RADIO CONTROLLED TOY MODEL

Abstract

A radio controlled single string kite allows for the performance of controlled stunts that are generally only found in two string kites. A remote control includes R/C electronics, a string spool, a spool control and right and left turning controls. The kite includes a wing string and an R/C receiver (RX) unit connected to the bottom of the downwardly extending center wing (or keel). The wing string connects the main wing to the keep via the R/C receiver (RX) unit. The R/C receiver (RX) unit includes all R/C electronics and gearing to control the position of the center wing with respect to the main wing through the selective movement of the keel through the gearing. The R/C receiver RX unit remains connected to the remote control (TX) via the string on the string spool.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/004,091 filed on Nov. 23, 2007.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present principles relate to radio control toy models. More particularly, they relate to a radio controlled kite.

2. Description of related art

Two types of conventional kites are well known. One type of kite employs a single string or line like many keeled types, and the other variety, a so-called stunt or sport kite employs two strings or lines. Users can lift up the single string kite type, but one cannot freely control or steer it in the sky. Flight characteristics depend mostly on the wind conditions. With respect to the two-string kite type, beginning users have difficulty steering and controlling the kite. It requires a learning curve and certain skills to effectively manipulate the two strings to achieve control and steering without tangling the strings. Tangling the strings is a problem that can easily occur. Finally, winding up the string(s) for storage can be a troublesome manual task for users.

SUMMARY

According to the present principles, an innovative radio-controlled mechanism can be integrated into a single string kite. Radio control commands can be transmitted from the remote control (transmitter) to the kite, and can cause a change in the angle of kite against the wind. Now, users can freely control the kite and make it travel “up and down” or “left and right,” “turn left or right,” etc. without required countless hours of practicing and learning. The R/C toy model of the present principles relies only on a single string, eliminating the possibility of tangling experienced with two-string kites, yet still provides the stunt capability comparable to such two-string kites.

According to on implementation, the radio controlled model includes a kite having a main wing supported by frame members, a downwardly extending center wing having a lower portion, and a link line connected to opposing frame members of the main wing, and a radio control receiver unit connected to the lower portion of the center wing and having a gear mechanism configured to receive the link line, the radio control receiver unit being tethered to a remote control transmitter unit.

The radio controlled model further includes a remote control transmitter unit having a string spool with string wound thereon and having an end connected to the radio control receiver unit. The remote control transmitter unit further having at least one spool control, and at least one action control lever.

According to an implementation, the radio control receiver unit further includes a motor connected to the gear mechanism, a receiver printed circuit board configured to translate received control signals into electrical signals for causing the motor to rotate in one of a clockwise or counter clockwise direction, and a battery power supply source for providing power to the radio control receiver unit.

According to a further implementation, the radio controlled model includes a toy model having a main wing supported by frame members, a central downward extending wing and a link line connecting opposing frame members of the main wings, a radio control steering mechanism connected to a bottom of the central downward extending wing and having a gear mechanism connected to the link line, the steering mechanism selectively moving the position of the central wing with respect to the main wing along the link line, and a radio control transmitter unit connected to the radio control steering mechanism by a cord and configured to provide radio control signals to the steering mechanism and thereby selectively move the steering mechanism and center wing along the link line.

Other aspects and features of the present principles will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the present principles, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote similar components throughout the views:

FIG. 1 is plan view of the remote control transmitter (TX) R/C unit according to one implementation of the present principles;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the remote control transmitter (TX) R/C unit according to an implementation of the present principles;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the R/C kite with a receiver (RX) R/C unit according to an implementation of the present principles;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the receiver (RC) R/C unit of the R/C kite according to an implementation of the present principles;

FIGS. 5-7 are operational views of the R/C kite and the operation of the same according to an implementation of the present principles;

FIGS. 8-13b are examples of flying operations that can be achieved by the R/C kite of the present principles;

FIG. 14 is plan view of a remote control transmitter (TX) R/C unit according to another implementation of the present principles;

