WO2021070114A1

WO2021070114A1 - Toy model system

Info

Publication number: WO2021070114A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/059473
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Anderson
Original assignee: Dancomb Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-08
Filing date: 2020-10-08
Publication date: 2021-04-15
Also published as: GB2592856A; GB201914560D0; GB2589206A; GB202015991D0

Abstract

A toy model system (100) for mounting to a ceiling is described. The system (100) comprises a track (201-205) defining a circuit (200) and one or more carriages (105). The track (201-205) has a circular cross-section. Each carriage (105) comprises a motor, and a wheel (140) powered by the motor.The wheel (140) engages an outer surface (210) of the track (201-205) to propel the carriage (105) along the track (201-205).

Description

TOY MODEL SYSTEM

Field

The present invention relates to a toy model system, in particular to a toy model system for mounting to a ceiling.

Background

Entertainment is becoming increasingly screen-based, with traditional tactile, physical games being replaced with console and mobile games. This is particularly prevalent in children’s entertainment.

The convenience of mobile and console games is at least a contributing factor in this shift. Generally minimal or no set up required once the game is installed/purchased, and mobile games in particular encourage a ‘pick-up and play’ approach. However, screen-based gameplay can lead to eye strain and contribute to sleep deprivation.

Many traditional physical games lack the convenience of mobile and console games, or are otherwise restrictive. For example, traditional board games often require a set number of players, and clear understanding of rules and set-up. Other traditional larger-scale toys, such as slot car racing games like Scalextric™ require a substantial amount of time to set up for each session, and are often difficult to do so (such that children are unable to do so without aid or supervision). Slot car games and the like also take up a large amount of floor space. This also makes them vulnerable to breakage, because of the amount of space taken up on the room of a floor and the accessibility of fragile components. The present invention aims to solve or at least ameliorate the problems associated with the aforementioned systems. Summary

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a toy model system for mounting to a ceiling. The system comprises a track defining a circuit and one or more carriages. The track has a circular cross-section. Each carriage comprises a motor and a wheel powered by the motor. The wheel engages an outer surface of the track to propel the carriage along the track.

An advantage of the present invention over the prior art systems discussed above is that the circular cross section of the track allows the wheel to engage any point around the surface of the track. This allows the possibility of a carriage to rotating around the track. It also allows the carriage(s) to be secured in the system by surrounding the outside of the track, which is more secure and stable than a carriage sitting on top of flat track. A carriage merely sat on top of track will inevitably lead to the carriage falling off the track, particularly if high speeds are involved. With the system mounted to a ceiling, this would lead to a serious risk of injury. The importance of preventing the one or more carriage(s) falling off the track is enhanced when considering the height at which the track may be mounted.

The track may comprise a plurality of shaped segments configured to removably couple to one another. Optionally or preferably the segments may be coupled with one or more separate connector pieces.

Advantageously, this allows for different circuit configurations, increasing the variety of play and encouraging repeated play sessions. The removable coupling also improves the ease of assembling/disassembling and storing the system.

It can be appreciated that there a number of different coupling mechanisms appropriate for the track. As an example, the track segments could comprise protrusions and complementary cavities to enable a male-female engagement between pieces. These protrusions could sit below the surface of the track, ensuring that the segments sit flush and there is no discontinuity in the circuit. Alternatively, the segments could comprise an internal and external screw thread at opposite ends.

In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises separate connector pieces configured to couple the track segments together. The provides greater variety of configurations than the examples described above, where it would not be possible to couple the track segments in arrangements where the ends were required to couple in a female-female or male-male configuration (similar issues would arise attempt to couple together two ends where both threads were internal or both external). As an example, all track segments could comprise a cavity into which the separate connector pieces engage, ensuring that the track segments can sit flush together with no discontinuities. The track cavity and connector pieces could have any cross section provided they are consistent. Preferably, the connector pieces may be cylindrical with a plurality of convex protrusions (i.e. comprise a ribbed exterior). Advantageously, this provides an improved hold between a connector piece and track segment relative to two flat surfaces, particularly if grease or debris gets entrained in the cavity of the track segment. Security of connections between the segments is an important safety consideration.

