Retention strip for retaining a magnetic toy panel, and retention strip assembly including the same

Abstract

A retention strip for retaining a magnetic toy panel includes a support body extending between a first support body end and a second support body end. The support body includes a primary support wall extending between the first support body end and the second support body end. The support body also includes a first rigid wall rigidly coupled to the primary support wall and extending transversely from the primary support wall in a transverse direction. The support body further includes a second rigid wall rigidly coupled to the primary support wall, extending transversely from the primary support wall in the transverse direction, and spaced from the first rigid wall. The primary support wall, the first rigid wall, and the second rigid wall collectively define a retention channel configured to receive the magnetic toy panel.

Description

RETENTION STRIP FOR RETAINING A MAGNETIC TOY PANEL, AND RETENTION STRIP ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE SAMEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention generally relates to a retention strip for retaining a magnetic toy panel, and to a retention strip assembly including a retention strip and a magnetic toy panel.2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] Magnetic toy panels are known to connect to one another through attraction between magnets embedded within the magnetic toy panels. The stability of the connection between adjacent magnetic toy panels is commonly dependent either upon the strength of the attraction between the magnets embedded within the magnetic toy panels, or by providing additional magnetic toy panels to provide interstitial support. Thus, building structures including multiple adjacent magnetic toy panels has proven difficult to stabilize without increasing the strength of the attraction between magnets embedded within the magnetic toy panel (e.g., using stronger magnets) or without requiring additional magnetic toy panels to provide interstitial support. Attempts have been made to use strips of ferromagnetic metal attractable to the magnets embedded within the magnetic toy panels to span a length of the adjacent magnetic toy panels to stabilize the adjacent magnetic toy panels, but these strips of ferromagnetic metal have a height which physically interferes with any adjacent structures such as additional magnetic toy panels. The height of these strips also physically interferes with any additional toys intended to move across, such as roll or slide across, the adjacent magnetic toy panels by creating an uneven surface.

[0003] As such, there remains a need for an improved manner to stabilize the connection between adjacent magnetic toy panels.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

[0004] A retention strip for retaining a magnetic toy panel includes a support body extending between a first support body end and a second support body end. The support body includes a primary support wall extending between the first support body end and the second support body end. The support body also includes a first rigid wall rigidly coupled to the primary support wall and extending transversely from the primary support wall in a transverse direction. The support body further includes a second rigid wall rigidly coupled to the primary support wall, extending transversely from the primary support wall in the transverse direction, and spaced from the first rigid wall. The primary support wall, the first rigid wall, and the second rigid wall collectively define a retention channel configured to receive the magnetic toy panel.

[0005] As such, the retention strip is able to stabilize a magnetic toy panel within the retention channel collectively defined by the primary support wall, the first rigid wall, and the second rigid wall without increasing an attraction strength of the magnetic toy panel and without requiring any interstitial support such as provided through additional magnetic toy panels.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retention strip;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a retention strip assembly including the retention strip and magnetic toy panels;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the retention strip assembly including the retention strip and the magnetic toy panels;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of the retention strip assembly including the retention strip and the magnetic toy panels;

[0011] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a retention strip assembly including a first retention strip, a second retention strip, and magnetic toy panels;

[0012] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the retention strip assembly of FIG. 5A, with a toy ball rolling down the magnetic toy panels;

[0013] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the retention stirp assembly of FIG. 5A, with a toy car rolling down the magnetic toy panels;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the retention strip assembly including a first retention strip, a second retention strip, and magnetic toy panels;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the retention strip assembly;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a side view of the retention strip assembly;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a retention strip including a plurality of straight portions approximating a curve;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a retention strip assembly including the retention strip of FIG. 9 and magnetic toy panels;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a retention strip assembly including first and second retention strips each having a plurality of straight portions approximating a curve and magnetic toy panels;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the retention strip, with the retention strip including first and second support bodies pivotably coupled to one another;

[0021] FIG. 13A is an enlarged view of the pivotable coupling of the first and second support bodies of FIG. 12;

[0022] FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of the first support body of FIG. 12, with the first support body having a male hinge;

[0023] FIG. 13C is an enlarged view of the second support body of FIG. 12, with the second support body having a female hinge;

[0024] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a retention strip assembly having the retention strip of FIG. 12 and magnetic toy panels;

[0025] FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the retention strip assembly having the retention strip of FIG. 12 and magnetic toy panels;

[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of two adjacent retention strip assemblies;

[0027] FIG. 16 is a side view of a retention strip assembly and additional magnetic toy panels;

[0028] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of two retention strip assemblies connected through an additional magnetic toy panel;

[0029] Figure 18 is a top, front, right-side, perspective view of a first embodiment of a retention strip;

[0030] Figure 19 is a bottom, rear, left-side, perspective view thereof;

[0031] Figure 20 is a top view thereof;

[0032] Figure 21 is a bottom view thereof;

[0033] Figure 22 is a rear view thereof;

[0034] Figure 23 is a front view thereof;

[0035] Figure 24 is a left-side view thereof; and

[0036] Figure 25 is right-side view thereof.

