Abstract
A tubular transport system with a motorized vehicle includes a) an at least partially transparent hollow tube being semi-flexible so as to bend to a predetermined minimum radius and no further; b) a motorized vehicle within tube; c) a motor within or connected to the vehicle for movement by traction; d) a power source for the motor; e) a traction mechanism for assisting in movement of said motor vehicle. The vehicle may be themed, and may be singular, plural articulated and/or plural separate vehicles.
Claims
1. A tubular transport system with motorized vehicle, which comprises: a) a hollow tube having a proximal end and a distal end, said hollow tube being semi-flexible so as to bend no less than a predetermined minimum radius and to bend no farther than a predetermined maximum radius without kinking, said hollow tube having a transparency selected from the group consisting of translucent, transparent, opaque, or combinations thereof, said hollow tube having a supportive spine to facilitate control of bending and holding a bent portion of said hollow tube; b) a motorized vehicle moveably positioned within said hollow tube; c) a motor connected to said vehicle for advancing said motorized vehicle by driving a traction mechanism; d) a power source connected to said motor, said power source being located in a position selected from the group consisting of: (i) within said motor vehicle: (ii) within said hollow tube external from said motor vehicle, and (iii) functionally connected to said motor of said motor vehicle; e) said traction mechanism for assisting in movement of said motor vehicle, said traction mechanism selected from the group consisting of: (i) wheels connected to said motor vehicle, said wheels being friction wheels; (ii) wheels and tracks, one of said wheels and one of said tracks being located on said motor vehicle and the other of said wheels and said tracks being located in said hollow tube; (iii) a monorail system connected to said motor vehicle and said hollow tube; (iv) a magnetic drive connected to said motor vehicle and said hollow tube; and (v) a slot, detent and propulsion mechanism connected to said motor vehicle and said hollow tube.
2. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 1 wherein said hollow tube has background scenery on a portion thereof.
3. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 1 wherein said hollow tube supportive spine is at least one set of fingers wherein each finger has a first end, being a proximal end, that is connected to said hollow tube, and has a second end, being a distal end, that is extended away from said hollow tube, having a first position with open space between each adjacent finger distal end when said hollow tube is unbent, and having a second position with each said adjacent finger distal end contacting one another when said hollow tube is bent to said minimum radius (maximum bending position), and wherein said contacting creates stops to inhibit further bending.
4. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 1 wherein said hollow tube supportive spine is an exoskeleton attached to said hollow tube.
5. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 1 wherein said hollow tube supportive spine is embedded within said hollow tube.
6. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 1 wherein said hollow tube supportive spine is selected from the group consisting of at least one continuous support coil, a plurality of disconnected linear supports, and a plurality of disconnected arcuate supports.
7. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 1 wherein said hollow tube includes at least one light thereon, said light being selected from the group consisting of: (i) at least one spotlight; (ii) at least one backlight; (iii) at least one overhead light; (iv) at least one string of LED lights; and (v) a combination thereof.
8. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 1 wherein said motor vehicle includes a top that has a receiver adapted for attachment and removal of interchangeable overcaps, and said tubular transport system includes at least one theme-based over cap.
9. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 1 wherein said motor is an electric motor and said power source is selected from the group consisting of an AC power source and a DC power source.
10. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 9 wherein said power source is a DC power source, said DC power source being a battery.
11. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 9 wherein said power source is an AC power source that includes a transformer and an outlet plug.
12. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 10 wherein said motor is a fixed output DC motor.
13. The tubular transport system with a motorized vehicle of claim 11 wherein said motor is a variable output motor and said system further includes a variable speed manual controller.
14. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 1 wherein said hollow tube is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a hollow tube having a closed side wall; and (ii) a hollow tube having an open side wall.
15. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 14 wherein said hollow tube has an open side wall and said hollow tube supportive spine is at least one set of fingers wherein each finger has a first end, being a proximal end that is connected to said hollow tube, and has a second end, being a distal end that is extended away from said hollow tube, having a first position with open space between each adjacent finger distal end when said hollow tube is unbent, and having a second position with said each adjacent finger distal end contacting one another when said hollow tube is bent to said minimum radius (maximum bending position), and wherein said contacting creates stops to inhibit further bending.
16. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 15 wherein at least one set of said fingers is located in a position selected from the group consisting of: (i) a bottom of said open side wall hollow tube; (ii) a top of said open side wall hollow tube; and (iii) both a bottom of said open side wall hollow tube and a top of said open side wall hollow tube.
17. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 15 wherein one set of fingers is also a set of tracks as part of said traction mechanism.
18. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 15 wherein said open side wall hollow tube has a closed side wall with at least a portion thereof having a decorative sheet-receiving mechanism.
19. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 18 wherein said closed wall portion is selected from the group consisting of transparent and translucent and wherein said closed wall portion has an outside surface that includes at least one backlight.
20. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 15 wherein said closed wall portion includes a guide rail for attachment of a vehicle thereto.
21. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 20 wherein said closed wall portion guide rail includes electric power rails to power a vehicle.
22. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 14 wherein a portion of said motor vehicle extends through said open side wall.
23. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 14 wherein said tube is a plurality of separate sections that includes interconnectors at each end for assembly.
24. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 1 wherein said hollow tube has a hatch on at least one of said proximal end and said distal end, for accessing said motorized vehicle.
25. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 1 wherein said motorized vehicle is a train.
26. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 1 wherein said motorized vehicle includes a structure selected from the group consisting of: (i) a support for mounting and moving an object; (ii) a carrier for transporting an object; (iii) at least one illumination system; (iv) at least one sounding system; and (v) combinations of foregoing.
27. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 1 wherein said system is comprised of a plurality of connected sections and at least one section is comprised of a plurality of individual interconnected links that are rotatable relative to one another.
28. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 27 wherein each of said individual interconnected links has an inner portion and an outer portion and an inner portion of one link is connected by being inserted into the outer portion of an adjacent link.
29. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 28 wherein said individual interconnected links are connected with rotator clips.
30. The tubular transport system with motorized vehicle of claim 29 wherein at least two of said rotator clips have hanging loops.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together, with detailed descriptions, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram showing important features and functionalities for the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle;
[0043] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of additional features and options for the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle;
[0044] FIG. 3 shows a front view of an embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system that travels in a spiral direction around a Christmas tree;
[0045] FIG. 4 shows a front view of another embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system wherein the motorized vehicle is ratcheted uphill and relies upon gravity for its downhill travel;
[0046] FIG. 5 shows a side cut view of another embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system that includes interchangeable scenery and support guides that permit steep angle and upside-down travel;
[0047] FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 receptively illustrate side views of circular tubing, rectangular tubing and open tubing embodiments;
[0048] FIG. 9 shows a partially cut side view of a rectangular tube with an open side and with a motorized vehicle that is partially external from the tube;
[0049] FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 show top views of three different uncut tubes with supporting spines to control the degree of bend and to add strength to the tube structure;
[0050] FIGS. 13A (front view), 13B (left end view), 14 (top view), 15A (Back view) and 15B (right end view) show different views of the same embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system having a tube shaped like a squared off “C” with a spine having flexible tines;
[0051] FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 show top views of the same open spine-based present invention tube component in three different positions (at rest, spread open and spread closed), to illustrate the flexibility and controlled limits of the spine and its tines;
[0052] FIGS. 19 and 20 show a top cut view and a side oblique view of another embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system wherein the spine has tines that flex inwardly and outwardly in the same manner and degree, with the power-guide rail in the center of the bottom portion;
[0053] FIGS. 21 and 22 show the same embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system, from a top view, with inward and outward flexing, respectively; and,
[0054] FIG. 23 illustrates a front oblique view of another embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system, similar to the one in the immediately preceding Figures, but with arc bent inwardly;
[0055] FIG. 24 shows a partial, blown up front view of the present invention tubular transport system of FIG. 23, but with a train engine cut to show details of one embodiment of the drive mechanism relative to the tube;
[0056] FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate front and rear oblique views of yet another embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system wherein the spine has tines that flex inwardly and outwardly, with the power-guide rail in the center of the bottom portion, wherein the tines are separate, assembled “C-links” connected to one another to form the tubular transport section, wherein a plurality of these sections are subsequently connected to one another to establish the system;
[0057] FIGS. 27, 28, and 29 illustrate assembly of the “C-links”, including the “C-links”, track segments, clip receivers, rotator clips and hanger rotator clips;
[0058] FIG. 30 shows an oblique bottom view of a section of the present invention tubular transport system with assembly of the type described in conjunction with “C-links” such as those in FIGS. 25 through 29 above, including an end cap with a power cord;
[0059] FIGS. 31 and 32 show two sections of the present invention tubular transport system being assembled and curved inwardly. After assembly, they may be curved inwardly or outwardly, or portions inwardly and other portions outwardly, enabling layouts of a spiral, and “S” shape, a figure eight, or otherwise;
[0060] FIGS. 33 and 34 show two sections of the present invention tubular transport system being assembled and disassembled, respectively, and curved outwardly;
[0061] FIGS. 35 and 36 show front and side views of one embodiment of a train engine that may be attached to and moved along the present invention tubular transport system that has a center T-rail, such as some of the embodiments shown above; and,
[0062] FIG. 37 shows the train engine of FIGS. 35 and 36, fastened onto the present invention tubular transport system center T-rail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0063] The present invention is a tubular transport system with a motorized vehicle, wherein the degree of bending of the hollow tube is controlled to avoid crimping and to avoid radii too small to permit the motorized vehicle therein to travel, that is, to prevent tight turns that would jam up the movement of the motorized vehicle. The hollow tubes may have sidewalls constructed from a single piece or multiple pieces and may be closed-loop or open-loop (meaning, having a closed periphery end view, such as a circular or square tube, or having an open end view periphery, such as a C-shaped tube with an open front), and these tubes may be opaque, translucent, transparent, and combinations thereof.