It can be appreciated that track with a circular cross-section allows for a wide variety of shapes and configurations of segments. As an example, the shaped segments can include, but are not limited to, “S” shaped segments, “L” corner segments, straight cylindrical segments, or segments where there is a ‘step’ (i.e. the relative height of the track changes as along the length of the segment).

The system may further comprise at least one ceiling mounting bracket configured to mount the track to a ceiling or ceiling panel.

A ‘ceiling panel’ is a separate removable tile comprising peg holes for receiving the end of the ceiling mounting bracket. An advantage provided by this arrangement is increased ease of installation, and provides the ability of a user to change the configuration of the track (and so vary the circuit used). Alternatively, the bracket could couple to an integral part of the ceiling. Advantageously, this provides the convenience of one-time assembly, and the associated advantages with such a set-up. These include reduced time to ‘set up’ for subsequent sessions, and in the case of mounting on the ceiling keeps any fragile components out of reach of children.

The system may further comprise at least one wall mounting bracket configured to mount the track to a wall or wall panel. The track may be mounted to both the wall and ceiling (either directly or via wall/ceiling panel) at specific points along the circuit, or may only be coupled to one of these structures. A ‘wall panel’ may be a separate removable tile comprising peg holes for receiving the end of the wall mounting bracket.

The track may comprise a slot along at least part of the length of the track for receiving the mounting bracket. Advantageously, this allows for various configurations of the track and bracket arrangement, particularly if a significant length of the track comprises the slot because this would allow for connection of the bracket and track at a plurality of different points along the track. The slot coupling mechanism also ensures that there is no disruption to the circuit. Alternatives include clipping the bracket to the track at defined points or the bracket engaging in an aperture within the track. However, both restrict the variety of configurations available, and potentially introduce discontinuities in the track (either protrusions where the bracket is attached or recesses where the bracket is not attached).

The system may further comprise a model vehicle, wherein the model is configured to removably couple to the carriage. An advantage provided by providing a model vehicle which is separate and removable from the carriage is that it allows a user to customise the system, and possibly customise the model itself. The carriage may further comprise a first housing for storing the motor, wherein the wheel is coupled to the first housing; a second housing disposed adjacent to the outer surface of track, optionally or preferably opposite the wheel; and at least one side panel configured to couple the first and second housings.

Advantageously, the combination of housings and side panel allows the carriage to at least partially surround the track, securing carriage in place and reducing the likelihood of the carriage falling off the track. This improves the safety of the system. Disposing the second housing on the opposite surface of the track to the wheel ensures that the housing and wheel substantially envelops the track, maximising the securing effect.

The carriage may comprise two side panels, but it is envisaged that a gap in one of the panels would be required to enable the carriage to pass by the one or more mounting brackets without disruption, and the securing effect could be obtained with the utilisation of one side panel.

The model may be coupled to the carriage by coupling to the second housing. Alternatively the second housing may be the model.

The model may comprise one or more camera elements. The camera element(s) may comprise a wide angled lens. The one or more camera elements may be integrated into the model, or may be a separate, removable attachment. Additional camera elements may be distributed along the track to provide alternative angles.

The one or more camera elements may be configured to provide a live video stream to the user, providing another source of stimulation during use. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more camera elements may record video and/or take pictures during a session of use, to allow a user to compile a highlights reel or similar video after the fact. The system may further comprise a battery electrically coupled to the motor. This removes the requirement for a mains supply in order to use the system. This improves portability of the system, and also enhances the safety of the system because no overhead cables are necessary. The battery may be stored in the second housing. This provides a weight balance to the motor and wheel disposed opposite to the second housing.

The battery may be electrically coupled to the one or more camera elements. Alternatively, a separate battery or alternative power system may be provided for the one or more camera elements.

The system may further comprise a docking station configured to provide a charging point for the battery. The docking station may be positioned along the track, and comprise electrical contacts aligned to come into contact with one or more electrical contacts on the second housing. Alternatively, wireless charging of the battery could be provided. This removes any need to regularly replace the battery, ensuring that the system can remain installed for an extended period of time. The docking station could be incorporated into the aesthetic of the track and be decorated as, for example, a docking bay for spaceships or an aircraft hangar. Alternatively, the docking station may be a separate structure. An advantage of the separate structure is that no cables would be required overhead to reach the track.

