The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 27, 1998
Filed:
Nov. 24, 1997
Learning Curve International, L.L.C., Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A toy vehicle switch track comprising a junction element having an incoming track and a plurality of outgoing tracks, a pivotable switching mechanism, an activator bar, and a guide slot. The pivotable switching mechanism is positioned at an intersection between the incoming track and the outgoing track, and guides a toy vehicle from the incoming track to one of the outgoing tracks. The activator bar has first and second ends and passes through the junction element from a first junction element edge to a second junction element edge. The activator bar engages a portion of the pivotable switching mechanism wherein the activator bar is used to alternately position the pivotable switching mechanism between the plurality of outgoing tracks. The first end and the second end each comprise a handle. The opposing handles provide an alternating resistive force against the first junction element edge and the second junction element edge to prevent over-travel of the pivotable switching element. The guide slot is recessed into the junction element and has a shape defined by a wall. The guide slot is positioned between the incoming track and the plurality of outgoing tracks. A portion of the pivotable switching mechanism traverses the guide slot.