Connector for toy track set

Abstract

A connector for releasably coupling two track segments together, the connector having: a body portion having a perimeter defining a first portion and a second portion; a hook portion located within the perimeter and the second portion; and a protrusion extending from the first portion.

1 . A connector for releasably coupling two track segments together, the connector comprising:
 a body portion having a perimeter defining a first portion and a second portion;   a hook portion located within the perimeter and the second portion; and   a protrusion extending from the first portion.   
     
     
         2 . The connector as in  claim 1 , wherein the hook portion is configured to have a “J” shape. 
     
     
         3 . The connector as in  claim 1 , wherein the perimeter is defined by a length and width of the body portion and the length is greater than the width. 
     
     
         4 . The connector as in  claim 1 , wherein the body portion has an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the protrusion extends from the upper surface. 
     
     
         5 . The connector as in  claim 1 , wherein the protrusion has a chamfered surface. 
     
     
         6 . The connector as in  claim 1 , wherein the connector is formed from plastic. 
     
     
         7 . The connector as in  claim 1 , wherein the perimeter is defined by a length and width of the body portion and the length is greater than the width and the hook portion is partially defined by an opening that extends inwardly from the perimeter. 
     
     
         8 . The connector as in  claim 7 , wherein the opening is configured to have an “L” shape. 
     
     
         9 . The connector as in  claim 8 , wherein the hook portion is configured to have a “J” shape. 
     
     
         10 . The connector as in  claim 7 , wherein the body portion has an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the protrusion extends from the upper surface. 
     
     
         11 . The connector as in  claim 10 , wherein the protrusion has a chamfered surface and wherein the connector is formed from plastic. 
     
     
         12 . The connector as in  claim 1 , wherein the connector further comprises another hook portion located within the perimeter and wherein the hook portion and the another hook portion are located on opposite side of the connector. 
     
     
         13 . The connector as in  claim 12 , wherein the hook portion and the another hook portion are configured to have a “J” shape and wherein the perimeter is defined by a length and width of the body portion and the length is greater than the width. 
     
     
         14 . In combination, a connector for coupling a pair of track segments to each other, wherein the connector comprises: a body portion having a perimeter defining a first portion and a second portion; a hanger portion located within the perimeter and the second portion; and a protrusion extending from the first portion; and wherein the first portion is configured to be slidably received within a pair of channels located on a lower surface of one of the pair of track segments and the second portion is configured to be slidably received within a pair of channels located on a lower surface of the other one of the pair of track segments. 
     
     
         15 . The combination as in  claim 14 , wherein the hook portion protrudes from a distal end of one of the pair of track segments when the first portion is received within the pair of channels and the protrusion is received within an opening in the one of the pair of track segments. 
     
     
         16 . The combination as in  claim 14 , wherein the hook portion is configured to have a “J” shape. 
     
     
         17 . The combination as in  claim 14 , wherein the perimeter is defined by a length and width of the body portion and the length is greater than the width. 
     
     
         18 . The combination as in  claim 17 , wherein the body portion has an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the protrusion extends from the upper surface. 
     
     
         19 . The combination as in  claim 18 , wherein the lower surface has a plurality of protrusions configured to frictionally engage the pair of channels when the first portion is received within the pair of channels. 
     
     
         20 . The combination as in  claim 14 , wherein the protrusion has a chamfered surface and wherein the connector is formed from plastic.