Snap-Together Building Block Set with Marble Tracks and Pieces Therefor

Abstract

A marble track component kit includes first and second connecting tracks, and a connector block. Each of the connecting tracks has at least two rails to provide a respective marble rolling path, and at least a first crosspiece extending between the two rails. The connector block configured to releasably couple to the first connecting track and the second connecting track, and has a marble channel extending therethrough. The connector block has a first vertically facing side having a plurality of connecting studs having standard dimensions, and further including a second vertically facing side having a receptacle configured to receiving a further plurality of connecting studs having the standard dimensions. When the connector block is coupled to the first connecting track and the second connecting track, a continuous rolling path for a marble is defined by the marble rolling paths of the connecting tracks and the marble channel.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63 / 779,148, filed Mar. 27, 2025, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to building block sets, and more specifically, to building block sets having pieces that snap together.BACKGROUND

[0003] Snap-together building block sets are toys that allow for the user to build structures, either using directions or freeform. A common building block piece is in the form of a block, often but not always rectangular. The building block pieces have coupling studs and cavities for receiving the coupling studs of other building block pieces in frictional engagement. Examples of such toy building block pieces are shown and discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,005,282, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] The studs are arranged in predetermined arrays, e.g. uniformly spaced rows and columns, of various sizes. The studs themselves have a uniform width or diameter. In this way, the cavities are configured to attach to any part of an array of studs on one or more building block pieces. Such systems are well known in the art.

[0005] It is also known to have constructable playsets with marble run elements, including marble tracks and specialty pieces that interact with marbles in various ways. Many of these sets are marble-track specific and do not interact with or otherwise facilitate general block construction play.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 11,478,694 discloses marble run blocks that can be used to construction non-marble run building structures, but also are connectable to standard marble run structures. However, each block is sized to contain and pass through a standard marble, which requires a minimum block dimension that is often substantially larger than standard building block pieces, thereby limiting flexibility in construction of structures.SUMMARY

[0007] The disclosure addresses the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a set of marble track pieces having coupling studs that can be smaller than a marble which may be used with standard dimension building block pieces.

[0008] A first embodiment is a marble track component kit that includes first and second connecting tracks, and a connector block. The first connecting track has a first rail and a second rail configured to cooperate to provide a first marble rolling path, and at least a first crosspiece extending between the first rail and the second rail. The second connecting track has a third rail and a fourth rail configured to cooperate to provide a second marble rolling path, and at least a second crosspiece extending between the third rail and the fourth rail. The connector block configured to releasably couple to the first connecting track and the second connecting track, and has a marble channel extending therethrough. The connector block has a first vertically facing side having a plurality of connecting studs having standard dimensions, and further including a second vertically facing side having a receptacle configured to receiving a further plurality of connecting studs having the standard dimensions. When the connector block is coupled to the first connecting track and the second connecting track, a continuous rolling path for a marble is defined by the first marble rolling path, the marble channel, and the second marble rolling path.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first connecting track and second connecting track have different configurations or shapes. In some embodiments, the connecting tracks have crossbars that are received in a snap fit by corresponding seats in the connector block. In some embodiments, the crossbars are configured to be rotatably and removably connected to the seats of the connector block.

[0010] The above-described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a marble track component kit according to a first embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of an exemplary connecting track that may be used in the component kit of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the connecting track of FIG. 2;

[0014] FIG. 4 shows a top view of another exemplary connecting track that may be used in the component kit of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the connecting track of FIG. 4;

[0016] FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of a connector block that may be used in the component kit of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 7 shows a bottom plan view of the connector block of FIG. 6; and

[0018] FIG. 8 shows an elevated side perspective view of an exemplary configuration of a marble track formed of multiple first connecting tracks, multiple connector blocks, and one second connecting track.DESCRIPTION

