GB2541690A

GB2541690A - Flying toy and method of use

Info

Publication number: GB2541690A
Application number: GB1515138.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Frawley Sean
Original assignee: China Industries Ltd
Current assignee: China Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2015-08-26
Filing date: 2015-08-26
Publication date: 2017-03-01
Also published as: GB201515138D0

Abstract

A flying toy 10 comprising a toy body 12, an inflatable balloon 18 attached to one end of the body 16, and a fin 24, where the fin is adjustable to control the flight trajectory of the toy. Preferably the toy body is tubular and has a throughbore or tunnel 13 in fluid connection with the balloon. Preferably the toy body has a fin support 20 for mounting the fin. The fin support may be movably mounted on the body and may slide along the longitudinal axis of the toy body. Preferably the cant angle, angle of attack and fore and aft position of the fin may be configured. Preferably there are a plurality of fins. A method and kit of parts is also claimed. Also claimed is a flying toy comprising a body, an inflatable balloon and a fin, where the inlet of the inflatable balloon is attached to the toy body, and the fin is attached to the toy body.

Description

Flying toy and method of use

The present inyention relates to the field of toys and in particular to the field of propelled flying toys.

Background to the inyention

Improyed designs of flying toys in recent years haye improyed their functionality and flight control capabilities leading to an increase in popularity. Improyed functionality has typically been achieyed by including complex flight control systems including propellers as a source of propulsion or lift and seryo motors to effect directional control. The control systems often include stabilising apparatus on the toy to trim the moyement of the toy and stop unwanted rotational moyement.

These additional components of the flight control systems can increase the weight and cost of the toy.

The complex flight controls also require a minimum level of skill is required on the part of the operator which can be barrier to the enjoyment of the flying toy, for example when the operator is a young child.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a flying toy and method of use which obviates or mitigates the disadvantages of previously proposed flying toys.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a flying toy with flight control settings with as few components as possible in order to reduce the weight and cost of the toy.

It is a further aim and objective of the invention to provide a flying toy whose flight control is simpler than for those for flying toys known in the art.

Other aims and objects of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a flying toy, comprising: a toy body; an inflatable balloon removably attached to one end of the body; and at least one fin; wherein the at least one fin is adjustably set to a desired orientation to control the flight trajectory of the toy.

The present invention therefore provides a simple means of varying the direction of travel, spin and/or stability of the toy’s flight path by adjusting the orientation of the at least one fin.

The position of the at least one fin is adjustable to change the flight trajectory of the toy. The at least one fin is configured to be set to a desired orientation to control the flight trajectory of the toy

Preferably the toy body is tubular. The toy body may have a throughbore. The toy body may be selected from a conduit, pipe or tube. The toy body may be flexible. The toy body may be made from a lightweight material such as plastic or plastic foam.

Preferably the inflatable balloon is removably attached to one end of the body such that an inlet of the inflatable balloon is fluid communication with the throughbore of the body.

Preferably the flying toy comprises an inflatable balloon support to support the balloon.

The inflatable balloon support may comprise a throughbore.

Preferably a first end of the balloon support is attached to the toy body and a second end of the balloon support is connected to the inlet of the inflatable balloon. The second end of the balloon support is dimensioned such that the inlet of the inflatable balloon forms a secure seal around the second end of the balloon support.

The throughbore of the toy body may be axially aligned with the throughbore of the inflatable balloon support. Preferably the throughbore of the toy body is in fluid communication with the throughbore of the inflatable balloon support.

Preferably the at least one fin is removably attached to the body. The toy apparatus may comprise a fin support. The fin support may accommodate the at least one fin. The fin support may be positioned at various positions along the longitudinal axis of the toy body.

The fin support may have a throughbore which is dimensioned to accommodate an outer circumference of the toy body. The fin support may be configured to be movably mounted on the toy body. The fin support may be configured to move and/or slide along the longitudinal axis of the toy body.

The at least one fin may be configured to be mounted on the fin support. The orientation of the at least one fin may be adjusted and secured on the fin support. The at least one fin may be mounted to the fin support and/or toy body at any angular deviation from a vertical and/or horizontal plane.