FIG. 15 is schematic view of the remote control transmitter (TX) R/C unit of FIG. 14 showing one side of the housing removed;

FIG. 16 is another schematic view of the remote control transmitter (TX) R/C unit of FIG. 14 showing one side of the housing and one side of the reel removed;

FIG. 17 is a partially exploded perspective view of the remote control transmitter (TX) R/C unit according to an implementation of the present principles;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the internal workings of the R/C kite Receiver (RX) R/C unit according to an implementation of the present principles;

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a motor unit releasably connectable to the remote control transmitter (TX) R/C unit according to an implementation of the present principles;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of the motor unit of FIG. 19 with the housing removed

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of the R/C kite Receiver (RX) R/C unit according to another implementation of the present principles;

FIGS. 22a and 22b show a plan view of the kite action with the RX R/C unit in one operable position; and

FIGS. 23a and 23b show a plan view of the kite action with the RX unit pivoted into another operable position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a remote control transmitter (TX) 10 according to one implementation of the present principles. The remote control (transmitter) 10 includes a TX printed circuit board (PCB) 36, an antenna 24, one or more batteries 34, a cord/string spool 20 with a cord/string 22, a motor 32, at least one gear 30, flying control switches 16 and 18, and a spool control trigger 26. The terms “remote control”, “remote control transmitter”, “remote control TX R/C unit”, “remote transmitter” and “remote TX R/C unit” are interchangeably used throughout this disclosure.

When one of the control buttons 16 or 18 on the top of one of the lever handles 12 and 14, respectively, is depressed, a radio signal is transmitted from the TX remote control 10 to the kite 100 (FIG. 3) in order to control the turning movement of the kite. The left button 16 will cause a left turn, while the right button 18 will cause a right turn.

In accordance with one aspect, when both the left and right buttons 16 and 18 are pressed at the same time, or when trigger 26 behind the right lever handle 14 (grip) is pulled down, the motor 32 inside the remote control 10 starts rotating, and spool 20 starts winding up the string 22. When trigger 26 is pulled up, the spool starts releasing the string. Trigger 26 can be provided on either lever/handle 12 or 14. According to another aspect, separate triggers can be provided, one for the winding action, and one for the releasing (unwinding) action of the spool 20.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the Kite 100 consists of lightweight and durable plastic sheet (vinyl, paper or cloth) that makes up the main wing 104 and center (keel) 106 wing. A frame assembly 102 maintains the wing structure. The center wing 106 or “keel” at center of the Kite 100 extends downward from the main wings 104 and includes an R/C receiver (RX) unit 110 on lower (or downwardly extending) front corner of the same. The nose 105 is the front of the kite, and is generally configured to be soft, and made of a shock absorbing material to prevent damage to the kite from hard landings. The soft nose is safer for persons in the vicinity of the kite during operation. The string 22 from the remote control transmitter (TX) 10 is connected to the Receiver (RX) R/C unit 110 via a hook 122 and extends to the spool 20 within the remote control 10. Thus, the R/C kite 100 remains tethered to the transmitter (TX) R/C unit 10, similar to a standard single string kite.

According to this implementation, the receiver R/C unit 110 includes an RX PCB 112 a battery power source 114, a motor 116, a gear mechanism 118, and a “Rack and Pinion” which adjusts the angle of the Kite against the wind by changing the angle of the keel (center wing) 106. A rack 108 is connected to the frame 102 on opposing sides of the keel (center wing) 106 and extends downward in a U-like configuration (See FIG. 3). The rack 108 has a gear engaging surface 109 that meshes with the pinion gear 120 that is part of the gear mechanism 118. As will be explained later with reference to the implementation shown in FIGS. 14-20, the “rack” is a link line that can be replaced with a string or other cord like material without departing from the spirit of the present principles.