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a marble track component kit 10 according to a first embodiment. The kit 10 includes at least a first connecting track 12 and a second connecting track 14, and at least a connector block 16. The first connecting track 12 has a first rail and a second rail configured to cooperate to provide a first marble rolling path 12a, and at least a first crosspiece extending between the first rail and the second rail. Similarly, the second connecting track 14 has a third rail and a fourth rail configured to cooperate to provide a second marble rolling path 14a, and at least a second crosspiece extending between the third rail and the fourth rail. Exemplary embodiments of each of the first and second connecting tracks 12, 14 are provided below in connection with FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0020] The connector block 16 is configured to releasably couple to the first connecting track 12 and the second connecting track 14. In at least some embodiments, the connector block 16 is configured to releasably and rotatably couple to the first connecting track 12 and / or the second connecting rack 14. The connector block 16 has a marble channel 16a extending therethrough. The connector block 16 has a first vertical side having a plurality of connecting studs having standard dimensions, and further includes a second vertical side having a receptacle configured to receiving a further plurality of connecting studs having the standard dimensions. An exemplary embodiment of the connector block 16 is described below in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0021] As shown by way of non-limiting example in FIG. 1, when the connector block 16 is coupled to the first connecting track 12 and the second connecting track 14, a continuous rolling path 18 for a marble is defined by the first marble rolling path 12a, the marble channel 16a, and the second marble rolling path 14a. It will be appreciated that the kit 10 may contain multiple first connecting tracks 12, multiple second connecting tracks 14, and multiple connector blocks 16 that may be connected to form longer or more complex rolling paths. In some embodiments the first connecting track 12 and the second connecting track 14 have identical constructions, but more advantageously have different designs, for example, having straight or curved rails. The kit 10 my suitable contain more than two different configurations of connecting tracks as well. The connector blocks 16 are configured to facilitate expandability by connecting the connecting tracks 12, 14 in any order, in daisy-chain fashion.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of an exemplary connecting track 110 that may be used as one or more of the first connecting tracks 12 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the connecting track 110. FIGS. 4 and 5 show, respectively top and bottom views of an exemplary connecting track 140 that may be used as one or more of the second connecting tracks 14 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of a connector block 170 that may be used as one or more of the connector blocks 16 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 shows a bottom plan view of the connector block 170. FIG. 8 shows an elevated side perspective view of an exemplary configuration of a marble track 100 formed of multiple first connecting tracks 110, multiple connector blocks 170, and one second connecting track 140.

[0023] With reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 8, the first connecting track 110 includes first and second parallel main rails 130, 132, a first crosspiece 134a extending between the first rail 130 and the second rail 132, and first and second connection assemblies 114a, 114b. The rails 130, 132 are spaced apart sufficiently to cooperate to provide a rolling track or marble rolling path 113 for a standard marble 5 (see FIG. 8). The rails 130, 132 extend from and through the first connection assembly 114a to the second connection assembly 114b. The rails 130, 132 in this embodiment are straight, and parallel, and are spaced by a distance that is less than a diameter of the marble 5. However, it will be appreciated that the rails 130, 132 may be slightly skewed to have the effect of increasing or decreasing the speed of the marble 5.

[0024] The first cross piece 134 extends from the first rail 130 to the second rail 132, and helps support the rails 130, 132 in their relative positions. In this embodiment, the first cross piece 134 is in the form of a curved plate, which has a concave upward facing surface and a convex downward facing surface. The concave upward facing surface facilitates non-interference with the rolling marble 5. It will be appreciated that other shapes can be used that do not interfere with the rolling marble, so long as the areas intermediate the two rails are sufficient low so as to avoid marble contact when the marble passes over.

[0025] The first connector assembly 114a includes two blocks 116a, 117a, and first and second crossbars 122a, 123a. In this embodiment, the first connector assembly 114a also includes another cross piece 124a similar to the cross piece 134 in structure and function. The blocks 116a, 117a and crossbars 122a, 123a serve different purposes. The blocks 116a, 117a are configured to facility connection with other standard dimension building blocks and pieces. The crossbars 122a, 123a are configured to rotatably connect to the connector block 170. To this end, each of the blocks 116a, 117a has one or more coupling studs 118a on a top surface, coupling stud receiving cavities 120a on an underside (See FIG. 3). The coupling studs 118a (and cavities 120a) are sized and spaced to couple to any standard-grid block coupling stud / cavity array, similar to those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,005,282. In general, it is via the connecting assemblies 114a, 114b that the connecting track 110 is intended to form a part of the universe of available pieces for construction with snap-together building blocks.

