Miniature expandable toy train system
View Patent ↗A toy train is provided having a folding body with body segments joined by a hinge, adapted to engage a base having wheels. The folding body may be disassembled for storage in a generally flattened arrangement. A novel drive assembly for a toy train or toy train accessory is provided having a motor and a gear, which can be removably inserted in the base and covered by the folding body. A storage kit is provided including a storage case for storing a folding body of a toy train, a base for a toy train, and a drive assembly for a toy train. A toy train set is provided including tiles with raised train tracks. The tiles are joined by dovetail joints. Themed tiles are provided for creating a multi-themed play environment.
1. A toy train comprising: a base portion including wheels for engaging a toy train track; a folding body comprising at least two adjacent body segments connected by a hinge, the folding body adapted to engage the base portion in an assembled position; wherein the folding body can be stored in a generally flattened arrangement when disassembled; and,
a drive assembly for driving at least one of the wheels, the drive assembly adapted to removably engage the base portion.
2. The toy train of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the body segments has a connection portion for removably engaging an adjacent one of the body segments in an assembled position.
3. The toy train of claim 1 , wherein the body segments include complementary connection portions.
4. The toy train of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the folding body is connected to the base by a removable connection.
5. The toy train of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the folding body is connected to the base by a hinge.
6. The toy train of claim 1 , wherein the adjacent body segments are connected via a living hinge.
7. The toy train of claim 1 , wherein the drive assembly further comprises an integrated motor and drive gear for driving at least one of the wheels.
8. The toy train of claim 7 , wherein at least one of the wheels has a gear for engaging the drive gear of the drive assembly.
9. The toy train of claim 7 , wherein the motor is electric and the drive assembly further comprises a holder for an electrical power source.
10. The toy train of claim 1 , wherein the drive assembly further comprises a wind-up spring driven motor for powering the drive assembly.
11. The toy train of claim 1 , wherein the body segments lie substantially flat when the train is completely disassembled.
12. The toy train of claim 1 , wherein the folding body has a first profile when assembled and a second profile when disassembled, and the profile of the folding body is reduced for storage by creating a decreased or flattened profile when disassembled as compared to the assembled profile.
13. A folding body toy train comprising: at least two adjacent body segments connected by a hinge, at least one of the body segments having a connection portion for removably engaging an adjacent body segment in an assembled position; a base portion including wheels for engaging a toy train track connected to at least one of the body segments, the base portion having a second connection for removably engaging at least one of the body segments, wherein the body segments can be stored in a generally flattened arrangement when disassembled; and,
a drive assembly for driving at least one of the wheels, the drive assembly adapted to removably engage the base portion.
14. The toy train of claim 13 , wherein at least one of the body segments is connected to the base by a removable connection.
15. The toy train of claim 13 , wherein the body segments have complementary connection portions.
16. The toy train of claim 13 , wherein the body segments are connected via a living hinge.
17. The toy train of claim 13 , wherein the drive assembly further comprises an integrated motor and drive gear for driving at least one of the wheels.
18. The toy train of claim 17 , wherein at least one of the wheels has a gear for engaging the drive gear of the drive assembly.
19. The toy train of claim 13 , wherein the motor is electric and the drive assembly further comprises a holder for an electrical power source.
20. The toy train of claim 13 , wherein the drive assembly further comprises a wind-up spring driven motor for powering the drive assembly.
21. The toy train of claim 13 , wherein the body segments lie substantially flat when the train is completely disassembled.
22. The toy train of claim 13 , wherein the folding body has a first profile when assembled and a second profile when disassembled, and the profile of the folding body is reduced for storage by creating a decreased or flattened profile when disassembled as compared to the assembled profile.