Propeller and Frame Assemblies for Toys

A toy assembly is provided. The toy assembly may include a housing, a drive shaft mounted for rotation to the housing and defining an axis, a propeller with a central portion mounted for pivotal movement to the drive shaft, and two blades extending from the central portion to distal ends. The toy assembly may also include a circular safety ring extending about the drive shaft axis and secured to the distal ends, a motor secured to the housing and operably connected to the drive shaft, a power source in communication with the motor, a controller secured to the housing and configured to direct operation of the motor and power source, and a plurality of fins secured to the housing and extending away from the propeller. The toy assembly may further include a plurality of frame segments secured to the housing which may define an exo-skeletal frame. The exo-skeletal frame may define a region about the propeller.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to propeller and frame assemblies for toy entities.

BACKGROUND

Toys may utilize various types of components to create propeller assemblies and structures to assist in generating lift for the toy. Various types of control systems may also be used to direct operation of the components. Improvements in electronics and mechanics continue to reduce the weight of the components and also provide additional packaging space to create new toy entities which improve flying play patterns and enjoyment for a user. Traditional flying toys have used multiple forms of manual or spring-launched gliders providing horizontal flight as well as manual or spring launched propeller toys for vertical flight. Toy helicopters in particular have benefited from the improvements in electronics and mechanics. A desire remains for non-helicopter style lightweight electric motorized vertical interactive flying toys that have safety elements and additional framework that defines a style but also provides more protection for both the toy and the user during close proximity interactive play that may include contact with the toy during flight. Flying toys such as these may become targets for projectiles or be directed through the air by physical pushing or other hand commands via sensors in communication with a controller.

SUMMARY

A toy assembly includes a housing, a drive shaft mounted for rotation to the housing and defining an axis, a propeller with a central portion mounted for pivotal movement to the drive shaft, and two blades extending from the central portion to distal ends. The toy assembly also includes a circular safety ring extending about the drive shaft axis and secured to the distal ends, a motor secured to the housing and operably connected to the drive shaft, a power source in communication with the motor, a controller secured to the housing and configured to direct operation of the motor and power source, and a plurality of fins secured to the housing and extending away from the propeller. The toy assembly may further include a plurality of frame segments secured to the housing. Each of the plurality of frame segments may define an upper portion having a length greater than a radius of the safety ring and extending along a first axis substantially perpendicular to the drive shaft axis, a mid-portion having a length greater than a height of the propeller and extending along a second axis substantially parallel to the drive shaft axis, and a lower portion extending along a third axis substantially perpendicular to the drive shaft axis. The portions may be arranged to form an exo-skeletal frame defining a region about the propeller. At least one of the plurality of fins may define an adjustable flap portion to pivot outward of a plane defined by the at least one of the plurality of fins and in a direction opposite rotation of the propeller. A toy character may be secured to the plurality of frame segments and external to the region defined by the exo-skeletal frame. A switch may be in communication with the controller and secured to the housing to contact a surface. The controller may be configured to adjust a speed of the motor in response to a signal received from the switch indicating contact with the surface. At least one sensor may be secured to the housing and in communication with the controller to detect a surface. The controller may be configured to adjust or maintain a speed of the motor in response to receiving a signal from the at least one sensor indicating detection of the surface. The controller may be configured to adjust or maintain a speed of the motor in response to not receiving a signal from the at least one sensor indicating detection of the surface. The circular safety ring may define at least first and second thickness portions of the circular safety ring such that the portion with a greater thickness is adjacent to the distal ends. Two or more legs may extend from the housing to support the assembly on an underlying surface. At least one target may be secured to the housing and include a switch in communication with the controller. The switch and the at least one target may be arranged such that the switch sends a trigger signal to the controller when an object contacts the at least one target. A media device may be in communication with the controller. A launch mechanism may be biased to launch a projectile and may be in communication with the controller. The controller may be further configured to send a launch signal to the launch mechanism to launch the projectile in response to the controller receiving the trigger signal. The controller may be further configured to output a media signal to the media device in response to receiving the trigger signal. The controller may be further configured to adjust a speed of the motor in response to receiving the trigger signal. The assembly may also include a charge inlet to receive a charge connector of a charge base, and the charge inlet may be electrically connected to a power supply electrically connected to the motor.

A toy entity includes a housing, a power source secured to the housing, a motor secured to the housing and in communication with the power source, and a controller secured to the housing and configured to direct operation of the motor and power source. The toy entity also includes a drive shaft mounted for rotation to the housing and defining an axis, a ball joint mounted to the drive shaft, and a propeller mount pivotally mounted to the ball joint. Two blades each extend outwardly from the propeller mount to distal ends. A circular safety ring extends about the drive shaft axis and is secured to the distal ends. Upper and lower gimbal portions are secured to the propeller mount to pivotally retain the ball joint therebetween. A transmission is operably connected to the motor and drive shaft such that the drive shaft rotates independent of the housing. The toy entity also includes a plurality of frame segments indicative of a hot air balloon-shaped region therebetween and each segment includes an arc portion secured to a frame cap and a panel secured to the housing. A body is secured to the housing external to the balloon-shaped region. At least one of the panels may define an adjustable flap portion to pivot outward of a plane defined by the flap and in a direction opposite rotation of the propeller. The at least one panel may define at least one cutout to pass air therethrough. A switch may be in communication with the controller and secured to the body to contact a surface, and the controller may be configured to adjust a speed of the motor in response to a signal received from the switch indicating contact with the surface. At least one sensor may be secured to the body and in communication with the controller to detect a surface, and the controller may be configured to adjust a speed of the motor in response to the at least one sensor transmitting a signal indicating detection of the surface. The body may be a basket or a character. The toy entity may also include a charge inlet to receive a charge connector of a charge base, and the charge inlet is electrically connected to a power supply electrically connected to the motor.

