Toy construction kit

Abstract

The toy construction kit includes an elongate path segment having side surfaces and an upper surface extending between the side surfaces and a raised path segment support having two spaced apart legs having inner surfaces facing each other. The shelf extends from the inner surface, and the legs define a space of sufficient width over the shelf to receive the elongated path segment. The shelf is configured to support the received elongated path segment in a locally raised position, wherein the raised path segment support stands with its legs on a horizontal support surface (128).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to toy construction kits, and more particularly to toy construction kits having balls and track kits including ramps. Background Art

[0002] Children (e.g., infants and toddlers) can benefit from playing with tracking toys and construction toys. Tracking toys can be designed to facilitate a child's learning to grasp and release objects with their hands, visually track objects, and develop prediction and early logic skills. Additionally, tracking toys can be designed to promote the improvement of a child's focus skills and can help introduce them to objects under the influence of gravity. Tracking and construction toys can be designed to develop a combination of gross and fine motor skills and promote hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, creativity, divergent thinking, language skills, and social skills. Accordingly, improvements in the design, construction, and safety of such toys are constantly sought. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, the present disclosure relates to toy construction kits including tracking aspects. For example, the toy construction kits of the present disclosure include balls and one or more path segments that can form ramps and are configured to be supported by one or more elevated path segment supports.

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure features a toy construction kit including: an elongate path segment having side surfaces and an upper surface extending between the side surfaces, the path segment having orthogonal overall dimensions of length, width, and thickness, where the length is greater than the width, the width is greater than the thickness, and the width is the distance between the side surfaces; and an elevated path segment support having two spaced legs with inner surfaces facing each other and a shelf extending from the inner surfaces of the legs, the inner surfaces of the legs facing each other, the legs defining therebetween a space of sufficient width above the shelf to receive the elongate path segment therein, the shelf being configured to support the received elongate path segment in a partially elevated position, where the elevated path segment support stands on its legs on a horizontal support surface, where the inner surfaces of the legs are convex in a region of each leg above the shelf, and where the inner surfaces of the legs are arranged relative to the width of the elongate path segment such that rotating the elevated path segment support relative to the elongate path segment with the elongate path segment received between the inner surfaces of the legs will cause the inner surfaces of the legs to abut the side surfaces of the elongate path segment to support the elongate path segment against the elevated path segment support within 30 degrees of rotation of the elevated path segment support from an orientation perpendicular to the elongate path segment.

[0005] In some embodiments, the elevated path segment support has a handle connecting the legs.

[0006] In some embodiments, the handle has a rounded inverted U - shape.

[0007] In some embodiments, the raised path segment support further includes wings that extend outwardly from the inner surface of each leg in the region of each leg above the shelf.

[0008] In some embodiments, each branch of the raised path segment has a recessed outer surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the outer surface of each leg defines a groove.

[0010] In some embodiments, the raised path segment support further includes ridges that extend outwardly from the inner surface of each leg in the region of each leg below the shelf.

[0011] In some embodiments, the toy construction kit further includes a second raised path segment support, where the raised path segment support is the first raised path segment support, and where the ridge of the first raised path segment support is configured to connect with the groove of the second raised path segment support such that the first raised path segment support can be stacked with the second raised path segment support.

[0012] In some embodiments, the toy construction kit further includes a zigzag path segment that is configured to be releasably coupled to the elongate path segment via a connector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the toy construction kit further includes one or more container attachments having a base that defines an opening therethrough, and the one or more container attachments are configured to be releasably coupled to the end of the elongate path segment or the end of the zigzag path segment.

[0014] In some embodiments, the toy construction kit further includes a zigzag path attachment that is configured to be releasably coupled to the end of the elongate path segment or the end of the zigzag path segment.

[0015] In some embodiments, the toy construction kit further includes a toy that is configured to contact and travel on the upper surface of the elongate path segment.

