Toy Helicopter
A toy helicopter with a functioning rotor blade and winch is disclosed. In one embodiment, a toy helicopter includes a rotor blade and winch coupled to a drive mechanism housed in the helicopter. The drive mechanism is coupled to a drive shaft, and is operated by an actuator with a winch attached thereto. Pulling the winch away from the helicopter body loads or winds up the drive mechanism, and releasing the winch allows the drive mechanism to rotate the drive shaft and retract the winch.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/391,547, filed Oct. 8, 2010, entitled “Toy Helicopter,” Attorney Docket No. 1389.0294P/16807P, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates generally to a toy helicopter with a functioning rotor blade and winch. More specifically, the invention relates to a toy helicopter having a rotor blade and winch coupled to a drive spool mechanism housed in the helicopter fuselage. The drive spool is attached to a drive shaft, and is operated by a pull string having a winch attached to the end of the pull string. Pulling the winch away from the fuselage winds up the drive spool, and releasing the winch spins the drive shaft and retracts the winch.
BACKGROUNDToys simulating helicopters having moving blades are well-known and a constant source of amusement for children. The play value of such toys is greatly enhanced when the action of the toy closely approximates various capabilities and accessories found in the full-scale operating versions. The use of elements such as a winch or capture device to imitate a rescue situation greatly increases the play value of a toy by allowing for more imaginative play.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved toy helicopter having a winch and simple rotor blade actuating mechanism.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a new and improved toy helicopter which contains additional play value in the form of a retracting winch in communication with actuating helicopter rotor blades for simulating life-like operation of a helicopter.
SUMMARYThe present invention is directed to a toy helicopter having a fuselage, a tail boom attached to the fuselage, a functioning rotor blade, and a retracting winch. The toy helicopter comprises a drive shaft rotationally coupled to the fuselage and operationally coupled to the rotor blade. The drive shaft is in mechanical communication with a drive spool mechanism which is operated by a pull string. The pull string has a winch attached to one end of the pull string, wherein pulling the winch away from the helicopter causes the drive spool mechanism to store mechanical energy. Releasing the winch allows the stored energy to rotate the drive shaft and attached rotor blade in a given direction, while retracting the winch towards the fuselage.
In one embodiment of the invention, the drive spool mechanism of the toy may incorporate a motor and a drive gear in communication with the motor. The drive spool mechanism may further comprise a lock mechanism operably attached to the motor and a release mechanism operably attached to the motor.
In an embodiment of the invention, the drive spool mechanism of the toy helicopter may incorporate an end user operated motor for operation.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the drive spool mechanism may incorporate a passive rewind means for retracting the pull string and attached winch.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the drive spool mechanism may incorporate a one-way clutch for continuous rotation of the drive shaft while the pull string is actuated and released.
In one embodiment, the toy helicopter may further comprise a control circuit coupled to: a power source, a sound generator, and speaker, for generating a sound. The toy helicopter may further comprise a trigger affixed to the toy helicopter and operably coupled to the control circuit, for activating the sound.
In various embodiments, the toy helicopter may further comprise a control circuit coupled to: a power source and a light generator for generating light and/or sound. The toy helicopter may further comprise a trigger affixed to the toy helicopter and operably coupled to the control circuit, for activating the light and/or sound.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood more readily after consideration of the Detailed Description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Referring now to the drawings,
The drive shaft 20 is further coupled to a drive spool mechanism or drive mechanism 22 (see
Referring to
Upon releasing the pull string 16, mechanical energy stored in the drive spool mechanism 22 is released, rotating the drive shaft 20 and spinning the attached rotor blade 12 in a given direction. The rotating drive spool mechanism 22 further retracts the pull string 16 towards the fuselage 18 causing the winch 14 to rise to the fuselage 18.
In operation, pulling the pull string 16 away from the fuselage 18 builds mechanical energy in the motor 28. Releasing the pull string 16 allows the motor 28 to release energy through the gears 26 to rotate the drive shaft 20, as well as retract the pull string 16.