The motor 116 rotates either in a clockwise (CW) or counter clockwise (CCW) direction by R/C control from the remote control transmitter (T/X) R/C unit 10. The motor rotation is translated through a slowdown mechanism by gears 118 (e.g., a gear reduction) to cause the rack 108 move either to left (see FIG. 5) or right (see FIG. 6). A stopper 124 can be positioned on the rack 108, so as to limit or fix the range of the travel of the rack 108 either to the left or right. For example, when the motor 116 rotates in CW (or vice versa), the rack 108 can be moved to left (or vice versa). The angle of the Kite 100 is thereby tilted to left (or vice versa), and the Kite starts turning left (or vice versa) by force of the wind. (See FIGS. 5 and 7).

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown an alternative configuration of the kite according to the present principles. As shown and previously described, the stoppers 124 operate to limit the range of motion of R/C receiver unit 110, 310. Additional support strings or links 111 can be connected from the stopper 124 to the end points of frame 102 of the respective wings 104. The left and right stoppers 124 operate to limit or adjust the movement on the link string. Thus, the angle of the keel 106 with respect to the main wing 104 can be easily controlled and selectively adjusted.

As a result, when the kite turns, the main wing 104 will catch a varying amount of wind force depending on the position of the keel 106 respect to the main wing. The stopper positions can be used to limit or expand the turning radius of the kite 100. For example, by reducing the distance between the stoppers 124 and the Receiver RX unit 110, 310, the kite will steer with a larger turning radius. Thus, by increasing the distance between the stoppers 124 and Receiver RX unit 110, 310, the kite will steer with a smaller turning radius (increasing stunt maneuverability, etc.).

If the motor 116 is stopped while the Kite is still turning, the Kite will try to balance naturally due to wind forces and as a result, the rack 108 will return to its central, naturally stable or neutral position (See FIG. 6). The gears 118 and 120 are configured to allow the rack 108 to return to the central, naturally stable position in the absence of a radio control signal from the remote control unit TX R/C unit 10. As will be described in the implementation shown in FIG. 18, the rack and pinion implementation of the link line can be replaced by a string and a slightly different gear mechanism in the Receiver (RX) R/C unit 310.

Users can employ a combination of the above mechanism's positions and freely and instantly control the Kite's travel “up or down, “left or right,” “turning,” etc.

Traveling to left (See FIG. 8). By radio control, the kite is turned to the left 90 degrees to the side. When the signal from the remote is stopped, the kite starts flying up again, naturally. By repeating this operation, the kite can keep traveling to the left.

Traveling to right (See FIG. 9). By radio control, the kite is turned to the right 90 degrees to the side. Again, when the signal from the remote is stopped, the kite starts flying up again, naturally. By repeating this operation, the kite can keep traveling to the right.

8-shape “Figure-8” turning (see FIG. 10). By radio control, the kite is turned to the left or right 180 degrees. When the kite turns upside down, the kite is turned in reverse 360 degrees. The kite is then turned again 360-degrees. The kite will fly in a “figure 8” pattern by repeating this operation. In the example shown, the “Figure-8” maneuver is done horizontally. Those of skill in the art will recognize that through correct timing of the operation of the remote control, such stunt could be performed vertically, or even at different angles from vertical.

Diving down (See FIG. 11). By radio control, the kite is turned to the left or right 270 degrees. As the kite turns sideways, turn the kite in the reverse direction 180 degrees, then turn the kite in reverse again 180 degrees again. The kite will start diving in a semicircular path by repeating this operation.

As with traditional kites, when the string 22 is wound up by the remote or when the remote 10 is physically pulled toward user (away from the kite), the Kite 100 can start lifting up (See FIG. 12).

Also, through the selective movement of the rack 108, users can adjust angle of the Kite, i.e. turning radius (FIG. 13a).

When sustaining a turn either to the left or right, the kite will start doing spirals and gradually lose altitude. When the rotation is stopped from the remote, the kite starts flying up an gain altitude naturally (FIG. 13b).