[0016] In some embodiments, the toy is one or more of a ball, a marble, a toy vehicle, a disc, a toy wheel, or a ring.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure features a method of assembling a toy construction kit. The method includes: stacking a first raised path segment support on a second raised path segment support, each of the first raised path segment support and the second raised path segment support having two spaced-apart legs with inner surfaces facing each other and a shelf extending from the inner surfaces, wherein the stacking includes connecting two first grooves to two second ridges extending outwardly from the inner surface of each leg of the second raised path segment support, each of the grooves being defined by the outer surface of each leg of the first raised path segment support; inserting an elongate path segment above the shelf of the first raised path segment support or the second raised path segment support in a space of sufficient width defined between the legs such that a portion of the elongate path segment rests on the shelf; and rotating the first raised path segment support or the second raised path segment support supporting the elongate path segment relative to the elongate path segment to secure the elongate path segment.

[0018] In some embodiments, the elongate path segment has side surfaces and an upper surface extending between the side surfaces.

[0019] In some embodiments, the path segment has orthogonal overall dimensions of length, width, and thickness, where the length is greater than the width, the width is greater than the thickness, and the width is the distance between the side surfaces.

[0020] In some embodiments, securing the elongate path segment includes receiving the elongate path segment between the inner surfaces of the legs such that the inner surfaces of the legs abut against the side surfaces of the elongate path segment to support the elongate path segment against the raised path segment.

[0021] In some embodiments, the elongate path segment abuts against the raised path segment support to support the elongate path segment within 30 degrees of rotation of the raised path segment support from an orientation perpendicular to the raised path segment.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second ridges extend outwardly from the inner surface of each leg in a region of each leg below the shelf.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further includes releasably coupling one or more of a zigzag path segment, a container attachment, or a zigzag path attachment to an end of the elongate path segment.

[0024] The embodiments can provide one or more of the following advantages.

[0025] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a toy construction kit preferably intended for use by children (e.g., toddlers and / or preschoolers). In some embodiments, the toy construction kit of the present disclosure can advantageously combine construction and tracking aspects into a single toy set. Thus, in some embodiments, the toy construction kit of the present disclosure can provide a combination of benefits that would otherwise require two separate, distinct toy sets. For example, in some embodiments, these benefits can include, but are not limited to, promoting a child's learning to grasp and release objects with their hands, visually track objects, improve attention skills, develop prediction skills, early logic skills, gross and fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, creativity, divergent thinking, language skills, and / or social skills.

[0026] In some embodiments, the toy construction kit of the present disclosure includes one or more modular components that can be assembled and / or arranged in different configurations, thereby providing the user with the flexibility to build various toy setups. For example, the toy construction kit of the present disclosure can include one or more path segments and one or more path attachments that are configured to be coupled to each other via one or more connectors, thereby enabling the user to build various path configurations.

[0027] In addition, the toy construction kit of the present disclosure includes one or more stackable elevated path segment supports, whereby the toy construction kit can allow the user to change the height and incline of a ramp or track composed of one or more path segments. In addition, the toy construction kit of the present disclosure includes one or more elevated path segment supports that are self-standing and are configured to support one or more path segments in a selected configuration. The various aspects of the supports and associated ramps allow for enhanced track stability while allowing for easy assembly through the gaps between mating components.

[0028] In some embodiments, the toy construction kit of the present disclosure can teach cause and effect to a child (e.g., a toddler or preschooler) playing with or using the toy construction kit. In some embodiments, the toy construction kit described herein can teach a child that their environment can change as a result of their actions. For example, as a result of a child placing a ball on the elevated portion of a ramp, the ball can roll down the ramp and land in a container. In a related manner, the toy construction kit of the present disclosure can also teach basic physical principles such as potential energy, kinetic energy, mass magnitude, and trajectory (e.g., ballistics, when using a zigzag path attachment as a launch ramp).