[0064] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram showing important features and functionalities for the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle. Tubular transport system with motorized vehicle, block 1, includes at least one tube, block 5, which has limited and controlled bending. This is an important aspect of the present invention. The tube, or plurality of tubes, needs to be shapeable but not overbend in order to prevent kinking and prevent overly sharp turns that would jam up the motorized vehicle. The designer of a particular embodiment would set a minimum radius to avoid kinking and to avoid the vehicle jumping the track or jamming. This would then be structured into the tube by mechanisms described herein above and below. These present invention system tubes may be hollow: with no open end, one open end, two open ends, or y-tube base. Y-tubes may provide alternative vehicle paths or may be part of crossovers, such as with a figure eight configuration. The motorized vehicle, block 7, may have an internal motor or it may be driven by an external motor. An external motor, as used herein, means any motor that does not rest inside or on the vehicle, but instead drives another component which in turn pushes or pulls the motorized vehicle. Examples would be a continuous belt drive, a gear drive, a cable drive, a magnetic resonance drive, a vacuum motor, a positive pressure motor, etc. The tube, block 9, may have sidewalls constructed from one piece or multiple pieces attached together, and may have closed sidewalls or open sidewalls. These side walls are more fully described in conjunction with the figures set forth below. The cross section of the tubes may be circular, rectangular, square, polygonal, oval, irregular and any other cross-section shapes. The vehicle, block 11, may be a single vehicle, multiple vehicles that are articulated (hinged), or may be multiple unconnected vehicles. The vehicles may have design themes, block 13, such as autos, trains, rockets, sleighs, animals, sleds, trademark characters, etc. These vehicles, block 13, preferably have removable and interchangeable vehicle body tops or covers (over caps) to display specific themes. Likewise, background images, block 15, may be affixed to the tubes, or may be removable, and thus interchangeable. Images may be printed or embossed directly onto the tube, or indirectly with insertable or attachable panes or cards.
