Model Train Track

Abstract

A model train track is provided that includes a plurality of track segments. Each track segment may include a roadbed, a plurality of rails, and a plurality of magnetic devices that are used to physically connect a track segment with an adjacent track segment. In other words, as two track segments move close to one another, the attraction between the magnetic devices on the two segments will not only pull the segments together, but, once connected, will maintain a physical connection therebetween until sufficient force is applied to overcome the magnetic attraction. Each track segment may also include at least one alignment portion, for aligning adjacent track segments during user assembly, and a plurality of contacts (e.g., biased or spring-loaded contacts) providing electrical continuity between adjacent track segments and components thereof (e.g., rails).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A track segment for a model train, comprising:
 a roadbed having first and second ends;   first and second rail segments connected to said roadbed, each rail segment having a first end proximate said first roadbed end and a second end proximate said second roadbed end;   a first magnetic device on said first roadbed end, said first magnetic device having a first end facing an adjacent track having a third magnetic device, said first end of said first magnetic device having one of a north and south pole; and   a plurality of contacts on said first roadbed end, a first one of said plurality of contacts being electrically connected to said first rail segment, and a second one of said plurality of contacts being electrically connected to said second rail segment;   wherein said third magnetic device has a first end facing said roadbed, said first end of said third magnetic device having a pole that is opposite, and is therefore attracted to, said first end of said first magnetic device, said attraction maintaining a connection between said roadbed and said adjacent roadbed after said two have been moved into close proximity to one another; and   wherein said plurality of contacts are configured to come into physical contact with adjacent contacts on said adjacent roadbed when said roadbed is connected to said adjacent roadbed, thereby electrically connecting said first rail segment to a third rail segment on said adjacent roadbed, and said second rail segment to a fourth rail segment on said adjacent roadbed.   
     
     
         2 . The track segment of  claim 1 , further comprising a second magnetic device on said first roadbed end, said second magnetic device having a first end facing said adjacent rack that has a pole opposite said first end of said first magnetic device and configured to attract a fourth magnetic device on said adjacent roadbed. 
     
     
         3 . The track segment of  claim 2 , wherein said first end of said first magnetic device protrudes from said first roadbed end and said first end of said second magnetic device is recessed into said first roadbed end, aiding in the alignment of said plurality of contacts and said adjacent contacts when said roadbed is connected to said adjacent roadbed. 
     
     
         4 . The track segment of  claim 2 , wherein said first and second magnetic devices are completely encapsulated by said roadbed. 
     
     
         5 . The track segment of  claim 1 , wherein said first end of said roadbed includes a protrusion configured to mate with a recess in said adjacent roadbed, aiding in the alignment of said plurality of contacts and said adjacent contacts when said roadbed is connected to said adjacent roadbed. 
     
     
         6 . The track segment of  claim 5 , wherein said first end of said roadbed includes a recess configured to mate with a protrusion in said adjacent roadbed, aiding in the alignment of said plurality of contacts and said adjacent contacts when said roadbed is connected to said adjacent roadbed. 
     
     
         7 . The track segment of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of contacts includes at least two leaf springs, aiding in the electrical connection between said plurality of contacts and said adjacent contacts. 
     
     
         8 . The track segment  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of contacts includes at least two compression springs, aiding in the electrical connection between said plurality of contacts and said adjacent contacts. 
     
     
         9 . The track segment of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of contacts includes at least two torsion springs, aiding in the electrical connection between said plurality of contacts and said adjacent contacts. 
     
     
         10 . A model train system comprising a model track having a plurality of track segments, wherein each track segment is configured to mated with two other segments, and a model train having a plurality of wheels configured for movement over said model track, each track segment comprising:
 a roadbed having first and second ends;   first and second rail segments connected to said roadbed, each rail segment having a first end proximate said first roadbed end and a second end proximate said second roadbed end;   a first magnetic device on said first roadbed end, said first magnetic device having a first end facing an adjacent track having a third magnetic device, said first end of said first magnetic device having one of a north and south pole; and   a plurality of contacts on said first roadbed end, a first one of said plurality of contacts being electrically connected to said first rail segment, and a second one of said plurality of contacts being electrically connected to said second rail segment;   wherein said third magnetic device has a first end facing said roadbed, said first end of said third magnetic device having a pole that is opposite, and is therefore attracted to, said first end of said first magnetic device, said attraction maintaining a connection between said roadbed and said adjacent roadbed after said two have been moved into close proximity to one another; and   wherein said plurality of contacts are configured to come into physical contact with adjacent contacts on said adjacent roadbed when said roadbed is connected to said adjacent roadbed, thereby electrically connecting said first rail segment to a third rail segment on said adjacent roadbed, and said second rail segment to a fourth rail segment on said adjacent roadbed.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising a second magnetic device on said first roadbed end, said second magnetic device having a first end facing said adjacent rack that has a pole opposite said first end of said first magnetic device and is configured to attract a fourth magnetic device on said adjacent roadbed. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said first end of said first magnetic device protrudes from said first roadbed end and said first end of said second magnetic device is recessed into said first roadbed end. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said first and second magnetic devices are completely encapsulated by said roadbed. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said first end of said roadbed includes a protrusion configured to mate with a recess in said adjacent roadbed. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein said first end of said roadbed includes a recess configured to mate with a protrusion in said adjacent roadbed. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein each one of said first and second ones of said plurality of contacts includes a leaf spring. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein each one of said first and second ones of said plurality of contacts includes a coil spring. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein each one of said first and second ones of said plurality of contacts includes a torsion spring. 
     
     
         19 . A track segment for a model train, comprising:
 a roadbed having first and second ends;   first and second rail segments connected to said roadbed;   a first magnetic device on said first roadbed end, said first magnetic device having a first end facing an adjacent track, said first end of said first magnetic device having one of a north and south pole;   a second magnetic device on said first roadbed end, said second magnetic device having a first end facing said adjacent track, said first end of said second magnetic device having a pole opposite that of said first end of said first magnetic device;   a first contact on said first roadbed end, said first contact being electrically connected to said first rail segment;   a second contact on said first roadbed end, said second contact being electrically connected to said second rail segment;   wherein said first end of said first magnetic device is configured to attract a first end of a third magnetic device on said adjacent roadbed, and said first end of said second magnetic device is configured to attract a first end of a fourth magnetic device on said adjacent roadbed, said attractions holding said roadbed in physical connection with said adjacent roadbed; and   wherein said first and second contacts are configured to come into physical contact with third and fourth contacts, respectively, on said adjacent roadbed when said roadbed is connected to said adjacent roadbed, thereby electrically connecting said first and second rail segments to third and fourth rail segments, respectively, on said adjacent roadbed.   
     
     
         20 . The track segment of  claim 1 , wherein at least portions of said first and second contacts are spring-like in that they are configured to move inward when said roadbed is moved into physical contact with said adjacent roadbed.