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Title:
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING TOY MOVING OBJECT BETWEEN DISLOCATED SLOT TRACK SEGMENTS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2008/043235
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A motor driven transporter for transporting a moving toy object over an interruption in a slot track system where said interruption is between an incoming track segment and an outgoing track segment, comprising: (a) a dock for holding and restraining said toy object; (b) a support structure for sustaining or supporting said dock; and (c) a motor for moving said dock between said incoming track segment and said outgoing track segment.

Inventors:
NGAI KAM FAI DANNY (CN)
Application Number:
PCT/CN2007/002552
Publication Date:
April 17, 2008
Filing Date:
August 23, 2007
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
ARTIN IND CO LTD (CN)
NGAI KAM FAI DANNY (CN)
International Classes:
A63H18/02; B61J1/02; B61J1/10
Foreign References:
US5174569A1992-12-29
CN2101003U1992-04-08
CN2216019Y1995-12-27
US6173654B12001-01-16
US5102133A1992-04-07
US4254576A1981-03-10
US5440996A1995-08-15
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
NTD PATENT & TRADEMARK AGENCY LIMITED BEIJING OFFICE (Block A Investment Plaza, 27 Jinrongdajie, Beijing 2, CN)
Download PDF:
Claims:

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A motor driven transporter for transporting a moving toy object over an interruption in a slot track system where said interruption is between an incoming track segment and an outgoing track segment, comprising:

(a) a dock for holding and restraining said toy object;

(b) a support structure for sustaining or supporting said dock; and

(c) a motor for moving said dock between said incoming track segment and said outgoing track segment.

Description:

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING TOY MOVING OBJECT BETWEEN DISLOCATED SLOT TRACK SEGMENTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to slot track system for playing a plurality of toy moving objects.

Particularly, it relates to a method and motor-driving device for transporting a moving toy object between separated or dislocated slot track segments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Playing a moving toy object (such as a car) along a slot track system is very popular among children, particularly the electricity-driven systems. Conventionally, the slot track system is largely continuous with few or no interruptions/gaps. There are devices or mechanisms known in the art that are built in the track system to help the moving object go over interruptions or gaps in the track but they are driven by momentum or gravity. Due to their reliance on gravity or momentum, these devices or mechanisms are known to have stability and positioning problems, causing inconsistent, non-smooth operation and design limitation, and eventually player's frustrations. The movement by momentum and/or gravitational force can in general only drive the toy object in horizontal or slightly tilt up orientation and they cannot bring an object to run on a curve pathway or with rotations. Nonetheless, the track system with a variety of interruptions is more interesting and increases play values. Thus, there is a need for designing a new type of devices and mechanisms that do not rely on gravity or momentum and can smoothly and reliably transport moving toy objects over greater and different interruptions built-in the track system to allow endless possibilities of interesting and exotic design of the track system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As an object of the present invention, there is provided a transporting device (transporter) driven either by an electric motor or manually by the player's hand or foot, which can provide smooth operation in transporting moving toy objects cross interruptions and gaps built-in the track system. The transporter of the present invention in general comprises a dock, a motor and a

support structure. Of course, if it is driven manually, the motor may be replaced by a handle or foot pad linked to a mechanic transmission system through which the manpower may be transmitted to move the dock. The following disclosure however will focus the motor driven version and it is contemplated that based on the motor version, a corresponding manual version can be designed by people of ordinary skill in the art.

The transporter according to the present invention takes or loads the moving object on the dock upon its arrival at an end of a first segment (or the incoming segment); a mechanism is triggered to start a sequence of circuit setting which allows a series of motion of the dock to carry the toy object from the first segment (incoming segment) across the interruption or gap to a second segment (or the outgoing segment) which is not in connection or continuity with the first segment. During this pathway, the toy object can be locked firmly to stay on the dock by a Stopper & Locking device. When the dock reaches the second segment, the stopper will be released to let the toy object move away. The dock will then be return to the first segment and complete one cycle of movement.