[0065] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of additional feature details and options for the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle, block 20. The system's motorized vehicle may have an internal motor on/in the vehicle, block 21. This internal motor may be electric, such as battery powered or other DC power, a magnetic-based motor, or an AC motor with a plug and transformer. External motors, block 23, could be a continuous belt, magnetic sprockets, gears, tract power or other external motors, such as a positive or negative air pressure push or pull motor. Drive mechanisms, block 25, include motor driven wheels such as, wheels on the tube, wheels on tracks in the tube, or wheels on multi-directional tracking slots. The motor controls, block 27, include remote controls (wireless controllers, Blue Tooth app), transformers, variostats or other manual speed controllers, such as controller chips. Automatic stop mechanisms (auto stops) may automatically shut off power to a motor when a trip or predetermined number of trips is completed or if another problem were identified, such as the vehicle getting jammed, e.g., by a finger or intervening object. In those embodiments where the vehicles travel in continuous loops or cycle back and forth through a tube, a cycle controller mechanism may be employed that would turn off a motor after a preset number of travel cycles was completed. Further, in cases where vehicles travel by electric power AC or DC, a warning signal mechanism could advise the user of a low battery or a breaker shut off to warn the user of loss of power. The bend limiting spine, block 29, may be any built in or attached component that prevents tight bending, i.e., limits the radius to a predetermined minimum radius and no less, as well as to prevent it from exceeding a predetermined maximum radius. These minimum and maximum radiuses are determined by a manufacturer's engineer based on the size (cross section) of the tube and the size and minimum turning radius of the motorized vehicle. Once the spine(s) are in place, it is desired that the hollow tube is semi-flexible so as to bend no less than a predetermined minimum radius. In simple geometry, the smaller the circle, the smaller the radius. If the present invention tube were able to make a small enough arc (circle segment), ergo a small radius, it would be too tight for the motorized vehicle to move. Further, even if the tubes were set for larger vehicle-accommodating radii, the tube could crimp or be moved accidently and jam up. Thus, the present invention includes bend limiting components broadly referred to herein as supportive spines. In some embodiments, these hollow tube “supportive spines” are selected from the group consisting of at least one continuous support coil, a plurality of disconnected linear supports (straight, separate spine members), and a plurality of disconnected arcuate supports (curved, separate spine members), or combinations of any of the aforementioned. In other embodiments, the hollow tube supportive spine is at least one set of fingers wherein each finger has a first end, being a proximal end that is connected to the hollow tube, and has a second end, being a distal end that is extended away from the hollow tube. These fingers have a first position, which is a rest position and a second position, being a tight position wherein the fingers touch one another and can compress no farther, as well as many positions in-between. Thus, the fingers have a first position with open space between each adjacent finger's distal end when the hollow tube is unbent, and have a second position with each adjacent finger's distal end contacting one another when the hollow tube is bent inward to the minimum radius (maximum bend position), and wherein the contacting creates stops to inhibit further bending.
[0066] FIG. 3 shows a front view of an embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle 40 that travels in a sloping spiral around a Christmas tree 30. The details of the tube 35 and articulated vehicles 39 are not shown, but may be any that are contemplated in the above and below descriptions. Since the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle 40 is used in conjunction with a Christmas tree 30, vehicles 39 would appropriately be Christmas themed. Thus, vehicles 39 could be a Christmas themed train, or a Christmas themed boat with presents on barges, or a Santa figure on a sleigh being pulled by reindeer, etc. Christmas tree 30 has ornaments such as a bulb 33, as well as ornaments that interact with the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle 40. Thus, hanging ornaments 37, 47, and 49 support tube 35, so that tube 35 and vehicles 39 pass through theses ornaments, and in some embodiments interact with the ornaments. Vehicles 39 and/or tube 35, and/or ornaments 37, 47 and 49, as well as tunnel 48, may be illuminated, such as with multicolored LEDs in this embodiment. Control box 41 has a plug 43 for connecting to DC power, and via a transformer transmits power through wires 45 to train tacks that are within tube 35 (tracks not shown in FIG. 3, but shown and described in subsequent Figures).
[0067] FIG. 4 shows a front view of another embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle 50 wherein the motorized vehicle 60 is ratcheted uphill and relies upon gravity for its downhill decent. A continuous loop belt 61 has ratchets such as ratchets 63 and is driven by a motor that is external from vehicle 60. Specifically, control blocks 59 include a motor (not shown) that drives belt 61 in a continuous loop, much like a conveyer belt, and is controlled by on-off switch 65. Tube 51 is constructed of bendable plastic that will hold its new shape (whatever shape a user may desire), except that it cannot be bent to a smaller radius than will accommodate vehicle 60. In this case, there are one or more stiffening spines 67 that limit the bendability of tube 51. Tube 51 has a starting end that is open and a tapered back end 57 with stop 69 so that a user may initiate the upward drive of vehicle 60 using belt 61 with control box 59. When vehicle 60 reaches the top of the belt, it is released and travels through tube 51 via gravity until it reaches the stop 69. Although FIG. 4 shows an open-ended tube 51, the tube could be a closed loop such that the tube end 57 would be connected to the other tube end 55 to create a continuous travel loop for vehicle 60 to travel through. In this alternative embodiment, a tube access hatch may be included, such as a hinged or snap hatch, for accessing vehicle 60.