[0026] In this embodiment, the block 116a extends laterally outward from the first rail 130 and the block 117a extends laterally outward from the second rail 132. The cross piece 124a that is similar to the cross piece 134, and extends laterally between the two rails 130, 132 and between the two blocks 116a, 117a, and further extends longitudinally, thereby extending under a part of the first marble path 113. It is noted that the cross piece 124a not only structurally reinforces the rails 130, 132, but also structurally reinforces the blocks 116a, 117a. The cavities 120a are likewise disposed on the underside below the studs 118a, but may in some cases also be directly below portions of the cross piece 124a. In this case, the cross piece 124a is formed from a U-shaped structure of uniform with, such that the top or upward facing surface forms a concave channel and the bottom or downward facing surface forms a corresponding convex shape. Other shapes defining a channel may be used.

[0027] It will be noted that the rails 130, 132 are spaced apart sufficient to support a marble that has a diameter that is larger than the connecting studs 118a. As shown in FIG. 8, the marble 5 may have a diameter that is more than twice the width or diameter of the connecting studs 118a. This allows the straight track block 110 to be used with a building block set or schema that can be granularized to building blocks that are not bigger than the marble itself.

[0028] The first crossbar 122a extends at an angle with respect to the first rail 130 and in this embodiment extends from an end of the first rail 130. The first crossbar 122a in this embodiment extends at approximately a 90 degree angle, laterally outward, from the first rail 130. The second crossbar 123a extends at an angle with respect to the second rail 132, and in this embodiment extends from an end of the second rail 132. The second crossbar 122b in this embodiment extends at approximately a 90 degree angle, laterally outward, from the second rail 132. Moreover, the crossbars 122a, 123a are substantially collinear, and extend outward from the rails 130, 132 in a symmetrical manner. As will be discussed below in detail, the crossbars 122a, 123a form a connector that connects to the connector block 170. As a result, the collinear confirmation of the crossbars 122a, 123a, the cross bars 122a, 123a form an axle about which the connecting track 110 can rotate with respect to the connector block 170. This allows for the connecting track 110 to extend away from the connector block 170 in an inclined or declined manner.

[0029] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, a different crossbar may be used as the connector, which may or may not allow relative rotation between the connecting track 110 and the connector block 170. In other embodiments, different structures (other than a crossbar) for connecting the connecting track 110 and connector block 170 may be employed, rotatably or otherwise.

[0030] It will furthermore be appreciated that the first rail 130 and second rail 132 may take a slightly different form along their lengths, so long as they collectively from a rolling guide for the marble. In this embodiment, the portions of the first and second rails 130, 132 that extend past the crosspiece 134 and through the blocks 116a, 117a appear as seamless rods or bars. In other cases they may have different appearances. In general, all of the pieces of the first connecting track 110 may be formed of a single piece of injection molded polymer. Thus, portions of the rails 130, 132 that extend past the blocks 116a, 117a may have a different appearance than the other portions of the rails 130, 132.

[0031] In a similar manner, the second connector assembly 114b includes blocks 116b, 117b, first and second crossbars 122b, 123b. In this embodiment, the second connector assembly 114b also includes another cross piece 124b similar to the cross pieces 124a, 134 in structure and function. Similar to the blocks 116a, 117a, the blocks 116b, 117b are configured to facilitate connection with other standard dimension building blocks and pieces. The crossbars 122b, 123b are configured to connect to the connector block 170. To this end, each of the blocks 116b, 117b has one or more coupling studs 118b on a top surface, and coupling stud receiving cavities 120b on an underside (See FIG. 3). The coupling studs 118b (and cavities 120b) are sized and spaced to couple to any standard-grid block coupling stud / cavity array, similar to those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,005,282.

[0032] In this embodiment, the block 116b extends laterally outward from the first rail 130 and the block 117b extends laterally outward from the second rail 132. It is noted that the blocks 116a, 117a are disposed proximate one end of the connecting track 110, while the blocks 116b, 117b are disposed proximate the other end. The cross piece 124b extends laterally between the two rails 130, 132 and between the two blocks 116b, 117b, and further extends longitudinally, thereby extending under a part of the first marble path 113. Similar to the cross piece 124a, the cross piece 124b reinforces the rails 130, 132 and the blocks 116a, 117a. The cavities 120b are disposed on the underside below the studs 118a, but may in some cases also be directly below portions of the cross piece 124b. In this case, the cross piece 124b is formed from a U-shaped structure of uniform with, such that the top or upward facing surface forms a concave channel and the bottom or downward facing surface forms a corresponding convex shape.