[0029] Details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0030] In the case of describing a value by a range, it should be understood that such description includes the disclosure of all possible sub-ranges within these ranges, as well as the specific numerical values falling within these ranges, regardless of whether the specific numerical values or specific sub-ranges are explicitly stated. Further, when used in combination with a reference numerical value, the term "about" is intended to include the reference numerical value plus or minus up to 10% of the reference numerical value, including the increments therein. For example, the language "about 50" encompasses the range from 45 to 55.

[0031] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, or unless the context in which it is used otherwise clearly indicates, the term "each", when used in reference to a collection of items, is intended to identify a single item within the collection, but not necessarily every item within the collection.

[0032] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents. The term "and / or" (e.g., "A and / or B") is used herein to include all of the following alternatives: "A", "B", "A or B", and "A and B". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example toy construction kit in an assembled state.

[0034] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the elongated path segment and the zigzag path segment of the toy construction kit.

[0035] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the elevated path segment support of the toy construction kit.

[0036] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a front view of the elevated path segment support.

[0037] Figure 5 is Figure 3 a side view of the elevated path segment support.

[0038] Figure 6 is Figure 3 a top view of the elevated path segment support.

[0039] Figure 7 is Figure 3 a bottom view of the elevated path segment support.

[0040] Figure 8 is the elevated path segment support that receives the elongated path segment Figure 3 a side cross-sectional view.

[0041] Figure 9 is the elevated path segment support that receives the elongated path segment Figure 3Top-down cross-sectional view of the elevated path segment support member.

[0042] Figure 10 Is a perspective view of the first container attachment and the second container attachment.

[0043] Figure 11 Is a perspective view of the zigzag path attachment and the connector.

[0044] Like reference numerals in the various figures denote like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 Illustrated is a toy construction kit 100 that can be used by children (e.g., toddlers and / or preschoolers) for play and / or educational purposes. The toy construction kit 100 includes a pair of elongated path segments 102 and a zigzag path segment 106 that are configured to receive a ball 114 and are configured to be releasably coupled via a connector 108. The toy construction kit 100 includes a plurality of elevation path segment support members 104 of the same size and shape that are configured to support the pair of elongated path segments 102 and the zigzag path segment 106. A first container attachment 110, a second container attachment 112, and a zigzag path attachment 116 are configured to be attached to the elongated path segments 102 and / or the zigzag path segment 106.

[0046] As Figure 1As shown, an exemplary arrangement of the toy construction kit 100 includes a connector 108 that releasably couples a distal end 120 of the zigzag path segment 106 to a proximal end 122 of the first elongated path segment 102a. The distal end 124 of the first elongated path segment 102a and the proximal end 118 of the zigzag path segment 106 are received within a space 126 defined by the raised path segment support 104. A total of six raised path segment supports 104 are in a vertically stacked arrangement, and the first raised path segment support 104a receives the distal end 124 of the first elongated path segment 102a within the space 126 defined by the first raised path segment support 104a, with the first raised path segment support 104a being the uppermost raised path segment support 104 relative to the horizontal support surface 128. A total of four raised path segment supports 104 are arranged in a vertically stacked arrangement in a direction opposite to and facing the stack of the six raised path segment supports 104 that support the distal end 124 of the first elongated path segment 102a. The second raised path segment support 104b, which is the uppermost raised path segment support 104 relative to the horizontal support surface 128 in the stack of the four raised path segment supports 104, receives the proximal end 118 of the zigzag path segment 106 within the space 126 defined by the second raised path segment support 104b. Thus, the distal end 124 of the first elongated path segment 102a is elevated relative to the proximal end 118 of the zigzag path segment 106, creating a ramp having an elongated portion and a zigzag portion.

