, convex or compound curvature selected to distribute load and provide smooth sliding or bearing contact as the motorbike body leans relative to the pivot-return carriage 111.

[0095] In embodiments, the opposed compressors 129 may be preloaded when the motorbike body is in the upright orientation. Preloading the compression springs 136 may provide immediate restoring force without requiring the motorbike body to move through an initial free play range. This may assist in holding the motorbike body upright on straight sections 103 and may provide a more realistic return-to-upright movement as the motorbike toy 101 exits a curved section 104.

[0096] Although compression springs 136 are illustrated, other resilient or biasing arrangements may be used. For example, a compressor 129 may comprise an elastomeric member, a leaf spring, a torsion spring, a pneumatic biasing arrangement, a magnetic return arrangement, or a combination of such arrangements. The compressor 129 may therefore be selected according to the desired return force, available packaging space, durability requirements and cost of manufacture.

[0097] Figures 16 to 18 show a further embodiment wherein the motorbike body comprises internal left and right spring compartments 139. In this embodiment, the spring return components may be carried at least partly within the motorbike body rather than being carried wholly by the pivot-return carriage 111. This arrangement may allow the pivot-return carriage 111 to be formed as a more compact trackengaging structure while the motorbike body itself houses the mechanical uprightbiasing components.

[0098] The internal left and right spring compartments 139 may be located on opposite lateral sides of the pivot socket 138. The internal left and right spring compartments 139 may be moulded into, formed within, or otherwise defined by the chassis or body structure of the motorbike toy 101. The external fairings 108 of the motorbike toy 101 may conceal the internal left and right spring compartments 139 so that, from the outside, the motorbike toy 101 retains the appearance of a conventional miniature motorcycle.

[0099] In embodiments, the pivot-return carriage 111 comprises lateral stand-up sections 140. The lateral stand-up sections 140 may extend upwardly from the pivotreturn carriage 111 on opposite lateral sides of the pivot ball 130. The lateral standup sections 140 may provide bearing surfaces against which the internal spring arrangements of the motorbike body act during leaning movement of the motorbike body relative to the pivot-return carriage 111.

[0100] The internal left and right spring compartments 139 may house respective springs configured to act against the lateral stand-up sections 140. In embodiments, each internal spring compartment 139 houses a spring and a plunger or bearing member 142. The spring may bias the plunger or bearing member 142 towards a respective lateral stand-up section 140 of the pivot-return carriage 111. When the motorbike body is upright, the springs in the internal left and right spring compartments 139 may apply substantially balanced forces to the opposed lateral stand-up sections 140.

[0101] When the motorbike body leans towards one side, the spring in the internal spring compartment 139 on that side may be compressed to a greater extent by reaction against the corresponding lateral stand-up section 140. The increased compression generates a restoring force which urges the motorbike body back towards the upright orientation. As shown in Figure 18, when the motorbike toy 101 leans through a curved section 104, an inner spring arrangement may be compressed to a greater degree than an outer spring arrangement, thereby storing return energy during the magnetically induced lean.

[0102] This internal spring-compartment arrangement may provide larger available spring packaging volume than an arrangement in which the spring compartments are contained within the pivot-return carriage 111. For example, the motorbike body may provide greater vertical or lateral space for springs, plungers or elastomeric return members. This may allow stronger or more tunable return forces while allowing the pivot-return carriage 111 to remain compact and compatible with standard track geometry.

[0103] In embodiments, the pivot-return carriage 111 may comprise a compact guide body carrying the blade fin 133 and the pivot ball 130, with the lateral stand-up sections 140 providing the bearing interfaces for the internal spring arrangements. In other embodiments, the pivot-return carriage 111 may be a monobloc component in which the lateral stand-up sections 140, the pivot formation and the track-engaging structure are integrally formed. The lateral stand-up sections 140 may be shaped, rounded, radiused or otherwise profiled to reduce friction and wear during repeated leaning movement of the motorbike body.

[0104] The internal spring-compartment embodiment may be used with the profiled magnetic guide rail arrangement described above. In such use, as the motorbike toy 101 enters the curved section 104, the track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement urges the motorbike body into an inward lean and compresses the corresponding spring arrangement within the motorbike body. As the motorbike toy 101 travels towards the exit 128 and the magnetic force progressively reduces, the compressed spring arrangement acts against the corresponding lateral stand-up section 140 to urge the motorbike body gradually back towards the upright orientation.