[0033] The first crossbar 122b extends at an angle with respect to the first rail 130 and in this embodiment extends from an end of the first rail 130. The first crossbar 122b in this embodiment extends at approximately a 90 degree angle, laterally outward, from the first rail 130. The second crossbar 123b extends at an angle with respect to the second rail 132, and in this embodiment extends from an end of the second rail 132. The second crossbar 123b in this embodiment extends at approximately a 90 degree angle, laterally outward, from the second rail 132. Moreover, the crossbars 122b, 123b are substantially collinear, and extend outward from the rails 130, 132 in a symmetrical manner. The crossbars 122b, 123b from a connector that connects to the connector block 170. The collinear extension of the crossbars 122b, 123b facilitates a rotational connection to the connector block 170 about an axis defined by the collinear crossbars 122b, 123b. As with the crossbars 122a, 123a, the crossbars 122b, 123b can be circular in cross-section to further facilitate rotatability.

[0034] FIGS. 6 and 7 show, respectively, top and bottom views of an exemplary connector block 170 that may be used as one or more of the connector blocks 16 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the connector block 170 is generally in the shape of a six-sided block formed by a travel channel 172, a first side block 174a, and a second side block 174b. In this embodiment, the connector block 170 has a first vertically facing side or top surface 180, a side surface 182, an opposite side surface, an end surface 184, and an opposite end surface, and a second vertically facing side or bottom 186 (see FIG. 7).

[0035] The top surface 180 defines the top surfaces of the travel channel 172 and the side blocks 174a, 174b. The top surface 180 is generally planar, except that the travel channel 172 defines a concave portion therein that extends longitudinally from the side surface 182 to the other side surface. The first side block 174a and the second side block 174b extend laterally outward from the travel channel 172, with the second side block 174b extending to the end surface 184, and the first side block 174a extending to the other end surface. It will be appreciated that the longitudinal dimension of the travel channel 172 (i.e. the path of travel) is actually from side to side (width-wise, or the lateral dimension) of the overall six-sided block of the connector block 170.

[0036] In this embodiment, each of the first side block 174a and the second side block 174b includes two coupling studs 188, which are sized and spaced to couple to any standard-grid block coupling cavity array, similar to those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,005,282. The underside of each of the side blocks 174a, 174b includes cavities 189 configured and spaced to couple to standard stud array, such as that of the studs 188. In this embodiment, the studs 188 of the first side block 174a are in a row of two extending alongside the longitudinal travel direction of the travel channel 172, and the studs 188 of the second side block 174b are similarly in a row of two extending alongside the travel channel 172.

[0037] The first side block 174a also includes two snap-seats 187a configured to receive in a snap friction fit respective bars or posts, for example, the crossbars 122a, 123a of FIGS. 2 and 3. In this embodiment, the coaxial orientation of the snap-seats 187a and the cross bars 122a, 123a forms a rotatable connection between the connector block 170 and the connecting track 110. The second side block 174b similarly includes two snap-seats 187b configured to receive snap friction fit respective bars or posts, for example, of a pair of the crossbars 122b and 123b of FIGS. 2 and 3. Each of the snap-seats 187a, 187b in this embodiment is a curved receptacle having an opening 191 for receiving the bar or post, and at least in part defines an interior space 190 for retaining the bar or post. Each opening 191 has a width that is less than the maximum width of the interior space 190 such that the crossbar 122a, 123a, 122b or 123b elastically deforms the snap-seat 187a, 187b when inserted and removed. Each snap-seat in this embodiment defines a longitudinal dimension that is angled, a preferably substantially perpendicular to, the longitudinal or travel direction of the travel channel 172.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the crossbars 122a, 123a, 122b and 123b are received by snap fit into one of the snap seats 187a, 187b on each side of the connector block 170 such that the travel channel 172 forms a continuous marble passageway with the marble rolling path 113 formed by the rails 130, 132 of the first connecting track 110. It can be seen that any of the pairs of cross bars 122a, 123a or 122b, 123b of the first connecting track 110 can connect to either side of the connector block 170 because they both have a symmetrical design in this embodiment.

