CA1293007C - Flying device - Google Patents
Flying deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1293007C CA1293007C CA000528298A CA528298A CA1293007C CA 1293007 C CA1293007 C CA 1293007C CA 000528298 A CA000528298 A CA 000528298A CA 528298 A CA528298 A CA 528298A CA 1293007 C CA1293007 C CA 1293007C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- toy
- body section
- rearward
- section
- length
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention provides an aerial toy consisting of a hollow open ended configuration having forward and rearward body parts. The forward body section is of increased wall thickness and decreased axial length relative to the rearward body section with both parts being formed from a resilient material allowing deformation and causing rebounding back to the original configuration.
The present invention provides an aerial toy consisting of a hollow open ended configuration having forward and rearward body parts. The forward body section is of increased wall thickness and decreased axial length relative to the rearward body section with both parts being formed from a resilient material allowing deformation and causing rebounding back to the original configuration.
Description
1293ยข07 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to aerial toys.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Toys such as model aeroplanes, kites and boomerangs have been known for many years. Of more recent popularity, are flying discs such as those available under the trade mark Frisbee, which exhibit a floating, graceful flight. Several attempts have been made to produce simple tubular bodies that can be thrown and whose flight is protracted and exhibit airfoil characteristics. Examples of such devices are shown in United States patents 3,151,974 to Klahn et al; 3,264,776 to Morrow and 4,246,721 to Bowers.
The above listed patented devices have not had any commercial impact, possibly do to the fact that they do not exhibit the floating, graceful flight patterns of the flying disc, cannot be easily thrown over long distances (i.e. 50 yards) or cannot be controlled to fly in different manners according to the way in which they are launched or thrown.
Furthermore, because they are often made of stiff and rigid materials with substantially no flexibility they are subject to misshaping problems as they frequently fall to the ground, rather than being caught, resulting in, for example, small dents which further detract from any airfoil characteristic of these devices. In fact, because these devices are made from hard materials, such as aluminum and metal, there is a safety hazard in standing in front of them to catch them.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT I~VE~TION
-The present invention provides an aerial toy which demonstrates floating, graceful flight patterns, can be easily thrown long distances, is not subject to damage on contact with the ground and is safe for playing catch. More specifically the present invention provides a toy comprising a hollow open ended body having forward and rearward sections with the rearward body section being a thin walled sail means, and the forward body section having greater wall thickness than said rearward body section whereby said toy has a constant interior cross-section from its leading edge to its trailing edge has an inside diameter greater than its length and is formed from a resilient material providing much improved safety and aerodynamic features over the prior art devices.
BRIEF DISCUSSIO~ OF THE DRAWI~GS
The above, as well as other advantages and features of the present invention will be described in greater detail according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerial toy according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a sectional view along the lines 2-2 of figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates the launching of the toy.
~ 3 - lZ9 3 ~ 07 Figure 4 is a perspective view of the toy, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5a through 5p, show a wide variety of possible cross-sectional shapes of the toy, according to still further preferred embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION ACCORDING TO THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Figure 1 shows an aerial toy of the present invention having a hollow open-ended configuration and comprising a forward body section 8 and rearward body section
This invention relates to aerial toys.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Toys such as model aeroplanes, kites and boomerangs have been known for many years. Of more recent popularity, are flying discs such as those available under the trade mark Frisbee, which exhibit a floating, graceful flight. Several attempts have been made to produce simple tubular bodies that can be thrown and whose flight is protracted and exhibit airfoil characteristics. Examples of such devices are shown in United States patents 3,151,974 to Klahn et al; 3,264,776 to Morrow and 4,246,721 to Bowers.
The above listed patented devices have not had any commercial impact, possibly do to the fact that they do not exhibit the floating, graceful flight patterns of the flying disc, cannot be easily thrown over long distances (i.e. 50 yards) or cannot be controlled to fly in different manners according to the way in which they are launched or thrown.
Furthermore, because they are often made of stiff and rigid materials with substantially no flexibility they are subject to misshaping problems as they frequently fall to the ground, rather than being caught, resulting in, for example, small dents which further detract from any airfoil characteristic of these devices. In fact, because these devices are made from hard materials, such as aluminum and metal, there is a safety hazard in standing in front of them to catch them.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT I~VE~TION
-The present invention provides an aerial toy which demonstrates floating, graceful flight patterns, can be easily thrown long distances, is not subject to damage on contact with the ground and is safe for playing catch. More specifically the present invention provides a toy comprising a hollow open ended body having forward and rearward sections with the rearward body section being a thin walled sail means, and the forward body section having greater wall thickness than said rearward body section whereby said toy has a constant interior cross-section from its leading edge to its trailing edge has an inside diameter greater than its length and is formed from a resilient material providing much improved safety and aerodynamic features over the prior art devices.