[0037] Figure 26 is a top, front, right-side, perspective view of a second embodiment of a retention strip;

[0038] Figure 27 is a bottom, rear, left-side, perspective view thereof;

[0039] Figure 28 is a top view thereof;

[0040] Figure 29 is a bottom view thereof;

[0041] Figure 30 is a rear view thereof;

[0042] Figure 31 is a front view thereof;

[0043] Figure 32 is a left- side view thereof; and

[0044] Figure 33 is right-side view thereof.

[0045] Figure 34 is a top, front, right-side, perspective view of a third embodiment of a retention strip;

[0046] Figure 35 is a bottom, rear, left-side, perspective view thereof;

[0047] Figure 35 is a top view thereof;

[0048] Figure 37 is a bottom view thereof;

[0049] Figure 38 is a rear view thereof;

[0050] Figure 39 is a front view thereof;

[0051] Figure 40 is a left-side view thereof; and

[0052] Figure 41 is right-side view thereof.

[0053] Figure 42 is a top, front, right-side, perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a retention strip;

[0054] Figure 43 is a bottom, rear, left-side, perspective view thereof;

[0055] Figure 44 is a top view thereof;

[0056] Figure 45 is a bottom view thereof;

[0057] Figure 46 is a rear view thereof;

[0058] Figure 47 is a front view thereof;

[0059] Figure 48 is a left-side view thereof; and

[0060] Figure 49 is right-side view thereof.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a retention strip 100 for retaining a magnetic toy panel 102 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is to be appreciated that the magnetic toy panel 102 may be referred to as a magnetic tile 102. It is also to be appreciated that the retention strip 100 may be referred to as a toy track rail, toy track, toy rail, magnetic toy, magnetic tile retainer strip, magnetic tile retention strip, toy retainer strip, magnetic toy rail track, and the like. The retention strip 100 includes a support body 104 extending between a first support body end 106 and a second support body end 108. With reference to FIG. 4, the support body 104 includes a primary support wall 110 extending between the first support body end 106 and the second support body end 108. The support body 104 also includes a first rigid wall 112 rigidly coupled to the primary support wall 110 and extending transversely from the primary support wall 110 in a transverse direction TD. The support body 104 further includes a second rigid wall 114 rigidly coupled to the primary support wall 110, extending transversely from the primary support wall 110 in the transverse direction TD, and spaced from the first rigid wall 112. The primary support wall 110, the first rigid wall 112, and thesecond rigid wall 114 collectively define a retention channel 116 configured to receive the magnetic toy panel 102.

[0062] As such, the retention strip 100 is able to stabilize a magnetic toy panel 102 within the retention channel 116 collectively defined by the primary support wall 110, the first rigid wall 112, and the second rigid wall 114 without increasing an attraction strength of the magnetic toy panel 102 and without requiring any interstitial support such as provided through additional magnetic toy panels 102.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 2-8, 10, 11, and 14A-17, a retention strip assembly 118 includes the retention strip 100 as described herein, and also includes the magnetic toy panel 102 disposable in the retention channel 116 of the retention strip 100. More particularly, the retention strip assembly 118 includes the retention strip 100 having the support body 104 extending between the first support body end 106 and the second support body end 108. The support body 104 includes the primary support wall 110 extending between the first support body end 106 and the second support body end 108. The support body 104 also includes the first rigid wall 112 rigidly coupled to the primary support wall 110 and extending transversely from the primary support wall 110 in the transverse direction TD. The support body 104 further includes the second rigid wall 114 rigidly coupled to the primary support wall 110, extending transversely from the primary support wall 110 in the transverse direction TD, and spaced from the first rigid wall 112. The primary support wall 110, the first rigid wall 112, and the second rigid wall 114 collectively define the retention channel 116. The magnetic toy panel 102 is disposable in the retention channel 116 of the retention strip 100.

