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[0001] This is a utility patent application based on a provisional patent application (Serial No. 60/322,066) filed on Sep. 13, 2001.
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention pertains to race courses and, in particular, to methods of temporarily constructing miniature race courses on existing surfaces using a plurality of interlocking block units.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Racing remote control cars is a popular hobby for people of all ages. Racing events are usually sponsored by a hobby shop or a race car club and held at the hobby shop's parking lot. Typically, a temporary race course is constructed on the parking lot using (2×4) or (2×6) studs placed on one edge and aligned in an end-to-end manner to delineate the interior barriers, exterior barriers center islands, or the infield, on the race track. In some instances, a center platform is needed inside the race track where track officials can stand to observe the race and to overturn flipped or broken race cars during a race.
[0006] The (2×4) or (2×6) studs are desirable because they are relatively inexpensive, easily assembled to form a race track, and easily disassembled. They can also be stacked and stored in a compact configuration in the off season. They also have a relatively low profile so that race car operators standing on sides of the race track may see their race cars at all times during a race. Unfortunately, using (2×4) and (2×6) studs has several drawbacks.
[0007] One drawback with using (2×4) and (2×6) studs is that their end surfaces cannot be evenly joined together without brackets or other hardware items. When brackets are not used, the end surfaces on adjacent studs may be exposed that can snag race cars as they travel next to the inside surface of the studs, often resulting in costly damage.
[0008] Another drawback with using (2×4) and (2×6) studs is that the track is not realistic and must be a relatively simple design comprised of long straight-aways and side turns. Short straight-aways, “switchbacks” and “hairpin” turns cannot be constructed with studs.
[0009] A third drawback with using (2×4) and (2×6) studs is that they can be easily knocked out of place when struck by a race car or by a track official who may trip over a stud while moving towards an overturned race car.
[0010] A fourth drawback is that (2×4) and (2×6) studs, when placed on edge, are too narrow to allow track officials to stand on them during a race. As mentioned above, track officials must stand in a central location on the race track so that they can quickly overturn a flipped race car. When narrow studs are used, track officials must be fast-footed and step quickly onto the race course to reach a flipped race car, then quickly move back off the race track. Because the studs are 2 to 4 inches in width, track officials sometimes trip on them and fall into the race track, often injuring themselves or damaging the race cars.
[0011] A fifth drawback is that because (2×4) and (2×6) studs have a low profile, race cars can easily jump over them during a race and cause injuries to track officials, spectators, or race car operators and cause injuries.
[0012] What is needed is a miniature race car course system that uses a plurality of low profile barrier units that can be securely interconnected so that their inside surfaces are in alignment, and that can be used to form a wide variety of different-shaped, realistic race tracks. The barrier units should be lightweight, portable, and capable of being easily stored in a compact configuration when not in use. The barrier units should be selectively weighted so that they resist movement when used and be sufficiently durable so that track officials may directly stand on them to watch a race. The barrier units should also include means to be used with safety netting that prevents race cars from leaving the race course and injuring track officials, spectators, and race car operators.
[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a realistic, miniature remote control race course system that uses a plurality of low profile, portable block units that can be adjustably connected together to form a wide variety of different race course designs.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a system that uses such block units that can be securely connected together to form a continuous, uniformly aligned inside or outside barrier on a race track that minimizes snags to the vehicles moving against them.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a system that uses such barrier units that are lightweight for easy portability and that can be selectively weighted after positioned on the racetrack to resist movement caused by impacts.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a system that uses block units that are sufficiently wide to resistant movement and to allow track officials to stand on them during a race.
[0017] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system that can be used with optional safety netting to protect spectators, track officials, and operators from vehicles that flip and leave the race track during a race.
[0018] These and other objects of the invention that will become apparent are met by a race course system that uses a plurality of hollow, low-profile block units designed to be assembled over an existing support surface, such as asphalt, concrete, water, or dirt. The block units are individually positioned over the support surface and then selectively connected together in an end-to-end or end-to-side manner to create a wide variety of continuous inside or outside barriers and center islands. The inside and outside barriers are selectively spaced apart to create different lengths and widths of a race track in which the vehicles may travel during a race.
[0019] All of the block units used in the system are lightweight and designed for easy transport and assembly. In the preferred embodiment, a cavity is formed inside each block unit that may be selectively filled with a fluid weight substance, such as sand or water after being placed in the desired positions to add weight so that they remain in place during a race. When the race track is disassembled, the fluid weight substances may be easily removed so that the block units may be easily transported to a storage facility. Each block unit includes an attachment means that enables it to be securely connected together to an adjacent block unit. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment means includes at least one tab member that extends longitudinally from one end of each block unit, and at least one tab-receiving slot formed on the adjacent end or side surface each block unit.
[0020] Each block unit may also include an optional recessed handle for easy portability. Also, the block units may include outward extended sloped surfaces formed along their bottom and side walls to create a realistic apron-like roadway structure upon which the race cars may drive when moving close to the inside barrier walls.
[0021] The system also includes optional safety net and poles that can be attached to the blocks units. Each block unit includes at least one post-receiving hole so that a post may be inserted to support safety netting placed along the exterior and interior barriers for catching race cars that may jump the barriers and threaten to hit spectators and track officials.
[0022] The system includes a plurality of straight block units and a plurality of corner block units of uniform widths and heights and with complementary attachment means enabling them to be exchanged and interconnected to create a wide variety of different shaped race tracks. All the block units also have a flat top support surface sufficiently durable to allow a person to stand thereon. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a plurality of long straight block units, a plurality of short straight block units, a plurality of 30-degree corner block units, a plurality of 45-degree corner block units, a plurality of 60-degree corner block units, a plurality of 90 degree corner block units, and a plurality of 180-degree corner block units. The system also includes at least one adjustable coupling block unit comprised of a fixed block unit and a pivoting block unit.
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[0041] Referring to the accompanying Figs., there is shown and described a miniature remote control race car course system
[0042] As shown in FIGS.
[0043] The corner block units
[0044] As shown in
[0045] As shown in
[0046] As shown in
[0047] The 180-degree end block unit
[0048] Also included in the system
[0049] As mentioned above, each long and short block unit
[0050] As also mentioned above, each long and short straight block unit
[0051] Each straight block unit
[0052] Also, an optional recessed handle
[0053] In the preferred embodiment, the straight block units
[0054] The posts
[0055] In compliance with the statute, the invention described herein has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since the means and construction shown, is comprised only of the preferred embodiments for putting the invention into effect. The invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the amended claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.