The orientation of the at least one fin may be adjusted by changing the position of the at least one fin along the longitudinal axis of the body. The orientation of the at least one fin may be adjusted by changing a cant angle, the angle of attack, a fore and/or aft position of the at least one fin.

By adjusting the cant angle, the angle of attack and/or the fore and aft positions of the at least one fin, the flight control of the toy is capable of adjusting and/or setting a wide range of flight characteristics for the toy including flight direction, stability, roll rate, spin, pitch and/or yaw of the toy during flight.

The cant angle, the angle of attack and/or the fore and aft positions of the at least one fin the toy may be set to achieve a desired roll rate or spin while minimising the directionality, pitch and/or yaw characteristics of the flight.

In one embodiment, a plurality of fins is attached to the fin mount and each of the fins have the same cant angle, angle of attack and fore and aft positions. The common cant angle, angle of attack and fore and aft positions may set the roll rate of the toy during flight.

Alternatively each fin may have a different cant angle, angle of attack, fore and/or aft positions which may affect roll rate or spin, flight directionality, pitch and/or yaw characteristics of the flight.

The at least one fin may provide a surface area against which air exerts pressure to change the direction, attitude and/or spin stability of the toy. The adjustment of the number of fins and the location of the fins along the longitudinal axis of the toy body may affect the direction, attitude and/or spin stability of the toy in flight.

The at least one fin may be a wing, tail fin, grid fin, lattice fin, planar fin and/or canard.

The toy may be selected from the group consisting of: a rocket, an aeroplane, a blimp-type aircraft, a missile, a flying saucer, a bird, or a butterfly.

The at least one fin may be made from a material selected from plastic, cardboard, metal, plastic foam, wood, plywood.

The at least one fin may be curved, straight, triangular, trapezoidal or any suitable shape to provide aerodynamic properties to the toy when in flight. The at least one fin may have an airfoil shape.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a flying toy rocket, comprising: a toy rocket body; an inflatable balloon removably attached to one end of the body; and at least one fin; wherein the at least one fin is adjustably set to a desired orientation to control the flight trajectory of the toy rocket.

The present invention therefore provides a simple means of varying the direction of travel, spin and or stability of the toy rocket flight path by adjusting the position of the at least one fin.

The position of the at least one fin is adjustable to change the flight trajectory of the toy rocket. The at least one fin is configured to be set to a desired orientation to control the flight trajectory of the toy

Preferably the toy rocket body has a longitudinal axis. Preferably the toy rocket body is tubular. The toy rocket body may a throughbore. The rocket body may be selected from a conduit, pipe or tube. Preferably the tubular body functions as the fuselage of the toy rocket.

The rocket body may be flexible. The rocket body may be made from a lightweight material such as plastic or plastic foam.

Preferably the inflatable balloon is removably attached to one end of the rocket body such that an inlet of the inflatable balloon is fluid communication with the throughbore of the rocket body.

Preferably the toy rocket comprises an inflatable balloon support to support the balloon. Preferably the inflatable balloon support comprises a throughbore.

Preferably a first end of the balloon support is attached to the rocket body and a second end of the balloon support is connected to the inlet of the inflatable balloon. The second end of the balloon support is dimensioned such that the inlet of the inflatable balloon forms a secure seal around the second end of the balloon support.

The throughbore of the rocket body may be axially aligned with the throughbore of the inflatable balloon support. Preferably the throughbore of the tubular body is in fluid communication with the throughbore of the inflatable balloon support.

Preferably the at least one fin is removably attached to the rocket body. The toy rocket may comprise a fin support. The fin support may accommodate the at least one fin. The fin support may be positioned at various positions along the longitudinal axis of the rocket body.

The fin support may have a throughbore which is dimensioned to accommodate an outer circumference the rocket body. The fin support may be configured to be movably mounted on the rocket body. The fin support may be configured to move and/or slide along the longitudinal axis of the rocket body.