Referring to FIGS. 14-17, there is shown an alternative remote control transmitter (TX) R/C unit 210 according to an implementation of the present principles. transmitter (TX) R/C unit 210 includes a handle portion 202, a spool 220 having a string 222 and string guides 218, a rewind handle 212 and a spool link lever 214, a TX PCB 236, one or more batteries 234, an antenna 224, a control lever 216 and a trigger 226.

The control lever 216 is a three position switch that provides a left or right radio signal to the RX R/C unit 310 (See FIG. 20). The central position being a neutral or non actuating position. The spool link lever 214 links or releases the rewind handle 212 with the spool 220. When the spool link lever 214 is moved to the up position (shown in FIG. 14), the rewind handle 212 is linked with the spool 220. The spool 220 includes a clutch mechanism 240, 242 (See FIG. 16) which enables the rewind handle 212 to only turn in one direction (i.e., the winding up direction). Thus, when the spool link lever is in the up position during operation, the string will not be released from the spool 220 by the pulling force from the kite catching the wind.

When the spool link lever 214 is moved to the down position (not shown), the rewind handle 212 and spool 220 are unlinked (i.e., clutch mechanism 240, 242 is released), thus freeing the spool to release the string, enabling the kite to start flying up by catching the wind.

The string guides 218 pinch the string lightly by a spring force, thereby maintaining an applied tension to the string. This tension keeps the string from tangling up on the spool, even if it is loosely tangled before winding into the spool.

Referring to FIG. 15, during operation, when the trigger 226 is pulled, pressure is applied to the spool 220 by element 228 so that the speed of the releasing of the string can be controlled by varying finger pressure on trigger 220. For example, the trigger 226 can be used when the operator wants the kite to fly up slowly and naturally by catching the wind. A spring (not shown) between the spool 220 and the remote housing applies a predetermined amount of transverse pressure to the spool, thereby counteracting spool rotation by a predetermined amount. The spring pressure on the spool 220 helps reduce rotational inertia of the spool that can cause what is known as “backlash” or string tangling due to excessive spool inertia. The string is less likely to get tangled up by inertia of rotation of the spool during string release. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the amount of pressure applied by such spring can be varied according to the desired application or use of the kite model.

According to a one implementation, the rewind handle 212 is reversible such that remote control 210 can be used by both left handed and right handed individuals. By removing the corresponding screws, the opposing securing part 213 and the rewind handle 212 can be reversed in position to accommodate the preference of the user/operator.

FIG. 18 shows the Receiver (RX) R/C unit 310 according to an implementation of the present principles. The string 222 from the Transmitter (TX) R/C unit 210 is connected to the Receiver (RX) R/C unit 310 via, for example, a clip 324, and ring 322. Ring 322 is connected to the RX R/C unit 310 in a freely rotatable manner. The RX R/C unit 310 includes an RX PCB 317, an on/off switch 318, battery power 314, a motor 316, a gear mechanism 330 with a string engaging spool 332, and an attachment portion 320.

The RX R/C unit 310 is connected to the tip or lower portion of the keel 106 by R/C Unit attachment portion 320. The string 308 is wrapped around a spool gear 332 such that rotation of the same allows the kite to change its flying angle vs. the wind.

During operation, the RX PCB 317 receives the signal from the Remote control transmitter (TX) R/C unit 210 to allow the motor 316 to rotate in a clockwise (CW) or counter-clockwise (CCW) direction or to “stop”. The rotation of the motor 316 causes the spool 332 to turn left or right via the reduction gears (i.e., part of gear mechanism 330). The link string 308 has been previously wrapped on the spool a few times (e.g., during setup), and the rotation of the spool winds up the left or right side of the link string 308 while simultaneously releasing the respective right or left side of the link string 308. These movements make the keel (or center wing) 106 and RX R/C unit 310 tilt either left or right with respect to the main kite wing 104. As mentioned earlier, the stoppers 124 on the link string 108, 308 limit the movements (i.e., traveling distance of the RX R/C unit 310 on the link line string from the center/neutral position to either the left or right). For example, when motor 316 rotates in a CW direction, it causes the RX R/C unit 310 and keel 106 to tilt right and vice versa. The kite then starts turning left (or right) because the change in force of the wind against left and rights sides of the main wing 104 which is now different.