[0068] FIG. 5 shows a side cut view of another embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle 70 that includes interchangeable scenery and support guides that permit steep angle and upside-down travel of the vehicle(s). In this Figure, there is a rectangular tube 71 that has a closed cross-section. This tube 71 may be a continuous loop (with a vehicle access hatch or port), or one with both ends open, or one with one end closed and the other end open (wherein a bump switch would cause a motor drive reversal when the vehicle “hit” the closed end). In this Figure, the tube 71 would be facing right, with a removeable and interchangeable snap-on image panel 95 attached to the left (when set up, the right would be a front and the left would be the back, so that the images would be presented on the inside of the panel 95 and viewed through the tube as background scenery behind the moving vehicle.) Inside the tube 71 are opposing guides 73 and 75, which are semiflexible continuous detents that create side slots for vehicle braces 79 and 81. Braces 79 and 81 may be guide fins or wheeled braces. They move through the guides 73 and 75 and retain vehicle 87 in engagement for movement uphill and even upside-down travel through tube 71 (such as when tube 71 is positioned with vertical loops).
[0069] In FIG. 5, vehicle 87 has an internal battery and motor 85 that drive center gear wheel 83. Gear wheel 83 in turn engages bottom ratchets 77 of tube 71 to move forward. This vehicle 87 is manually operated by a wireless remote control (not shown) that works in a fashion similar to that of radio-controlled toy cars. Vehicle 87 can also be controlled by a phone application via Bluetooth. Vehicle 87 has faux wheels 91 and 93 that may engage the tube 71 and rotate for appearance purposes, but are not drive wheels. In another embodiment, wheels could be connected to the motor and function as drive wheels with frictional engagement on the tops of guides 73 and 75, in which case the gear wheel 83 and ratchets 77 would be eliminated. However, the gear wheel 83 relies on more than flat frictional engagement and is thus preferred. Also shown in FIG. 5 is vehicle top 89 with snaps 86 and 88. Vehicle top 89 is removeable and interchangeable with similar or dissimilar interchangeable tops. For example, top 89 could have embossments, orifices, lighting, and printed or decaled representations of a passenger train while a replacement top (not shown) could have the imaging of a limousine, or a rocket ship, or any other vehicle or object.
[0070] FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 respectively illustrate embodiments of side views of closed circular tubing, closed rectangular tubing and open square tubing. In FIG. 6, closed (no side opening or cut, but could be closed ended, open ended or one open/one closed end) circular tube 100 has a flat bottom 101 for frictional drive engagement, vehicle guides 103 and 105, and vehicle travel space 107. The guides 103 and 105 may serve only as guides or may also serve as vehicle wheels, tread or other vehicle component for engagement and travel. As described above, the guides function to keep the vehicle drive mechanism against the tube when the vehicle is traveling at non-horizontal angles or upside-down. In FIG. 7, tube 110 is rectangular and is closed, with walls 111 and 113, and bottom 115. Tube top 121 has an overhead drive and guide set up for vehicles with overhead drive mechanisms, such as a motor driven overhead wheel, to engage ratchets 119 of guide bar 117. As an alternative, the ratchet 119 could be replaced with an L-shaped hanger run for cable-driven vehicles with monorail or other themed vehicle(s). In FIG. 8, square tube 130 has a top 133, bottom 135, closed back 137, and open front 139. Contained therein is vehicle 143 with a motor-driven bottom drive tread 145. Most of vehicle 143 sits within tube 130. However, this is a side view with the front facing right. Therefore, there is a full height vehicle portion 147 positioned outside of tube 130. Vehicle 143 moves along tube 130 with a portion 147 having a theme façade or other details, appearing to move outside tube 130. With respect to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, any vehicle or group of vehicles may be included, and themes would be preferred. Likewise, attachable and removeable images would also be preferred.
[0071] FIG. 9 shows a partially cut side view of another embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle 150 with rectangular tube 151. Tube 151 has a back 153, a top 155, a bottom 157, and an open front 159. Partially protruding from tube 151 on front 159 is vehicle 169 in the form of a school bus. Vehicle 159 has free moving wheels 175 and 177 located under tube guides 163 and 165. Wheels 175 and 177, and guides 163 and 165, permit loops and steep hill travel without disengaging vehicle 169. Vehicle 169 has battery and control box 171 for operation with a remote controller (not shown), and has opposing electromagnetic bars, with bar 173 on the bottom of vehicle 169 and bar 167 fixed on bottom 157 of tube 151 with an open side 159 and with the motorized vehicle 169 that is partially external from the tube.