The at least one fin may be configured to be mounted on the fin support. The position of the at least one fin may be adjusted and secured on the fin support. The at least one fin may be mounted on the fin support and/or toy body at any angular deviation from a vertical and/or horizontal plane. A cant angle, the angle of attack, the fore and/or aft positions of the at least one fin may be adjusted and set.

By adjusting the cant angle, the angle of attack and/or the fore and aft positions of the at least one fin the flight control of the toy rocket is capable of adjusting and/or setting a wide range of flight characteristics for the toy including flight direction, stability, roll rate, spin, pitch and/or yaw of the toy during flight.

The cant angle, the angle of attack, the fore and/or aft positions of the at least one fin the toy rocket may be set to achieve a desired roll rate or spin while minimising the directionality, pitch and/or yaw characteristics of the flight.

In one embodiment, a plurality of fins is attached to the fin mount and all the fins have the same cant angle, angle of attack and fore and aft positions. The common cant angle, angle of attack and fore and aft positions sets the roll rate of the toy rocket during flight.

Alternatively each fin may have a different cant angle, angle of attack and fore and aft positions which may affect roll rate or spin, flight directionality, pitch and/or yaw characteristics of the flight.

The at least one fin may provide a surface area against which air exerts pressure to change the direction, attitude and/or spin stability of the toy rocket. The adjustment of the number of fins and the location of the fins along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body affect the direction, attitude, spin and/or stability of the toy in flight.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a flying toy, comprising: providing a toy body; an inflatable balloon; and at least one fin; attaching an inlet of the inflatable balloon to one end of the toy body; and attaching at least one fin to the toy body.

The method may comprise attaching an inlet of the inflatable balloon to one end of the toy body such that the inlet of the inflatable balloon is in fluid communication with a throughbore of the toy body.

The method may comprise setting the position of the at least one fin on the longitudinal axis of the toy body to adjust the centre of gravity and/or centre of pressure of the toy.

The method may comprise setting the cant angle, angle of attack and/or fore and aft positions of the at least one fin.

The method may comprise providing a plurality of fins. The method may comprise setting the position of each fin relative to the longitudinal axis of the toy body. The method may comprise setting the cant angle, angle of attack and/or fore and aft positions of the each fin.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first or second aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling the motion of a flying toy, comprising: providing a flying toy comprising a toy body; an inflatable balloon removably attached to one end of the body; and at least one fin; and arranging the orientation of the at least one guide fin to set a flight trajectory for the toy. .

The method may comprise adjusting the position of the at least one fin on the longitudinal axis of the toy body to adjust the direction, attitude, spin and/or stability of the toy in flight.

The method may comprise setting a cant angle, angle of attack and/or fore and aft positions of the at least one fin.

The method may comprise providing a plurality of fins. The method may comprise setting the position of each fin relative to the toy body. The method may comprise setting the position of each fin relative to the longitudinal axis of the toy body. The method may comprise setting the cant angle, angle of attack, fore and/or aft positions of the each fin.

The method may comprise inflating the balloon to a desired size.

The method may comprise positioning the toy in a desired starting position. The starting position may be a substantially vertical position wherein the inflated balloon is located at the top of, or above the toy body. The starting position may be a substantially horizontal position. The starting position may be a static position. Alternatively the starting position may be a moving position.

The toy may be selected from the group consisting of: a rocket, an aeroplane, a blimp-type aircraft, a missile, a flying saucer, a bird, ora butterfly.

Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to third aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating a flying toy, comprising: providing a flying toy comprising a toy body; an inflatable balloon removably attached to one end of the body; and at least one fin; inflating the balloon; orientating the at least one fin to set a flight trajectory for the toy and deflating the balloon to produce a propulsion force.

The method may comprise adjusting the position of the at least one fin on a longitudinal axis of the toy body to adjust the direction, attitude, spin and/or stability of the toy in flight.

The method may comprise setting a cant angle, angle of attack, fore and/or aft positions of the at least one fin.

The method may comprise providing a plurality of fins. The method may comprise setting the position of each fin relative to toy body. The method may comprise setting the position of each fin relative to the longitudinal axis of the toy body. The method may comprise setting the cant angle, angle of attack, fore and/or aft positions of the each fin.