[0039] FIGS. 4 and 5 show the second connecting track 140. The second connecting track 140 includes two curved rails 142a, 142b, four angled portions or crossbars 144a, 145a, 144b, 145b an outer wall 146, and a bridge portion or crosspiece 148. The curved rails 142a, 142b are configured to receive and guide a marble similar to the rails 130, 132 of FIGS. 2 and 3. However, each of the curved rails 142a, 142b defines a curved marble path that in this embodiment curves the path by 90 degrees, but may have other angles of curvature in other embodiments.

[0040] Each of the crossbars 144a, 145a, 144b, 145b is configured to be received by one of the snap seats 187a, 187b. The crossbar 144a extends at an angle from one end of the curved rail 142a, and the crossbar 144b extends at an angle from the other end of the curved rail 142a. Similarly, the crossbar 145a extends at an angle from one end of the curved rail 142b, and the crossbar 145b extends at an angle from the other end of the curved rail 142b. The curved rails 142a, 142b may take any form in between the ends so long as at the ends, so long as the crossbars 144a, 145a are configured to be received by one set of the snap seats 187a (or 187b) and the cross bars 144b, 145b are configured to be received by one set of the snap seats 187a (or 187b) on the connector block 170. To this end, in this embodiment, the crossbars 144a, 145a extend substantially collinearly with each other, and outward from their respective curved rail 142a, 142b. Similarly, in this embodiment, the crossbars 144b, 145b extend substantially collinearly with each other, and outward from their respective curved rail 142a, 142b. The collinear or coaxial nature of the pairs of crossbars 144a, 145a, and 144b, 145b facilitate a rotatable connection between the connecting track 140 and the connector block 170.

[0041] To facilitate the curved marble path in this embodiment, the outer curved rail 142a is longer and has a wider radius of curvature. The curved rails 142a, 142b are preferably concentric about a common radial point. The outer wall 146 is a curved plate that extends upward from the outer edge of the outer curved rail 142a. The outer wall 146 is configured to assist in retaining the marble on the second connecting track 140 in the curved path. It will be appreciated that curve tracks with multiple curves may use multiple wall portions on the outer rail of each curve.

[0042] The above-described structures, shown in FIGS. 2-7, thus provide a flexible connectable track system that allows track pieces to be connected to each other, and includes studs and cavities for connecting to other standard snap together building block pieces. It will be appreciated that a kit according to this disclosure can include several each of the pieces 110, 140 and 170. FIG. 8 shows a perspective side view of an exemplary track that includes two first connecting tracks 110 operably coupled to two first ends of two connector blocks 170. A single second connecting track 140 is coupled to the second ends of the two connector blocks 170. As such, a continuous marble path is defined through the one of the first connecting tracks 110, the adjoining connector block 170, the second connecting track 140, the other connector block 170, and the other first connecting track 110.

[0043] It can be appreciated that by alternating connectors blocks 170 with first and second connecting tracks 110, 140, long and complex marble tracks can be configured. Moreover, by using crossbars 122a, 122b, 123a, 123b, 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b that are substantially collinear, the connecting tracks 110 may be inclined from one end (and one connector block 170) to the other end (and another connector block 170). The pairs of crossbars 122a, 123a, 122b, 123b and the snap seats 187a, 187b operate as hinges that allow for rotational movement and configuration of the ends of the connecting track 110 into an inclined or declined position. Combining such vertical displaceability with the use of the ability to interconnect with other standard building blocks, via the studs and receptacles, can allow for the construction of complex marble paths that travel in three dimensions using the kit 10 and a set of standard building blocks having corresponding standard dimension studs and receptacles.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the above-described features and advantages are merely illustrative, and that those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations and embodiments that incorporate the principles of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