[0072] FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 show various embodiments of the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle with various embodiments of tubes having support spines. In FIG. 10, tube 150 is a plastic tube 151, that can be transparent or opaque, with embedded coils such as spiral coils 153 and 155. These coils add rigidity to tube 150, thereby requiring significant force to kink and also limit bending to a predetermined minimum radius, such as a 12-inch radius. FIG. 11 shows tube 160 with similar properties but relying upon parallel stands, rods, or fibers to restrict bending and kinking. Thus, tube 160 has a clear flexible main tubing 161 with support spine filaments such as filaments 163, 165, 167, and 169. FIG. 12 achieves similar results by utilizing external clamping spines. Thus, tube 181 has a clamp spine 183 that is flexible but not as flexible as commercial tubing. Spine 183 has a main back 185 with orifices to permit flexing, and has a plurality of springy griping fingers 187, 189, 191, and 193. Suspension loops 195 and 197 are included and can be used with hanger wires or other mechanisms for horizontal, vertical, or angled suspension. The embedded spirals, filaments, and external spines may be made of plastic, metal, mixed composites, or other materials. The clear plastic tubes may be made of PVH, PVC or other flexible material.
[0073] FIGS. 13A (front view), 13B (left end view), 14 (top), 15A (back view), and 15B (right end view), show different views of the same present invention tubular transport with motorized vehicle having a “C” shape with a spine having flexible tines. All of these Figures will be described collectively, with common elements identically numbered, and with some views missing some elements due to the various views. The present invention tube 300 consists here of a center spine and tines, and optionally, but preferably, a plastic stretchable film, such as a clear plastic film. Although the film is not necessary, it acts to protect the rail from falling debris, especially needles from Christmas trees, and acts to control the radius. Tube 330 has a top set of tine segments 302, a bottom set of tine segments 304, and a back set of tine segments 306. Each tine is “C” shaped with an open front 305, a top, a back and a bottom. The spine backbone for tube 300 is the rail 309 which partially encases the electric contact rails, guides the vehicle (train 311), and keeps the tines in place, lined up, equally spaced and holding their shape. As will be seen in the descriptions in subsequent Figures below, these tines limit the bending to where they touch each other when folded inward and are limited in bending outward by the flexibility and strength of the spine (rail tube 309). There are male and female connectors 313 and 315 at opposites ends to permit linear, curved, or continuous loop (e.g. a circle) connections. On the top 303 of male connector 313 is a hanger loop 317, with others, hanger loops 319 and 321, positioned as shown. There is an interchangeable sheet 307 with imaginary (blank here for simplicity), that is flexible and at least partially translucent or transparent. An LED light strip 325 is positioned behind tube 300 to create backlight for the imagery. This light strip 325 has a plug 323 at one end and a plug receptacle 327 at the opposite end for connection to other tube units and/or a power source, typically via an extension cord. Train 311 travels along rail of tube 300 and the toothed wheels (not shown) ride along the tines. Thus, the tines function as the tube structure, as a controlling feature with regard to limiting the tightness of inward bending, and act as the train rails for the train 311 wheel engagement. This embodiment of the present invention (with connected other tube sections) may be hung on tree branches, hung from a ceiling, hung from hangers, spiraled abut a tree, laid out on a floor, arranged in a circle, or oval, or serpentine, as desired. Although the train 311 is shown alone, it is ideally connected to other cars: realistic like freight trains, or fanciful like circus cars.
[0074] FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 show top views of an open spine-based embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle similar to shown in FIGS. 13A-15B (with the backbone of the spine off center, i.e. on one side), but in three different positions, namely at rest, spread open, and spread closed, to illustrate the flexibility and controlled limits of the spine and its tines. Identical parts are identically numbered in these Figures. The tube 201 has a spine 203 with tines, such as tines 205, 209, and 213, with spaces 207 and 211 therebetween. FIG. 16 shows the tube 201 at rest, FIG. 17 shows the tube 201 bent outwardly and limited by the strength of its spine 203 as to the extent of its bending. FIG. 18 illustrates that inward bending is limited to the point where the tines touch each other. These features maintain the flexibility limits necessary to keep the train on track, but offer the user an infinite number of positions within the bending limits.
[0075] FIGS. 19 and 20 show a top cut view and a side oblique view of another embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle 220, wherein both the spine 243 and the electric rail 240 are centered withing the tube. The tube has tines 229, 231, 233 and 235 that flex inwardly and outwardly in the same manner and degree, with the power-guide rail 240 in the center of the bottom portion. Tines, aka fingers, such as tines 223, 225 and 227 on one side of rail 240, and tines 229, 231, 233 and 235 on the opposite side are all similar or equal in size and width, and function to inhibit over-bending both inwardly and outwardly. The center rail 240 has connectors 221 and 237 on opposite ends for connection to additional tubes to create a connected tubular transportation system for enjoyment, decoration, or task performance.