The system may further comprise an electrical connector for connecting the system to an external power source or mains power supply, and the track may comprise an electrically conductive strip along the length of the circuit coupled to the electrical connector, configured to provide an electrical connection to the motor. This electrical arrangement provides an alternative to powering the motor with a battery. Advantageously, this removes the need to recharge or replace any battery, which can enable longer sessions without interruption. This is particularly pertinent if the system has a high power consumption or, for example, a large group of users are taking turns to use the system continuously (e.g. at a workshop or convention).

The track may comprise a first and second circuit, each circuit defining a raceway for a carriage. This enables multiple users to utilise the system at once, providing the opportunity for racing the models around the track.

The system may further comprise a controller comprising a user interface; wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to the motor of a carriage, and configured to alter the speed of the motor on command from the user interface. Two carriages may be controlled by two separate controllers.

The addition of acceleration or deceleration on a user prompt adds variety to use of the system, and allows one or more users to race one another. An example controller may comprise a trigger, wherein depressing the trigger prompts the carriage to accelerate and releasing the trigger reduces the speed of the carriage. As an example implementation, a variable resistor may be used to alter the acceleration, or an alternative force based indicator may be used. If an electronic trigger is used then a positional representation of the acceleration or power may be implemented.

The controller may further comprise an infrared light for emitting an infrared pulse, triggered on manual command of the user. The system may further comprise infrared sensors for targeting with the infrared pulse. These sensors could be attached to ‘obstacles’ present on the track, which rotate/fold away when the sensors receive the pulse. This feature adds an extra element of gameplay to the system, enabling a user to simulate shooting obstacles out of the path of the carriage. It is envisaged that contact with the one or more obstacle features would cause the carriage to stop without causing significant damage to the track or the carriage.

At least one of the infrared sensors could be mounted on one of the carriages, with the carriage configured to temporarily stop the motor upon the infrared sensor receiving infrared light. This adds yet another element of gameplay, where a user could simulate shooting another user’s carriage, causing it to stop. This would introduce a penalty when racing, and encourage users to engage with the system rather than passively observing the ‘race’. The sensors could be configured to activate only on receipt light of specific frequency, which could allow a scoring system to be introduced, and also prevent friendly fire if the infrared light on each controller emitted a different frequency pulse. The controller may further provide force feedback in the form of vibration when the user’s carriage is ‘hit’ during the race. This could be provided using a variety of mechanisms, such as a motor holding an unbalanced weight and fixed inside the controller. The carriage ‘hit’ provides a prompt to the motor to spin the weight, with the unbalanced nature of the weight causing a ‘wobbling’ motion

Alternatively, the controller may comprise a visible light source for emitting a beam of visible light, triggered on manual command of the user. Accordingly, the sensors for targeting may be visible light sensors, and may be configured to sense a beam of visible light with a frequency corresponding to the source on the controller. One or more of these sensors may be mounted on at least one of the carriages.

Visible light beams as an alternative light source allow a user to see the interaction between the controller and carriage, providing greater engagement in this element of gameplay. Conversely, infrared pulses may be less subject to interference from the surroundings. The visible light source may be a low- power (i.e. class 2 or lower, and preferably a class 1) laser. It can be appreciated that alternatively or additionally to the visible light source an infra- red source that provides the sensor emission and detection.

The system may further comprise a mount for docking the or a controller(s). The mount may charge the or a controller(s). The system may further comprise a Virtual Reality (VR) headset for a user, communicatively coupled to the one or more camera elements. The headset may comprise a screen or pair of screens configured to display the view captured by the one or more camera elements. The headset may further comprise an accelerometer, and be configured to alter the image visible on screen in response to motion of the headset.

Advantageously, this can provide greater immersion for an end user of the system.