A toy entity includes a propeller mount defining a shaft opening, two or more blades extending outwardly from the propeller mount to distal ends, and a circular safety ring extending about the propeller mount and secured to the distal ends. The toy entity also includes an upper gimbal housing secured to the propeller mount and defining a receiving cavity, a lower gimbal housing secured to the propeller mount and defining an open slot in substantial registration with the shaft opening, and a ball joint including two pin extensions and sized to sit within the receiving cavity to pivot about a pin axis defined by the pin extensions and at least pivot about another axis perpendicular thereto. The toy entity also includes a housing, a drive shaft mounted for rotation to the housing and supporting the ball joint, a motor secured to the housing, a transmission operably connected to the motor and the drive shaft such the drive shaft rotates independent of the housing, and a plurality of fins secured to the housing and extending away from the propeller mount. The toy entity also includes at least one sensor to detect a surface and a controller secured to the housing and configured to direct operation of the motor and power source in response to receiving a signal from the at least one sensor indicating detection of the surface. A switch may be in communication with the controller and secured to a lower portion of the housing to contact the surface, and the controller may be further configured to, in response to the controller receiving a signal from the switch indicating contact with the surface, adjust an output of the motor. The toy entity may include a frame cap, and a plurality of frame segments. The plurality of frame segments may each have an arc portion secured to the frame cap, a panel portion secured to the housing, and an arm portion extending below the panels to form an exo-skeletal structure defining a balloon-shaped region within the structure arranged with the upper and lower gimbal housings such that circular safety ring is enclosed therein. A body may be secured to the arms outside of the balloon-shaped region. The toy entity may include an umbrella frame cap, a plurality of umbrella frame segments defining an upper frame segment portion secured to the umbrella frame cap and a lower frame segment portion, a plurality of panels secured to the umbrella frame segments, an umbrella ring secured to the lower frame segment portions and arranged with the umbrella frame segments to define an at least partially hemispherical region therebetween, and an attachment shaft extending from the housing outside the hemispherical region to attach a body thereto. A transmitter and receiver pair may be in communication with the controller and secured to the body to detect the surface, and the controller may be further configured to, in response to the controller receiving a signal from the receiver indicating detection of the surface, adjust an output of the motor. The circular safety ring may define at least first and second thickness portions of the circular safety ring such that the portion with a greater thickness is adjacent to the distal ends, and each panel may be oriented to influence air flow from the blades against the panels to direct counter rotation of the panels relative to a rotational direction of the blades. The propeller mount, the two or more blades, and the circular safety ring may be arranged within the hemispherical region.

A toy entity includes a housing, a drive shaft mounted for rotation to the housing and defining an axis, a propeller with a central portion mounted for pivotal movement to the drive shaft and two blades extending from the central portion to distal ends, and a circular safety ring extending about the drive shaft axis and secured to the distal ends. A motor is secured to the housing and operably connected to the drive shaft. A power source is in communication with the motor. A plurality of fins is secured to the housing and extending away from the propeller. The toy entity also includes a frame cap and a plurality of frame segments. The plurality of frame segments each have an arc portion secured to the frame cap and a panel portion secured to the housing. The frame segments form an exo-skeletal structure defining an at least partially prolate spheroidal region within the structure arranged with the propeller such that circular safety ring is enclosed therein. At least one sensor may be in communication with a controller and secured to the housing to detect a surface, and the controller may be configured to, in response to the controller receiving a signal from the receiver indicating detection of the surface, adjust an output of the motor. The circular safety ring may at least define first and second thickness portions of the circular safety ring such that the portion with a greater thickness is adjacent to the distal ends. Each panel may be oriented to influence air flow from the blades against the panels to direct counter rotation of the panels relative to a rotational direction of the blades. An orientation sensor may be in communication with a controller to identify a vertical or horizontal orientation of the toy entity, and the controller may be configured to output operating commands to the motor reflective of the vertical or horizontal orientation. An orientation switch may be in communication with the controller and have two settings which indicate vertical flight and horizontal flight. The controller may be configured to output operating commands to the motor reflective of the vertical or horizontal flight setting. The controller may be configured to deactivate the motor when the controller receives a voltage feedback from the motor indicating interference with rotation of the blades. The controller may be configured to deactivate the motor when the controller receives an impact signal from an impact sensor indicating collision of the toy entity with an obstacle. The toy entity may include a charge inlet to receive a charge connector of a charge base, and the charge inlet may be electrically connected to a power supply electrically connected to the motor. A lower portion of the exo-skeletal structure may be sized to receive a mount support of the charge base such that the toy entity is supported thereby.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example of a toy entity including a propeller assembly and a motor assembly.

FIG. 1B is a front view of the toy entity of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the propeller assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a side view, in cross-section, of a portion of the propeller assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4 is a front view, in cross-section of a portion of the propeller assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the motor assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example of a toy assembly.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the toy assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the toy assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the toy assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10A is a front view of the toy assembly of FIG. 6 shown with an example of a toy character positioned thereon.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of an example of another toy entity which includes portions of the toy entity of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of another toy entity.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the toy of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the toy of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a portion of the toy of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15A is a front view of another example of a toy assembly shown with an example of a toy character.

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the toy assembly of FIG. 15A

FIG. 16 is a side view of a portion of the toy of FIG. 11 with one or more components removed to show a portion of a control system for the toy with a switch in an open position.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a portion of the toy of FIG. 11 with one or more components removed to show a portion of the control system from FIG. 15 with the switch in a closed position.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a portion of the toy of FIG. 11 with one or more components removed to show a portion of another control system for the toy.