[0064] It is to be appreciated that the retention strip assembly 118 may include one, two, three, four, five, or more than five magnetic toy panels 102 disposable in the retention channel116. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 10, 14A, and 14B, the retention strip assembly 118 may be used to form and stabilize a wall of adjacent magnetic toy panels 102. More specifically, the retention strip 100 may be placed upon a surface with the retention channel 116 facing away from the surface. One or more magnetic toy panels 102 may then be disposed in the retention channel 116 such that the one or more magnetic toy panels 102 extend vertically with respect to the surface. Additional magnetic toy panels 102 may then be placed vertically on the magnetic toy panel(s) disposed in the retention channel 116 to increase the height of the wall formed. To this end, the primary support wall 110 of the retention strip 100 may include an outermost surface 120 facing away from the retention channel 116 which is capable of permitting the retention strip assembly 118 to stand vertically once the retention strip 100 is placed upon the surface and the magnetic toy panel(s) are disposed in the retention channel 116. The outermost surface 120 of the primary support wall 110 may be flat, and may have a width to support the retention strip assembly 118 in a vertical orientation.

[0065] Although not required, the retention strip 100 may further include at least one magnetic component 122 coupled to the support body 104. More specifically, the at least one magnet may be coupled to the primary support wall 110. The at least one magnetic component 122 may be any suitable magnetic component for facilitating attraction between the retention strip 100 and the magnetic toy panel 102, such as a permanent magnet, a temporary magnet, a component including ferromagnetic material, and the like. In one embodiment, the primary support wall 110 defines a primary support wall interior 126, and the at least one magnetic component 122 is disposed in the primary support wall interior 126. However, the at least one magnetic component 122 may be coupled to the primary support wall 110 through an adhesive, may be over-molded by the primary support wall 110, or may be otherwise fastened to the primary support wall 110. Theat least one magnetic component 122 coupled to the support body 104 may be one magnet, two magnets, three magnets, four magnets, five magnets, six magnets, seven magnets, eight magnets, nine magnets, ten magnets, or more than ten magnets. The magnetic toy panel 102 may include at least one magnetic component 124 attractable to the at least one magnetic component 122 coupled to the support body 104 of the retention strip 100.10066] The magnetic toy panel 102 may be configured to extend past the first support body end 106 upon attracting the at least one magnetic component 124 of the magnetic toy panel 102 with the at least one magnetic component 122 coupled to the support body 104 of the retention strip 100, or in some embodiments, the at least one magnetic component 122 coupled to the primary support wall 110 of the retention strip 100. In other words, the at least one magnetic component 122 coupled to the support body 104 of the retention strip 100 may be positioned at a location along the retention strip 100 such that alignment of the at least one magnetic component 124 of the magnetic toy panel 102 with the at least one magnetic component 122 coupled to the primary support wall 110 results in the magnetic toy panel 102 extending past the first support body end 106. Moreover, the magnetic toy panel 102, or another magnetic toy panel 102 included in the retention strip assembly 118, may be configured to extend past the second support body end 108 upon attracting the at least one magnetic component 124 of the magnetic toy panel 102, or another magnetic toy panel 102 included in the retention strip assembly 118, with the at least one magnetic component 122 coupled to the support body 104 of the retention strip 100. At least one of the magnetic component 122 coupled to the support body 104 of the retention strip 100 may be positioned at a location along the retention strip 100 such that alignment of the at least one magnetic component 124 of the magnetic toy panel 102, or of another magnetic toy panel 102,with the at least one magnetic component 122 coupled to the support body 104 results in the magnetic toy panel 102 extending past the second support body end 108.

[0067] The magnetic toy panel(s) 102 extending past the first support body end 106 and / or the second support body end 108 provides accessibility for the magnetic toy panel(s) 102 to be attracted to additional toy components, such as to additional magnetic toy panel(s) 102, in order to form larger structures. More particularly, the magnetic toy panel(s) 102 extending past the first support body end 106 and / or the second support body end 108 also prevents physical interferences between the retention strip 100 and additional toy components, such as additional magnetic toy panel(s) 102.

[0068] In one embodiment, the magnetic toy panel 102 is engageable with the first rigid wall 112 and the second rigid wall 114 through a friction fit. The friction fit may be described as a push-fit. Said differently, the first rigid wall 112 and the second rigid wall 114 may provide resistance when disposing the magnetic toy panel(s) 102 in the retention channel 116. The magnetic toy panel 102 being engageable with the first rigid wall 112 and the second rigid wall 114 through a friction fit provides additional stability for the retention strip assembly 118, such as when forming the wall.

