Marble rocker modules

Abstract

A rocker module can be uses with a plurality of physically interconnectable marble run modules. The rocker module includes a tubular frame and a marble guide. The tubular frame has a first and second connection bosses configured to connect to corresponding connectors of other marble run modules. The first connection boss includes a receiving tube configured to receive a marble into an interior of the tubular frame. The marble guide is pivotally connected to the tubular frame, and extends through the interior of the tubular frame. The marble guide has at least one marble exit, and is configured in a first rotation position to receive a marble advancing through the receiving tube in the interior of the tubular frame, and is configured to rotate toward a second rotational position responsive to receiving the marble such that the received marble advances through the marble guide toward the marble exit.

1 . A rocker module for use with a plurality of physically interconnectable marble run modules, each module configured to retain a marble and guide the travel of the marble through the module on at least a first surface, the rocker module comprising:
 a tubular frame having a first connection boss configured to connect to a first corresponding connector on at least one of the physically interconnectable marble run modules, and a second connection boss configured to connected to a second corresponding connector on the at least one of the physically interconnectable marble run modules, wherein the first connection boss is further configured to connect to a second connection boss of a different marble run module that is identical to the second connection boss of the first rocker module, wherein the first connection boss forms at least part of a receiving tube configured to receive a marble into an interior of the tubular frame;   a marble guide pivotally connected to the tubular frame, and extending through the interior of the tubular frame, the marble guide having at least one marble exit, the marble guide configured in a first rotation position to receive a marble advancing through the receiving tube in the interior of the tubular frame, and rotate toward a second rotational position responsive to receiving the marble such that the received marble advances through the marble guide toward the marble exit.   
     
     
         2 . The rocker module of  claim 1 , the marble guide includes a first axial pin and a second axial pin received into corresponding openings in the tubular frame to pivotally connect the marble guide to the tubular frame. 
     
     
         3 . The rocker module of  claim 2 , wherein the tubular frame comprises an upper frame including the first connection boss, and the lower frame including the second connection boss, wherein the corresponding openings in the tubular frame are bordered by portions of the lower frame and the upper frame. 
     
     
         4 . The rocker module of  claim 3 , wherein the lower frame includes a concave seat configured to receive the first axial pin, and the upper frame includes a lower edge configured to trap the first axial pin within the concave seat. 
     
     
         5 . The rocker module of  claim 4 , wherein the upper frame includes a latching member configured to latch a corresponding latching member of the lower frame, and wherein the latching member of the upper frame includes the lower edge. 
     
     
         6 . The rocker module of  claim 1 , wherein the marble guide includes at least a first marble channel extending in a first direction away from the interior of the tubular frame toward the marble exit. 
     
     
         7 . The rocker module of  claim 6 , wherein the channel includes a bottom surface and opposite side walls. 
     
     
         8 . The rocker module of  claim 7 , wherein the bottom surface includes a concavity configured to guide the marble. 
     
     
         9 . The rocker module of  claim 6 , wherein the marble guide includes a counterweight extension that extends away from the pivot in a second direction, wherein the counterweight extension is configured to cause the marble guide to rotate from the second position to the first position, and/or remain in the first position, when a marble is not present on the marble guide. 
     
     
         10 . The rocker module of  claim 9 , wherein the counterweight includes a second marble channel. 
     
     
         11 . The rocker module of  claim 1 , wherein the marble guide includes a first marble track and a second marble track 
     
     
         12 . The rocker module of  claim 11 , wherein the marble guide, and a baffle disposed between the first and second marble tracks configured to direct a marble to the first marble track when the marble guide is in the first rotational position, and to direct the marble to the second marble track when the marble guide is in the second rotational position. 
     
     
         13 . The rocker module of  claim 12 , wherein the baffle is further disposed at least in part in the interior below the first connection boss. 
     
     
         14 . The rocker module of  claim 13 , wherein the first marble track includes a bottom surface and opposite side walls. 
     
     
         15 . The rocker module of  claim 14 , wherein the bottom surface includes a concavity configured to guide the marble. 
     
     
         16 . The rocker module of  claim 11 , wherein the first marble track and second marble track form a single continuous marble track. 
     
     
         17 . The rocker module of  claim 16 , wherein the marble guide is further configured to rotate from the second rotational position to the first rotational position in the absence of the marble.