FIG. 19 is a front view of another example of a toy entity.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the toy entity of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the toy of FIG. 20 showing an example of the toy in substantially horizontal flight.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the toy entity of FIG. 1A shown positioned on a charge base.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the toy entity of FIG. 6 shown positioned on a charge base.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the toy entity of FIG. 10B shown positioned on a charge base.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the toy entity of FIG. 11 shown positioned on a charge base.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments can take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present embodiments. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations.

FIGS 1A through 4 show an example of a toy entity 10 which may include a propeller assembly having a gimbal assembly. The propeller assembly may assist the toy entity in achieving flight as further described herein. The propeller assembly may include a propeller 12 having a propeller mount 16 defining a shaft opening 18. The shaft opening 18 may have an effective cross-section which includes a substantially circular central portion with rectangular extensions therefrom. Four blades 22 may extend outwardly from the propeller mount 16 to a distal end of the blades 22. In this example the propeller 12 includes four blades 22, however it is contemplated that alternative configurations of blades 22 may be available including a configuration with two blades 22 and a configuration with three blades 22. A safety ring 24 may assist in preventing contact between a user or an obstacle and the blades 22 while rotating. For example, the safety ring 24 may define a circular shape, extend about a central axis 26 defined by a drive shaft 44, and be secured to the distal ends of the blades 22. The circular safety ring 24 may define more than one thickness to assist in distributing weight about the central axis 26. For example, first portions of the circular safety ring 24 adjacent to the distal ends of the blades 22 may have a greater thickness, and therefore a greater weight, than second portions of the circular safety ring 24 therebetween. In this example, the different thicknesses and/or weight of the portions may assist in stabilizing the propeller 12 when rotating.

The gimbal assembly may include an upper gimbal housing 30 and a lower gimbal housing 32. The upper gimbal housing 30 may define a receiving cavity and a cutout 38. The lower gimbal housing 32 may define an open slot 39 in substantial registration with the shaft opening 18. The receiving cavity may be sized to receive at least a portion of a joint which may provide multiple pivot axes for the propeller 12. For example, a ball 40 may be secured to the drive shaft 44 and have two pin extensions 42. The pin extensions 42 may define a single pin axis parallel with at least two of the blades 22. The upper gimbal housing 30 and the lower gimbal housing 32 may be secured to the propeller mount 16 and may retain the ball 40 therein as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The receiving cavity of the upper gimbal housing 30 may provide for movement of the ball 40 and the pin extensions 42 such that propeller 12 may pivot in more than one direction when rotating.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a motor assembly 60 which may be utilized with the toy entity 10. The motor assembly 60 may include a motor 62, a motor housing 64, an upper cap 66, and a lower cap 68. A power source 69, such as a battery or capacitor, may be housed within the motor housing 64 to supply power to the motor 62. It is contemplated that the power source 69 may be rechargeable. A transmission may operably connect the motor 62 to other components of the toy entity 10. For example, a transfer gear 70 may be in mechanical communication with the motor 62 and mounted for rotation to the motor housing 64. The drive shaft 44 may be secured to the transfer gear 70 such that the drive shaft 44 and the propeller 12 rotate according to output of the motor 62 and independent of the motor housing 64. The propeller 12 may generate lift for the motor assembly 60, and other bodies secured thereto as described further below, such that the toy entity 10 may take flight.

The upper cap 66 of the motor assembly 60 may include a plurality of extensional supports 72 which may provide mounting locations for additional components. For example, a plurality of fins 74 may be secured to the extensional supports 72. The fins 74 may be spaced apart from one another and extend outward from the motor assembly 60 and the central axis 26. The fins 74 may have various shapes and/or forms to assist in stabilizing the propeller 12 by providing a counter-rotational force to the rotational force generated by the propeller 12. In this example, the motor assembly 60 and the fins 74 may rotate about the central axis 26 in a direction opposite that of the rotation of the propeller 12. The fins 74 may optionally include and/or define flaps 75 which may adjust outward relative to a plane defined by each fin 74 and in a direction opposite rotation of the propeller. Each flap 75 may be oriented to influence air flow from the propeller 12 and blades 22 against the fins 74 to direct counter rotation of the fins 74 relative to the propeller 12 and blades 22. The fins 74 may have various shapes and or forms. For example, a size of the fins 74 may influence counter rotation relative to the propeller according to an amount of air resistance the fins 74 provide. The fins 74 may also define one or more cutouts 76 to modify air resistance characteristics of the fins 74.

As mentioned above, the propeller 12 and motor assembly 60 may be used with various toy entities including flying toys. Safety features in addition to the safety ring 24 may also cooperate with the propeller 12 and the motor assembly 60. For example, a frame assembly may be secured to the motor assembly 60 and may be sized to enclose the propeller 12 therein. The frame assembly may have different sizes and shapes and form an exo-skeletal structure.