[0069] The retention strip assembly 118 may further include a second retention strip 128, as shown in FIGS. 5A-7, 11, 15, and 17. In this embodiment, the retention strip 100 is further defined as a first retention strip 100. The second retention strip 128 may include a support body 130 extending between a first support body end 132 and a second support body end 134. The support body 130 of the second retention strip 128 may include a primary support wall 136 extending between the first support body end 132 and the second support body end 134, a first rigid wall 138 rigidly coupled to the primary support wall 136 and extending transversely from theprimary support wall 136 in a transverse direction TD, and a second rigid wall 142 coupled to the primary support wall 136, extending transversely from the primary support wall 136 in the transverse direction, and spaced from the first rigid wall 138. The primary support wall 136, the first rigid wall 138, and the second rigid wall 140 of the support bodyl30 of the second retention strip 128 collectively define a retention channel 142. roo7oi The magnetic toy panel 102 is disposable in the retention channel 142 of the second retention strip 128. The magnetic toy panel 102 may be further defined as three or more magnetic toy panels 102 disposable in the retention channel 116 of the first retention strip 100 and disposable in the retention channel 142 of the second retention strip 128. The second retention strip 128 may include any of the characteristics of the first retention strip 100 as described herein.

[0071] As such, the retention strip assembly 118 is able to stabilize the magnetic toy panel(s) 102 disposed in the retention channels 116, 142 collectively defined by the primary support walls 110, 136, the first rigid walls 112, 138, and the second rigid walls 112, 140, respectively, without physically interfering with an additional toy intended to move across, such as roll or slide across, the magnetic toy panel(s) 102. The additional toy may be a toy ball, as shown in FIG. 5B, or may be a toy car, as shown in FIG. 5C, as non-limiting examples. Thus, it is to be appreciated that the retention strip assembly 118 may form a horizontal platform surface in the embodiments where the retention strip assembly 118 includes the first retention strip 100 and the second retention strip 128.

[0072] Returning to the retention strip 100 itself, the first rigid wall 112 may have a first inner surface 144 facing the second rigid wall 114 and the second rigid wall 114 may have a second inner surface 146 facing the first rigid wall 112. Although not required, the first inner surface 144 and the second inner surface 146 may extend parallel to one another and away fromthe primary support wall 110 in the transverse direction TD. The first inner surface 144 and the second inner surface 146 may parallel corresponding surfaces on the magnetic toy panel 102. Moreover, the first inner surface 144 and the second inner surface 146 may be smooth to permit the magnetic toy panel 102 to selectively slide into the retention channel 116. It is to be appreciated that the first inner surface 144 and the second inner surface 146 may be smooth to also permit the magnetic toy panel 102 to selectively slide out of the retention channel 116. More particularly, in the embodiments where the first inner surface 144 and the second inner surface 146 are smooth, the magnetic toy panel 102 may still encounter resistance, such as the friction fit, when selectively sliding in and out of the retention channel 116. However, resistance encountered by the magnetic toy panel 102 when selectively sliding into and out of the retention channel 116 may be approximately continuous. In other words, resistance encountered by the magnetic toy panel 102 when selectively sliding into retention channel 116 may not significantly increase as the magnetic toy panel 102 approaches the primary support wall 110.

[0073] The primary support wall 110, the first rigid wall 112, and the second rigid wall 114 may together form a U-shape defining the retention channel 116. The U-shape formed by the primary support wall 110, the first rigid wall 112, and the second rigid wall 114 may approximate a right angle between the primary support wall 110 and the first rigid wall 112, and may approximate a right angle between the primary support wall 110 and the second rigid wall 114. However, the right angles approximated between the primary support wall 110 and the first and / or second rigid walls 112, 114 need not be sharp, and may include a degree of curvature. The retention strip 100 may also be symmetrical relative to the first support body end 106 and the second support body end 108. In other words, the retention strip 100 may be symmetrical about aplane bisecting the retention strip 100, with the first support body end 106 and the second support body end 108 on either side of the plane.

[0074] The primary support wall 110 may taper inwardly toward the first support body end 106, and the primary support wall 110 may taper inwardly toward the second support body end 108. The inward taper toward the first support body end 106 and toward the second support body end 108 prevents physical interferences between the retention strip 100 and adjacent magnetic toy panels 102 and / or adjacent retention strips 100. Moreover, the inward tapers toward the first support body end 106 and toward the second support body end 108 may permit additional toys, such as toy cars, to roll or slide up the inward taper and onto the retention strip 100. In a nonlimiting example, the inward tapers toward the first support body end 106 and toward the second support body end 108 may permit additional toys, such as toy cars, to roll or slide up the inward taper and onto either of the first rigid wall 112 and the second rigid wall 114. It is also to be appreciated that the first rigid wall 112 may taper inwardly toward the first support body end 106 and may taper inwardly toward the second support body end 108. Similarly, the second rigid wall 114 may also taper inwardly toward the first support body end 106 and may taper inwardly toward the second support body end 108. The inward tapers of the primary support wall 110, the first rigid wall 112, and the second rigid wall 114 toward the first support body end 106 and the second support body end 108 may all correspond to one another and may be essentially the same.