The transporters reduce or eliminate the stability problems and their design and positioning is not limited or restricted due to the difficulties usually associated with the application of gravity or momentum forces. With one or more such transporting devices designed and integrated in a slot track system, which provide continuity between various dislocated track segments, a vast variety of interesting slot track system can be designed and configured where the continuity of the track may be interrupted in a number of interesting ways, for example, such as dislocated vertically or horizontally, or by a gap, or due to the next slot segment being located on the opposite side surface of the track segment (FIG. 72). The device may optionally be decorated with various ornaments, audio elements and/or lighting visual elements (such as colorful LEDs). The transporting process or moving action may optionally be accompanied with music, lighting and/or rotating of the object.

In the following as well as in the enclosed drawings, particular embodiments of the transporter according to the present invention are present for illustration of, but not as limitation to, the inventive concept of the present invention. Particularly, a transporter referred to as "180

Elevator" is described as an example of providing continuity between track segments dislocated vertically; a transporter referred to as "Cross Flyer" is described as an example of providing continuity between track segments dislocated horizontally; a transporter referred to as "Air Runner" is described as an example of providing continuity between track segments dislocated due to a gap; and a transporter referred to as "Electric Tower" is described as an example of providing continuity between track slots located on opposite side surfaces of the same track segment. Various other transporters, based on the same inventive concept of the present invention, may come readily to the mind of people with ordinary skill in the art and indeed the present invention contemplates any motorized and man-powered transporter that provides continuity for toy object moving along a slot track system built with various dislocated track segments for increasing the play value and flexibility in building a customized slot track system.

Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a "Common Adjuster" which serves as an adapter for fitting the various transporter with the normal track segment allows the toy object moving into the transporter from the normal track segment at one end/incoming terminal and then moving out of the transporter into the normal track segment at the other end/outgoing terminal of the interruption. The common adjuster provides continuity of the tracking slot and electric power line between various irregular shape transporters and regular shaped normal track segments at the terminals. The adjuster provides convenient or flexible connection between the transporter and the end of a dislocated track segment. The adjuster is also a cost-saving method, because normal wear and tear occurs mostly in the intersection area between the transporter and the normal track segment and it is much less expensive to replace a smaller adjuster which sits between the transporter and the track segment than the transporter or the much larger normal track segment. The entrance and exit ends of the common adjuster have different configurations and they can be positioned to connect with either incoming or outgoing terminal of the dock or supporter. The entrance-exit orientation can be predetermined in the layout setting so that common adjusters with different entrance-exit orientations are available to fit the transporter in various designs of slot track systems of different styles.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better

understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings and the following description in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A total of 78 figures (FIGs 1-6, FIGs 7 and 7a, and FIGs 8-77) are included herewith for providing details of some particular embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

180-Elevator

Referring to FIGs. 1-5, the 180-Elevator is a transporter that moves the toy object between two slot track segments dislocated vertically or perpendicularly relative to the surface plane of the track segments. Of course, the surface plane can be positioned at a arbitrary degree relative to the horizontal line, preferably, at 0° or 90°. The Elevator comprises two support structure sustaining the two dislocated track segments/terminals, a dock for carrying the toy object (a car, for example), a rack and pinion power transmission located in each support structure, a motor driving one or both pinions are preferably located in the dock . On a first surface of the dock located a slot and two metal strips. The dock located between the two support structures, preferably sustained on a longitude axis (or shaft) into each end of which the pinions are installed. As the pinion is movably engaged with the rack fixed in the supporting structure, at the turning of the pinion, the dock moves up and down along the rack, depending on the turning direction of the pinion. Of course, other suitable power transmission mechanisms may also be used and provide satisfactory results. Rack — a straight bar with teeth on the surfaces; while pinion is something like a gear with teeth. Placing the pinion on the rack, applying a force on the pinion could drive it moving up or down step by step. This is so-called a rack and pinion system. During the transporting process, the moving toy object would firstly run to the single lane straight track (incoming track) which is connected to the incoming terminal of dock and then rested at a proper position on the dock by a stopper or without a stopper depending on the orientation of the dock in a particular embodiment of track layout. A common adjuster on the

