Toy vehicle track structure

Abstract

A. track structure utilizes a somewhat flexible track frame having a roadway portion for supporting a rolling toy vehicle. The frame further includes a plurality of outwardly extending opposed pairs of platforms on each side of the roadway. A plurality of guide post supports are secured to the platforms and define notches for receiving a snap-fitted guide rail. A pair of generally cylindrical elongated somewhat flexible and resilient guide rails are snap-fitted to the guide rails supports on each side of the frame to form trackway walls. The cooperation of the guide rails and their supports facilitates the shape retention of the track segments.

1 . A toy vehicle track structure for use in a toy vehicle trackway formed of interconnected track segments, each track segment comprising: 
 a flexible track frame defining a roadway portion for rolling a toy vehicle;    a plurality of outwardly extending guide posts each defining a rail receiving notch; and    a pair of elongated guide rails each snap-fit receivable within said notches, said flexible track frame being flexible into a desired shape and contour prior to snapping said pair of guide rails to said notches such that said guide posts and guide rails cooperate to maintain said track in said desired shape and contour.    
   
   
       2 . The track segment set forth in  claim 1  wherein said track frame includes a plurality of platforms extending outwardly form said roadway portion, said platforms supporting said guide posts.  
   
   
       3 . The track segment set forth in  claim 2  wherein said guide rails a generally circular cross section rods.  
   
   
       4 . The track segment set forth in  claim 3  wherein said track frame includes a pair of spaced-apart wheel-rolling portions and a plurality of spacers extending therebetween.  
   
   
       5 . The track segment set forth in  claim 4  wherein said track frame and said guide rails are formed by a resilient material.  
   
   
       6 . The track segment set forth in  claim 5  wherein said track frame defines opposed ends, each end having a connector element for joining said track frame to other track frames.  
   
   
       7 . The track segment set forth in  claim 6  wherein said pair of guide rods are each greater in length than said track frame allowing said guide rails to be snap fitted to notches in guide posts of adjacent track segments.