When the motor is stopped, the kite starts balancing between left and right by influence from the force of the wind. The RX R/C unit 110, 310 and the keel 106 try to go back to the center/neutral position naturally, and then the kite stops turning and starts flying up again (FIG. 12). By using this maneuver, the operator can freely let the kite fly up or down, turn left or right, etc. Some examples of the maneuvers of the proprietary R/C kite of the present principles and as disclosed herein were described with reference to FIGS. 8-13. There are many other maneuvers and stunts which the kite of the present principles can perform, and those of skill in the art recognize that to list and/or show all of such maneuvers and/or stunts in this disclosure would be too burdensome.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show an alternative embodiment with a motor drive unit 400 releasably connectable to the TX R/C unit 210. The motor drive unit 400 can be used to release and/or wind up the string 22, 222 on the spool 20, 220, respectively. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that connection between the motor drive unit 400 and the TX R/C unit 210 can be any known manner for translating rotational movement, and can be of any geometric size or shape so long as a secure mating relationship is established between the two parts.

When the grip 402 of the motor drive unit 400 is turned toward the operator (e.g., REW direction shown in FIG. 19), the voltage of the batteries 410 (as connected via switch contacts 414) causes the motor 412 to start rotating, and such rotation is transmitted to the gears 418, and thereby transmitted to the spool to start winding the string. When the grip 402 is rotated in the direction away from the operator (e.g., FWD direction shown in FIG. 19), the motor 412 starts turning in reverse, and that rotation is transmitted to the spool via the gears 418 to start releasing the string. Thus, it will be appreciated that the motor drive unit 400 allows the spool to be wound up or release very easily and quickly.

When the drive motor unit 400 is used, the spool link lever 214 must be positioned downward so as to free the spool rotation. According to one implementation, the grip 402 returns to a neutral position automatically by the spring force generated by spring 416, when the user removes their hands from the grip 402. A grip lever lock 404 is provided which when pushed, locks the grip 402 from any movement. By locking grip 402, accidental spool rotation in either direction is prevented.

Referring to FIGS. 211 22a and 23a, the Receiver (RX) R/C unit 310 is shown according to another implementation of the present principles. In this implementation, the R/C unit attachment 420 includes a fixed main portion 432 and a movable, pivotable or hinged portion 430 that is biased horizontally (i.e. held tightly) to the fixed portion 432 by a spring 422 (See for example, FIGS. 22a-22b). The fixed main portion includes an protruding channel 434 which has a limited range of motion and whose sliding motion is limited by the size of the channel and the guide screw 436 positioned on the movable portion 430.

Thus, during operation, when the main wing 104 receives a relative strong wind, and the force of the wind is stronger than the biasing spring 422, the movable part 430 starts to increase its angle with respect to the fixed part 432 (i.e., the main housing of the R/C RX unit). The main wing 104 of the kite simultaneously changes the angle of elevation and reduces its resistance to better accommodate the stronger wind. By including the pivoting capability to the R/C RX unit connection to the keel of the kite as shown in this implementation, additional controllability and stabilization are provided. When the wind is not strong enough to overcome the spring bias, the movable portion 430 is firmly fixed in position abutting the non movable portion 432 due to the force of the spring 422. In this mode, the kite can have more angle of elevation and receive more wind. Thus giving the kite the ability to achieve lift for flight in a very light wind condition.

While there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the present principles, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of the methods described and devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the same. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the present principles. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or implementation of the present principles may be incorporated in any other disclosed, described or suggested form or implementation as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A radio controlled model comprising:

a kite having a main wing (104) supported by frame members (102), and a downwardly extending center wing (106) having a lower portion, a link line (108, 308) connected to opposing frame members of the main wing; and

a radio control receiver unit (110, 310) connected to the lower portion of the center wing and having a gear mechanism configured to receive the link line, the radio control receiver unit (110, 310) being tethered to a remote control transmitter unit (10, 210).