[0075] Although not required, the primary support wall 110 may taper inwardly toward the first support body end 106 at an angle between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees. The primary support wall 110 may taper inwardly toward the second support body end 108 at an angle between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees. The angle at which the primary support wall 110 tapers inwardly toward the first support body end 106 may be the same as the angle at whichthe primary support wall 110 tapers inwardly toward the second support body end 108, although they may also taper inwardly at different angles. The primary support wall 110 may taper inwardly toward the first and / or second support body ends 106, 108 at an angle between about 5 degrees and about 40 degrees, between about 5 degrees and about 35 degrees, between about 5 degrees and about 30 degrees, between about 5 degrees and about 25 degrees, between about 10 degrees and about 25 degrees, between about 10 degrees and about 20 degrees, or about 15 degrees. The inward tapers of the first rigid wall 112 and the second rigid wall 114 toward the first support body end 106 and the second support body end 108 may all be at the same angle as the angle at which the primary support wall tapers inwardly toward the first support body end 106 and the second support body end 108.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, the first rigid wall 112 may include a first rail wall 148 extending away from the second rigid wall 114, and the second rigid wall 114 may include a second rail wall 150 extending away from the first rigid wall 112. Although not required, the first rail wall 148 may extend from a distal end 152 of the first rigid wall 112, and the second rail wall 150 may extend from a distal end 154 of the second rigid wall 114. The first rail wall 148 and the second rail wall 150 may taper inwardly toward the first support body end 106, and the first rail wall 148 and the second rail wall 150 may taper inwardly toward the second support body end 108. The angle at which the first rail wall 148 and the second rail wall 150 taper inwardly toward the first support body end 106 and the angle at which the first rail wall 148 and the second rail wall 150 taper inwardly toward the second support body end 108 may be the same as the angle at which the primary support wall 110 tapers inwardly toward the first support body end 106 and the second support body end 108, respectively.

[0077] The first rail wall 148 and / or the second rail wall 150 may assist in guiding an additional toy, such as the toy car or toy ball depicted, in rolling or sliding across the magnetic toy panel(s) 102 disposed in the retention channel 116. More specifically, the first rail wall 148 and / or the second rail wall 150 of the first retention strip 100 may prevent the additional toy, such as the toy car or toy ball depicted, from falling off of the magnetic toy panel(s) 102 on a side of the magnetic toy panel(s) 102 adjacent to the first retention strip 100. Moreover, the first rail wall 148 and / or the second rail wall 150 of the second retention strip 128 may prevent the additional toy, such as the toy car or toy ball depicted, from falling off of the magnetic toy panel(s) 102 on a side of the magnetic toy panel(s) 102 adjacent to the second retention strip 128. Thus, the first rail walls 148, 156 and / or the second rail walls 150, 158 of the first and second retention strips 100, 128, respectively, cooperate to guide the additional toy in rolling or sliding across the magnetic toy panel(s) 102 disposed in the retention channels 116, 142.

[0078] In one embodiment of the retention strip 100, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the support body 104 has a straight configuration and extends along a support wall axis Al between the first support body end 106 and the second support body end 108. In another embodiment of the retention strip 100, as shown in FIGS. 12-14B, the support body 104 is further defined as a first support body 104, and the retention strip 100 further comprises a second support body 160 pivotably coupled to the first support body 104 such that the first support body 104 and the second support body 160 are pivotable with respect to one another about a pivot axis A2. More specifically, the first support body 104 may include one chosen from a male hinge 162 and a female hinge 164, and the second support body 160 may include the other of the male hinge 162 and the female hinge 164. The male hinge 162 is engageable with the female hinge 164 to pivotably couple the first support body 104 and the second support body 160. The retention strip 100 may furtherinclude a third support body 168 having the characteristics of the first and second support bodies104, 160 as described herein.

[0079] In another embodiment of the retention strip 100, the support body 104 includes two or more straight portions 166 angled relative to one another. The support body 104 may include two straight portions 166, three straight portions 166, four straight portions 166, five straight portions 166, six straight portions 166, seven straight portions 166, or more than seven straight portions 166 angled relative to one another. Although not required, the two or more straight portions 166 may be angled relative to one another such that the support body 104 approximates a curve between the first support body end 106 and the second support body end 108, as shown in FIGS. 9-11. Although shown in FIGS. 9-11 as approximating a curve, it is to be appreciated that the two or more straight portions 166 may approximate other shapes and may take other forms. For instance, the two or more straight portions may be at approximate right angles to one another. In a non-limiting example, two straight portions 166 may be approximately at a right angle relative to one another. In another non-limiting example, three or more straight portions may be at approximate right angles relative to their respective adjacent straight portions 166 to form a step or series of steps (e.g. stairs). It is to be appreciated that three straight portions 166 may be at approximate right angles relative to their respective adjacent straight portions 166 and form a step, and five or more straight portions 166 may be at approximate right angles relative to their respective adjacent straight portions 166 to form a series of steps (e.g. stairs).