[0076] FIGS. 21 and 22 show the same present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle 220 from a top view, with inward and outward flexing, respectively. The components are numbered identically to those in FIGS. 19 and 20.
[0077] FIG. 23 illustrates a front oblique view of another embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle, similar to the one in the immediately preceding Figures, but with arc bent inwardly. Here, tube 400 has a set of tines 401 (as exemplified by tine 407) in a “C” shape and with a center contacts guide 409. Vehicles 500 straddle guide 409 and connect electrically or rely upon rechargeable batteries for power. Drive wheels with teeth grip the tines for traction and move the vehicles through the tube 400. In this case, a clear plastic film 413 is adhered to the tines to complete the tube, protecting its contents and stretching as needed.
[0078] FIG. 24 shows a partial, blown up cut front view of the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle 400 of FIG. 23, with some elements identically numbered, but with a train engine 500 cut to show details of one embodiment of the drive mechanism relative to the tube 400. The drive mechanism includes a motor and rechargeable battery 501, a drive shaft with worm gear 507 that turns a toothed wheel 509 that engages with guide tube 409 as shown in the circle 511. The motor and battery 501 also include a variable speed and directional chip(s) and receiver for variable speed and directional control operation via a wireless controller (not shown).
[0079] FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate front and rear oblique views of yet another embodiment of the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle wherein the spine has tines that flex inwardly and outwardly, with the power-guide rail in the center of the bottom portion where the tines are separate, assembled “C-links” connected to one another to form the tubular transport section, and wherein a plurality of these sections are subsequently connected to one another to establish the system. Thus, present invention system section 601 includes end pieces (such as end piece 603) for interconnection with other sections, including physical connection by male and female interconnectors and including electrical connection by opposing plugs and receptacles, such as male plug 615 and female plug receptacle 617. There are individual tines, such as tine 605 which is a “C-link” tine. These “C-links” have a squared “C-shape” from an end view and each an inner portion and an outer portion wherein the inner portion of a first tine fits under and is secured to the outer portion of the next tine. This is shown in more detail below. In FIG. 25, there are rotator snap clips, such as clips 607 and 609, and similar clips with hanging loops or hooks, such as clip 611. In this Figure a train set 621 is shown. This train set 621 is adapted to ride securely on the T-track and receive electric power therefrom to run its motor. FIG. 26 shows the back of section 601 and identical parts are identically numbered. In FIG. 26, an LED light strip 613 is fastened behind tube 601 by hooks 623 attached to or molded into some “C-links”.
[0080] FIGS. 27, 28, and 29 illustrate the sequential assembly of the “C-links”, including the “C-links”, track segments, clip receivers, rotator snap clips and hanger rotator clips. In FIG. 27, single “C-link” 605 is shown in detail, with its outer portion 649 and its inner portion 651, including top 629, back 623, and bottom 631. Top 629 has a clip receiver 635 and an adjacent clip receiver orifice 633. Back 623 has slide guides 625 and 627 for receiving advertising, messages, light strips, scenery, or combinations thereof. Bottom 631 includes a rail clip receiver 639, an adjacent rail clip receiver orifice 641, and a bottom leg 643. When “C-link” 605 is connected to an adjacent “C-link,” such as “C-link” 655 in FIG. 28, then rail clip 637 is inserted into its proper orientation into receiver 639. Once the outer portion 649 is slipped into and above the inner portion of “C-link” 655 in FIG. 28, then all of the clips, such as snap clip 645, hanging clip 611, and the above-mentioned rail clips(such as rail clip 637), are inserted into place. FIG. 29 shows this assembly repeated with “C-link” 665 connected to “C-link” 655, with all three rail clips 637, 647, and 657 inserted into place, properly oriented and locked in. In these three figures, identical parts are identically numbered. Note that although clips are used for assembly, any form of assembly for rotation may be substituted for the clips without exceeding the scope of the present invention. As examples, rivets, screws, bolts coupled with washers, or force-fit mushroom ended clips could be used.