FIGS. 6 through 9 show one example of a frame assembly 80 which may include a plurality of frame segments 82 having an upper frame portion 84, a mid-frame portion 86, and a lower frame portion 88. The upper frame portions 84 may each be secured to a frame cap 90. The lower frame portions 88 may each be secured to the fins 74, the upper cap 66 of the motor assembly 60, or other suitable location. At least a portion of the upper frame portions 84 may extend from the frame cap 90 along respective axes which may be substantially perpendicular to the central axis 26. At least a portion of the mid-frame portions 86 may extend along an axis substantially parallel to the central axis 26. At least a portion of the lower frame portions 88 may extend along an axis substantially perpendicular to the central axis 26. The upper frame portion 84, the mid-frame portion 86, and the lower frame portion 88 may define a substantially cylindrical region therebetween. It is contemplated that alternative region shapes are available according to the shape and/or style of the frame segments 82. A circumference of the cylindrical region may be greater than a circumference of the safety ring 24. A length of each of the upper frame portions 84 may be greater than a radius of the safety ring 24. Two of the upper frame portions 84 may have a linear relationship to one another and include a total length greater than a diameter of the safety ring 24. A length of the mid-frame portion 86 may be greater than a height 91 of the blades 22 and/or circular safety ring 24.

Optionally, one or more frame rings 92 may be secured to the frame segments 82 at various locations, such as the mid-frame portions 86 to provide additional structural rigidity for the frame assembly 80 and to assist in preventing a user from contacting the safety ring 24 and/or to assist in preventing the safety ring 24 from contacting an obstacle. In one example, a frame ring 92 may be positioned above a plane defined by the safety ring 24 and another frame ring 92 may be positioned below the plane defined by the safety ring 24. A circumference of the frame rings 92 may be greater than the circumference of the safety ring 24. Optionally, a lower attachment platform 94 and a lower attachment shaft 96 may be secured to the motor assembly 60 or the frame assembly 80. A body, such as one or more portions of a toy entity, may be secured to the lower attachment shaft 96 or other portion of the motor assembly 60 or the frame segments 82 as further described below.

FIG. 10A shows an example of a character 98 which may be secured to the frame assembly 80. The character 98 may be supported by the frame cap 90 and the upper frame portions 84. Additionally, the greater length of the upper frame portions 84 relative to the radius of the safety ring 24 may provide for many different sized characters and other forms of toy characters to be secured to the frame assembly 80.

FIG. 10B shows an example of another toy entity 200 which may utilize the propeller assembly and the motor assembly 60 to achieve flight. In this example, the toy entity 200 may include a plurality of fins 202 which may be secured to the extensional supports 72. The fins 202 may be spaced apart from one another and extend outward from the motor assembly 60 and the central axis 26. In this example, the fins 202 may define an elliptical shape as shown in FIG. 10B. The fins 202 may assist in stabilizing the propeller 12 by providing a counter-rotational force to the rotational force generated by the propeller 12. The fins 202 and the motor assembly 60 may rotate about the central axis 26 in a direction opposite that of the rotation of the propeller 12.

The toy entity 200 may include two or more legs 206 extending from a portion of the motor assembly 60 or the fins 202 to support the toy entity 200 on an underlying surface. One or more targets 210 may be secured to a portion of the motor assembly 60 or the fins 202. One or more target switches (not shown) may be in communication with a controller (not shown). The controller may be configured to direct operation of the toy entity 200 and the components thereof. The one or more target switches may be arranged with a corresponding target 210 of the one or more targets 210 such that the switch sends a trigger signal to the controller when an object contacts the target 210. The controller may be configured to output a response signal or media signal, such as a visual or audio signal, in response to receiving the trigger signal. For example, the toy entity 200 may include one or more lights 216 and/or a speaker (not shown). The one or more lights 216 and the speaker may be in communication with the controller such that the controller may activate the one or more lights 216 and/or the speaker in response to receiving the trigger signal. In another example, the controller may access a memory (not shown) which may include one or more sets of software instructions which may direct operation of the toy entity 200. The one or more sets of software instructions may include play patterns to prompt interaction between a user and the toy entity 200. For example, a user may project a dart or other object toward the one or more targets 210. The controller may direct output of the response signals or may adjust a speed of the motor 62 in the event the user hits the target 210 with the dart or other object. It is contemplated that other play patterns are available. It is further contemplated that the toy entity 200 may include one or more sensors to detect a surface or object as described elsewhere herein.

The toy entity 200 may also include one or more launch mechanisms to launch projectiles. In one example, the toy entity may have one or more launch mechanisms 220. Each launch mechanism 220 may be configured to launch a projectile, such as a dart 222. The launch mechanism 220 may be in communication with the controller such that the controller may direct output of the launch mechanism 220. For example, the controller may be configured to send a launch signal to a switch (not shown) arranged with the launch mechanism 220 and the dart 222. Upon receipt of the launch signal, the switch may trigger release of the dart 222. Additionally, the controller may be configured to send a launch signal to trigger release of the dart 222 in response to receiving a trigger signal from one of the targets 210.

A toy hot air balloon is another example of a toy entity which may utilize the propeller assembly and the motor assembly 60 to achieve flight. FIGS. 11 through 14 show a balloon entity 100 which may include a balloon frame assembly 106 sized to enclose the propeller assembly and the motor assembly 60. The balloon entity 100 may also include a basket 108 which may be secured to the motor assembly 60 via the lower attachment shaft 96. The basket 108 may also be supported by the balloon frame assembly 106. The basket 108 may include an upper cap 109 and a lower cap 110 to define a cavity therein. The cavity may be sized to accommodate for electronics and/or other components as described further below.

The balloon frame assembly 106 may include a plurality of balloon frame segments 112. Each balloon frame segment 112 may include an arc portion 114 with a panel 116 secured at a lower portion thereof. The panels 116 may be secured to the extensional supports 72 of the motor assembly 60. The panels 116 may include a panel flap 118 at a lower portion of the panel 116. The panel flaps 118 may extend from the panel 116 at an angle outward from a plane defined by the panel 116 and in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the propeller 12 to influence rotation of the balloon frame assembly 106 about the central axis 26. For example, each panel flap 118 may be oriented to influence air flow from the propeller 12 and blades 22 against the panels 116 to direct counter rotation of the panels 116 relative to the propeller 12 and blades 22. The panels 116 may have various shapes and or forms. For example, a size of the panels 116 may influence counter rotation relative to the propeller according to an amount of air resistance the panels 116 provide. The panels 116 may also define cutouts 119 of various shapes and sizes to modify air resistance of the panels 116. In this example, the motor assembly 60, the balloon frame assembly 106, and basket 108 may rotate about the central axis 26 in a direction opposite that of the rotation of the propeller 12 when under power.

