Expandable, interlocking bridge for toy wooden railways

Abstract

An expandable, pluggable bridge for toy wooden railways, comprising a base wooden rail, side parts and connecting elements, characterized in that the side parts (2) are clamped against the base wooden rail (1) on opposite sides of the base wooden rail (1) by suitable connecting elements and spacer sleeves (3), as well as connecting parts (5) which are designed in such a way that they enable the plugging together of several bridge segments to form a load-bearing, integrated unit and in the process effect a locking against vertical and horizontal relative movements as well as twisting between the bridge segments.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular bridge system for toy wooden railways that addresses the common technical challenges faced by existing bridge solutions. Conventional bridges often have limitations in modularity and tend to sag in longer versions. Furthermore, many existing systems are too complex to assemble, cannot be extended, and are often incompatible with common toy systems. These shortcomings create a need for a design that offers easy expandability, high stability, and user-friendly assembly.

[0002] To achieve these objectives, the proposed bridge system (invention according to claim 1) is based on a linear wooden base rail with specially designed side panels on both sides. These side panels are functionally modeled on the elements of real bridges and contribute significantly to structural rigidity by minimizing sagging and ensuring a load-bearing unit. The side panels and the wooden base rail are connected to form a fixed bridge segment by suitable connecting elements, consisting, for example, in a preferred embodiment of spacers (with internal threads) and screws. The spacers can also be integrated into the side panels.

[0003] The individual bridge segments are linked together by specially designed connectors that ensure the modules can be securely joined. These connectors are designed to lock the bridge segments into place while simultaneously preventing unwanted vertical and horizontal movement and twisting. By connecting multiple bridge segments in this way, an exceptionally long and rigid suspension bridge can be constructed.

[0004] Overall, the presented bridge system is characterized by its stable, robust, and modularly expandable construction. It impresses with its simple, child-safe assembly and high compatibility with standard wooden toy railway systems. Furthermore, the use of sustainable and child-safe materials contributes to its durability and safety. This results in an innovative solution that meets both aesthetic and functional requirements and effectively addresses existing technical challenges.

[0005] An embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 explained. It shows: Fig. 1 a single bridge segment (in exploded view for better clarity) Fig. 2 a single bridge segment Fig. 3 Two bridge segments, joined together with connecting parts (in exploded view for better clarity) Fig. 4 multiple bridge segments, connected with connecting parts

[0006] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows the base rail (1) with the two side pieces (2), four spacers (3), and four screws (4). This system forms a single bridge segment. In the Fig. Figure 3 shows two bridge segments which are joined together by three connecting parts (5). Two side connecting parts and one top connecting part are shown. In the Fig. Figure 4 shows three bridge segments with a total of six connecting parts (5) and illustrates how the bridge can be assembled and extended. Reference symbol list 1 basic wooden rail 2 side panels 3 spacers 4 screws 5 connecting parts

Claims

[1] An expandable, plug-in bridge for toy wooden railways, comprising a base wooden track, side panels and connecting elements, characterized by , that the side parts (2) are clamped against the base wooden rail (1) on opposite sides by suitable connecting elements and spacer sleeves (3), and connecting parts (5) which are designed to allow several bridge segments to be joined together to form a load-bearing, integrated unit and thereby provide a locking mechanism against vertical and horizontal relative movements and rotations between the bridge segments. [2] A bridge system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the side parts (2) are designed not only as decorative elements but as load-bearing components, resulting in a significant reduction of deflection and increased overall stability. [3] A bridge system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the side parts (2) are attached to the base wooden rail (1) by means of spacers (3), which can be designed either as separate components or integrated into the side parts, so that primarily screws (4) and possibly nuts are required for connection. [4] A bridge system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting parts (5) are mechanically designed to achieve a secure and reversible connection of the ends of the side parts (2) of the bridge segments, for example by friction or form fit. [5] A bridge system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the dimensioning of the side parts (5) in relation to the base wooden rail (1) is chosen such that a stable connection is achieved when several bridge segments are joined together. [6] A bridge system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connecting parts (5) are designed in such a way that, in conjunction with the side parts (2), they do not impair the overall visual appearance, based on real bridges. [7] A bridge system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the side parts (2) are designed in such a way that an unintentional twisting of the spacer sleeves (3), for example during the assembly of the bridge with screws (4), is prevented by positive locking.

Images