[0080] In one embodiment, the retention strip assembly 118 includes first and second retention strips 100, 128 having support bodies 104, 130 including two or more straight portions 166 angled relative to one another. In one such embodiment, the retention strip assembly 118 includes first and second retention strips 100, 128 having support bodies 104, 130 includingtwo or more straight portions 166 angled relative to one another such that the support bodies 104, 130 approximate a curve between the first support body ends 106, 132 and the second support body ends 108, 134, as shown in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, the magnetic toy panels 102 disposed in the retention channels 116, 142 also approximate a curve and the retention strip assembly 118 permits an additional toy, such as a toy vehicle or a toy ball, to roll or slide down the curve approximated by the magnetic toy panels 102. In another such embodiment, the retention strip assembly 118 includes first and second retention strips 100, 128 having support bodies 104, 130 including three or more straight portions 166 at approximate right angles relative to their respective adjacent straight portions 166 such that the support bodies 104, 130 approximate a step. In another such embodiment, the retention strip assembly 118 includes first and second retention strips 100, 128 having support bodies 104, 130 including five or more straight portions 166 at approximate right angles relative to their respective adjacent straight portions 166 such that the support bodies 104, 130 approximate a series of steps (e.g. stairs).

[0081] Four embodiments of the toy track rail are provided in Figures 18-49. The broken lines in Figures 18-49 depict portions of the toy track rail that form no part of the claimed design. The breaks within Figures 26-33 defined with broken lines represent an indefinite length of the claimed design. The portion of the toy track rail within the break of Figures 26-33 is unclaimed. The broken lines in with extended linear segments in Figures 42-49 define a boundary of the claimed design, but do not exist in the reality of the toy track rail. Reference numerals throughout Figures 18-49 have been intentionally omitted to avoid obstructing the ornamental design of the four embodiments.

[0082] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words ofdescription rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0083] Statement 1: A retention strip for retaining a magnetic toy panel, said retention strip comprising: a support body extending between a first support body end and a second support body end, with said support body comprising, a primary support wall extending between said first support body end and said second support body end, a first rigid wall rigidly coupled to said primary support wall and extending transversely from said primary support wall in a transverse direction, and a second rigid wall rigidly coupled to said primary support wall, extending transversely from said primary support wall in said transverse direction, and spaced from said first rigid wall, wherein said primary support wall, said first rigid wall, and said second rigid wall collectively define a retention channel configured to receive the magnetic toy panel.

[0084] Statement 2: The retention strip as set forth in statement 1, wherein said first rigid wall has a first inner surface facing said second rigid wall, wherein said second rigid wall has a second inner surface facing said first rigid wall, and wherein said first inner surface and said second inner surface extend parallel to one another and away from said primary support wall in said transverse direction.

[0085] Statement 3: The retention strip as set forth in statement 2, wherein said first inner surface and said second inner surface are smooth to permit the magnetic toy panel to selectively slide into said retention channel.

[0086] Statement 4: The retention strip as set forth in any one of statements 1-3, wherein said primary support wall, said first rigid wall, and said second rigid wall together form a U-shape defining said retention channel.

[0087] Statement 5: The retention strip as set forth in any one of statements 1-4, further comprising at least one magnetic component coupled to said support body.

[0088] Statement 6: The retention strip assembly as set forth in statement 5, wherein said at least one magnetic component is coupled to said primary support wall.

[0089] Statement 7: The retention strip as set forth in statement 6, wherein said primary support wall defines a primary support wall interior, and wherein said at least one magnetic component is disposed in said primary support wall interior.

[0090] Statement 8: The retention strip as set forth in any one of statements 1-7, wherein said support body is symmetrical relative to said first support body end and said second support body end.

[0091] Statement 9: The retention strip as set forth in any one of statements 1-8, wherein said primary support wall tapers inwardly toward said first support body end, and wherein said primary support wall tapers inwardly toward said second support body end.

[0092] Statement 10: The retention strip as set forth in any one of statements 1 -9, wherein said first rigid wall comprises a first rail wall extending away from said second rigid wall, and wherein said second rigid wall comprises a second rail wall extending away from said first rigid wall.