[0047] The first container attachment 110 defines an opening at its base and is releasably coupled to the proximal end 118 of the zigzag path segment 106. The second container attachment 112 also defines an opening at its base and is aligned with and positioned directly below the first container attachment 110. Thus, the ball 114 is configured to travel through the opening of the first container attachment 110 and then through the opening of the second container attachment 112 in order to contact the surface of the second elongated path segment 102b and continue its travel. The second container attachment 112 is releasably coupled to the distal end 130 of the second elongated path segment 102b, and the second elongated path segment 102b is disposed on and supported by the horizontal support surface 128. The distal portion 134 of the second elongated path segment 102b is received by the third raised path segment support 104c within the space 126 defined by the third raised path segment support 104c. The third raised path segment support 104c is disposed proximal to the second container attachment 112. The zigzag path attachment 116 is releasably coupled to the proximal end 132 of the second elongated path segment 102b.

[0048] The elongated path segment 102, the elevated path segment support 104, the serpentine path segment 106, the connector 108, the first container attachment 110, and the serpentine path attachment 116 are typically made of one or more rigid materials. Example materials from which the elongated path segment 102 and the serpentine path segment 106 can be made include wood (e.g., birch plywood) or plastic. The ball 114 is typically made of one or more rigid materials, but can also be made of one or more rubber materials. Example materials from which the ball 114 can be made include wood (e.g., birch plywood), plastic, rubber, or glass.

[0049] The ball 114 is configured to contact and travel on the upper surface of the elongated path segment. In some embodiments, the toy is configured to contact and travel on the upper surface of the elongated path segment. In some implementations, the toy is one or more of a ball, a marble, a toy vehicle, a disc, a toy wheel, or a ring.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 , the elongated path segment 102 has a pair of opposing inner surfaces 136 and an upper surface 138 that extends in the width direction between the inner surfaces 136 and in the length direction between a proximal end 122 and a distal end 124. The elongated path segment 102 has orthogonal overall dimensions of length, width, and thickness. The width of the elongated path segment 102 is defined as the distance between the inner surfaces 136, and the length of the elongated path segment 102 is defined as the distance between the proximal end 122 and the distal end 124. The length of the elongated path segment 102 is greater than the width of the elongated path segment 102, and the width of the elongated path segment 102 is greater than the thickness of the elongated path segment 102.

[0051] The serpentine path segment 106 has a pair of opposing inner surfaces 140 and an upper surface 142 that extends in the width direction between the inner surfaces 140 and extends longitudinally in a serpentine path between a proximal end 118 and a distal end 120. The serpentine path segment 106 has a serpentine shape including a plurality of curves. The width of the serpentine path segment 106 is defined as the distance between the inner surfaces 140, and the length of the serpentine path segment 106 is defined as the distance between the proximal end 118 and the distal end 120. The length of the serpentine path segment 106 is greater than the width of the serpentine path segment 106, and the width of the serpentine path segment 106 is greater than the thickness of the serpentine path segment 106.

[0052] The width, length, and thickness of the meandering path segment 106 are each substantially the same as the width, length, and thickness of the elongate path segment 102. However, the meandering path segment 106 and the elongate path segment 102 can have any suitable width, length, and thickness, which can be substantially equal to each other or can be different. For example, the meandering path segment 106 and the elongate path segment 102 can have approximately equal widths, approximately equal lengths, and / or approximately equal thicknesses. In another example, the meandering path segment 106 and the elongate path segment 102 can have different widths, different lengths, and / or different thicknesses.

[0053] Reference Figures 3 - 7 , the elevated path segment support 104 includes two spaced legs 144, where inner surfaces 146 face each other, and where outer surfaces 152 face away from each other on opposite sides of the inner surfaces 146. The elevated path segment support 104 also includes a shelf 148 extending from the inner surface 146. The shelf 148 is integrally connected to the legs 144. As briefly described above, a space 126 is defined between the legs 144. The space 126 above the shelf 148 has a width sufficient to receive the elongate path segment 102. Thus, the shelf 148 is configured to support the received elongate path segment 102 in a partially elevated position, where the elevated path segment support 104 stands on its legs 144 on the horizontal support surface 128.

[0054] The inner surfaces 146 of the legs 144 are convex in a region 150 of each leg 144 above the shelf 148 and in a region 151 of each leg 144 below the shelf 148. The inner surface 146 that is convex in the region 150 is configured to abut a side edge of the elongate path segment 102 or the meandering path segment 106 when in an assembled state (e.g., when the elongate path segment 102 or the meandering path segment 106 in the assembled state is received and / or supported by the elevated path segment support 104).