[0105] The pivot-return carriage 111 may also provide an electrical interface between the track 102 and the motorbike toy 101. In embodiments, the pivot-return carriage 111 comprises electrical contacts 132 configured to draw electrical power from the track 102. The electrical contacts 132 may comprise braid contacts, brush contacts, spring contacts, sliding contacts or other conductive pick-up elements arranged to contact conductive rails or electrical conductors of the track 102 while the pivot-return carriage 111 travels along the track 102.

[0106] The electrical contacts 132 may be electrically connected to an electric motor of the motorbike toy 101 by a flexible electrical lead. The flexible electrical lead may extend between the pivot-return carriage 111 and a corresponding electrical connector on the underside of the motorbike body. The flexible electrical lead may be deliberately kept separate from the pivot ball 130 and pivot socket 138 so that the electrical connection does not constrain the leaning geometry of the motorbike body.

[0107] In embodiments, the flexible electrical lead may terminate in a first connector carried by the pivot-return carriage 111 and a second connector carried by the motorbike body. The first and second connectors may be manually connected when the motorbike toy 101 is assembled to the pivot-return carriage 111. This arrangement allows electrical power to be supplied from the track 102 to the motor of the motorbike toy 101 while still permitting the motorbike body to lean relative to the pivot-return carriage 111 through the ball-and-socket joint.

[0108] The flexible electrical lead may have sufficient slack, flexibility or routing freedom to accommodate the expected lateral leaning range of the motorbike body. For example, the flexible electrical lead may comprise fine stranded conductors, a flexible ribbon conductor, silicone-insulated wires or another flexible conductor arrangement. The flexible electrical lead may be routed so as not to interfere with the opposed compressors 129, the internal spring compartments 139, the pivot socket 138, the pivot ball 130 or the lateral stand-up sections 140.

[0109] An exemplary method of use of the motorbike slot-racing system 100 will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 7 to 18. The following example is illustrative only and does not limit the manner in which the system 100 may be assembled, configured or operated.

[0110] In an exemplary use case, a user assembles the track 102 to define a desired racing path comprising straight sections 103 and curved sections 104. The curved sections 104 may include one or more discrete magnetic lean-control sections. For example, one or more bias leaning guide rails 121 may be fitted adjacent selected curved sections 104 so that the selected curved sections 104 are configured to induce inward leaning of the motorbike toy 101 during racing.

[0111] With reference to Figure 8, an outer guide rail 121A may be attached along an outside of curvature of a curved section 104. The outer guide rail 121A may be attached to the track 102 using stanchions 125 having clip-in boots 126 which engage a side of the track 102. The outer guide rail 121A may be selected according to a desired leaning behaviour. For example, a user may select an outer guide rail 121A having a relatively steep standoff profile for sharper lean initiation, or an outer guide rail 121A having a more gradual standoff profile for a smoother lean transition through the curved section 104.

[0112] In the example shown in Figure 8, the outer guide rail 121A is positioned closer to the track 102 at an entrance 127 of the curved section 104 and farther from the track 102 towards an exit 128 of the curved section 104. The entrance stanchion 125A may therefore position the rail body 123 and magnetic element 124 relatively close to the onboard side magnetic element 105 of the motorbike toy 101, whereas the exit stanchion 125B may position the rail body 123 and magnetic element 124 farther away from the onboard side magnetic element 105. Intermediate stanchions 125 may progressively vary the lateral offset between the entrance 127 and the exit 128.

[0113] The motorbike toy 101 may then be assembled to the pivot-return carriage 111. In the embodiment of Figures 9 to 15, the motorbike body may be clipped onto the pivot ball 130 so that the pivot ball 130 is received in the pivot socket 138 of the motorbike body. The bottom plate 131 of the pivot-return carriage 111 may locate beneath the motorbike body, and the blade fin 133 may be positioned to engage a slot of the track 102. The electrical contacts 132 may be arranged to contact corresponding conductive rails of the track 102.

[0114] In embodiments, the electrical contacts 132 may be connected to an electric motor of the motorbike toy 101 by a flexible electrical lead. The user may connect corresponding electrical connectors of the pivot-return carriage 111 and the motorbike body during assembly. The flexible electrical lead may be routed so that it does not interfere with the pivot ball 130, the pivot socket 138 or the lateral leaning movement of the motorbike body.

[0115] Once assembled, the motorbike toy 101 may be placed on the track 102 such that the blade fin 133 engages the slot of the track 102 and the electrical contacts 132 engage the conductive rails of the track 102. The opposed compressors 129 of the pivot-return carriage 111 may bear against underside regions of the motorbike body. At rest, the compressors 129 may apply substantially balanced upward forces on opposite sides of the motorbike body so that the motorbike body is maintained in an upright orientation.