The system may further comprise a sound system, configured to provide sound effects that coincide with actions taken by the user. The sound system may comprise one or more speakers disposed at various locations in the track. Alternatively or additionally, the sound system may comprise one or more speakers disposed on or in the model and/or carriage. Alternatively or additionally, the sound system may comprise headphones, forming part of the VR headset.

The system may further comprise a projector, configured to project graphics on to a ceiling. The projector may be configured to project an image of a desired track layout selected by a user. Advantageously, this can assist a user when assembling the track.

The track may comprise a groove along at least a portion of the length of the track. The path of the groove may rotate around the circumference of the track at specific locations along the length of the track. Further, the carriage may comprise a pin configured to engage with the groove such that motion of the carriage along and around the track is guided by the groove.

The pin and groove arrangement can provide opportunity for a carriage to ‘roll’ around the track, which provides variety in the motion of the carriage around the circuit. This can keep a prospective user engaged for longer. Faster and slower angles of spiral may be provided at different sections of the track. The grooved sections of the track may be limited to regions clear of any supports or mounting brackets, to prevent collision between a carriage and the supports. The carriage may be configured to extend and retract the pin on receipt of a signal from the controller. This allows a user to decide if/when the carriage performs a roll around the track, introducing further variety into the use of the system. Alternatively, the pin could be spring-mounted within the carriage, so that the carriage performs a consistent roll each time a groove is present.

The carriage may further comprise a kickdown wheel configured to engage with the outer surface of the track at a position perpendicular to the wheel, causing the carriage to rotate around the track. The carriage may be configured to lower the kickdown wheel to engage with the track on receipt of a signal from the controller.

A kickdown wheel is a wheel that can be raised and lowered on command of a user. The kickdown wheel arrangement can be provided as an alternative roll mechanism to the ‘pin and groove’ assembly described previously. An advantage of using a kickdown wheel is that the roll action is not restricted to sections where a groove is provided in the track. The kickdown wheel may be powered by a separate motor to rotate at an angle relative to the forward motion of the carriage. Once engaged with the track, the kickdown wheel will urge the carriage to spin around for at least as long as engaged. A brief initial contact may be all that is required. Alternatively, more prolonged contact may be required, dependent on several factors such as carriage weight and relative power of the motor rotating the kickdown wheel. The command prompt may be a button or trigger. Alternatively, the controller may comprise an accelerometer, and be configured to command the kickdown wheel to be lowered on tilting of the controller. The system could be configured such that the direction of tilt commands the direction in which the carriage rotates around the track. In an embodiment where power is provided to the carriage by an electrically conductive strip around the length of the track, it is envisaged that power to the carriage may be temporarily lost when performing a roll either with the pin and groove assembly or using the kickdown wheel. The momentum of the carriage would ensure that the forward motion is continued despite the loss of power. With the pin and groove arrangement it is possible that the electrically conductive strip could be continued along the side of the groove, but this could lead to increased manufacture difficulty and cost.

The carriage may further comprise a proximity sensor and/or near-field communication sensor, and be configured to prevent the second wheel engaging the track on receipt of a signal from the one or more sensors. The signal from the one or more sensors would indicate a potential obstruction to the path of the carriage rotating around the track.

The provision of a proximity sensor can ensure that collisions and damage to carriage or model are avoided. If a user attempts to perform a roll but the proximity sensor detects a nearby obstacle then said roll can be delayed or prevented, avoiding a potential collision.

The or each mounting bracket may comprise a near field communication sensor configured to communicate with the one or more sensor(s) located in the carriage. The communication between the sensors in the mounting bracket and carriage can prompt a signal to the carriage when the carriage is in close enough proximity to the or each mounting bracket that rotation (or a roll) around the track would result in a collision between the mounting bracket and the carriage. This can again prevent damage to the carriage and model, increasing the expected lifetime of the system.

The controller may be a smartphone, and the user interface may be an application downloadable onto a smartphone. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described hereinafter.

Brief description of Drawings

Embodiments will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which

Figure 1A illustrates a schematic of a carriage and track segment according to an example embodiment;

Figure 1 B illustrates how a model could attach to the carriage of Figure 1 A;

Figure 2A illustrates a schematic of an example track and mounting board;

Figure 2B illustrates schematic example track segments;

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic of an example mounting bracket;

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a schematic of an example user interface, undocked and docked respectively.