One or more of the balloon frame segments 112 may also include an arm 120 extending from the arc portion 114 to the basket 108. In one example, the balloon frame assembly 106 may include four balloon frame segments 112 including the arms 120 and four balloon frame segments 112 without the arms 120. Upper portions of the balloon frame segments 112 may be secured to a balloon frame cap 122. The balloon frame segments 112 may be arranged to form an exo-skeletal structure about the propeller assembly and the motor assembly 60. The balloon frame segments 112 may define a hot air balloon-shaped region therewithin. The basket 108, or other types of bodies and characters, may be secured to the attachment shaft 96 such that the basket 108 is outside the hot air balloon-shaped region defined by the balloon frame segments 112. At least a portion of the hot air balloon-shaped region may have a circumference greater than a circumference of the safety ring 24.

Optionally, one or more balloon frame rings 126 may be secured to the balloon frame segments 112, such as at locations above and below a plane defined by the propeller 12. The balloon frame rings 126 may provide additional structural rigidity to the balloon frame assembly 106. The balloon frame rings 126 may further assist in preventing a user from contacting the propeller 12 including safety ring 24 and/or may further assist in preventing the safety ring 24 from contacting an obstacle. The balloon frame rings 126 may have an arc shape in between each of the balloon frame segments 112. A circumference of the balloon frame rings 126 may be greater than the circumference of the safety ring 24.

An umbrella with a character hanging therebelow is another example of a toy entity which may utilize the propeller assembly and the motor assembly 60 to achieve flight. FIGS. 15A and 15B show an umbrella entity 130 which may include an umbrella frame assembly 132 sized to at least partially enclose the propeller assembly and the motor assembly 60. In this example, the propeller assembly is located above the motor assembly 60 relative to a surface. The umbrella entity 130 may also include a character 134 which may be secured to the motor assembly 60 via the lower attachment shaft 96. The character 134 may define an internal cavity (not shown) therein. The cavity may be sized to accommodate for electronics and/or other components.

The umbrella frame assembly 132 may include a plurality of umbrella frame segments 136. Each umbrella frame segment 136 may include a panel 138. The panels 138 may be secured to the motor assembly 60 as well. The panels 138 may have various shapes and or forms. For example, a size of the panels 138 may influence counter rotation relative to the propeller 12 according to an amount of air resistance the panels 138 provide. The panels 138 may also define cutouts (not shown) of various shapes and sizes to modify air resistance of the panels 138. In this example, the motor assembly 60, the umbrella frame assembly 132, and the character 134 may rotate about the central axis 26 in a direction opposite that of the rotation of the propeller 12 when under power.

The umbrella frame segments 136 may be arranged to form an exo-skeletal structure about at least a portion of the propeller assembly and the motor assembly 60. An umbrella ring 140 may be secured to the umbrella frame segments 136 and arranged with the umbrella frame segments 136 to define a hemisphere-shaped region therebetween. The character 134, or other types of bodies and characters, may be secured to the attachment shaft 96 such that the character 134 is outside the hemisphere-shaped region defined by the umbrella frame segments 136. At least a portion of the hemisphere-shaped region may have a circumference greater than a circumference of the safety ring 24.

Various control systems may be available to assist in controlling flight of the toy entities described herein. FIGS. 16 and 17 show one example of a control system integrated with the balloon entity 100 in which a mechanical switch is utilized to trigger output of the motor 62 (not shown in FIGS. 16 and 17). As mentioned above, the basket 108 may define a cavity to house electronics and components. In this example, a switch 160 may be secured within the basket and in communication with a controller 162 and the power source 69 (not shown in FIGS. 16 and 17). The lower cap 110 may be mounted to the basket 108 for translation such that the lower cap 110 may translate between at least a first position shown in FIG. 16 and a second position shown in FIG. 17. In the first position the switch 160 is open. When the lower cap 110 contacts a user, surface, or other obstacle, the lower cap 110 may move to the second position and trigger the switch 160. The switch 160 may then send a signal, such as a control signal, to the controller 162 indicating detection of a surface, such as surface 164. The controller 162 may direct the power source 69 to output an increased amount of power to the motor 62.

Alternatively, the switch 160 may send a signal, such as a control signal, to the power source 69 to output a decreased amount of power to the motor 62. As such, contact to the lower cap 110 may trigger an increase or decrease in the amount of power being directed to the motor 62 such that the propeller 12 may rotate at a higher speed and thus lift the balloon entity 100 away from the point of contact, or the propeller 12 may rotate at a lower speed and thus move toward the point of contact to, for example, initiate a landing sequence for the balloon entity 100. It is contemplated that this type of a control system with the switch 160 may be used in various embodiments of toy entities, propeller assemblies, and motor assemblies including those described herein. For example, the lower cap 68 of the motor assembly 60 may be mounted for translation to the motor housing. In this example, a switch, similar to switch 160, may be secured to the motor housing 64 and triggered when the lower cap 68 contacts a user, surface, or other obstacle.