In one embodiment, the motor or drive 28 is a spring-biased gear that is rotatably mounted to the body 18 of the helicopter 10. Referring to
As illustrated in
The drive mechanism 22 also includes a rotatably mounted gear 70 that has teeth 72. Gear 70 is mounted on a shaft 74 so that gear 70 is substantially perpendicularly to gear 50 with teeth 72 engaging teeth 56. As either gear 50 or gear 70 rotates, the engagement of teeth 56 with teeth 72 results in the other of the gear 50 or gear 70 rotating as well. Gear 70 is connected to another gear via shaft 74.
The drive mechanism 22 includes a pivotally mounted drive body 90. Referring to
Referring to
The body 90 is coupled to the mount 80 via a pin 88 about which the body 90 pivots. The body 90 includes an internal gear 99 that is selectively moved into and out of engagement with teeth formed on the drive shaft 20. When the body 90 is in its disengaged position 92, gear 99 is spaced apart from the teeth on the drive shaft 20 and any rotation of gear 99 via gears 26 is not transmitted to the drive shaft 20. As a result, gears 26, 50, 70, and 99 can rotate without driving or rotating the drive shaft 20. When the body 90 is in its engaged position 94, gear 99 is engaged with the teeth on the drive shaft 20 and any rotation of the gears 50, 70, and 26 is transmitted to gear 99 and thus, to the drive shaft 20.
Referring to
In
Once the potential energy of the spring 60 based on the rotation of the gear 50 is dissipated through rotation of the gear 50, the biasing member on pin 88 rotates the drive body 90 away from the drive shaft 20 so that pin 95 is in its idle position 98 (shown in phantom). In the idle position, the gear 99 of drive body 90 is disengaged from the drive shaft 20, thereby allowing the drive shaft 20 to rotate freely.
In operation, the winch 14 is pulled away from the fuselage 18 storing energy in the drive spool mechanism 22. As the winch 14 is pulled away from the fuselage 18, the rotor blade 12 remains static. Once the winch 14 is released, stored energy in the drive spool mechanism 22 drives the drive shaft 20, which in turn rotates the rotor blades 12. The drive shaft 20 may be further driven to rotate the rotor blade 12 by continually pulling the winch 14 away from the fuselage 18, followed by releasing the winch 14. In various embodiments, the drive spool mechanism 22 may be configured to allow for continuous rotation of the rotor blades 12, through the drive shaft 20, by continuous pulling and releasing of the winch 14.
Referring to
In yet another embodiment, the drive spool mechanism 22 may further comprise a lock mechanism for holding the mechanical energy stored in the drive spool mechanism 22, as well as a release mechanism for releasing mechanical energy stored in the drive spool mechanism 22. The lock mechanism may comprise, for example, a ratchet gear. Various release mechanisms may include a switch, toggle, key, or various other release mechanisms known in the art. In one embodiment, the lock mechanism is in communication with the drive spool mechanism 22 and is enacted by pulling the winch 14 away from the fuselage 18. In a particular embodiment, the release mechanism is a release switch affixed to the lock mechanism, which may be enacted by pulling the winch 14 a second time. In operation, a child may pull the winch 14 away from the fuselage 18 enacting the locking mechanism and storing mechanical energy in the drive spool mechanism 22. With the drive spool mechanism 22 in the locked position, the winch 14 and attached pull string 16 is loose allowing a child to manipulate and capture an item with the winch 14. Once the item is secured, the child may tug the winch 14 to release the lock mechanism and retract the winch 14, and accompanying item, towards the fuselage 18. Alternatively, the lock mechanism may be released by a separate button or lever; in one example the lock mechanism may be released by depressing the trigger 30 acting through a suitable connecting member or members. The trigger 30 may also be provided together with a graspable handle 32.