[0055] The elevated path segment support 104 further includes a pair of ridges 162, each ridge 162 extending or protruding outward from the inner surface 146 of each leg 144 in a region 151 below the shelf 148 of each leg 144. Each ridge 162 in the pair of ridges 162 is substantially identical to each other in size and shape. Each ridge 162 has a horizontal shape and has a relatively abrupt convexity or protrusion on the inner surface 146 of each leg 144.

[0056] In addition, the outer surface 152 of the leg 144 is recessed in the region 160 of each leg 144, and the region 160 extends substantially over its entire height. Each outer surface 152 of the leg 144 defines a groove 164, and the groove 164 has a recessed area or notch with a horizontal shape. The groove 164 is configured to interact with the ridge 162 of the additional elevated path segment support 104 and is releasably coupled to the ridge 162. For example, the ridge 162 of the first elevated path segment support is configured to connect to the groove 164 of the second elevated path segment support such that the first elevated path segment support can be stacked with the second elevated path segment support. In this way, a plurality of elevated path segment supports are configured to stack on top of each other, as Figure 1 shown. The ridge 162 and the groove 164 can have any suitable shape and size configured to releasably engage each other.

[0057] With particular reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the elevated path segment support 104 further includes a pair of wings 154, and each of the pair of wings 154 extends outwardly from the inner surface 146 of each leg 144 in the region 150 above the shelf 148 of each leg 144. As Figure 4 shown, each wing 154 has a curved edge 156 and an opposing orthogonal edge 158. The curved edge 156 is integrally connected to the elevated path segment support 104, and the opposing orthogonal edge 158 is configured to contact a portion of the elongate path segment 102 or the meandering path segment 106 when in the assembled state (e.g., when the elongate path segment 102 or the meandering path segment 106 in the assembled state is received and / or supported by the elevated path segment support 104). The orthogonal edge 158 of each wing 154 is configured to help hold the elongate path segment 102 in place by abutting the upper edge of the side surface of the elongate path segment 102 or the meandering path segment 106 against the orthogonal edge 158 when the elevated path segment support 104 rotates relative to the elongate path segment 102 or the meandering path segment 106 when in the assembled state.

[0058] With particular reference to Figure 4 and Figure 6 , the elevated path segment support 104 has a handle 166 connecting the legs 144. The handle 166 is integrally connected to the legs 144 and has a rounded inverted U-shaped configuration. However, the handle 166 can have any suitable shape (e.g., a square shape). The handle 166 has a recessed outer surface 167 and a protruding inner surface 170. When in the stacked configuration, the outer surface 167 of the handle 166 of the first elevated path segment support is configured to receive the inner surface 170 of the handle 166 of the second elevated path segment support.

[0059] When assembling one or more components of a toy construction kit, one step includes stacking a first raised path segment support on a second raised path segment support. The stacking step includes connecting two first grooves 164 from the first raised path segment support to two second ridges 162 extending outwardly from the inner surface of each leg of the second raised path segment support, as previously described. Next, another step during the assembly process includes inserting an elongate path segment or a zigzag path segment above the shelf 148 of the first or second raised path segment support such that a portion of the elongate path segment rests on the shelf, as previously described. Then, the first raised path segment support or the second raised path segment support that supports the elongate path segment is rotated relative to the elongate path segment, thereby fixing the elongate path segment. One or more of the container attachment or the zigzag path attachment can also be releasably coupled to the ends of the elongate path segment.