Additionally, the controller 162 may direct operation of the motor 62 before, during, and after a triggering of the switch 160. For example, the controller may include instructions to direct various levels of power source 69 and/or motor 62 output under certain conditions or events. These instructions may be triggered based on one or more variables including time, a power level of the power source 69, the motor 62 on/off state, and/or a switch input to name a few.

FIG. 18 shows another example of a control system which may include one or more sensors to direct output of the motor 62 (not shown in FIG. 18). As mentioned above, the basket 108 may define a cavity to house electronics and components. In this example, one or more sensors 180, such as a transmitter 181 and a receiver 182, may be in communication with a controller 184. The controller 184 may be in communication with the power source 69 (not shown in FIG. 18) and/or the motor 62 to direct operation thereof. The controller 184 may direct various levels of power source 69 and/or motor 62 output under certain conditions or events. These instructions may be triggered based on one or more variables including time, a power level of the power source 69, the motor 62 on/off state, and/or one or more signals sent/received by the one or more sensors 180 to name a few. For example, the transmitter 181 may transmit a signal away from the balloon entity 100. The signal may contact a surface 183 and bounce back toward the receiver 182 as a bounced signal. The receiver 182 may receive or may not receive the bounced signal. In response to the controller 184 receiving input from the receiver 182 indicating receipt of the bounced signal, the controller 184 may output a set of operating instructions to the motor 62 and the power source 69 according to one or more sets on software instructions. For example, the controller 184 may increase, maintain, and /or decrease power to the motor 62. In response to the controller 184 not receiving input from the receiver 182 indicating detection of the bounced signal, the controller 184 may output another set of operating instructions to the motor 62 and the power source 69. For example, the controller 184 may increase, maintain, and/or decrease power to the motor 62.

FIGS. 19 through 21 show another example of a toy entity which may utilize the propeller assembly and the motor assembly 60 to achieve flight. A toy entity 300 may include a frame assembly 306 sized to enclose the propeller assembly and the motor assembly 60. The frame assembly 306 may include a plurality of frame segments 312. In this example, the frame assembly 306 may at least partially define a volumetric shape similar to an American football or a prolate spheroid. A prolate spheroid may be defined as a spheroid in which the polar axis is greater than the equatorial diameter. Each frame segment 312 may include an arc portion 314 with a panel 316 secured thereto. The panels 316 may be secured to the extensional supports 72 of the motor assembly 60. The panels 316 may include a panel flap 318. The panel flaps 318 may extend from the panel 316 at an angle outward from a plane defined by the panel 316 and in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the propeller 12 to influence rotation of the frame assembly 306 about the central axis 26. For example, each panel flap 318 may be oriented to influence air flow from the propeller 12 and blades 22 against the panels 316 to direct counter rotation of the panels 316 relative to the propeller 12 and blades 22. The panels 316 may have various shapes and or forms. For example, a size of the panels 316 may influence counter rotation relative to the propeller according to an amount of air resistance the panels 316 provide. In this example, the motor assembly 60 and the frame assembly 306 may rotate about the central axis 26 in a direction opposite that of the rotation of the propeller 12 when under power. One or more legs (not shown) may be secured to the frame assembly 306 to assist in supporting the toy entity 300 when not in flight. For example, one or more legs may extend below the panels 316 to support the toy entity 300 on an underlying surface, such as surface 330. The one or more legs may also assist in providing a vertical launching configuration for the toy entity 300.

In one example, the frame assembly 306 may include six frame segments 312. Upper portions of the frame segments 312 may be secured to a frame cap 323. The frame segments 312 may be arranged to form an exo-skeletal structure about the propeller assembly and the motor assembly 60. The frame segments 312 may define a prolate spheroidal-shaped region therewithin. At least a portion of the prolate spheroid-shaped region may have a circumference greater than a circumference of the safety ring 24. Optionally, one or more frame rings 326 may be secured to the frame segments 312, such as at locations above and below a plane defined by the propeller 12. The frame rings 326 may provide additional structural rigidity to the frame assembly 306. The frame rings 326 may further assist in preventing a user from contacting the propeller 12 including safety ring 24 and/or may further assist in preventing the safety ring 24 from contacting an obstacle. A circumference of the frame rings 326 may be greater than the circumference of the safety ring 24.

The toy entity 300 may include an orientation sensor (not shown) in communication with a controller (not shown) to identify a vertical or horizontal orientation of the toy entity 300. For example, a user may orient the toy entity 300 in a position similar to the position shown in FIG. 19. In this example, the orientation sensor in communication with the controller may indicate the toy entity 300 is oriented in a vertical orientation. As such, the controller may direct output of the motor 62 reflective of the vertical orientation and vertical flight. In another example, a user may orient the toy entity 300 in a position similar to the position shown in FIG. 21. In this example, the orientation sensor in communication with the controller may indicate the toy entity 300 is oriented in a horizontal orientation. As such, the controller may direct output of the motor 62 reflective of the horizontal orientation and horizontal or substantially horizontal flight. Similarly, the toy entity 300 may include an orientation switch (not shown) having, for example, two settings which indicate vertical flight or horizontal flight. In this example, a user may manually select one of the two settings such that the controller may output operating commands to the motor 62 reflective of the vertical or horizontal flight setting.

Each of the entities and supporting control systems described herein may operate with additional sensor and/or components according to desired operations and performance. For example, an impact sensor (not shown) may be implemented with one or more of the above described entities and control systems. The impact sensor may be in communication with the respective controller to detect entity impacts with objects and obstacles. The controller may be configured to deactivate the motor 62 upon receipt of an impact signal from the impact sensor. The controller may also be configured to deactivate the motor 62 when the controller receives a voltage feedback from the motor 62 indicating interference with rotation of one or more of the blades 22.