support structure at the incoming end and outgoing end provides continuity of the track slot and power line between the normal track segment and the single lane straight track of the dock (FIGs 2 and 23). The moving object, by his weight or other means, presses on a trigger on the dock surface while it stopped there and starts the motor which, through pinion and rack power transmission or other methods, lowers the dock carrying the toy object from a first position (for example a higher position) to a second position (for example a lower position). Optionally, the dock with the toy object may rotate an arbitrary degree, either before, during or after the dock is moved from the first position to the second position. In a preferred embodiment, the rotation happens at the same time as the dock moves from the first position to the second position and the degree of the rotation is 180°. If the rotation is 180°, the dock and the toy object will be turned up-side-down and the toy object will be running away in an upside down orientation onto the track segment at the outgoing end (fitted with a common adjuster). Obviously, the outgoing track segment must be facing a direction opposite to the one the incoming track segment is facing if the rotation is 180° . In practice, the rotation may be in an arbitrary degree and the outgoing track segment just need to adjust its orientation accordingly to accommodate the orientation of the dock after the rotation. Rotation is preferably driven by the same motor with a proper gear transmission system. The toy object may be constrained to the dock during its rotation by mechanic or magnetic means, which is within ordinary skill of the people in the art. As a preferred example, the anti-gravity T-slot is convenient, simple mechanical method for constrains the toy object. The moving object with a guide pin under the chassis is in T-shape, a protruded part in the lower end of the guide pin, which could be held by a slot on the dock surface in reversal T-shape. As the width of the slot is smaller than the diameter of the T-shape guide pin so that the moving object would not fall off the dock during the rotation and a direction that opposite to upright. Combining electric circuit and mechanical designs, the 180 Elevator could perform smooth and accurate motion in a long moving path without hesitation. The stability is very high compared with previous design in slot racing set which uses 2 deadweights as a balance force to allow the moving track back to original position after performing the transport action. In addition, the performance, downward moving together with rotation, is an exemplary new design and the visual effect is much stronger than the previous design with up and down action only. Other combination of concurrent movements of the dock can also be implemented. With the

motor driving and securing the movement of the dock, the elevator could be placed vertically or horizontally or at arbitrary angle according to the user's preference, thereby increasing flexibility of the layout designing. A stopper and locking device (described in below) is built in the dock so that it could guide and hold the moving object at the exact position until it reaches the outgoing track segment.

FIGs. 23-32 are drawings and photographs, providing more details and variations for implementing 180-Elevator. FIG. 73 shows an operating sequence of 180 Elevator.

Cross Flyer Referring to FIGs. 6-9, the Cross Flyer is a transporter that moves the toy object between two slot track segments dislocated horizontally or in parallel with the surface plane of the track segment, which of course can be at an arbitrary angle relative to the horizontal line (i.e., within the sea surface plane).

The Cross Flyer transporter comprises a dock and support structure. In this particular embodiment of a Cross Flyer, the support structure has a frame panel supported by three legs, preferably, adjustable legs. The frame defines a square opening to accommodate the dock (in other words, the dock is deposited in the opening), which itself in this embodiment is a square- shaped frame having four sides. At approximately the middle points of two opposite sites of the dock, there is a shaft and bearing type of connection between dock and supporting structure so that dock can rotate along an actual or imaginary axis passing through the two points connecting to the support structure. On each of the other two opposite sides of the dock, there is a single- lane straight track docking position to receive a toy object. Similarly as in the 180 Elevator, there are Common Adjusters on the support structure for providing continuities in terms of slot tracking and power supplying line between the dock and the normal track segment (at both incoming end and outgoing end).