[0093] Statement 11 : The retention strip as set forth in statement 10, wherein said first rail wall extends from a distal end of said first rigid wall, and wherein said second rail wall extends from a distal end of said second rigid wall.

[0094] Statement 12: The retention strip as set forth in any one of statements 10 and 11 , wherein said first rail wall and said second rail wall taper inwardly to ward said first support body end, and wherein said first rail wall and said second rail wall taper inwardly toward said second support body end.

[0095] Statement 13: The retention strip as set forth in any one of statements 1-12, wherein said support body has a straight configuration and extends along a support wall axis between said first support body end and said second support body end.

[0096] Statement 14: The retention strip as set forth in any one of statements 1-12, wherein said support body is further defined as a first support body, and wherein said retention strip further comprises a second support body pivotably couplable to said first support body such that said first support body and said second support body are pivotable with respect to one another about a pivot axis.

[0097] Statement 15: The retention strip as set forth in statement 14, wherein said first support body comprises one of a male hinge and a female hinge, wherein said second support body comprises the other of said male hinge and said female hinge, and wherein said male hinge is engageable with said female hinge to pivotably couple said first support body and said second support body.

[0098] Statement 16: The retention strip as set forth in any one of statements 1-12, wherein said support body comprises two or more straight portions angled relative to one another.

[0099] Statement 17: The retention strip as set forth in statement 16, wherein said two or more straight portions are angled relative to one another such that said support body approximates a curve between said first support body end and said second support body end.

[0100] Statement 18: A retention strip assembly comprising: a retention strip having a support body extending between a first support body end and a second support body end, with said support body comprising, a primary support wall extending between said first support body end and said second support body end, a first rigid wall rigidly coupled to said primary support wall and extending transversely from said primary support wall in a transverse direction, and a second rigid wall rigidly coupled to said primary support wall, extending transversely from said primary support wall in said transverse direction, and spaced from said first rigid wall, wherein said primary support wall, said first rigid wall, and said second rigid wall collectively define a retention channel; and a magnetic toy panel disposable in said retention channel of said retention strip.

[0101] Statement 19: The retention strip assembly as set forth in statement 18, wherein said retention strip further comprises at least one magnetic component coupled to said primary support wall, and wherein said magnetic toy panel comprises at least one magnetic component attractable to said at least one magnetic component coupled to said primary support wall of said retention strip for retaining said magnetic toy panel in said retention channel.

[0102] Statement 20: The retention strip assembly as set forth in statement 19, wherein said magnetic toy panel is configured to extend past said first support body end uponattracting said at least one magnetic component of said magnetic toy panel with said at least one magnetic component coupled to said primary support wall of said retention strip.

[0103] Statement 21: The retention strip assembly as set forth in any one of statements 18-20, wherein said magnetic toy panel is engageable with said first rigid wall and said second rigid wall through a friction fit.

[0104] Statement 22: The retention strip assembly as set forth in any one of statements 18-21, wherein said retention strip is further defined as a first retention strip, and wherein said retention strip assembly further comprises a second retention strip having a support body extending between a first support body end and a second support body end, with said support body of said second retention strip comprising, a primary support wall extending between said first support body end and said second support body end, a first rigid wall rigidly coupled to said primary support wall and extending transversely from said primary support wall in a transverse direction, and a second rigid wall rigidly coupled to said primary support wall, extending transversely from said primary support wall in said transverse direction, and spaced from said first rigid wall, wherein said primary support wall of said second retention strip, said first rigid wall of said second retention strip, and said second rigid wall of said second retention strip collectively define a retention channel; and wherein said magnetic toy panel is disposable in said retention channel of said second retention strip.

[0105] Statement 23: The retention strip assembly as set forth in statement 22, wherein said magnetic toy panel is further defined as three or more magnetic toy panels disposable in said retention channel of said first retention strip and disposable in said retention channel of said second retention strip.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A retention strip for retaining a magnetic toy panel, said retention strip comprising: a support body extending between a first support body end and a second support body end, with said support body comprising, a primary support wall extending between said first support body end and said second support body end, a first rigid wall rigidly coupled to said primary support wall and extending transversely from said primary support wall in a transverse direction, and a second rigid wall rigidly coupled to said primary support wall, extending transversely from said primary support wall in said transverse direction, and spaced from said first rigid wall, wherein said primary support wall, said first rigid wall, and said second rigid wall collectively define a retention channel configured to receive the magnetic toy panel.

2. The retention strip as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first rigid wall has a first inner surface facing said second rigid wall, wherein said second rigid wall has a second inner surface facing said first rigid wall, and wherein said first inner surface and said second inner surface extend parallel to one another and away from said primary support wall in said transverse direction.