BRIEF DISCUSSIO~ OF THE DRAWI~GS
The above, as well as other advantages and features of the present invention will be described in greater detail according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerial toy according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a sectional view along the lines 2-2 of figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates the launching of the toy.
~ 3 - lZ9 3 ~ 07 Figure 4 is a perspective view of the toy, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5a through 5p, show a wide variety of possible cross-sectional shapes of the toy, according to still further preferred embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION ACCORDING TO THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Figure 1 shows an aerial toy of the present invention having a hollow open-ended configuration and comprising a forward body section 8 and rearward body section
2. The forward body section is relatively thick in comparison to the much more thinly walled rear body section.
Both body sections are made from a resilient material and preferably a resilient plastic material.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 through 4, the forward body section is in the form of a ring, while the rear body section is in the form of thin walled cylindrical sail.
As best seen in Figure 2, the forward or ring part 8 is thickened outwardly relative to the thinly walled sail portion, whereas the interior cross-section of the toy is constant over its length from its leading edge 10 to its trailing edge 6. Additionally, the leading edge 10 of the toy is smooth with no sharp corners yet has a relatively broad surface to enhance the aerodynamic and safety properties of the toy. The ring portion is tapered at its trailing edge 4 where it joins with the sail portion 2.
- 4 - lZ93~07 In effect, the combination of the forward ring portion 8 and sail portion 2 provides an airfoil whereby there is a high pressure air -flow through the interior of the toy and a lower pressure area along the outside of the toy as it travels through the air. The center of balance 18 of the toy is located along its longitudinal axis 14 at the point where the plane 16 through the trailing edge 4 of the ring part bisects the longitudinal axis. This configuration, which is consistent for the different shapes shown in Figure 5a through 5p, in combination with the flexible material from which the toy is constructed result in some very interesting and appealing aerodynamic properties enabling different flight patterns according to the manner in which the toy is thrown or launched. The toy moves in a relatively straight line through the air with its leading edge tilted slightly upwards resulting in a column of air on which the toy rides giving it its floating graceful flight as opposed to the "dart like" flight of some of the prior art devices. The instant invention also has the unique capability of orientating itself properly for this floating flight. If it is tossed with a nose down attitude it will lift its nose and fly with its center line nearly parrallel to the ground.
Towards the end of its flight its angle of attack steepens upwards so its altitude is maintained until finally it stalls and falls to the ground. When playing catch its propensity to stall at the end of its flight gives the catcher more time to get under it and retrieve it because it is light and tends to float to the ground slower than a heavier item. Because the sail in particular, is relatively soft and flexible, with an area of high pressure internally of the toy, it can be thrown in the manner that will cause it to fly in other than a straight line flight pattern which can be controlled according to individual throwing actions, to be described later in greater detail having reference to Figure 3.
~ 5 - lZ93C~7 It has been determined that for achieving best flight characteristics, the toy is made with the following preferred ratios of various dimensions. The length of the toy should be less than its inside diameter and in particular should have a ratio of body length to body diameter of between about 1:1.25 and 1:1.35. The ratio of body diameter to leading edge thickness is preferably about 30:1 with the ratio of ring length to sail length being between about 1:2 to 1:4 and finally, having a preferred ratio of forward body weight to rearward body part weight of 2.2:1. Again, in the preferred embodiment, the rear body section or sail has a wall thickness of about 6 to 50 thousandths of an inch. However, for further enhancing the aerodynamic features of the toy, this thickness may vary around the sail portion therefore providing varying flexibility. In fact, it has been found by making the sail portion more flexible at certain circumferential regions than others, the toy will have even greater ability to achieve different flight patterns and has a very noticeable floating type action as is achieved in the case of the well known flying discs.
The smooth interior surface, with constant interior cross-section, results in a very smooth airflow through the toy with little drag in the high pressured tunnel like region of the toy, which as stated above with its flexible construction creates very unique and appealing flight characteristics. Futhermore, the flexibility of the toy prevents damage on landings so that it maintains its configuration as well as adding to the safety and user appeal of the toy.
As shown in Figure 3, to launch the toy, the thrower may compress it at the sail portion and throw it with - 6 - lZ3~07 a rifling action, that is, in an overhanded, underhanded, or sidearm motion, similar of that of throwing a football and causing the toy to rotate as it travels through the air. As the toy is released, the flexible construction causes it to rebound and return to its original shape as it leaves the throwers grip, which imparts a greater gyroscopic stability directional control and distance to the toy.