[0060] Reference Figure 8 and 9 , Figure 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the raised path segment support 104 that receives the elongate path segment 102 between the inner surfaces of the legs 144, and Figure 9 shows a top cross-sectional view of the raised path segment support 104. The elongate path segment 102 can be fixed in place by rotating the raised path segment support 104 relative to the elongate path segment 102 in a first direction and / or a second direction: i) about a horizontal axis defined by the length of the elongate path segment 102 (e.g., Figure 8 and Figure 9 the X-axis shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 ), and ii) about a vertical axis transverse to the horizontal axis and defined by the height of the raised path segment support 104 (e.g., Figure 9 the Y-axis shown in Figure 8 Figure 9 shown, the inner surface 146 of the leg 144 is arranged relative to the width of the elongate path segment 102 such that the raised path segment support 104 rotates relative to the elongate path segment 102 about a vertical axis (e.g., the Y-axis) in a torsional motion to the right or left relative to the elongate path segment 102 such that the elongate path segment 102 is angled beta (β) relative to the horizontal axis (e.g., the X-axis) such that the inner surface 146 of the leg 144 (particularly the convex region 150 above the shelf 148) abuts the outer surface 145 of the elongate path segment 102, thereby fixing the elongate path segment 102 in place. The angle beta (β) is about 30 degrees or less. In some embodiments, the angle beta (β) can be in the range of about 1 degree to about 30 degrees. This can in turn cause the inner surface 146 of the leg 144 to abut the raised path segment support 104 within an angle alpha (α) of rotation of the raised path segment support from an orientation perpendicular to the elongate path segment 102 to support the elongate path segment 102, as Figure 8As shown. The α angle is about 30 degrees or less. In some embodiments, the angle alpha (α) can be in the range of about 1 degree to about 30 degrees. Further, the raised path segment support 104 is rotated relative to the elongated path segment 102 about a horizontal axis (e.g., the X-axis) such that the elongated path segment 102 is angled alpha (α) relative to the vertical axis (e.g., the Y-axis), such that the upper edge 168 of the inner surface 136 of the elongated path segment 102 abuts the orthogonal edge 158 of each wing 154, thereby fixing the elongated path segment 102 in place within the raised path segment support 104.

[0061] Reference Figure 10 , the toy construction set further includes a first container attachment 110 and a second container attachment 112, the first container attachment 110 and the second container attachment 112 being configured to releasably attach to the ends of the elongated path segment or the zigzag path segment. The first container attachment 110 and the second container attachment 112 are configured to receive a ball and direct it to the next part of the toy construction set (e.g., another container or path segment). The first container attachment 110 and the second container attachment 112 respectively include concave, circular, and substantially hemispherical first container 182 and second container 184, the first container 182 and the second container 184 being configured to receive a ball. Each of the first container attachment 110 and the second container attachment 112 has a base 170, the base 170 having a circular shape and defining an opening 172, the opening 172 being configured to allow a ball to pass therethrough. The depth of the first container 182 is greater than the depth of the second container 184. However, the first container attachment 110 and the second container attachment 112 can include containers of any suitable size and shape.

[0062] Each of the first container attachment 110 and the second container attachment 112 includes a track 174 extending respectively from the first container 182 and the second container 184. The track 174 has a bottom surface 176, a pair of opposite side surfaces 178, and a pair of opposite side rails 180 extending from the pair of opposite side surfaces 178. The track 174 is configured to releasably receive the elongated path segment or the zigzag path segment. The elongated path segment or the zigzag path segment is configured to slide within the track 174 such that the side surfaces, top surface, and bottom surface of the elongated path segment or the zigzag path segment respectively contact the pair of opposite side surfaces 178, the pair of opposite side rails 180, and the bottom surface 176 of the track 174.

[0063] The bottom surface 176 of the track 174 of the first container attachment 110 has a protrusion 186 extending orthogonally upward, the protrusion 186 being configured to prevent the elongated path segment or the zigzag path segment from extending into the cavity and / or opening of the first container 182 when the elongated path segment or the zigzag path segment is received by the track 174.

