Toy vehicle loop

Abstract

A loop segment for a toy vehicle track set is disclosed. The loop segment comprises a first end, a second end, and a vertically-oriented loop structure between the first end and second end. The first end and second end are positioned such that a directional path of entry into the first end forms a straight line that is aligned with a directional path of exit out of the second end. The loop structure is positioned at an angular offset from the straight line formed by the first end and second end.

1 . A loop segment for a toy vehicle track set comprising:
 a first end and a second end, the first end and second end positioned such that a directional path of entry into the first end forms a straight line that is aligned with a directional path of exit out of the second end; and   a vertically-oriented loop structure between the first end and second end, the loop structure positioned at an angular offset from the straight line formed by the first end and second end.   
     
     
         2 . The loop segment of  claim 1 , wherein the loop structure comprises a single loop. 
     
     
         3 . The loop segment of  claim 1 , wherein the loop structure comprises two or more loops. 
     
     
         4 . The loop segment of  claim 1 , wherein the loop structure has a concave inner surface. 
     
     
         5 . The loop segment of  claim 1 , wherein the first end and second end of the loop segment are curved. 
     
     
         6 . The loop segment of  claim 1 , further comprising an inclined ramp coupled to the first end, wherein the inclined ramp is collinear with the straight line formed by the first end and second end. 
     
     
         7 . A loop segment for a toy vehicle track set comprising:
 a helical structure having a first end and a second end, the first end including a straight entry portion and the second end including a straight exit portion;   wherein the entry and exit portions of the loop segment collectively define a straight toy vehicle pathway and the helical structure defines a helical pathway angularly offset from the straight toy vehicle pathway.   
     
     
         8 . The loop segment of  claim 7 , wherein the helical structure includes a concave inner surface. 
     
     
         9 . The loop segment of  claim 8 , wherein both the entry portion and exit portion include a substantially flat inner surface. 
     
     
         10 . The loop segment of  claim 8 , further including raised edges along the helical structure, entry portion, and exit portion. 
     
     
         11 . The loop segment of  claim 7 , further comprising an inclined ramp coupled to the entry portion, wherein the inclined ramp is collinear with the straight toy vehicle pathway. 
     
     
         12 . A toy vehicle track segment comprising:
 a base; and   a track section connected to the base, the track section having a first end defining a first toy vehicle pathway, a second end defining a second toy vehicle pathway, and a connecting track portion between the first end and the second end;   wherein the first toy vehicle pathway and the second toy vehicle pathway are collinear and the connecting track portion defines a connecting toy vehicle pathway offset from the collinear first and second toy vehicle pathways.   
     
     
         13 . The track segment of  claim 12 , wherein the connecting track portion has a concave inner surface. 
     
     
         14 . The loop segment of  claim 13 , wherein the first end and second end have a substantially flat inner surface. 
     
     
         15 . The track segment of  claim 12 , further comprising an inclined ramp coupled to the first end, wherein the inclined ramp is collinear with the first and second toy vehicle pathways. 
     
     
         16 . A loop segment for a toy vehicle track set comprising:
 a base; and   one or more track pieces coupled to the base to form a loop structure, each track piece having a curved inner surface along which a toy vehicle can travel.   
     
     
         17 . The loop segment of  claim 16 , wherein each of the one or more track pieces includes a first side and a second side between which the curved inner surface extends, and the curved inner surface has a concave configuration or profile between the first side and the second side. 
     
     
         18 . The loop segment of  claim 16 , wherein each of the one or more track pieces has a concave profile. 
     
     
         19 . The loop segment of  claim 16 , wherein each of the one or more track pieces has a curved outer surface. 
     
     
         20 . The loop segment of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more track pieces includes a first track piece and a second track piece, each of the first track piece and the second track piece being coupled to the base, and each of the first track piece and the second track piece having a curved inner surface.