3. The retention strip as set forth in claim 2, wherein said first inner surface and said second inner surface are smooth to permit the magnetic toy panel to selectively slide into said retention channel.

4. The retention strip as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said primary support wall, said first rigid wall, and said second rigid wall together form a U-shape defining said retention channel.

5. The retention strip as set forth in claim 1, further comprising at least one magnetic component coupled to said support body.

6. The retention strip assembly as set forth in claim 5, wherein said at least one magnetic component is coupled to said primary support wall.

7. The retention strip as set forth in claim 6, wherein said primary support wall defines a primary support wall interior, and wherein said at least one magnetic component is disposed in said primary support wall interior.

8. The retention strip as set forth in claim 1, wherein said support body is symmetrical relative to said first support body end and said second support body end.

9. The retention strip as set forth in claim 1, wherein said primary support wall tapers inwardly toward said first support body end, and wherein said primary support wall tapers inwardly toward said second support body end.

10. The retention strip as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first rigid wall comprises a first rail wall extending away from said second rigid wall, and wherein said second rigid wall comprises a second rail wall extending away from said first rigid wall.

11. The retention strip as set forth in claim 10, wherein said first rail wall extends from a distal end of said first rigid wall, and wherein said second rail wall extends from a distal end of said second rigid wall.

12. The retention strip as set forth in claim 10, wherein said first rail wall and said second rail wall taper inwardly toward said first support body end, and wherein said first rail wall and said second rail wall taper inwardly toward said second support body end.

13. The retention strip as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said support body has a straight configuration and extends along a support wall axis between said first support body end and said second support body end.

14. The retention strip as set forth in claim 1, wherein said support body is further defined as a first support body, and wherein said retention strip further comprises a second support body pivotably couplable to said first support body such that said first support body and said second support body are pivotable with respect to one another about a pivot axis.

15. The retention strip as set forth in claim 14, wherein said first support body comprises one of a male hinge and a female hinge, wherein said second support body comprises the other of said male hinge and said female hinge, and wherein said male hinge is engageable with said female hinge to pivotably couple said first support body and said second support body.

16. The retention strip as set forth in claim 1, wherein said support body comprises two or more straight portions angled relative to one another.

17. The retention strip as set forth in claim 16, wherein said two or more straight portions are angled relative to one another such that said support body approximates a curve between said first support body end and said second support body end.

18. A retention strip assembly comprising: a retention strip having a support body extending between a first support body end and a second support body end, with said support body comprising, a primary support wall extending between said first support body end and said second support body end, a first rigid wall rigidly coupled to said primary support wall and extending transversely from said primary support wall in a transverse direction, anda second rigid wall rigidly coupled to said primary support wall, extending transversely from said primary support wall in said transverse direction, and spaced from said first rigid wall, wherein said primary support wall, said first rigid wall, and said second rigid wall collectively define a retention channel; and a magnetic toy panel disposable in said retention channel of said retention strip.

19. The retention strip assembly as set forth in claim 18, wherein said retention strip further comprises at least one magnetic component coupled to said primary support wall, and wherein said magnetic toy panel comprises at least one magnetic component attractable to said at least one magnetic component coupled to said primary support wall of said retention strip for retaining said magnetic toy panel in said retention channel.

20. The retention strip assembly as set forth in claim 19, wherein said magnetic toy panel is configured to extend past said first support body end upon attracting said at least one magnetic component of said magnetic toy panel with said at least one magnetic component coupled to said primary support wall of said retention strip.

21. The retention strip assembly as set forth in claim 18, wherein said magnetic toy panel is engageable with said first rigid wall and said second rigid wall through a friction fit.

22. The retention strip assembly as set forth in claim 18, wherein said retention strip is further defined as a first retention strip, and wherein said retention strip assembly further comprises a second retention strip having a support body extending between a first support body end and a second support body end, with said support body of said second retention strip comprising, a primary support wall extending between said first support body end and said second support body end,a first rigid wall rigidly coupled to said primary support wall and extending transversely from said primary support wall in a transverse direction, and a second rigid wall rigidly coupled to said primary support wall, extending transversely from said primary support wall in said transverse direction, and spaced from said first rigid wall, wherein said primary support wall of said second retention strip, said first rigid wall of said second retention strip, and said second rigid wall of said second retention strip collectively define a retention channel; and wherein said magnetic toy panel is disposable in said retention channel of said second retention strip.

23. The retention strip assembly as set forth in claim 22, wherein said magnetic toy panel is further defined as three or more magnetic toy panels disposable in said retention channel of said first retention strip and disposable in said retention channel of said second retention strip.

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