[0116] When power is supplied to the track 102, the electric motor of the motorbike toy 101 may drive the rear wheel 110 to propel the motorbike toy 101 along the track 102. As the motorbike toy 101 travels along a straight section 103, the motorbike body may remain generally upright. In embodiments where the straight section 103 includes a magnetic upright-biasing arrangement, opposed same-polarity magnetic elements of the straight section 103 may repel opposed onboard side magnetic elements 105 of the motorbike toy 101 to assist in maintaining the upright orientation.

[0117] As the motorbike toy 101 approaches the entrance 127 of a curved section 104, the onboard side magnetic element 105 of the motorbike toy 101 moves into magnetic interaction with the magnetic element 124 of the outer guide rail 121A. In one example, the outer guide rail 121A is configured so that the magnetic element 124 has the same polarity facing the motorbike toy 101 as the corresponding onboard side magnetic element 105. The resulting repulsive magnetic force acts against the outside lateral side of the motorbike body and urges the motorbike body inwardly towards the inside of curvature of the curved section 104.

[0118] The repulsive magnetic force generates a lateral leaning moment on the motorbike body relative to the travel direction through the curved section 104. The motorbike body therefore pivots about the pivot ball 130 while the pivot-return carriage 111 remains guided by the track 102. The blade fin 133 continues to follow the slot of the track 102 and the bottom plate 131 remains generally aligned with the track 102, so that the leaning movement of the motorbike body does not require the track-engaging portion of the pivot-return carriage 111 to lean or lift from the track 102.

[0119] As the motorbike body leans inwardly, the compressor 129 on the inward leaning side may be compressed to a greater extent than the compressor 129 on the opposite side. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the inner compressor 129A may be compressed more than the outer compressor 129B as the motorbike toy 101 travels through the curved section 104. The movable plunger 135 of the inner compressor 129A may move relative to the lower static section 144 against the bias of the compression spring 136. The compression spring 136 thereby stores return energy while the motorbike body is held in the leaning orientation by the magnetic lean-biasing arrangement.

[0120] As the motorbike toy 101 progresses from the entrance 127 towards the exit 128 of the curved section 104, the lateral standoff distance between the outer guide rail 121A and the onboard side magnetic element 105 may progressively increase. This progressively reduces the magnetic force applied to the onboard side magnetic element 105. As the magnetic leaning moment reduces, the compressed inner compressor 129A urges the motorbike body back towards the upright orientation. The return movement may therefore occur progressively as the motorbike toy 101 travels towards the exit 128, rather than as an abrupt snap-back movement.

[0121] In this way, the physical profile of the outer guide rail 121A may shape the lean behaviour of the motorbike toy 101 through the curved section 104. The motorbike toy 101 may initially lean sharply into the curved section 104 near the entrance 127 where magnetic force is greatest, and then gradually return towards upright orientation near the exit 128 where magnetic force is reduced. This may more closely simulate the appearance of a real motorcycle leaning into a corner and then standing back up as it exits the corner.

[0122] In another exemplary configuration, an inner guide rail 121B may be provided at the inside of curvature of the curved section 104. The inner guide rail 121B may magnetically attract an onboard side magnetic element 105 on the inside lateral side of the motorbike body. The attractive force may pull the motorbike body inwardly through the curved section 104. In yet another configuration, both the outer guide rail 121A and the inner guide rail 121B may be used so that outside repulsion and inside attraction cooperate to generate the inward leaning moment.

[0123] In the alternative embodiment of Figures 16 to 18, the motorbike toy 101 may operate in a similar manner, but the spring return components may be carried within internal left and right spring compartments 139 of the motorbike body. In this arrangement, the pivot-return carriage 111 may comprise lateral stand-up sections 140 which provide bearing surfaces for internal springs of the motorbike body. As the motorbike body leans through the curved section 104, one internal spring arrangement may be compressed by reaction against a corresponding lateral standup section 140, and the compressed spring arrangement may return the motorbike body towards upright orientation as the magnetic leaning moment reduces.

[0124] During repeated laps, the motorbike toy 101 may therefore undergo a repeating sequence of upright travel along straight sections 103, magnetically induced inward leaning through curved sections 104, and passive return towards upright orientation as the motorbike toy 101 exits the curved sections 104. The particular lean angle, rate of lean initiation and rate of return to upright may be tuned by selecting the strength, polarity, position and standoff profile of the track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement, and by selecting the spring characteristics of the pivot-return carriage 111 or internal spring compartments 139.