It should be noted that the Figures are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of these Figures have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size, for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings. The same reference signs are generally used to refer to corresponding or similar feature in modified and different embodiments.

Detailed description of embodiments

Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a schematic of a toy model system 100 having a carriage 105 and track segment 205 according to an example embodiment. The carriage 105 comprises a motor stored inside a first housing 110 and a wheel 140 powered by the motor and coupled to the first housing 110. In the present embodiment the track segment 205 is substantially cylindrical forming a tubular structure that defines a circuit on which the carriage is supported and moves along. The carriage 100 further comprises a second housing 120 disposed adjacent to an outer surface 210 of the track segment 205. The outer surface 210 is typically smooth but provides a fractioned surface for the carriage 100 to aid grip and reduce slippage of the carriage 100. The second housing 120 is disposed on the opposite side of the track segment 205 to the wheel 140 and the first housing 110. A side panel 130 connects the first housing 110 to the second housing 120, and surrounds a side of the track segment 205. The side panel typically does not fully surround the track segment 205, but instead typically extends to surround approximately half of the segment 205. This can allow the carriage to avoid contact with track supports or mounting brackets 300, that are described below.

When in use, the wheel 140 engages an outer surface of the track segment 205, such that when the motor is actuated, the carriage 100 is propelled along the track. The wheel 140 may be shaped in a concave shape to complimentarily fit against the convex outer surface 210 of the track 205. It can be appreciated that the side panel 130 may have a degree of resilience to allow distortion of the shape for mounting the carriage 105 to the track segment 205. This allows the carriage 105 to ‘clip’ onto the track 205, with the tension exerted by the side panel 130 acting to hold the carriage 105 into place on the track segment 205. It can be appreciated that this arrangement can reduce the likelihood of the carriage 105 falling off the track when in use. The securing action is aided by the wheel 140 being shaped to closely fit the track segment 205, rather than sitting loosely on top of the track segment 205.

In an embodiment, the second housing 120 may store a battery (not pictured) to power the motor, with the motor and the battery being electrically coupled via the side panel 130. A model 150 is configured to be removably coupled to the second housing 120. This allows for customisation of the model 150 or for different styles of model 150 to be used interchangeably. In the illustrated example, the model 150 is a plane, but alternatives include but are not limited to a spacecraft or helicopter. The carriage 100 and model 150 may be made from a hard plastic, or any other suitable material such as aluminium or steel.

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate an example track circuit 200 and example track portions 201 , 202, 203, 204. The track circuit 200 acts to define a circuit about which the carriage 105 is constrained. The track circuit comprises multiple track portions 201-204, each track portion comprising track segments 205 as described above. As demonstrated by the range of track portions 201 , 202, 203, 204 illustrated in Figure 2B, it is envisaged that there are a wide range of shapes and sizes that the portions could take, from U-turn portions 201 to and L-shaped corners 204. Provision of these broad shaped track portions 201-204 allow for a modular construction of the track circuit 200, providing multiple configurations for the track circuit 200. It is envisaged that the portions 201, 202, 203, 204 would be made of a firm plastic, but alternative appropriate materials could be used. Straight track portions 202 may further include an inner tube formed of aluminium to maintain integrity along the length of the straight portion 202 (i.e. to prevent a bend in the middle of the length of the straight portion 202 when the weight of a carriage 100 is applied). It can also be appreciated that the track circuit 200 may comprise one or more closed circuits or loops allowing for multiple carriages to be mounted, each to separate circuits. Alternatively or additionally said circuits may interact, combine or switch to define larger or combined circuits as desired.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2A, the track circuit 200 is mounted to a mounting board 250. The mounting board 250 comprises a plurality of apertures 251 for holding one or more mounting brackets 300 that act to support the track portions 201-204. It can be appreciated that having a plurality of apertures 251 allows for multiple configurations of the circuit 200 by arranging the track portions 201-204 into track circuits 200 as desired. The mounting board 250 may made be from lightweight plastic, and comprise several fixing positions to enable the board to fix to a ceiling. For example, the mounting board 250 may be fixed to plasterboard or the joists of a ceiling. Alternatively, the mounting board 250 could be affixed to, for example, concrete ceilings with a high-tack tape. The fixings must be secure enough to take the load of the track and carriages without failure.

