Three axis lock joint

Abstract

A clamping element for a toy vehicle trackset support structure includes a housing defining a passage therethrough and a socket. The passage receives an elongated support rod while the socket receives a ball which further supports a trackway segment. A lever actuated lock secures the rod and ball within the housing.

1 . For use in a toy vehicle trackset, a three axis lock joint comprising: 
 a housing defining a passage therethrough for receiving a pole, said housing being slidably movable on a received pole and said housing defining a socket;    a track connector element having means for securing a track portion;    a ball element joined to said track connector element, said ball element being received within said socket;    a lock member supported by said housing having a first lock pad supported within said socket and a second lock pad supported within said passage; and    a lock lever pivotally supported on said housing having a cam interposed between said first and second pads, said lock lever movable between a locking position in which said first and second lock pads are cammed into said socket and said passage respectively and an unlock position in which said first and second lock pads are not cammed.    
   
   
       2 . The three axis lock joint set forth in  claim 1  wherein said lock member includes a pair of arms each supporting one of said first and second lock pads and wherein said cam moves between said first and second lock pads.  
   
   
       3 . The three axis lock joint set forth in  claim 2  wherein said passage and said socket are positioned on opposite sides of said housing.