Robert C Simon

US Patent:

53685148, Nov 29, 1994

Filed:

Feb 14, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/195734

Inventors:

Joel I. Glickman - Huntingdon Valley PA
Robert E. Simon - Southampton PA

Assignee:

Connector Set Limited Partnership - Hatfield PA

International Classification:

A63H 1800

US Classification:

446122

Abstract:

A construction toy system is disclosed for the assembly of a guide track structure for a wheeled vehicle. Basic structural components, comprising rod-like struts and molded plastic connector elements adapted for snap-together attachment to the strut elements, enable support structures to be assembled. One or more guide track elements is provided, preferably in the form of a continuous, slotted flexible tube, typically formed by extrusion of plastic material. Special track-mounting connector elements are formed with track-mounting lugs which extend through the slotted side of the tubular track element to provide internal support. Track-mounting lugs are positioned at spaced points throughout the structure, providing spaced support for the track element. The flexible track element is self-supporting between mounting lugs, and conforms readily and smoothly to vertical and horizontal contours of the structure. An intermediate clip-like support device, which attaches to but does not form part of the structural framework, provides additional and optimized support of the flexible track between fixed support points, where such additional support is necessary or desirable.