During the transport by the Cross Flyer, from the incoming track segment the moving toy object, or optionally two moving toy objects each running along a single lane track segment at the same time, will enter a single-lane straight track docking position on one side of the dock and either held in a proper position through a locking mechanical gate built-in under the slot on the dock surface or stay on the dock surface by a mechanic means such as, for example, the anti- gravity T-slot. While the toy object is entering onto the dock, it will press on a button built on

the square fame and trigger the motor to rotate the dock frame 180 degree. As the result of rotation, not only will the toy object move to the opposite side of the support structure and align with the outgoing track segment but also change from the up right orientation to the upside down orientation. Of course, in this particular embodiment, the incoming and outgoing track segments must facing towards opposite directions. Once completing the 180° rotation and having the toy object aligned well with the Common Adjuster at the outgoing side, the dock would press down another mechanical button to release the toy object if it is held by locking mechanical gate. It could start to move to another 180 degree if another moving toy object arrives to the right position to trigger the button for motion. In other words, in one complete cycle of the dock (rotating 180°) because the dock has 2 single lane docking positions, it can transport two toy objects from the incoming track segment to the outgoing track segment. Similar to the 180 Elevator, the horizontal frame of the support structure may be positioned at an arbitrary angle to the horizontal line. As in all the transporters, the Common Adjusters are used to achieve a convenient fitting between the dock of the transport and the normal track segments at both ends of the dislocated track.

Cross Flyer could have different connecting configurations (FIG. 9). Cross-flyer is available to connect with either one of the individual lane track segment or both individual lane track segment by the design of the track construction. If the cross-flyer is connected with one individual lane then only one moving object would enter and sit securely on the dock for the rotation of the dock frame. However, player could connect the cross-flyer with the two separated individual lane track segments so that two moving objects could arrive and land on the dock frame and thus trigger the rotation. It means both moving object could be held and carried from incoming end to the outgoing end of track segments at the same time. This could give a new challenge to players, as the movement of the dock platform could be triggered by either moving object thus the opponent player would be failed to perform if one player could well control and catch up the right moment to start off the movement. This feature could greatly enhance the interaction between players. For example, the skillful player could win the game by starting off the action of movement platform so that another player's moving object might be falling off from the dock frame as the dock may have already left the terminal.

FIGs. 33-44 are drawings and photographs, providing more details and variations for

implementing Cross Flyer. FIG. 75 shows an operating sequence of Cross Flyer.

Air Runner

Referring to FIGs. 11 and 14, the Air Runner is a transporter that moves the toy abject, through the air, between two normal slot track segments separated by a large gap.

The Air Runner transporter comprises a dock, a movable arm and a support structure. In a particular embodiment of an Air Runner, the dock is supported on the tip of the arm, which is connected to a shaft fixed in the support structure. With the turning of the shaft, driven by a motor preferably located in the support structure, the arm moves the dock along an arch line in the air from the incoming track segment to the outgoing track segment. At each end (i.e., the incoming end or outgoing end), the dock align its own slot track with the Common Adjuster which is connected with slot track on the normal track segment at both ends of the dislocated track, resulting continuity both in the tracking slot and power supply line. The dock may have a convex track surface or platform as shown in the figures or other curved or flat surface as long as it does not interferes with the movement of a toy object entering the dock from the incoming track segment or leaving the dock to the outgoing track segment. The support structure may have one or more legs, preferably adjustable, standing on the ground. It may also use the incoming and outgoing track segments as sole or additional support (in addition to the dedicated supporting legs) to sustained it in the air. In a particular embodiment, the transporting process starts when an moving toy object passes through a common adjuster from the incoming track segment, and then lands on the convex track platform of the dock, it presses a trigger on the platform and thereby turns on the motor, which turns the shaft and moves the arm and dock (carrying the toy object thereon) from the mcoming track segment to reach another Common Adjuster which is linked up with the outgoing track segment, where the toy object carried on the dock is released and moves away from the dock to the outgoing track segment. Then the dock is brought back by the arm to its original position.

As this transporter is driven by motor to secure the smoothness of movement, users are available to place it in horizontal or vertical position. A stopper & locking device (described in detail below) has been built-in under the slot on the dock surface so that the moving object will not dislocate during the movement. The movement is driven by the electricity that provided by

the main power supplier, the convex track would be back to its origin after the moving object is left the convex track.

FIGs. 45-56 are drawings and photographs, providing more details and variations for implementing Air Runner. FIG. 74 shows an operating sequence of Air Runner .