The forward ring, acts as an airfoil providing lift properties which are further enhanced by the thin walled tubular sail providing directional stability for the toy.
The intentional slightly rounded leading edge 10 enhances the high pressure build up on the inside of the toy because the air stream splits at the center of the leading edge forcing more air into the interior. The outside airstream must travel more quickly over the forward ring and the sail because the ring is shaped similar to the top of an air plane wing with greater surface area than interior and this increased velocity reduces the exterior pressure on the toy. Unlike the prior art devices all shape changes in the toy of the present invention is precisely graduated to maintain laminar flow at the boundary layer which reduces or eliminates flow separation, turbulance and form drag.
Although the forward ring part is of a less flexible nature than the rear sail, it is still relatively soft and with its rounded leading edge enhances the safety of the toy if for example, it should hit somebody. The forward weight of the ring improves the flying characteristic of the toy, since its mass pulls the toy through the air, while the lighter rearward portion provides a sailing effect for the toy. The forward ring provides the necessary structural - 7 - 1~93C 07 strength and generally is not compressed during the throwing of the toy.
According to further preferred features of the invention, it may be desirable to provide rifling on the interior and or exterior surface to add to the flight characteristics and in particular air flow through and over the toy. In addition, the exterior surface may be provided with ridges for better gripping during throwing of the toy.
In particular embodiment shown in Figure 4, apertures are formed in the body to produce a whistling noise as the toy flies through the air. In general, however, apertures in the body are undesirable as they have a tendency to create drag and adversely affect the flight characteristics of the toy.
It is to be noted that the bulk of the description above relates to the cylindrical shape, as shown in Figures 1 through 4 of the drawings. However, the additional configurations shown in Figures 5a through 5p bearing the same aerodynamic properties will also fly and exhibit different flight characteristics according to their particular shapes.
Although various preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Both body sections are made from a resilient material and preferably a resilient plastic material.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 through 4, the forward body section is in the form of a ring, while the rear body section is in the form of thin walled cylindrical sail.
As best seen in Figure 2, the forward or ring part 8 is thickened outwardly relative to the thinly walled sail portion, whereas the interior cross-section of the toy is constant over its length from its leading edge 10 to its trailing edge 6. Additionally, the leading edge 10 of the toy is smooth with no sharp corners yet has a relatively broad surface to enhance the aerodynamic and safety properties of the toy. The ring portion is tapered at its trailing edge 4 where it joins with the sail portion 2.
- 4 - lZ93~07 In effect, the combination of the forward ring portion 8 and sail portion 2 provides an airfoil whereby there is a high pressure air -flow through the interior of the toy and a lower pressure area along the outside of the toy as it travels through the air. The center of balance 18 of the toy is located along its longitudinal axis 14 at the point where the plane 16 through the trailing edge 4 of the ring part bisects the longitudinal axis. This configuration, which is consistent for the different shapes shown in Figure 5a through 5p, in combination with the flexible material from which the toy is constructed result in some very interesting and appealing aerodynamic properties enabling different flight patterns according to the manner in which the toy is thrown or launched. The toy moves in a relatively straight line through the air with its leading edge tilted slightly upwards resulting in a column of air on which the toy rides giving it its floating graceful flight as opposed to the "dart like" flight of some of the prior art devices. The instant invention also has the unique capability of orientating itself properly for this floating flight. If it is tossed with a nose down attitude it will lift its nose and fly with its center line nearly parrallel to the ground.
Towards the end of its flight its angle of attack steepens upwards so its altitude is maintained until finally it stalls and falls to the ground. When playing catch its propensity to stall at the end of its flight gives the catcher more time to get under it and retrieve it because it is light and tends to float to the ground slower than a heavier item. Because the sail in particular, is relatively soft and flexible, with an area of high pressure internally of the toy, it can be thrown in the manner that will cause it to fly in other than a straight line flight pattern which can be controlled according to individual throwing actions, to be described later in greater detail having reference to Figure 3.
~ 5 - lZ93C~7 It has been determined that for achieving best flight characteristics, the toy is made with the following preferred ratios of various dimensions. The length of the toy should be less than its inside diameter and in particular should have a ratio of body length to body diameter of between about 1:1.25 and 1:1.35. The ratio of body diameter to leading edge thickness is preferably about 30:1 with the ratio of ring length to sail length being between about 1:2 to 1:4 and finally, having a preferred ratio of forward body weight to rearward body part weight of 2.2:1. Again, in the preferred embodiment, the rear body section or sail has a wall thickness of about 6 to 50 thousandths of an inch. However, for further enhancing the aerodynamic features of the toy, this thickness may vary around the sail portion therefore providing varying flexibility. In fact, it has been found by making the sail portion more flexible at certain circumferential regions than others, the toy will have even greater ability to achieve different flight patterns and has a very noticeable floating type action as is achieved in the case of the well known flying discs.