2. The radio controlled model of claim 1, further comprising:

a remote control transmitter unit (10, 210) having a string spool (20, 220) with string (22, 222) wound thereon and having an end connected to the radio control receiver unit (110, 310), the remote control transmitter unit (10, 210) further having at least one spool control, and at least one action control lever (16, 18, 216).

3. The radio controlled model of claim 1, wherein the radio control receiver unit (110, 310) further comprises:

a motor connected to the gear mechanism;

a receiver printed circuit board configured to translate received control signals into electrical signals for causing the motor to rotate in one of a clockwise or counter clockwise direction; and

a battery power supply source for providing power to the radio control receiver unit.

4. The radio controlled model of claim 1, wherein the link line comprises a string.

5. The radio controlled model of claim 1, wherein the link line comprises a rack, and said gearing mechanism includes a pinion gear for engaging said rack.

6. The radio controlled model of claim 1, further comprising at least one stopper positioned on the link line and configured to limit a range of motion of said link line with respect to the radio control receiver unit.

7. The radio controlled model of claim 2, wherein the at least one spool control comprises a spool link lever lock for selectively locking or the releasing the spool.

8. The radio controlled model of claim 2, wherein the at least one spool control comprises a trigger for controlling a speed of said spool during let out of the string.

9. The radio controlled model of claim 2, wherein the at least one spool control comprises a rewind handle for rewinding the string onto the spool.

10. The radio controlled model of claim 2, wherein the at least one action control comprises at least one control lever having a left and right control position corresponding to left and right radio signals to be sent to the radio control receiver unit.

11. A radio controlled model comprising:

a toy model having a main wing supported by frame members, a central downward extending wing and a link line connecting opposing frame members of the main wings; and

a radio control steering mechanism connected to a bottom of the central downward extending wing and having a gear mechanism connected to the link line, said steering mechanism selectively moving the position of the central wing with respect to the main wing along the link line;

a radio control transmitter unit connected to the radio control steering mechanism by a cord and configured to provide radio control signals to the steering mechanism and thereby selectively move the steering mechanism and center wing along the link line.

12. The radio controlled model of claim 11, wherein said radio control steering mechanism comprises:

a motor connected to the gear mechanism;

a receiver printed circuit board configured to translate received radio control signals into electrical signals for causing the motor to rotate in one of a clockwise or counter clockwise direction; and

a battery power supply source for providing power to the radio control steering mechanism.

13. The radio controlled model of claim 11, wherein the radio control transmitter comprises:

a cord spool (20, 220) with cord (22, 222) wound thereon and having an end connected to the radio control steering mechanism (110, 310);

at least one spool control; and

at least one action control lever (16, 18, 216).

14. The radio controlled model of claim 13, wherein the at least one spool control comprises a spool link lever lock for selectively locking or the releasing the spool.

15. The radio controlled model of claim 13, wherein the at least one spool control comprises a trigger for controlling a speed of said spool during let out of the string.

16. The radio controlled model of claim 13, wherein the at least one spool control comprises a rewind handle for rewinding the string onto the spool.

17. The radio controlled model of claim 13, wherein the link line comprises a string.

18. The radio controlled model of claim 13, further comprising at least one stopper positioned on the link line and configured to limit a range of motion of said link line with respect to the radio control steering mechanism.

19. The radio controlled model of claim 13, wherein the radio control transmitter further comprises:

a transmitter (TX) printed circuit board configured to transmit radio control signals responsive to a position of the at least one action control lever; and

a battery source of power connected to the transmitter printed circuit board.

20. The radio controlled model of claim 13, further comprising a motor unit releasably connected to the spool for providing motorized operation of the spool.