Toy track system

Abstract

Embodiments of a toy track system and methods of using such embodiments are described. In general, the system may include a track that has a longitudinal passage with an insert disposed in the longitudinal passage. A toy may be positioned adjacent the track so that it is proximate to the insert inside the longitudinal passage. When so positioned, an attractive force (such as, e.g., a magnetic force) may couple the toy to the insert so that as the toy and insert may move in a corresponding fashion along the track.

1 . A system, comprising:
 a track having a longitudinal passage;   an insert disposed in the longitudinal passage; and   a toy positioned adjacent the track proximate to the insert, an attractive force coupling the toy to the insert.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the toy comprises a toy car. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a vacuum in fluid communication with the longitudinal passage. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a blower in fluid communication with the longitudinal passage. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the track has a longitudinal twist. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the track forms a ring. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the track forms a Mobius strip. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the track has at least one open end. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the track has at least one side wall extending therefrom. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the track comprises a plurality of segments detachably connectable with one another. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising at least one latch detachably coupling adjacent segments of the track together 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is generally spherical in shape. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is generally cylindrical in shape. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the insert has a generally oval cross section. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the attractive force comprises a magnetic force. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein the toy has a plate and wherein the magnetic force is between the plate and the insert. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the toy has a motor for at least assisting in moving the toy along the track. 
   
   
       18 . A system, comprising:
 an elongated track having a longitudinal passage centrally positioned between a pair of sides of the track;   each side of the track having a side wall extending therefrom, the side walls and the track defining a generally H-shaped cross-section;   the longitudinal passage having a generally circular cross-section;   the track comprising a resilient material to permit at least twisting of the track along a longitudinal axis of the track and to permit at least bending of the track in a generally trans-axial direction;   the track comprising a plurality of segments with each segment having a pair of opposite ends, with at least one end of one segment positioned adjacent one of the ends of another segment;   an insert inserted into openings in the adjacent ends of the adjacent pair of segments;   a gasket interposed between adjacent ends of the adjacent pair of segments, the insert extending between the gasket;   at least one latch detachably coupling the adjacent ends of the adjacent pair of segments together, the latch comprising a pair of portions coupled to one of the side wall of the track, the latch portions detachably engaging one another;   an insert disposed in the longitudinal passage, the insert having at least one of a rectangular, oval and circular cross section;   a toy vehicle having an attachment member positioned adjacent the longitudinal channel proximate to the insert, a magnetic force coupling the attachment member and the insert together, the toy vehicle having a least one wheel in contact with the track;   a gate mechanism in fluid communication with the longitudinal passage, the gate mechanism having a connector for coupling the gate to a fluid moving device so that the fluid moving device is in fluid communication with the longitudinal channel, the gate mechanism having a gate for selectively closing communication between the fluid moving device and the longitudinal passage;   the fluid moving device comprising at least one of a vacuum and a blower; and   a clamp having a generally U-shaped saddle receiving a portion of the track therein, the clamp having a strap coupled to the saddle, the strap being capable of being wrapped around an object to connect the clamp to the object, the strap having a hook and loop fastener for coupling opposite ends of the strap together.   
   
   
       19 . A method, comprising:
 disposing an insert in a longitudinal passage of a track; and   positioning a toy adjacent the track proximate to the insert so that an attractive force couples the toy to the insert;   moving a fluid in the longitudinal passage to move the insert along the longitudinal passage so that the toy is moved along the track as the insert is moved.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the fluid comprises air. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising a vacuum in fluid communication with the longitudinal passage, the vacuum moving the fluid in the longitudinal passage. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising a blower in fluid communication with the longitudinal passage, the blower moving the fluid in the longitudinal passage. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising longitudinally twisting the track. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the track is twisted to form a Mobius strip. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the toy has a motor, the motor being operatively coupled to at least one track engaging member of the toy to move the track engaging member and thereby move the toy along the track.