In various other embodiments, the drive spool mechanism 22 may be configured to engage or disengage from various play functions described herein. For example, the drive spool mechanism 22 may comprise a selector for choosing which play features may be enacted. Play features, by way of example only, include retracting a winch 14 and rotating a rotor blade 12.
Referring to
The toy helicopter 100 includes an electric motor 108 connected to the control circuit 102. The electric motor 108 is operably connected to a drive mechanism 120 that is connected to an output, such as a drive shaft coupled to the blades in the toy helicopter 10 described above. In various embodiments, actuation of the trigger 106 results in one or more of the activation of the electric motor 108, the generation of a visual output via the output generator 110, or the generation of an audible output via the output generator 110.
Referring to
Alternative means to describe the present invention include the following. In one embodiment, a toy comprises a fuselage; a tail boom attached to the fuselage; a drive shaft rotationally affixed to the fuselage; a rotor blade operationally coupled to the drive shaft; a drive spool mechanism attached to the drive shaft; a pull string operationally coupled to the drive spool mechanism; and a winch attached to one end of the pull string; wherein pulling the winch transfers mechanical energy to the drive spool mechanism, and releasing the winch causes the drive spool mechanism to rotate the drive shaft and retract the winch and pull string towards the fuselage.
In one embodiment, the winch is manually operated by an end user.
In one embodiment, the drive spool mechanism comprises an end user operated motor.
In one embodiment, the toy further comprises a recoil spring coupled to the drive spool mechanism for retracting the pull string and attached winch.
In one embodiment, the toy further comprises a one-way clutch coupled to the drive spool mechanism for continuous rotation of the drive shaft while the pull string is actuated and released.
In one embodiment, the toy further comprises a control circuit; a power source operably coupled to the control circuit; an electric motor mechanically coupled to the drive spool mechanism and operably coupled to the control circuit; and a trigger coupled to the control circuit, wherein activating the trigger prompts the control circuit to drive the electric motor.
In one embodiment, the toy further comprises a control circuit; a power source operably coupled to the control circuit; a sound generator operably coupled to the control circuit; a speaker operably coupled to the sound generator; and a trigger affixed to the toy helicopter, wherein activating the trigger prompts the control circuitry to generate a sound through the speaker.
In another embodiment, the toy further comprises a control circuit; a power source operably coupled to the control circuit; a light generator operably coupled to the control circuit; and a trigger affixed to the toy helicopter, wherein activating the trigger prompts the control circuitry to generate lights.
In an alternative embodiment, a toy comprises a fuselage; a tail boom attached to the fuselage; a drive shaft affixed to the fuselage; a rotor blade operationally coupled to the drive shaft; and a drive spool mechanism attached to the drive shaft. The drive shaft comprises a motor; a drive gear in communication with the motor; a lock mechanism operably attached to the motor; a release mechanism operably attached to the motor; a pull string operationally coupled to the drive spool mechanism; and a winch attached to one end of the pull string.
It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where any description recites “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such disclosure should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
While the invention has been described in detail and with references to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, the majority of the elements can be formed of molded plastic. However, in alternative embodiments, the elements can be formed of a material other than plastic provided that the material has sufficient strength for the component's intended function.
Claims
1. A toy, comprising:
- a helicopter body;
- a drive shaft rotationally coupled to the body, the drive shaft including a blade;
- a drive mechanism connected to the drive shaft;
- an actuator operationally coupled to the drive mechanism; and
- a winch coupled to the actuator, wherein moving the winch relative to the body loads the drive mechanism, and releasing the winch causes the drive mechanism to rotate the drive shaft and retract the winch and the actuator towards the body.
2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the winch is manually operated by a user.
3. The toy of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism includes a user operated drive.
4. The toy of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism includes a rotatably mounted gear, and the drive mechanism further comprises:
- a biasing member coupled to the gear to move the gear and retract the actuator.
5. The toy of claim 1, further comprising:
- a clutch coupled to the drive mechanism, the clutch allowing continuous rotation of the drive shaft while the actuator is actuated and released.