The method may comprise inflating the balloon to a desired size.

The method may comprise inflating the balloon and preventing the balloon from deflating until the toy is to be launched.

The method may comprise positioning the toy in a desired starting position before the balloon is allowed to deflate. The starting position may be a substantially vertical or upright position wherein the inflated balloon is at the top of the toy body. The starting position may be a substantially horizontal position. The starting position may be a static position. Alternatively the starting position may be a moving position.

Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to fourth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for assembling a flying toy in accordance with the first aspect, the kit of parts including: a toy body: one or more inflatable balloons; and one or more fins; wherein the orientation of the one or more fins is adjustable to change the flight trajectory of the toy.

The kit of parts may comprise one or more fin support wherein each fin support is configured to be movably mounted on the toy body. The fin support may be configured to move and/or slide along the longitudinal axis of the toy body.

The kit of parts may comprise one or more inflatable balloon supports to support the balloon. A first end of each balloon support is configured to be attached to the toy body and a second end of each balloon support is configured to be connected to the inlet of the inflatable balloon. The second end of each balloon support is dimensioned such that the inlet of the inflatable balloon forms a secure seal around the second end of each balloon support.

Embodiments of the sixth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to fifth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to yet further aspects of the invention, there is provided flying toy apparatus and methods for assembling, controlling and operating flying toys as described herein with reference to the appended drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a flying toy apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2A to 2D show schematically steps of a method of assembling a toy apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 3A to 3E show schematically steps of a method of operating a toy apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a toy rocket in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, generally depicted at 10. The toy 10 comprises a plastic tube body 12 with a throughbore 13. The plastic tube functions as the fuselage of the toy rocket. At one end 14a of the tube body 12 a balloon support 16 is removeably mounted. An inflatable balloon 18 is mounted to the balloon support 16 such that an inlet 34 of the balloon is in fluid communication with the throughbore of the tube 12. A fin mount 20 is movably mounted on the tube 12. The fin mount 20 has three fin attachment points 22 arranged equidistantly about the outer circumference of the fin mount 20. In this embodiment the fin mount 20 is designed to accommodate three fins 24. The fins 24 are designed to provide aerodynamic properties to the toy when in flight.

It will be appreciated that other fin mount designs may be used to accommodate a different number of fins. The fins 24 are removably mounted at each of the attachment points 22 on the fin mount 20. The attachment points 22 have a slot which is dimensioned to hold and clamp the fin 24 when the fin 24 is located in the slot. Figure 1 shows fins 24 attached to all three attachments points 22. However, fins 24 may be removably mounted at only one or two of the attachment points 22 to adjust the flight trajectory of the toy.

The fin mount 20 is movably mounted on the tube 12 and is therefore capable of being moved along the longitudinal axis of the tube 12. By moving the fin mount 20 closer to or further from the balloon mount 16 the centre of gravity and/or the centre of pressure of the toy is adjusted which affects the flight trajectory of the toy.

Typically to stabilise the toy rocket during flight the centre of pressure which is the point where all aerodynamic forces acting on the rocket are in balance, must be aft of the centre of gravity of the rocket which is the mass balance point of the rocket. By adjusting the position of the fin mount and/or the number and orientation of the fins, the centre of gravity and the degree of stability of the rocket during flight is changed which allows the user to adapt the flight trajectory of the toy.

By adjusting the cant angle, the angle of attack and/or the fore and aft positions of the fins 24, the surface area exposed to the air during the flight of the toy is changed which affects the direction, attitude and/or spin stability of the toy rocket. The adjustment of the number of fins and the location of the fins along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body also affects the direction, attitude and/or spin stability of the toy rocket flight.

Figures 2A to 2D show schematically steps of a method of assembling a toy rocket 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The components of the toy rocket are shown in Figure 2A and comprise a plastic tube 12, an inflatable balloon 18, a balloon support 16, a fin mount 20, and a plurality of fins 24.

The balloon support 16 has a throughbore 32 and is connected to the plastic tube 12 such that a throughbore 13 of the plastic tube is in fluid communication with the throughbore 32 of the balloon support. The balloon support has a lip 34 at one end.