[0064] ReferenceFigure 11 The toy construction set further includes a zigzag path attachment 116 and a connector 108, which are configured to be releasably attached to the ends of the elongate path segments or the zigzag path segments. The zigzag path attachment 116 includes a track 174, which is substantially similar in construction and function to the track 174 of the first container attachment 110 and the second container attachment 112 described above. The zigzag path attachment 116 includes a zigzag path segment 188, which is integrally connected to the track 174. Thus, the zigzag path attachment 116 provides an extension of the length for a ramp formed by one or more connected elongate path segments or zigzag path segments. The zigzag path segment 188 is angled or curved upward from the bottom surface of the track 174.

[0065] The connector 108 includes a first track 174a and a second track 174b, which are substantially similar to each other in construction and function and are substantially similar to the track 174 of the first container attachment 110 and the second container attachment 112 described above. The first track 174a and the second track 174b are integrally connected and converge at a wall 190 that extends generally vertically upward from the bottom surface 176. The wall 190 is configured to prevent an elongate path segment or a zigzag path segment (e.g., when received by the first track 174a) from extending too far into the opposite track 174 (e.g., the second track 174b). The connector 108 is configured to releasably couple two path segments (e.g., an elongate path segment to a zigzag path segment, two elongate path segments, or two zigzag path segments). The openings leading to the first and second tracks 174a, 174b face away from each other along the lengths of the first and second tracks 174a, 174b. In some embodiments, the first track 174a is integrally connected to the second track 174b at a right angle.

[0066] Although the above-described toy construction kit 100 has been described and shown with respect to certain dimensions, shapes, arrangements, configurations, material formulations, and methods, in some embodiments, a toy construction that is substantially similar in construction and function to the toy construction kit 100 may include one or more dimensions, shapes, arrangements, configurations, and / or material formulations that are different from those described above, or may be used with respect to a method that is modified compared to the above-described method. For example, although the elevated path segment support 104 has been described and shown as including a groove 164 defined by the outer surface 152 of the leg 144 and configured to interact with and releasably couple to a ridge 162 that extends or projects outwardly from the inner surface 146 of each leg 144 of an additional elevated path segment support 104, in some embodiments, an elevated path segment support that is substantially similar in construction and function to the elevated path segment support 104 may include a groove defined by the inner surface 146 of each leg 144 and a ridge that extends or projects outwardly from the outer surface 152 of the leg 144.

[0067] Although many examples have been described for purposes of illustration, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other examples and modifications exist and will exist within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A toy construction kit (100) comprising: An elongated path segment (102) having side surfaces (136) and an upper surface (138) extending between said side surfaces (136), said elongated path segment (102) having orthogonal overall dimensions of length, width and thickness, wherein the length is greater than the width, the width is greater than the thickness, and the width is the distance between the side surfaces (136); And An elevated path segment support (104) having a shelf (148) and two spaced legs (144), inner surfaces (146) of said legs (144) facing each other, said shelf (148) extending from said inner surfaces (146), said legs (144) defining therebetween a space (126) of sufficient width above said shelf (148) to receive said elongated path segment (102) therein, said shelf (148) being configured to support the received elongated path segment (102) in a partially elevated position, wherein said elevated path segment support (104) stands on a horizontal support surface (128) with its legs (144); Wherein said inner surfaces (146) of said legs (144) are convex in a region (150) above said shelf (148) of each leg; and Wherein said inner surfaces (146) of said legs (144) are arranged relative to the width of said elongated path segment (102) such that rotating said elevated path segment support (104) relative to said elongated path segment (102) with said elongated path segment (102) received between said inner surfaces (146) of said legs (144) will cause said inner surfaces (146) of said legs (144) to abut against said side surfaces (136) of said elongated path segment (102) to support said elongated path segment (102) against said elevated path segment support (104) within 30 degrees of rotation of the elevated path segment support from an orientation perpendicular to said elongated path segment (102).

2. The toy construction kit according to claim 1, wherein said elevated path segment support (104) has a handle (166) connecting the legs (144).

3. The toy construction kit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Said handle (166) has a rounded inverted U-shape.