6. The toy of claim 1, further comprising:
- a control circuit;
- a power source operably coupled to the control circuit;
- an electric motor mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism and operably coupled to the control circuit; and
- a trigger coupled to the body, wherein activating the trigger causes the control circuit to drive the electric motor.
7. The toy of claim 1, further comprising:
- a control circuit;
- a power source operably coupled to the control circuit;
- an output generator operably coupled to the control circuit, the output generator being configured to generate one of an audible output or a visual output; and
- a trigger coupled to the body, wherein activating the trigger causes the control circuitry to generate an output via the output generator.
8. A toy vehicle, comprising:
- a vehicle body;
- a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the vehicle body;
- a blade coupled the drive shaft;
- a drive mechanism operably connected to the drive shaft, the drive mechanism including: a drive gear; a biasing mechanism coupled to the drive gear; a plurality of gears operably connected to the drive gear; and a drive body movably mounted to the vehicle body, the drive body being positionable in a disengaged position and in an engaged position;
- an actuator connected to the drive mechanism, the actuator being movable relative to the vehicle body; and
- a winch connected to the actuator, wherein movement of the actuator and the winch relative to the vehicle body moves the drive gear against the biasing mechanism and moves the drive body relative to the vehicle body into engagement with the drive shaft.
9. The toy vehicle of claim 8, wherein the biasing mechanism includes a first end coupled to the drive gear and a second end coupled to the vehicle body.
10. The toy vehicle of claim 8, wherein the drive body is positionable in an idle position, the idle position being located between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
11. The toy vehicle of claim 10, wherein a biasing member is coupled to the drive body, the biasing member biasing the drive body to the idle position.
12. The toy vehicle of claim 10, wherein the drive body includes a drive body gear coupled thereto, the drive body gear being engaged with the drive shaft when the drive body is in its engaged position and being spaced apart from the drive shaft when the drive body is in its idle position and its disengaged position.
13. The toy vehicle of claim 8, wherein the drive body includes a drive body gear coupled thereto, the drive body gear being engaged with the drive shaft when the drive body is in its engaged position and being spaced apart from the drive shaft when the drive body is in its disengaged position.
14. The toy vehicle of claim 8, wherein the winch is manually operated by a user.
15. The toy vehicle of claim 8, wherein the biasing mechanism causes the actuator to retract.
16. The toy vehicle of claim 8, further comprising:
- a clutch coupled to the drive mechanism, the clutch allowing continuous rotation of the drive shaft when the actuator is released.
17. The toy vehicle of claim 8, further comprising:
- a control circuit;
- a power source operably coupled to the control circuit;
- an electric motor mechanically coupled to the drive mechanism and operably coupled to the control circuit; and
- a trigger coupled to the body, wherein activating the trigger causes the control circuit to drive the electric motor.
18. The toy vehicle of claim 8, further comprising:
- a control circuit;
- a power source operably coupled to the control circuit;
- an output generator operably coupled to the control circuit, the output generator being configured to generate one of an audible output or a visual output; and
- a trigger coupled to the body, wherein activating the trigger causes the control circuitry to generate an output via the output generator.
19. A toy helicopter, comprising:
- a body;
- a drive shaft coupled to the body;
- a rotor blade coupled to the drive shaft;
- a drive mechanism operably connected to the drive shaft, the drive mechanism comprising: a motor; a drive gear in communication with the motor; a lock mechanism operably coupled to one of the motor or the drive gear, and a release mechanism operably connected to the lock mechanism; and
- an actuator coupled to the drive mechanism; and
- a winch coupled to the actuator, wherein the actuator and winch are movable relative to the body.
20. The toy helicopter of claim 19, wherein the drive mechanism includes a clutch mechanism selectively engageable with the drive shaft.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 6, 2011
Publication Date: Apr 12, 2012
Inventor: Son Nguyen (Fullerton, CA)
Application Number: 13/267,053
International Classification: A63H 27/133 (20060101); A63H 17/26 (20060101);