Electric Tower referring to FIGs. 10, 12 and 13, the Electric Tower is a transporter that moves the toy object from one side (for example the upper side) of a track segment to another side(for example the lower side) of the same track segment (which has tracking slots on two opposite sides), or vice versa, so that at the outgoing side the toy object will not only be moving in an opposite direction but also in upside down orientation relative to its direction and orientation before being transported from the incoming side. The track segment is preferably positioned horizontally to maximize the visual effect to the players, but it can be at an arbitrary angle with the horizontal plane. The Electric Tower transporter comprises a dock and a support structure. In this particular embodiment of an Electric Tower, the dock has a single lane slot track platform on one surface and is supported by and pivotally connected to the support structure via an axis/shaft which is across to the dock's track platform. The dock's track platform has an incoming end and outgoing end and of a generally triangle shape with the three points of the triangle being the incoming end, the outgoing end and the pivoting center where the shaft runs through. As the incoming end and the outgoing end have a generally equal distance to the pivotal center, by pivoting, the incoming end and the outgoing end of the dock can trade their positions, albeit with the track platform facing an opposite direction. The dock's slot track platform is preferably curved for smooth moving of the toy object between the dock and incoming and outgoing track segments. The support structure may have one or more legs, preferably adjustable, standing on the ground. (FIGs 65-68).

There are two Common Adjusters built in at the supporter, one of them is linked with the end of the out-going track segment, whereas the other is linked with the end of the in-coming track segment. In operation, an moving toy object lands on the track platform of the dock from a Common Adjuster linked with a normal incoming track segment, and moves from the incoming end of the dock to the outgoing end where it presses a trigger on the platform and thereby turns

on the motor, which pivotally turns the dock so that the incoming end of the dock moves away from the terminal and the outgoing end of the dock moves close to the terminal. Once the outgoing end of the track platform aligns with the Common Adjuster linking with the outgoing track surface at the terminal, and a trigger is activated, the toy object leaves the dock and moving onto the outgoing track surface which faces the opposite direction to the incoming track surface. The dock returns to the original position with the incoming end of the track platform aligning with the Common Adjuster linking with the incoming track surface at the terminal and ready for transporting the next toy object.

Because it is driven by a motor, the moving action of the dock is smooth and precise. Comparing with the transporter driven by momentum and gravity, it does not have any clearance problem due to the gravitation of different dead weights stored behind the moving curve track to balance the gravitational force for completion of movement. Furthermore, without relying on the gravity, the moving curve action can be performed either parallel or perpendicular to the floor, meaning a higher flexibility that allows players to better apply their imagination to build more unique and customizable layouts. A stopper and locking device (described in details below) has been introduced and it ensure the toy object positioned on the dock at a right location and constrained thereon during the pivoting movement of the dock.

FIGs. 57-66, are drawings and photographs, providing more details and variations for implementing Electric Tower. FIG. 75 shows an operating sequence of Electric Tower . .

Common Adjuster (FIGs. 2-3. 67-71)

Purpose - in order to increase the versatility of transporter in the present invention and easy integration with the existing features of the track system to form multiple layouts so as to allow different anti-gravity actions performed by the moving objects, an adjuster is commonly suitable for each of the motor-driven transporters of the present invention, which carry the moving object to achieve a non-conventional locus of movement. With the presence of the common adjuster or adapter, each of the motor-driven transporters is available to connect with traditional track sections like straight, curve, concave and convex tracks, traditional track features like 360 deg looping. Thus the play value of the entire system would be drastically increased as user could enjoy a variety of combinations with new tracks and track features and existing tracks. FIG. 77 shows an action of snap fitting between Common Adjuster and a normal

track segment in a transporter (e.g. 180 Elevator).

There are 2 types of Common Adjuster, each type of it comprises of a hook and slot, one type with the metal stripes for the slot blunting at one end, protruding out at the other end namely , the male type, whereas another type with the metal stripes for the slot blunting at both end namely, the female type. There is a plurality of ball-shaped metal contacts built-in at the no-hook blunt end of each Common Adjuster.