4. The toy construction kit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Said elevated path segment support (104) further includes wings (154) extending outwardly from the inner surfaces (146) of each leg (144) in a region (150) above the shelf (148) of each leg.

5. The toy construction kit according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, Each leg (144) of said elevated path segment support (104) has a concave outer surface (152).

6. The toy construction kit according to claim 5, wherein, The outer surface (152) of each leg (144) defines a groove (164).

7. The toy construction kit according to claim 6, wherein the elevated path segment support (104) further includes a ridge (162) that extends outwardly from the inner surface (146) of each leg (144) in a region (150) of each leg (144) that is below the shelf (148).

8. The toy construction kit according to claim 7, further comprising a second elevated path segment support (104b), wherein the elevated path segment support (104) is a first elevated path segment support (104a), and wherein the ridge (162) of the first elevated path segment support (104a) is configured to connect with a groove (164) of the second elevated path segment support (104b) such that the first elevated path segment support (104a) can be stacked with the second elevated path segment support (104b).

9. The toy construction kit according to any one of claims 1-8, further comprising a zigzag path segment (106) configured to be releasably coupled to the elongated path segment (102) via a connector (108).

10. The toy construction kit according to claim 9, further comprising one or more container attachments (110) having a base (170) that defines an opening (172) therethrough, the one or more container attachments (110) being configured to be releasably coupled to an end of the elongated path segment (102) or an end of the zigzag path segment (106).

11. The toy construction kit according to claim 9, further comprising a zigzag path attachment (116) configured to be releasably coupled to an end of the elongated path segment (102) or an end of the zigzag path segment (106).

12. The toy construction kit according to any one of claims 1-11, further comprising a toy configured to contact and travel on the upper surface (138) of the elongated path segment (102).

13. The toy construction kit according to claim 12, wherein the toy is one or more of the following: a ball (114), a marble, a toy car, a disc, a toy wheel, or a hoop.

14. A method of assembling a toy construction kit, the method comprising: stacking a first elevated path segment support (104a) onto a second elevated path segment each of the first elevated path segment support (104a) and the second elevated path segment support (104b) has a shelf (148) and two spaced-apart legs (144) whose inner surfaces (146) face each other, and the shelf (148) extends from the inner surfaces (146). Wherein, the stacking includes connecting two first grooves (164) to two second ridges (162), the two second ridges (162) extending outward from the inner surface (146) of each leg (144) of the second raised path segment support (104b), and each of the two first grooves (164) being defined by the outer surface (152) of each leg (144) of the first raised path segment support (104a); Inserting the elongated path segment (102) above the shelf (148) of the first raised path segment support (104a) or the second raised path segment support (104b) in a space (126) having a sufficient width defined between the legs (144) such that a portion of the elongated path segment (102) rests on the shelf (148); and Rotating the first raised path segment support (104a) or the second raised path segment support (104b) supporting the elongated path segment (102) relative to the elongated path segment (102) to fix the elongated path segment (102).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The elongated path segment (102) has side surfaces (136) and an upper surface (138) extending between the side surfaces (136).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The elongated path segment (102) has orthogonal overall dimensions of length, width, and thickness, where the length is greater than the width, the width is greater than the thickness, and the width is the distance between the side surfaces (136).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein Fixing the elongated path segment (102) includes receiving the elongated path segment (102) between the inner surfaces (146) of the legs (144) such that the inner surfaces (146) of the legs (144) abut against the side surfaces (136) of the elongated path segment (102) to support the elongated path segment (102) against the raised path segment support (104).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The elongated path segment (102) supports the elongated path segment (102) against the raised path segment support (104) within 30 degrees of rotation of the raised path segment support from an orientation perpendicular to the elongated path segment (102).

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein The second ridge (162) extends outward from the inner surface (146) of each leg (144) in a region (150) of each leg (144) located below the shelf (148).

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, further comprising: Releaseably coupling one or more of a meandering path segment (106), a container attachment (110), or a meandering path attachment (116) to an end of the elongated path segment (102).

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