Figures 3A and 3B illustrate alternative “roll” mechanisms 300, 350. Figure 3A illustrates a kickdown wheel 345 in situ within the housing 110 of the carriage 100. The kickdown wheel 345 is configured to rotate at an angle relate to the wheel 140. When in contact with the outer surface 210 the track segment 205, the kickdown wheel 345 will cause the carriage 100 to rotate around the track segment 205. Figure 3B illustrates the track component 350 of the ‘pin and groove’ roll mechanism. The track component 350 comprises a groove 356 in the outer surface 355 of the component 350, spiralling around the component 350. Where this roll mechanism is used, the carriage 100 comprises a pin (either spring-loaded or retractable on command of a user) configured to fit into groove 356. When the pin interacts with the groove 356, the carriage will follow the path of the groove 356 around the track component 350. Multiple track components can be provided, with grooves providing different angles of rotation about the components to provide variety along the track.

Figure 4 illustrates an example mounting bracket 400. The mounting bracket 400 comprises a body portion 410 and a base 420. In the illustrated example, the base 420 and body portion 310 are integral, but they could be separably coupled with an additional coupling mechanism, such with a threaded protrusion extending from the base 420 and received by the underside of the body portion 410. The base 420 comprises at least one through-hole 425, positioned to corresponding with an aperture 451 of the mounting board 450. This allows the mounting bracket 400 to be attached to the mounting board 250 with a coupling mechanism, such as a screw or peg. The through-hole 425 is sized such that the threaded portion of said screw can pass through the through-hole 425 and into an aperture 251 of the mounting board 250, but prevent passage of the head portion of said screw, securing the mounting bracket 300 to the mounting board 250.

The mounting bracket 400 further comprises a neck portion 430. Mounting brackets 400 may be provided in two or more sets, each set having a neck portion 430 with a different fixed length, allowing one or more track circuits 200 to be mounted in the same area, offset from one another. Alternatively or additionally, the neck 430 may be of variable length (e.g. being telescopic). Alternatively, the mounting brackets 400 may be provided in a uniform length, and two tracks 200 can be spaced apart sufficiently to avoid contact between the carriages 100 on each track 200. The mounting bracket further comprises a head portion 340 attached to the neck 430. The head 440 is configured to slot into a recess into a track segment. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 440 is integral with the neck 430 and body portion 410, but it is envisaged that they could be separate components.

Figures 5A and 5B illustrate a schematic of an example user controller 500, both when mounted to a docking station 500 (Figure 5B) and in use (Figure 5A). The controller 500 is shaped like a gun, comprising a pair of gun barrels 520, a trigger 530 and a handle 510. The controller 500 comprises a user interface, and is communicatively coupled to the motor of a carriage 100. Bluetooth™ or other wireless protocols could be used to provide wireless communication. In the illustrated example, the user interface comprises the trigger 530, and the controller 500 is configured to alter the speed of the motor on command from the user interface. This command is provided by depressing the speed trigger 530 to accelerate the motor, and releasing pressure on the speed trigger 530 to allow the motor to decelerate. The controller further comprises a infrared light for emitting an infrared pulse. The light may be an LED or other suitable light source. In the illustrated example, the light is housed within at least one of a pair of gun barrels 520, with which a user can aim and fire. The pulse is triggered on actuation of one of the buttons 540. Another function associated with the buttons 540 may be a ‘nitro’ or sudden speed boost, which allows a user to prompt the associated carriage 100 to accelerate suddenly. This could be used to avoid a second user’s attempts to fire a pulse at the carriage 100. The user interface further comprises a display screen 550, configured to display information to the user. This information could include, but is not limited to, average speed, number of laps, number of hits and any other information relevant to the current play using the system.