The smooth interior surface, with constant interior cross-section, results in a very smooth airflow through the toy with little drag in the high pressured tunnel like region of the toy, which as stated above with its flexible construction creates very unique and appealing flight characteristics. Futhermore, the flexibility of the toy prevents damage on landings so that it maintains its configuration as well as adding to the safety and user appeal of the toy.
As shown in Figure 3, to launch the toy, the thrower may compress it at the sail portion and throw it with - 6 - lZ3~07 a rifling action, that is, in an overhanded, underhanded, or sidearm motion, similar of that of throwing a football and causing the toy to rotate as it travels through the air. As the toy is released, the flexible construction causes it to rebound and return to its original shape as it leaves the throwers grip, which imparts a greater gyroscopic stability directional control and distance to the toy.
The forward ring, acts as an airfoil providing lift properties which are further enhanced by the thin walled tubular sail providing directional stability for the toy.
The intentional slightly rounded leading edge 10 enhances the high pressure build up on the inside of the toy because the air stream splits at the center of the leading edge forcing more air into the interior. The outside airstream must travel more quickly over the forward ring and the sail because the ring is shaped similar to the top of an air plane wing with greater surface area than interior and this increased velocity reduces the exterior pressure on the toy. Unlike the prior art devices all shape changes in the toy of the present invention is precisely graduated to maintain laminar flow at the boundary layer which reduces or eliminates flow separation, turbulance and form drag.
Although the forward ring part is of a less flexible nature than the rear sail, it is still relatively soft and with its rounded leading edge enhances the safety of the toy if for example, it should hit somebody. The forward weight of the ring improves the flying characteristic of the toy, since its mass pulls the toy through the air, while the lighter rearward portion provides a sailing effect for the toy. The forward ring provides the necessary structural - 7 - 1~93C 07 strength and generally is not compressed during the throwing of the toy.
According to further preferred features of the invention, it may be desirable to provide rifling on the interior and or exterior surface to add to the flight characteristics and in particular air flow through and over the toy. In addition, the exterior surface may be provided with ridges for better gripping during throwing of the toy.
In particular embodiment shown in Figure 4, apertures are formed in the body to produce a whistling noise as the toy flies through the air. In general, however, apertures in the body are undesirable as they have a tendency to create drag and adversely affect the flight characteristics of the toy.
It is to be noted that the bulk of the description above relates to the cylindrical shape, as shown in Figures 1 through 4 of the drawings. However, the additional configurations shown in Figures 5a through 5p bearing the same aerodynamic properties will also fly and exhibit different flight characteristics according to their particular shapes.
Although various preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (6)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A hand launched aerial toy consisting of a hollow open-ended resilient deformable body including forward and rearward body sections having a diameter greater than its length, said rearward body section constituting a relatively thin walled sail means, said thin walled sail means having a substantially constant thickness said forward body section being substantially axially shorter than said rearward section and of radially thicker construction and configured to define a linear substantially constant interior cross section with said rearward body section, said forward body section being of a greater external diameter than said rearward body section, said toy body being of substantially uniform internal diameter throughout its length, said forward body section including a chamfered leading edge and a diminishing external thickness adjacent the point of interconnection with said rearward body section and including a smooth outer surface to define a total external surface of greater size than said linear substantially constant interior cross section, and wherein said forward body section comprises an external airfoil, and wherein said toy body defines a configuration to create an interior high pressure region and an external low pressure region when launched through the air, and a relative length relationship is established between said forward and rearward body sections to place the longitudinal center of gravity at substantially the point of interconnection between said forward and rearward body sections.
2. An aerial toy as claimed in claim 1 constructed from a supple plastic material.
3. An aerial toy as claimed in claim 1 having a generally cylindrical configuration.
4. An aerial toy as claimed in claim 1 having a ratio of body length to inside body diameter of between about 1 to 1.25 and 1 to 1.35.
5. An aerial toy as claimed in claim 1 having a ratio of forward body section overall length of between about 1 to 3.66.
6. An aerial toy as claimed in claim 1 having a ratio of forward body section to rearward body section weight of about 2.2 to 1.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US82263386A | 1986-01-27 | 1986-01-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1293007C true CA1293007C (en) | 1991-12-10 |
Family
ID=25236566
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000528298A Expired - Fee Related CA1293007C (en) | 1986-01-27 | 1987-01-27 | Flying device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1293007C (en) |
-
1987
- 1987-01-27 CA CA000528298A patent/CA1293007C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |