Track for model cars

• US 7,086,922 B2
• Filed: 06/23/2003
• Issued: 08/08/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Carlos Delgado
• Original Assignee: Carlos Delgado
• Inventors: Delgado, Carlos
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, KIEN T
• Application Number:
  US10/601,839
• Publication Number:
  US 20040198168A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,142 Days
• Field of Search: 463/64, 446/444, 446/429, 446/430, 273/129.AP, 104/138.1, 104/23.1, 104/23.2, 472/85
• US Class Current: 446/429
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 18/002 Air-actuated track systems, e.g. with air cushion

Abstract

A race track for model cars with series of pressurized air conduits. The track is designed to race at least two cars in a manner similar to a “Drag Race.” Each car has its own lane. The system of pressurized air propels the cars with bursts of air from jets. The air jets are activated by each operator using a control which is fashioned after an automobile gearshift.

Claims

1. A model car racing track, comprising:

a track;

said track having a left lane and a right lane;

said left and right lanes being U-shaped;

said track comprising;

smooth strips;

piping; and

a finish line;

a pressurized air network, comprising;

air conduits;

an air compressor;

an air regulator;

release valves; and

air jets;

at least one of said air jets being designated the initial air jet of each lane;

a control system, comprising;

clutches, being disposed to be operated by foot; and

gearshift joysticks;

a timer;

a sensor;

said sensor positioned at said finish line on each lane;

a light pole;

said light pole being fixed to stand vertically on the track;

at least two model cars;

said model cars being positioned on the plastic track;

said model cars being positioned under the initial air jets at the start of a game;

said light pole indicating the start of a race;

said clutches being depressed to enable use of said gearshift joysticks;

said gearshift joysticks releasing bursts of pressurized air from said air jets;

said pressurized air being transported by said air conduits;

said model cars moving along said plastic track;

said timer being configured to measure the time elapsed from the departure of said model cars from the start of said plastic track to the arrival of said model cars at said finish line; and

said timer being configured to display said elapsed time on a Light Emitting Diode display.

2. The model car racing track according to claim 1, comprising a race starting point disposed at an initial air jet, wherein:

said air jets are connected to said conduits and thus operatively connected to said release valves;

each of said air jets are configured and disposed to discharge bursts of pressurized air in each lane to propel model racing cars In each of said lanes upon actuation of a corresponding one of said release valves;

each of said clutches and its corresponding gearshift joystick are configured and disposed to control actuation of said release valves.

3. The model car racing track according to claim 2, wherein:

each of said clutches and its corresponding gearshift joystick are configured and disposed to simulate placement of a clutch and a gearshift in a full size car;

said sensor is positioned at said finish line on each lane and is configured to detect a car crossing said finish line;

said sensor is connected to said timer to stop said timer upon said sensor detecting a crossing said finish line;

said release valves are connected to said air conduits to control flow of pressurized air to said conduits; and

said clutch is disposed to be operated by foot.

4. A model car racing system, comprising:

a track;

at least two model cars configured to race on said track;

said track having a left lane and a right lane;

each of said lanes being U-shaped;

each of said lanes having a starting point and a finish line;

a timer configured to measure the time elapsed upon a model car traveling from said starting point to said finish line;

a sensor positioned at said finish line on each lane being configured to detect a car crossing said finish line;

said sensor being connected to said timer to stop said timer upon said sensor detecting a crossing said finish line;

a light pole;

said light pole being fixed to stand vertically;

a pressurized air network comprising;

air conduits configured to transport pressurized air;

release valves connected to said air conduits to control flow of pressurized air to said conduits;

air jets connected to said conduits and thus operatively connected to said release valves; and

each of said air jets being configured and disposed to discharge bursts of pressurized air in each lane to propel model racing cars in each of said lanes upon actuation of a corresponding one of said release valves; and

a control system comprising;

clutches being disposed to be operated by foot;

gearshift joysticks;

each of said clutches and its corresponding gearshift joystick being configured and disposed to control actuation of said release valves; and

each of said clutches and its corresponding gearshift joystick being configured and disposed to simulate size and placement of a clutch and a gearshift in a full size car.

5. The model car racing system according to claim 4, wherein:

said race starting point is disposed at an initial air jet; and

said timer is configured to display said elapsed time.

6. A model car racing track, comprising:

a track;

said track having a left lane and a right lane;

a pressurized air network comprising;

air conduits configured to transport pressurized air;

release valves connected to said air conduits to control flow of pressurized air to said conduits;

air jets connected to said conduits and thus operatively connected to said release valves; and

each of said air jets being configured and disposed to discharge bursts of pressurized air in each lane to propel model racing cars in each of said lanes upon actuation of a corresponding one of said release valves; and

a control system comprising;

clutches being disposed to be operated by foot;

gearshift joysticks;

each of said clutches and its corresponding gearshift joystick being configured and disposed to control actuation of said release valves; and

each of said clutches and its corresponding gearshift joystick being configured and disposed to simulate placement of a clutch and a gearshift in a full size car.

7. The model car racing track according to claim 6, comprising a race starting point disposed at an initial air jet.

8. The model car racing track according to claim 7, comprising a sensor.

9. The model car racing track according to claim 8, comprising a timer.

10. The model car racing track according to claim 9, wherein said track comprises a finish line.

11. The model car racing track according to claim 10, wherein said sensor is positioned at said finish line on each lane and is configured to detect a car crossing said finish line.

12. The model car racing track according to claim 11, wherein said sensor is connected to said timer to stop said timer upon said sensor detecting a crossing said finish line.

13. The model car racing track according to claim 12, wherein said left lane and said right lane are U-shaped.

14. The model car racing track according to claim 13, wherein said pressurized air network comprises an air compressor.

15. The model car racing track according to claim 14, wherein said pressurized air network comprises an air regulator.

16. The model car racing track according to claim 15, comprising a light pole.

17. The model car racing track according to claim 16, wherein said light pole is fixed to stand vertically on said track.

18. The model car racing track according to claim 17, wherein said light pole indicates the start of the race.

19. The model car racing track according to claim 18, wherein said track comprises:

smooth strips; and

piping.

20. The model car racing track according to claim 19, wherein said timer is configured to display elapsed time on a Light Emitting Diode display.