FIGS. 22 through 25 show examples of charge bases which may be used with the examples of toy entities and toy assemblies described herein. For example, the toy entities and toy assemblies described herein may include a charge inlet to receive a charge connector of a charge base. The charge base may include a charge base power supply accessible via the charge connector. The charge inlet may be electrically connected to a power supply electrically connected to the motor. The charge base may include a mount support sized to support the respective toy entity or toy assembly. FIG. 22 shows an example of a charge base 350 supporting the toy entity 10. FIG. 23 shows an example of another charge base 360 supporting the toy entity 10 having the frame assembly 80. FIG. 24 shows another charge base 370 supporting the toy entity 200. FIG. 25 shows yet another charge base 380 supporting the balloon entity 100.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of various embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments could have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. These attributes can include, but are not limited to cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, serviceability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. As such, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure and can be desirable for particular applications.

Claims

1. A toy assembly comprising:

a housing;
a drive shaft mounted for rotation to the housing and defining an axis;
a propeller with a central portion mounted for pivotal movement to the drive shaft, and two blades extending from the central portion to distal ends;
a circular safety ring extending about the drive shaft axis and secured to the distal ends;
a motor secured to the housing and operably connected to the drive shaft;
a power source in communication with the motor;
a controller secured to the housing and configured to direct operation of the motor and power source; and
a plurality of fins secured to the housing and extending away from the propeller.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of frame segments secured to the housing and defining an upper portion having a length greater than a radius of the safety ring and extending along a first axis substantially perpendicular to the drive shaft axis, a mid-portion having a length greater than a height of the propeller and extending along a second axis substantially parallel to the drive shaft axis, and a lower portion extending along a third axis substantially perpendicular to the drive shaft axis, wherein the portions are arranged to form an exo-skeletal frame defining a region about the propeller.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins defines an adjustable flap portion to pivot outward of a plane defined by the at least one of the plurality of fins and in a direction opposite rotation of the propeller.

4. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising a toy character secured to the plurality of frame segments and external to the region defined by the exo-skeletal frame.

5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a switch in communication with the controller and secured to the housing to contact a surface, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust a speed of the motor in response to a signal received from the switch indicating contact with the surface.

6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor secured to the housing and in communication with the controller to detect a surface, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust or maintain a speed of the motor in response to receiving a signal from the at least one sensor indicating detection of the surface.

7. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor secured to the housing and in communication with the controller to detect a surface, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust or maintain a speed of the motor in response to not receiving a signal from the at least one sensor indicating detection of the surface.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the circular safety ring defines at least first and second thickness portions of the circular safety ring such that the portion with a greater thickness is adjacent to the distal ends.

9. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising two or more legs extending from the housing to support the assembly on an underlying surface.

10. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising at least one target secured to the housing and including a switch in communication with the controller, wherein the switch and the at least one target are arranged such that the switch sends a trigger signal to the controller when an object contacts the at least one target.

11. The assembly of claim 10, further comprising a media device in communication with the controller.

12. The assembly of claim 11, further comprising a launch mechanism biased to launch a projectile and in communication with the controller, and wherein the controller is further configured to send a launch signal to the launch mechanism to launch the projectile in response to the controller receiving the trigger signal.

13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to output a media signal to the media device in response to receiving the trigger signal.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the controller is further configured to adjust a speed of the motor in response to receiving the trigger signal.

15. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising:

at least one sensor secured to the housing and in communication with the controller to detect a surface, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust a speed of the motor in response to receiving a signal indicating detection of the surface from the at least one sensor.

16. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising at least one sensor secured to the housing and in communication with the controller to detect a surface, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust a speed of the motor in response to not receiving a signal indicating detection of the surface from the at least one sensor.

17. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising a charge inlet to receive a charge connector of a charge base, and wherein the charge inlet is electrically connected to a power supply electrically connected to the motor.

18. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising an exo-skeletal frame defining a region about the propeller.

19. A toy entity comprising:

a housing;
a power source secured to the housing;
a motor secured to the housing and in communication with the power source;
a controller secured to the housing and configured to direct operation of the motor and power source;
a drive shaft mounted for rotation to the housing and defining an axis;
a ball joint mounted to the drive shaft;
a propeller mount pivotally mounted to the ball joint;
two blades each extending outwardly from the propeller mount to distal ends;
a circular safety ring extending about the drive shaft axis and secured to the distal ends;
upper and lower gimbal portions secured to the propeller mount to pivotally retain the ball joint therebetween;
a transmission operably connected to the motor and drive shaft such that the drive shaft rotates independent of the housing;
a plurality of frame segments indicative of a hot air balloon-shaped region therebetween and each segment including an arc portion secured to a frame cap and a panel secured to the housing; and
a body secured to the housing external to the balloon-shaped region.

20. The toy entity of claim 19, wherein at least one of the panels defines an adjustable flap portion to pivot outward of a plane defined by the flap and in a direction opposite rotation of the propeller.

21. The toy entity of claim 20, wherein the at least one panel defines at least one cutout to pass air therethrough.

22. The toy entity of claim 19, further comprising a switch in communication with the controller and secured to the body to contact a surface, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust a speed of the motor in response to a signal received from the switch indicating contact with the surface.

23. The toy entity of claim 19, further comprising at least one sensor secured to the body and in communication with the controller to detect a surface, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust a speed of the motor in response to the at least one sensor transmitting a signal indicating detection of the surface.

24. The toy entity of claim 19, wherein the body is a basket or a character.

25. The toy entity of claim 19, further comprising a charge inlet to receive a charge connector of a charge base, and wherein the charge inlet is electrically connected to a power supply electrically connected to the motor.

