Why did Lego patent this part and never make it?

[Junpei]

I just found this today:

US Patent D384,986. Toy Building Element. Oct. 14, 1997.

Look at the fourth patent. I wonder why Lego never made the part...

[Technyk32231]

I just found this today:

US Patent D384,986. Toy Building Element. Oct. 14, 1997.

Look at the fourth patent. I wonder why Lego never made the part...

They probably just never had a use for it that couldn't be accomplished with existing parts.

[lukeandahalf]

Good find! I'm very curious to hear from the community some ideas as to why this part was never produced. 3D printing will surely come up, would custom making a part that Lego has patented violate copyright law? Curious! And as a side note, where was that patent info found?

[Lego Otaku]

There have been many more patents for parts never released. Including my favorite patents for 2 Monorail track switches that weren't released along with additional chassis bottom.

The 4 way connector would have been good since it is very similar to 3-way connector #10288

[WaysofSorting]

As I understand, they would patent for two reasons - one, to create something and protect it. Two - to protect an idea just so some other company couldn't create it to rival them. Clone brands...insidious, they are.

As for the fourth piece (Great find, by the way - thanks for bringing it up) I suspect it's more reason one than two, compounded with the fact they couldn't find a use for it. But then, 1997....they'd wisened up quite a bit by then. It could have been just to keep it protected, even though they had no intention of producing it.

10 years is a long time in business years.

[matthewclso]

That would have been a useful piece for me! They probably couldn't find any use for it...

[1974]

They can still release it in the future, you know. I think it was Huw at Brickset (?) who mentioned he saw the 1x1 round tile years before it was released

Lego Otaku, I'd luv a link to that monorail patent

[Lego Otaku]

Lego Otaku, I'd luv a link to that monorail patent

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5087001.pdf talks about the 3 track switches: Y and X tracks that were not released plus one switch that is released but with 2 design version.

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4861306.pdf shows various design for monorail base, boogies, and tracks. It includes additional designs for bogies that extend the train more than the 2 bases we currently can do, use of magnetic coupling, and diesel style body

[JTS]

http://www.freepaten...com/5087001.pdf talks about the 3 track switches: Y and X tracks that were not released plus one switch that is released but with 2 design version.

http://www.freepaten...com/4861306.pdf shows various design for monorail base, boogies, and tracks. It includes additional designs for bogies that extend the train more than the 2 bases we currently can do, use of magnetic coupling, and diesel style body

I'm shocked at how much detail the designs and drawings go into for the baseplate. Hours and hours worth - and never made it into production!

[1974]

http://www.freepaten...com/5087001.pdf talks about the 3 track switches: Y and X tracks that were not released plus one switch that is released but with 2 design version.

http://www.freepaten...com/4861306.pdf shows various design for monorail base, boogies, and tracks. It includes additional designs for bogies that extend the train more than the 2 bases we currently can do, use of magnetic coupling, and diesel style body

Many thanks! I guess TLG was waiting to see if the initial two monorail sets caught on?

Edit : I think the monotrail track parts do not require ultra high precision, so maybe they could be 3D'ed?

Edited October 23, 2013 by 1974

[Lego Otaku]

regular 3D printer can leave rough texture though but I haven't been following 3D printing much since they are still pricey for an average person. I'd be willing to pay for a fan made working cross and Y switches. Making 2 or more monorail run in continuous cloverleaf layout without having it crash at all would be fun. Also replacement parts for the existing switch would be nice, I believe the cog (or switch wheel or w/e you call it) and the spring can get worn out and start jamming when the train tries to pass through the auto switching tab.

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=46484entry814248 scroll down to the bottom of the post for the file switch anatomy.doc it provides excellent read on how the switch is made, what went wrong and what could be fixed. A minor change to a new wheel can prevent the switch from jamming and make the switch last longer.

[1974]

I've seen some parts made with high dollar 3D machines that are good enough monorail parts, although I do not know much about the process/costs

Got that pdf and I've fixed a couple of switches allthouhg I haven't changed that part mentioned

Jim, maybe this monorail talk could be split off and put in the Train section?

Cheers,

Ole

[Lego Otaku]

Monorail and patents were mentioned a couple times in the trains section in the past but last time it came up, 3D printer were much more expensive and not as widespread. Maybe merge with the last thread about this subject and bump it up?