1. A marble track component kit, comprising:at least a first connecting track having a first rail and a second rail configured to cooperate to provide a first marble rolling path, and at least a first crosspiece extending between the first rail and the second rail;at least a second connecting track having a third rail and a fourth rail configured to cooperate to provide a second marble rolling path, and at least a second crosspiece extending between the third rail and the fourth rail;at least a connector block configured to releasably couple to the first connecting track and the second connecting track, and having a marble channel extending therethrough, the connector block having a first vertically facing side having a plurality of connecting studs having standard dimensions, and further including a second vertically facing side having a receptacle configured to receiving a further plurality of connecting studs having the standard dimensions, wherein when the connector block is coupled to the first connecting track and the second connecting track, a continuous rolling path for a marble is defined by the first marble rolling path, the marble channel, and the second marble rolling path.

2. The marble track component kit of claim 1, wherein:at least two of the plurality of connecting studs are disposed laterally adjacent to a first lateral side of the marble channel, and at least two of the plurality of connecting studs are disposed laterally adjacent to the second lateral side of the marble channel.

3. The marble track component kit of claim 2, wherein the receptacle is configured to receive at least eight connecting studs having the standard dimensions.

4. The marble track component kit of claim 1, wherein:the first connecting track further includes a least a first crossbar extending at an angle with respect to the first rail;the connector block includes a first seat for receiving the first crossbar in a snap fit.

5. The marble track component kit of claim 4, wherein:the first crossbar extends substantially perpendicularly from the first rail;the first connecting track further includes a second crossbar extending perpendicularly form the second rail;the connector block includes a second seat for receiving the second crossbar in snap fit.

6. The marble track component as claimed in claim 4, wherein:the third rail and the fourth rail extend in a curve that defines a curve in the second marble rolling path;the second connecting track further includes a least a further crossbar extending at an angle with respect to the third rail;the connector block includes a further seat for receiving the further crossbar in a snap fit.

7. The marble track component kit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first connecting track further includes at least a first connector coupled to the at least one of the first rail and the second rail, the first connector having a first vertical side with at least one connecting stud having the standard dimensions and a second side with a receptacle for receiving a further connecting stud having the standard dimensions.

8. The marble track component kit as claimed in claim 7, wherein:the first connector is coupled to the first rail;a second connector is couple to the second rail; andthe first crosspiece extends between the first rail and the second rail, and is disposed between the first connector and the second connector.

9. The marble track component as claimed in claim 1, wherein:the third rail and the fourth rail extend in a curve that defines a curve in the second marble rolling path.

10. The marble track component as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second connecting track includes a crossbar extending laterally outward from the third rail, and a crossbar extending laterally outward from the fourth rail, and wherein the crossbar extending laterally outward from the third rail is substantially collinear with the crossbar extending laterally outward from the fourth rail.

11. The marble track component as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first connecting track includes a crossbar extending laterally outward from the first rail, and a crossbar extending laterally outward from the second rail, and wherein the crossbar extending laterally outward from the first rail is substantially collinear with the crossbar extending laterally outward from the second rail.

12. The marble track component as claimed in claim 11, wherein the connector block includes four seats, each configured for receiving in a snap fit a crossbar having a configuration of the crossbar extending laterally outward from the first rail.

13. A marble track component kit, comprising:at least a first connecting track having a first rail and a second rail configured to cooperate to provide a first marble rolling path, and at least a first crosspiece extending between the first rail and the second rail;at least a connector block configured to releasably and rotatably couple to the first connecting track and the second connecting track, and having a marble channel extending therethrough, the connector block having a first vertically facing side having a plurality of connecting studs having standard dimensions, and further including a second vertically facing side having a receptacle configured to receiving a further plurality of connecting studs having the standard dimensions, wherein when the connector block is coupled to the first connecting track and the second connecting track, a continuous rolling path for a marble is defined by the first marble rolling path, the marble channel, and the second marble rolling path.

14. The marble track component kit of claim 13, wherein:the first connecting track further includes a least a first crossbar extending at an angle with respect to the first rail;the connector block includes a first seat for receiving the first crossbar in a snap fit.

15. The marble track component kit of claim 14, wherein:the first crossbar extends substantially perpendicularly from the first rail;the first connecting track further includes a second crossbar extending perpendicularly form the second rail;the connector block includes a second seat for receiving the second crossbar in snap fit.

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