Methodology — typically, the common adapters when used are always applied in 2 pieces for 1 dock. The hook end is for connecting either with the in-coming or the out-going track segment and the no-hook blunt end is for connecting either the in-coming terminal or the out- going terminal of dock. With choices of Male and Female types for different in-coming and outgoing orientation combinations, just two pieces of Common adapters can be physically possible to connect with each kind of existing and new tracks and track features. As the transporter including the moving dock have to connect with the main electric power source of the entire slot track system at any time so as to ensure the motor inside the transporter could move accurately and drive the dock to the proper terminal, common adjusters consists of both ends, which one end could firmly connect with either the incoming or outgoing track segment of the slot track system and another end with built-in spring loaded metal ball joints to ensure it is in good contacts with either the incoming or outgoing terminal of the moving dock to conduct electricity. Advantage - this connection system is designated to maximize the flexibility for both manufacturers and end users due to the free combination between different platforms of slot car road racing sets included traditional 2D layout, 3D anti-gravity layout with fixed or mechanical movement track features as well as 3D anti-gravity layout with electrical movement track features. Apart from the flexibility consideration, this system could provide a cost effective way to save the manufacturing cost and repair cost of each feature. The snap-fit joint might be damaged or wore out due to frequently assemble and disassemble, as the common adapter is a small piece with some metallic components and its manufacturing cost is insignificant compared with each motor-driven anti-gravity track features. Players are available to solely change a new common adapter for fixing performance failures that because of the connection problem. Also, the common adapter is not only limited to the current generation of new features since the simple design of the common adapter could be applicable to any further development of any potential track features that strongly related to stability of provision of electric power such as some track

features included different gears, cams, shafts plus more than a single stereo motors.

Stopper and Locking Device (FIGs. 18-22)

To hold the toy object on the dock and guarantee it would not fall off during various motions such as horizontal and vertical movements and rotation, the T-shape guide pin under the chassis of toy object, the T-slot on the dock surface and two stoppers have been introduced as a preferred method. Of course other methods may also provide satisfactory results.

Similar to the applicant's previous invention, the T-shape guide pin and T-slot on dock could hold the toy object and guarantee it would not fall off the dock by any motion of the dock that perpendicular to the surface of track segment. For example, the dock rotates along the center of track segment. However, as the friction between the T-shape guide pin and T-slot could not be very strong to affect the smoothness of running. Whenever it is necessary to ensure the toy object would not move forward and backward along the T-slot, 2 stoppers may be applied. The stopper located near the front end of the dock is spring- loaded which the guide pin of toy object could press down and get pass the stopper by its momentum, the spring would bring the stopper back to the original position and thus it could hold up the toy object and prevent it moves backward as the spring tension could not be released by a force that apply from another direction. Another stopper near to rear end of the dock is built-in to block the toy object to move forward during the extra-ordinary movements performed by the dock. Once the dock completes its motion and lands on the defined position, a mechanical button (namely Button B2 below description for Motor Activation Circuit) located at the edge of the dock would be pressed by the common adjuster at the outgoing terminal, or otherwise, a mechanical button located at the edge of the common adjuster at the outgoing would be pressed by the dock, and thus the stopper at the rear end would be released and then the toy object is free to move forward to get away from the feature.

The invention shows the mechanism to fix and locate any form of toy object on the dock during various presentations of movements. The innovation is not just limited to a system that combines of T-shape guide pin, T-slot on dock surface and mechanical and spring -loaded stoppers. Any further mechanical, electrical and/ or magnetic innovations which perform similar

function should be under protection.

The above stopper and locking device is suitable to all transporters disclosed above.

Motor Activation Circuit (FIGs. 15-17) In case of the transporter driven by motor, the following demonstrate an example of the circuit setting.

The following explains how can motor driven dock start off the movement, move to the desired position and let the toy object to run away from the dock and how can the motor run reversely to drive the dock back to original position to complete a cycle of movement. The description below is generally applicable to all transporters, and not limited to the examples herein described, however, some variance on the positions of buttons and definition of a complete movement cycle may take place in different designs of transporter. For example, mechanical devices of cross-flyer, in our example, are built on the supporting frame instead of building on the dock. And a complete movement cycle for an Electric Tower is expressed in 90°, whereas that for a Cross-flyer is 180°.