26. A toy entity comprising:

a propeller mount defining a shaft opening;
two or more blades extending outwardly from the propeller mount to distal ends;
a circular safety ring extending about the propeller mount and secured to the distal ends;
an upper gimbal housing secured to the propeller mount and defining a receiving cavity;
a lower gimbal housing secured to the propeller mount and defining an open slot in substantial registration with the shaft opening;
a ball joint including two pin extensions and sized to sit within the receiving cavity to pivot about a pin axis defined by the pin extensions and at least pivot about another axis perpendicular thereto; and
a housing;
a drive shaft mounted for rotation to the housing and supporting the ball joint;
a motor secured to the housing;
a transmission operably connected to the motor and the drive shaft such the drive shaft rotates independent of the housing;
a plurality of fins secured to the housing and extending away from the propeller mount;
at least one sensor to detect a surface; and
a controller secured to the housing and configured to direct operation of the motor and power source in response to receiving a signal from the at least one sensor indicating detection of the surface.

27. The toy entity of claim 26, further comprising a switch in communication with the controller and secured to a lower portion of the housing to contact the surface, and wherein the controller is further configured to, in response to the controller receiving a signal from the switch indicating contact with the surface, adjust an output of the motor.

28. The toy entity of claim 27, further comprising:

a frame cap;
a plurality of frame segments each having an arc portion secured to the frame cap, a panel portion secured to the housing, and an arm portion extending below the panels to form an exo-skeletal structure defining a balloon-shaped region within the structure arranged with the upper and lower gimbal housings such that circular safety ring is enclosed therein; and
a body secured to the arms outside of the balloon-shaped region.

29. The entity of claim 26, further comprising:

an umbrella frame cap;
a plurality of umbrella frame segments defining an upper frame segment portion secured to the umbrella frame cap and a lower frame segment portion;
a plurality of panels secured to the umbrella frame segments;
an umbrella ring secured to the lower frame segment portions and arranged with the umbrella frame segments to define an at least partially hemispherical region therebetween; and
an attachment shaft extending from the housing outside the hemispherical region to attach a body thereto.

30. The toy entity of claim 29, further comprising a transmitter and receiver pair in communication with the controller and secured to the body to detect the surface, and wherein the controller is further configured to, in response to the controller receiving a signal from the receiver indicating detection of the surface, adjust an output of the motor.

31. The toy entity of claim 30, wherein the circular safety ring defines at least first and second thickness portions of the circular safety ring such that the portion with a greater thickness is adjacent to the distal ends, and wherein each panel is oriented to influence air flow from the blades against the panels to direct counter rotation of the panels relative to a rotational direction of the blades.

32. The toy entity of claim 30, wherein the propeller mount, the two or more blades, and the circular safety ring are arranged within the hemispherical region.

33. A toy entity comprising:

a housing;
a drive shaft mounted for rotation to the housing and defining an axis;
a propeller with a central portion mounted for pivotal movement to the drive shaft and two blades extending from the central portion to distal ends;
a circular safety ring extending about the drive shaft axis and secured to the distal ends;
a motor secured to the housing and operably connected to the drive shaft;
a power source in communication with the motor;
a plurality of fins secured to the housing and extending away from the propeller;
a frame cap; and
a plurality of frame segments each having an arc portion secured to the frame cap and a panel portion secured to the housing, wherein the frame segments form an exo-skeletal structure defining an at least partially prolate spheroidal region within the structure arranged with the propeller such that circular safety ring is enclosed therein.

34. The toy entity of claim 33, further comprising at least one sensor in communication with a controller and secured to the housing to detect a surface, and wherein the controller is configured to, in response to the controller receiving a signal from the receiver indicating detection of the surface, adjust an output of the motor.

35. The toy entity of claim 33, wherein the circular safety ring defines at least first and second thickness portions of the circular safety ring such that the portion with a greater thickness is adjacent to the distal ends, and wherein each panel is oriented to influence air flow from the blades against the panels to direct counter rotation of the panels relative to a rotational direction of the blades.

36. The toy entity of claim 33, further comprising an orientation sensor in communication with a controller to identify a vertical or horizontal orientation of the toy entity, and wherein the controller is configured to output operating commands to the motor reflective of the vertical or horizontal orientation.

37. The toy entity of claim 33, further comprising an orientation switch in communication with a controller having two settings which indicate vertical flight and horizontal flight, and wherein the controller is configured to output operating commands to the motor reflective of the vertical or horizontal flight setting.

38. The toy entity of claim 33, further comprising a controller configured to deactivate the motor when the controller receives a voltage feedback from the motor indicating interference with rotation of the blades.

39. The toy entity of claim 33, further comprising a controller configured to deactivate the motor when the controller receives an impact signal from an impact sensor indicating collision of the toy entity with an obstacle.

40. The toy entity of claim 33, further comprising a charge inlet to receive a charge connector of a charge base, and wherein the charge inlet is electrically connected to a power supply electrically connected to the motor.

41. The toy of claim 40, wherein a lower portion of the exo-skeletal structure is sized to receive a mount support of the charge base such that the toy entity is supported thereby.

Patent History
Publication number: 20160101368
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 9, 2014
Publication Date: Apr 14, 2016
Inventors: Jeffrey Rehkemper (Chicago, IL), Steven F. Rehkemper (Chicago, IL), Adam Gelder (Oak Lawn, IL), John L. Peach (East Aurora, NY)
Application Number: 14/510,712
Classifications
International Classification: A63H 27/00 (20060101); A63H 29/22 (20060101);