[0125] After use, the user may remove the motorbike toy 101 from the track 102. The motorbike body may be detached from the pivot-return carriage 111 by disengaging the pivot socket 138 from the pivot ball 130, and any flexible electrical lead may be disconnected if required. The bias leaning guide rail 121 may also be removed from the track 102 by disengaging the clip-in boots 126 from the side of the track 102. The track 102 may then be reconfigured with different bias leaning guide rails 121, different standoff profiles, or different combinations of straight sections 103 and curved sections 104 for a different racing behaviour.

[0126] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A motorbike slot-racing system comprising:a track defining a travel path comprising a plurality of discrete track sections, the plurality of discrete track sections comprising at least one curved track section having an inside of curvature and an outside of curvature;a motorbike toy configured to travel along the track in a travel direction through the at least one curved track section, the motorbike toy comprising a motorbike body supported for lateral leaning movement and at least one onboard magnetic element; anda track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement located at the at least one curved track section and fixed relative to the at least one curved track section during travel of the motorbike toy therethrough,wherein the at least one onboard magnetic element and the track-side magnetic lean-biasing arrangement are arranged so that magnetic interaction therebetween, as the motorbike toy traverses the at least one curved track section, generates a lateral leaning moment on the motorbike body relative to the travel direction, thereby causing the motorbike body to lean inwardly towards the inside of curvature of the at least one curved track section.

2. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one onboard magnetic element comprises an onboard side magnetic element located at a lateral side of the motorbike body.

3. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 2, wherein the at least one onboard magnetic element comprises opposed onboard side magnetic elements located at opposed lateral sides of the motorbike body.

4. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 1, wherein the track-side magnetic leanbiasing arrangement comprises an outer magnetic guide rail located at the outside of curvature of the at least one curved track section.

5. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 4, wherein the outer magnetic guide rail is configured to magnetically repel the at least one onboard magnetic element to urge the motorbike body inwardly towards the inside of curvature.

6. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 1, wherein the track-side magnetic leanbiasing arrangement comprises an inner magnetic guide rail located at the inside of curvature of the at least one curved track section.

7. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 6, wherein the inner magnetic guide rail is configured to magnetically attract the at least one onboard magnetic element to urge the motorbike body inwardly towards the inside of curvature.

8. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 7, wherein the track-side magnetic leanbiasing arrangement further comprises an outer magnetic guide rail located at the outside of curvature of the at least one curved track section and configured to magnetically repel the at least one onboard magnetic element.

9. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 4, wherein the outer magnetic guide rail is supported alongside the at least one curved track section by a plurality of supports attached to the track.

10. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of supports comprises clip-in supports configured to removably attach the outer magnetic guide rail to a side of the track.

11. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 4, wherein the outer magnetic guide rail is profiled such that a lateral standoff distance between the outer magnetic guide rail and the at least one onboard magnetic element increases from an entrance of the at least one curved track section towards an exit of the at least one curved tracksection, thereby progressively reducing magnetic force applied to the motorbike body as the motorbike toy travels towards the exit.

12. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 11, wherein the outer magnetic guide rail is removably attachable to a side of the track so that the outer magnetic guide rail is interchangeable with another magnetic guide rail having a different standoff profile.

13. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of discrete track sections comprises at least one straight track section having a magnetic uprightbiasing arrangement configured to magnetically interact with the at least one onboard magnetic element to bias the motorbike body towards an upright orientation.

14. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 13, wherein the magnetic uprightbiasing arrangement comprises opposed same-polarity magnetic elements located at opposed lateral sides of the at least one straight track section and configured to repel opposed onboard magnetic elements of the motorbike body.

15. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 1, wherein the motorbike toy is supported by a pivot-return carriage configured to engage the track and to maintain guided travel along the track while permitting lateral leaning movement of the motorbike body.

16. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 15, wherein the pivot-return carriage comprises a blade fin for engagement with a slot of the track and a pivot formation supporting the motorbike body for lateral leaning movement relative to the pivotreturn carriage.

17. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 16, wherein the pivot formation comprises a centre post and a pivot ball supported by the centre post, the motorbikebody comprising a pivot socket which receives the pivot ball to form a ball-and-socket joint.

18. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 15, wherein the pivot-return carriage comprises opposed compressors positioned on opposite lateral sides of a pivot formation of the pivot-return carriage, the opposed compressors being configured to act against respective opposite underside regions of the motorbike body to mechanically bias the motorbike body towards an upright orientation.

19. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 18, wherein each compressor comprises a lower static section, a movable plunger operably engaged with the lower static section and a compression spring biasing the movable plunger towards the motorbike body.

20. The motorbike slot-racing system of claim 15, wherein the motorbike body comprises internal left and right spring compartments having springs arranged to act against lateral stand-up sections of the pivot-return carriage to mechanically bias the motorbike body towards an upright orientation.

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