The balloon in a deflated state is attached to the lip 34 of the balloon support. The balloon inlet 42 of the balloon is stretched and mounted on the lip 34 as shown in Figure 2B. The circumference of the lip is designed to be slightly larger than the inlet of the balloon such that when the inlet of the balloon surrounds the lip, the balloon forms a secure seal around the lip of the balloon support. The balloon support has a plurality of prongs 38 extending from the support body. The prongs provide protection to the balloon from impacts when the balloon is inflated.

The fin mount 20 has a throughbore which is dimensioned to receive the plastic tube. The fin mount 20 is movable along the longitudinal axis of the plastic tube 12 as shown in Figure 2C. The fin mount has attachment members 20b. A fin is attached to each attachment member by slotting the fin into a gap provided between the attachment members as shown in Figure 2D.

Figures 3A to 3E show schematically steps of a method of operating a toy rocket according to an embodiment of the invention.

Firstly the balloon 18 of the assembled toy rocket is inflated. Prior to inflation of the balloon the neck of the balloon may be stretched a number of times to aid inflation.

Inflation of the balloon is typically achieved by the user placing their mouth around the end 14b of the plastic tube and blowing air into the throughbore 13 as depicted by arrow B in Figure 3A. An alternative method is to connect a pump or inflation device to the end 14b of the plastic tube.

The air passes through the throughbore 13 and starts to inflate the balloon as shown in Figure 3A. Once the balloon has been inflated to a desired size the user pinches or obstructs the end 14b to prevent air stored in the inflated balloon from escaping through the end 14b of the plastic tube.

The user moves the fin mount 20 along the longitudinal axis of the plastic tube as depicted by arrows “C” in Figure 3C until a desired position is reached.

The user then adjusts the orientation of each fin as depicted by arrows “D” in Figure 3D until a desired orientation of each is reached. The user may adjust the orientation of each fin by adjusting and setting the cant angle, the angle of attack, the fore and/or aft position of each fin. The user may also adjust the number of fins on the fin mount and the position of the fins in the fin attachment members.

The user positions the toy in a desired starting position. Generally the starting position is a substantially vertical position wherein the inflated balloon is at the top of the toy body as shown in Figure 3E. Once the toy has been set in the desired position the user releases the end 14b, The air stored in the balloon escapes throughbore 13 and out of end 14b generating a thrust in the direction depicted by arrow “F”. This thrust causes a thrust reaction force on the toy moving the toy in a substantially vertical direction “P”. The movement of the toy through the air exposes the fins 24 to the air. The degree of surface area and the cant angle, the angle of attack and/or the fore and aft positions of the fins determine the direction, spin and flight trajectory of the rocket.

By changing the location and orientation of the fins the position of the centre of gravity and centre of pressure of the toy apparatus is adjusted which has a direct effect on the pitch, yaw and/or roll of the rocket in flight.

The above steps may be repeated and the user can adjust the desired size of the inflated balloon, the position of the fin mount on the longitudinal axis of the plastic tube and the number, position and the cant angle, the angle of attack and/or the fore and aft positions of the fins in order to change the direction, spin and stability of the flight path of the toy rocket. A first flight path for the toy may be set by positioning the fin mount 20 to a first position along the longitudinal axis of the fuselage of the rocket. The position of the fin mount the affects the centre of gravity of the rocket and its centre of pressure as sets a first flight path for the toy. By moving the fin mount to a second position along the longitudinal axis of the fuselage of the rocket the centre of gravity and the centre of pressure of the toy is changed which sets a second flight path which is different to the first flight path.

Alternating the fin mount location and/or fin orientation configuration allows the toy to follow a variety of flight trajectories including meandering or irregular flight paths.

The toy is designed to provide amusement to user of a range of ages including young children. The user interaction of adjusting the position and angle of the fins results in different flight trajectories and amusement to the user. Alternatively or additional the toy may function as an educational tool to aid teaching the basic knowledge of aerodynamic forces of flight.

The invention has application to flying toys other than the toy rocket described above including an aeroplane, a blimp-type aircraft, a missile, flying saucer, fish, bird, or butterfly.