The motor inside each of the transporter of the present invention has two kinds of motion, either running clockwise or anti-clockwise, could be expressed by the docks in different forms of moving pathway such as moving from upper position to lower position or moving from left point to right point crossing the air. Clockwise and anti-clockwise motions of motor are controlled by one electric circuit and two groups of mechanical devices on the dock. The first group of mechanical device is a push button (named button A) which in some of our examples are built on the surface of the dock and is linked with the circuit of motor; and the second group consists of 2 to 3 buttons (button A and the button located at the incoming terminal, namely button Bl 5 and or the button located at the outgoing terminal of the dock, namely button B2). The function of button B2 as a release of stopper has been previously described in the section of stopper and locking device, button Bl and B2 are also linked to the circuit of motor to control the direction of movement of motor inside each transporter.

Staring from original position, prior to arrival of toy object (stagel), the button A and B2 are opened and the button Bl is being pressed by the in-coming common adjuster at the entrance position of the transporter. At this point, the circuit of the motor is disconnected. While the toy

object enters and lands on the dock (stage 2), the button A would be pressed by its weight or momentum, the circuit of the motor is connected with the main power, the motor would start to drive the dock to move. Once the dock leaves the in-coming common adjuster (stage 3), button Bl will be released and toy object on the dock surface would be disconnected with the main power source and the motor will continue the movement to bring the toy object to the destination point of the moving pathway.

" While the dock lands on the destination point (stage 4), button B2 would be pressed by the out-going common adjuster. At this moment, the circuit connected with the motor is disconnected, therefore the movement of the dock would be stopped and the toy object would be re-connected with the power source and the stopper of the toy object would be released, thus the toy object could freely move away from the dock. After the toy object moving out from the dock (stage 5), the button A on the dock surface would be released; meanwhile, the direction of the current flow of the circuit inside the transporter will be opposite to that of the circuit during the dock bring the toy object across the interruption, therefore, the motor would start to move reversely to drive the dock back to its starting point.

Right after the dock move away from the out-going common adjuster (stage 6), all buttons A, Bl and B2 have been released and the motor would keep the movement until the dock backs to its start point, button B 1 will be again pressed by the in-coming common adjuster, the motor would stop and the entire system would back to origin situation to wait for next toy object entrance (stage 7).

Connection and disconnection of the circuit inside the transporter and the main power source

1. Before the arrival of toy object, the button B 1 is on and button A and B2 are off, the circuit inside the transporter would be temporarily disconnected with the main power source.

2. When the toy object is landed on the dock surface, the button A would be pressed on, then the circuit inside the transporter will be connected to the mam power source and it will trigger the movement of motor.

3. Once the dock moves away from the incoming position, the dock and toy object would be

disconnected to the main power source and only button A would be pressed on, both button Bl and B2 are released.

4. When the dock arrives to the out-going common adjuster connected with the out-going track segment, the button B2 would be pressed on by the common adjuster , the dock and toy object would be re-connected with the main power source.

5. As the dock and the toy object are re-connected to the power source, the toy object could run away from the transporter. Thus, button A has been released, the direction of the current flow of the circuit inside the transporter would run reversely.

6. After the dock moves back from the out-going common adjuster, all buttons would be released and the motor will continue the movement.

7. While the dock lands at original position, the button B 1 would be pressed and the other two buttons still release. The circuit of the transporter will be temporarily disconnected from the main power source again and the dock stopped and connected with the in-coming common adjuster.

Each motor driven transporter has its individual circuit inside and independently connected with the main circuit which is jointed by each track segments and the major power supply, of the track system.

Another example of circuit setting illustrated by our Cross-flyer herein :

Physical connection between common adjuster, existing track feature and existing track segment: In the developed slot racing system, all past track segments, track features are connected by a snap-fit mechanism which they are consists of a hook and a slot in end of connection. As one end of common adjuster is in hook and slot design so that theoretically every track segment and existing track feature is able to connect with any new innovative motor — driven moving feature.

While there have been described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes, in the form and details of the embodiments illustrated, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is not limited by the embodiments described above which are presented as examples only but can be modified in various ways within the scope of protection defined by the appended patent claims.