[0081] FIG. 30 shows an oblique bottom view of the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle where the section assembly of the type described, in conjunction with the types of “C-links” shown in FIGS. 25 through 29 above (including an end cap), and a terminal end cap with a power cord. Here, section 701 has endward “C-links” 703 and 705 assembled and incoming “C-link” 709 about to be attached. “C-link” 709 includes rail clip 713, rail clip receiver orifice 715, and rotator clip 711. End cap 717 has a rotator clip 719 and a rail clip 727, as shown. Terminal end cap 721 includes a power cord 725 with a plug (not shown). All of these pieces are assembled by movement from left to right, after which the various clips are inserted and locked in. This assembly enables rotation of each “C-link” relative to the next “C-link”, to the extent of the amount of space between each “C-link”. Power strips 723 are run along rail clips 713. There is an interchangeable sheet 707 with imagery (blank here for simplicity) that is flexible and, opaque, or at least partially translucent, or transparent.
[0082] FIGS. 31 and 32 show two sections 751 and 753 of the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle being assembled and as assembled, curved inwardly. Male connectors, such as connector 755, are inserted into female connectors, such as female connector 757. After assembly they may be curved inwardly, or outwardly, or portions inwardly and other portions outwardly, enabling layouts of a spiral, or in a figure eight, or otherwise.
[0083] FIGS. 33 and 34 show the two sections 751 and 753 of the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle from FIGS. 31 and 32 above, with identical parts being identically numbered, being assembled and as assembled, curved outwardly.
[0084] FIGS. 35 and 36 show front and side views of one embodiment of a train engine 801 that may be attached to and moved along the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle that has a center T-rail, such as some of the embodiments shown above. Train engine 801 has a removable theme top 803 (in this case, an early “Iron Horse” steam engine), a motor 813, fake wheels 805 and 807, and operating wheels 809 and 811 with serrated and gripping edges. There are also T-rail electrical contact blocks 815 and 817, shown engaged in FIG. 37 below.
[0085] FIG. 37 shows a cut rear view of the train engine 801 with removable theme top 803 of FIGS. 35 and 36 above on the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle 851, which includes top 853, backside 855, open front 857 and bottom 859, with center T-rail 869. Operating wheels 809 and 811 engage the inside bottom 859, while T-rail electrical contact blocks 815 and 817 engage T-rail 869 for electrical contact and guidance.
[0086] Many variations and embodiments have been described above for the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle. For example, the “C-links” described above may be varied from those depicted. The clip receiver on the “C-links” could be rotate-and-lock connections. The clip receiver could have small notches and/or protrusions along the outside of the clip receiver, so that as the clip receiver is rotated, the notches or protrusions lock into place between small bumps or ridges around the clip orifice. Further, each “C-link” or track section could have sidewalls that are constructed from a single piece or multiple pieces attached together, as desired. Also, as suggested elsewhere herein, the metal or other spine may be eliminated as a separate piece, and the tube structure be strong enough to act as both a spine and a tube.
[0087] While most embodiments rely upon electric motors to propel the vehicles, the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle encompasses any available motive power, such as magnetic propellants, gas propellants, or combinations thereof. Further, as mentioned above, the term “motorized vehicle” includes vehicles with the motor onboard as well as vehicles that are motorized indirectly such as motor driven tracks, cogs, gears, pulleys, or other motorized push or pull mechanism. Additionally, the tubes may have any cross-sectional shape and thus are not limited to “C-link” shapes such as circles, squares, and rectangles.
[0088] While the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle has been described and is in the illustrations as a device that can be seen generally as an amusement device, the present invention has other notable purposes that are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle may be used to carry a camera and/or multiple cameras arounds a desired or designated area. The camera(s) could take sequential stills or continuous or interrupted or scheduled videos and/or be used for real time observations. Thus, the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle with cameras could be used for homes, business, hotels, warehouses, factories, amusement parks, offices, plains, trains or even public areas for roaming security cameras. They could be used with cameras for quality control in factories, stores, hospitals and other facilities. They could be used with cameras for educational or instructional filming. Further, the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle could be used to transport selected items, such as uranium, toxic medications, toxins, etc. and could also be used for scientific purposes such as collecting periodic air or water samples for environmental or other testing. The present invention systems could be used for pet toys, or to disperse sprays and disinfectants throughout a room or facility.
[0089] Although particular embodiments of the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention tubular transport system with motorized vehicle is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be included therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the actual shape of the main housing may be any of numerous possibilities as long as its functionality as described is not affected adversely.