Although the above examples described the starting position as a substantially vertical position, it may be appreciated that any starting position may be used including a substantially horizontal position. The starting position may be a static position. Alternatively the starting position may be a moving position. The user may throw the toy thereby releasing the plastic tube and initiating the thrust of the toy whilst the toy is moving or in mid flight i.e. the user throws the toy.

The above examples describe the inflation of the balloon prior to the user adjusting the fin mount position and orientation of each fin position. It will be appreciated that theses stages may be performed in any order. The fin orientation step and fin mount positioning steps may be performed prior to inflating the balloon.

The flight control setting of the toy enables the flight path to be varied simply by adjusting the position one or more fins. The position of each fin may be adjusted by changing the position of the fin mount on the longitudinal axis of the toy body and/or adjusting the number of fins or orientation of each fin on the fin mount. The orientation of the fin may be changed by adjusting the cant angle, the angle of attack and/or the fore and aft positions of the fin.

Other implementations of the flight control settings are within the scope of the invention. The attachment members of the fin mount may be pivotally mounted on the fin mount and allow the fins to pivot relative to the fin mount. This may provide increased control over the flight path of the toy. A second or further fin mount may be located on the longitudinal axis of the toy body to provide further fins to adjust the aerodynamic properties of the toy and adjust the flight trajectory of the toy. The second or further fin mount and associated fins may cooperative with the first fin mount and fins to improve the stability, directionality and/or spin of the toy in flight. Alternative the second or further fin mounts and associated fins may be configured to contrast the function of the first fin mount and associated fins to affect the stability, flight direction and/or spin of the toy in flight in order to produce a haphazard or irregular flight path. A nozzle may be mounted at the end 14b of the plastic tube body. The nozzle may be configured to change the size of the plastic tube and control the release of the air to control or adjust the thrust of the toy during flight. The nozzle may be shaped to control the direction of release of air to change the direction of thrust.

Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the terms 'comprise' or 'include', or variations such as 'comprises' or 'comprising', 'includes' or 'including' will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, relative terms such as”, “vertical”,“horizontal”, “top” “above” and the like are used herein to indicate directions and locations as they apply to the appended drawings and will not be construed as limiting the invention and features thereof to particular arrangements or orientations. Likewise, the term “inlet” shall be construed as being an opening which, dependent on the direction of the movement of a fluid may also serve as an “outlet”, and vice versa.

The invention provides a flying toy and method of use. The flying toy comprises a toy body and an inflatable balloon which is removably attached to one end of the body and at least one fin. The at least one fin is adjustably set to a desired orientation to control the flight trajectory of the toy.

The invention delivers a number of benefits over flight control mechanisms used in the toy industry. The toy equipped with the flight control mechanism of the present invention can provide improved control of the flight trajectory of the toy including flight direction, stability and spin.

The flight control mechanism does not require bulky or heavy stabilising or direction control components and therefore has reduced weight and cost.

Furthermore, the simplicity of the flight control of the toy may be used by users of a young age and does not require advanced skills to operate. The invention can also be used to control the pitch, yaw, roll of the flight of the toy by changing the orientation of the fin mount and the shape, number and orientation of the fins.

Variations to the above-described embodiments of the invention are within the scope of the invention, and the invention extends to combinations of features other than those expressly claimed herein.

Claims

1. A flying toy, comprising: a toy body; an inflatable balloon removably attached to one end of the body; and at least one fin; wherein the at least one fin is adjustably set to a desired orientation to control the flight trajectory of the toy.

2. The toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein the toy body is tubular.

3. The toy as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the toy body has a throughbore.

4. The toy as claimed in claim 3 wherein the inflatable balloon has an inlet which is in fluid communication with the throughbore of the body.

5. The toy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flying toy comprises an inflatable balloon support.

6. The toy as claimed in claim 5 wherein a first end of the balloon support is attached to the toy body and a second end of the balloon support is connected to the inlet of the inflatable balloon.

7. The toy as claimed in claim 6 wherein the second end of the balloon support is dimensioned such that the inlet of the inflatable balloon forms a secure seal around the second end of the balloon support.