Figure 5B shows the controllers 500 docked within a docking station 600. The docking station acts to charge batteries within the controllers. The batteries may be rechargeable technology batteries such as Lithium-ion or the like. The docking station electrically connects to the controllers to allow recharging of the batteries. The electrical connection may be inductive to allow for wireless inductive charging of the controllers. The docking station 600 is mains powered, and conceivably can be any shape or configuration that allows the controllers 500 to be charged.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein.

Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

For the sake of completeness it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A toy model system for mounting to a ceiling, the system comprising: a track defining a circuit; and one or more carriages, each carriage comprising: a motor; and a wheel powered by the motor, wherein the wheel engages an outer surface of the track to propel the carriage along the track; wherein the track has a circular cross-section.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the track comprises a plurality of shaped segments configured to removably couple to one another, optionally or preferably wherein the segments are coupled with one or more separate connector pieces.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 of claim 2, further comprising at least one ceiling mounting bracket configured to mount the track to a ceiling or ceiling panel.

4. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising at least one wall mounting bracket configured to mount the track to a wall or wall panel.

5. A system as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the track comprises a slot along at least part of the length of the track for receiving the mounting bracket.

6. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a model vehicle, wherein the model is configured to removably couple to the carriage

7. A system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the carriage further comprises: a first housing for storing the motor and wherein the wheel is coupled to the first housing; a second housing disposed adjacent to the outer surface of track, optionally or preferably opposite the wheel; and at least one side panel configured to couple the first and second housings.

9. A system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the model is coupled to the carriage by coupling to the second housing.

10. A system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second housing is the model.

11. A system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 , further comprising: a battery electrically coupled to the motor.

12. A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the battery is stored in the second housing.

13. A system as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising a docking station configured to provide a charging point for the battery.

14. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an electrical connector for connecting the system to an external power source or mains power supply; wherein the track comprises an electrically conductive strip along the length of the circuit coupled to the electrical connector, configured to provide an electrical connection to the motor.

15. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the track comprises a first and second circuit, each circuit defining a raceway for a carriage.

16. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising: a controller comprising a user interface; wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to the motor of a carriage, and configured to alter the speed of the motor on command from the user interface.

17. A system as claimed in claim 16, wherein two carriages are controlled by two separate controllers.

18. A system as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein: the controller further comprises an infrared light for emitting an infrared pulse, triggered on manual command of the user; and wherein the system further comprises infrared sensors for targeting with the infrared pulse.

19. A system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the at least one of said infrared sensors is mounted on one of the carriages; and wherein the carriage is configured to temporarily stop the motor upon the infrared sensor receiving infrared light.

20. A system as claimed in any of claims 16 to 19, further comprising a mount for docking the or a controller(s) and optionally or preferably wherein the mount charges the or a controller(s).

21. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 20, wherein: the track comprises a groove along at least a portion of the length of the track, the groove rotating around the circumference of the track at specific locations along the length of the track the carriage comprises a pin configured to engage with the groove such that motion of the carriage along and around the track is guided by the groove.

22. A system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the carriage is configured to extend and retract the pin on receipt of a signal from the controller.

23. A system as claimed in any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the carriage further comprises: a kickdown wheel configured to engage with the outer surface of the track at a position perpendicular to the wheel, causing the carriage to rotate around the track; and wherein the carriage is configured to lower the kickdown wheel to engage with the track on receipt of a signal from the controller.

24. A system as claimed in claim 23, wherein: the carriage further comprises a proximity sensor and/or near-field communication sensor in communication with the controller; the carriage is configured to prevent the second wheel engaging the track on receipt of a signal from the one or more sensors indicating a potential obstruction to the path of the carriage rotating around the track.

25. A system as claimed in claim 24, as dependent directly or indirectly on claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the or each mounting bracket comprises a near field communication sensor configured to communicate with the one or more sensor(s) located in the carriage.

26. A system according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the controller is a smartphone.

27. A system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a projector unit for displaying accompanying visual effects to the ceiling.

28. A system according to claim 27, wherein the projector projects one or more of: a track layout showing the circuit for the track prior to prior to mounting to the ceiling; and/or wherein the visual effects are configured to highlight actions undertaken by the carriages during movement along the track.