8. The toy as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7 wherein the inflatable balloon support has a throughbore which is axially aligned with the throughbore of the toy body.

9. The toy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one fin is removably attached to the body.

10. The toy as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the toy apparatus comprises a fin support.

11. The toy as claimed in any of claims 10 wherein the at least one fin is configured to be mounted on the fin support.

12. The toy as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the fin support is configured to be movably mounted on the toy body.

13. The toy as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the fin support is configured to move and/or slide along a longitudinal axis of the toy body.

14. The toy as claimed in any preceding wherein the at least one fin is configured to be set a desired cant angle, angle of attack and/or fore and aft position.

15. The toy as claimed in any preceding wherein a plurality of fins are attached to the fin mount.

16. The toy as claimed in any preceding wherein the at least one fin is selected from the group consisting of: a wing, tail fin, grid fin, lattice fin, planar fin and/or canard.

17. The toy as claimed in any preceding wherein the toy is selected from the group consisting of: a rocket, an aeroplane, a blimp-type aircraft, a missile, a flying saucer, a bird, or a butterfly.

18. A method of assembling a flying toy, comprising: providing a toy body; an inflatable balloon; and at least one fin; attaching an inlet of the inflatable balloon to one end of the toy body; and attaching at least one fin to the toy body.

19. The method according to claim 18 comprising attaching an inlet of the inflatable balloon to one end of the toy body such that the inlet of the inflatable balloon is in fluid communication with a throughbore of the toy body.

20. The method according to claim 18 or claim 19 comprising setting the position of the at least one fin on the toy body to adjust the centre of gravity and/or centre of pressure of the toy.

21. The method according to any of claims 18 to 20 comprising setting the cant angle, angle of attack, fore position and/or aft position of the at least one fin.

22. A method of controlling the motion of a flying toy comprising: providing a flying toy comprising a toy body; an inflatable balloon removably attached to one end of the body; and at least one fin; and arranging the orientation of the at least one fin to set a flight trajectory for the toy.

23. The method according to claim 22 comprising adjusting the position of the at least one fin on the toy body to adjust the direction, attitude, spin and/or stability of the toy in flight.

24. The method according to claim 22 or claim 23 comprising setting a cant angle, angle of attack and/or fore and aft position of the at least one fin.

25. The method according to any of claims 22 to 24 comprising inflating the balloon to a desired size.

26. The method according to any of claims 22 to 25 comprising positioning the toy in a desired starting position.

27. The method according to claim 26 comprising setting the starting position at a substantially vertical position wherein the inflated balloon is located at the top of, or above the toy body.

28. The method according to claim 26 comprising setting the starting position at a substantially horizontal position.

29. A method of operating a flying toy, comprising: providing a flying toy comprising a toy body; an inflatable balloon removably attached to one end of the body; and at least one fin; inflating the balloon; orientating the at least one fin to set a flight trajectory for the toy and deflating the balloon to produce a propulsion force.

30. The method according to claim 29 comprising adjusting the position of the at least one fin on the toy body to adjust the direction, attitude, spin and/or stability of the toy in flight.

31. The method according to claim 29 or claim 30 comprising setting a cant angle, angle of attack, fore and/or aft position of the at least one fin.

32. The method according to any of claims 29 to 31 comprising inflating the balloon and preventing the balloon from deflating until the toy is to be launched.

33. The method according to any of claims 29 to 32 comprising positioning the toy in a desired starting position before the balloon is allowed to deflate.

34. The method according to claim 33 comprising setting the starting position at a substantially vertical position wherein the inflated balloon is located at the top of, or above the toy body.

35. The method according to claim 33 comprising setting the starting position at a substantially horizontal position.

36. A kit of parts for assembling a flying toy in accordance with the first aspect, the kit of parts including: a toy body; one or more inflatable balloons; and one or more fins; wherein the orientation of the one or more fins is adjustable to change the flight trajectory of the toy.

37. A flying toy apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the appended drawings.

38. A method for controlling a flying toy substantially as described herein with reference to the appended drawings.