And Means To Rotate Wing Patents (Class 446/37)
  • Publication number: 20100025525
    Abstract: A toy helicopter, in accordance with the present disclosure, includes a body having a longitudinal length and a main rotor. There is an element movable along the longitudinal length. The element allows a user to selectively adjust the location of the center of gravity of a toy helicopter by moving the element along the longitudinal length, thereby changing the velocity of the helicopter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: SILVERLIT TOYS MANUFACTORY, LTD.
    Inventors: Alexander Jozef Magdalena Van de Rostyne, Kwok Leung Wong
  • Publication number: 20100022157
    Abstract: A helicopter includes a system to effect motion in a horizontal dimension thereby to direct the desired direction. The rotor blades are driven by a rotor shaft and which is hinge mounted on this rotor shaft, such that the angle between the plane of rotation of the main rotor and the rotor shaft may vary. A control for moving the angle of incidence of at least one blade of the rotor cyclically along at least part of a 360-degree rotation path around the rotor shaft. This causes a variation in a lift force of the blade along at least part of the rotations path. This causes the body to be urged in a relatively horizontal direction from a relative position of rest. The control includes an actuator for engaging with an assembly depending from the rotor, the inter-engagement of the actuator and assembly effecting a change in the angle of incidence of at least the one blade of the rotor. The system includes a rotor, preferably complemented with a stabilizer rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SILVERLIT TOYS MANUFACTORY LTD.
    Inventors: Alexander Jozef Magdalena Van de Rostyne, Chi Pok Billy WAI
  • Publication number: 20100003886
    Abstract: A toy helicopter with four electric motors having a main body, at least one battery, and front and rear coaxial rotor assemblies. The front coaxial rotor assembly is made up of front upper and lower rotors and a front stabilizing bar operatively connected to the front upper rotor. The rear coaxial rotor assembly is made up of rear lower and upper rotors and a rear stabilizing bar operatively connected to the rear upper rotor. The helicopter includes a means for concentrically rotating the front lower and upper rotors in opposite directions and a means for concentrically rotating the rear lower and upper rotors in opposite directions. The means for concentrically rotating the front lower and upper rotors in opposite directions includes first and second front electric motors, and the means for concentrically rotating the rear lower and upper rotors in opposite directions includes first and second rear electric motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Bob Cheng, Darren Matloff
  • Patent number: 7628671
    Abstract: A launcher has programmable keys that activate a programming device to communicate with a flying toy to set up any one of multiple different motions of the toy. This is affected when the flying object and the launcher are connected together. Different combinations of program keys include changing of speed and landing procedures. The flying toy includes a receiver that operates a motor, and the flying object is clipped on the launcher and ejected after a user triggers the release button on the launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Silverlit Toys Manufactory Ltd.
    Inventor: Kei Fung Choi
  • Publication number: 20090163110
    Abstract: A remote-controlled toy helicopter comprises a body; a motor in the helicopter, a battery for powering the motor, and a receiver for communicating signals between the motor and a separate remote controller. A main rotor with blades is driven by a rotor shaft and causing a first lift force developed by the main rotor when the helicopter is airborne. A system permits movement of the helicopter on the ground, and these can be wheels. The helicopter travels on a floor or ground surface when the main rotor develops a second degree of lift force. The helicopter includes a system to effect motion in a horizontal dimension thereby to direct the desired direction. The control includes an actuator for engaging with an assembly depending from the rotor, the inter-engagement of the actuator and assembly effecting a change in the angle of incidence of at least the one blade of the rotor. The system includes a rotor, preferably complemented with a stabilizer rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: SILVERLIT TOYS MANUFACTORY LTD.
    Inventors: Alexander Jozef Magdalena Van de Rostyne, Kwok Leung WONG
  • Publication number: 20090130943
    Abstract: A launchable doll having arms, legs and wings fixed to the doll at a waist level thereof which impart aerodynamic lift to the doll when the doll is rotated A set including the launchable doll and a launcher including a base, a tube that contains the legs and a mechanism that rotates the tube and the doll with respect to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: GENIE TOYS PLC
    Inventors: Casey W. Norman, David Gamlin, Tony Thatcher
  • Publication number: 20090117812
    Abstract: A flying object with tandem rotors, in particular a helicopter, has a main rotor and a tandem rotor each with propeller blades which are driven by a rotor shaft and which is hinge-mounted to this rotor shaft. The angle between the surface of rotation of the main rotor and the rotor shaft may vary. A swinging manner on an oscillatory shaft is essentially transverse to the rotor shaft of the main rotor and is directed transversally to the longitudinal axis of the vanes. The main rotor and the tandem rotor each have an auxiliary rotor connected respectively to the main rotor and tandem rotor by a mechanical link. The swinging motions of the auxiliary rotor controls the angle of incidence (A) of at least one of the propeller blades of the main rotor and tandem rotor. There is an acute angle of displacement when viewing the propeller blades relative to the vanes in a direction perpendicular to their respective rotational planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: SILVERLIT TOYS MANUFACTORY, LTD.
    Inventors: Alexander Jozef Magdalena Van de Rostyne, Kei Fung Choi
  • Publication number: 20090104836
    Abstract: A remote-controlled toy helicopter comprises a body; a motor in the helicopter, a battery for powering the motor, and a receiver for communicating signals between the motor and a separate remote controller. A main rotor with blades is driven by a rotor shaft and causing a first lift force developed by the main rotor when the helicopter is airborne. A system permits movement of the helicopter on the ground, and these can be wheels. The helicopter travels on a floor or ground surface when the main rotor develops a second degree of lift force. The helicopter includes a system to effect motion in a horizontal dimension thereby to direct the desired direction. The control includes an actuator for engaging with an assembly depending from the rotor, the inter-engagement of the actuator and assembly effecting a change in the angle of incidence of at least the one blade of the rotor. The system includes a rotor, preferably complemented with a stabilizer rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: SILVERLIT TOYS MANUFACTORY, LTD.
    Inventors: Alexander Jozef Magdalena Van de Rostyne, Kwok Leung Wong
  • Publication number: 20090047861
    Abstract: A remote-controlled toy helicopter comprises a body; a motor in the helicopter, a battery for powering the motor, and a receiver for communicating signals between the motor and a separate remote controller. A main rotor with blades is driven by a rotor shaft and causing a first lift force developed by the main rotor when the helicopter is airborne. A system permits movement of the helicopter on the ground, and these can be wheels. The helicopter travels on a floor or ground surface when the main rotor develops a second degree of lift force. The helicopter includes a system to effect motion in a horizontal dimension thereby to direct the desired direction. The control includes an actuator for engaging with an assembly depending from the rotor, the inter-engagement of the actuator and assembly effecting a change in the angle of incidence of at least the one blade of the rotor. The system includes a rotor, preferably complemented with a stabilizer rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: SILVERLIT TOYS MANUFACTORY LTD.
    Inventors: Alexander Jozef Magdalena Van de Rostyne, Kwok Leung WONG
  • Publication number: 20080299867
    Abstract: A flying object with tandem rotors, in particular a helicopter, has a main rotor and a tandem rotor each with propeller blades which are driven by a rotor shaft and which is hinge-mounted to this rotor shaft. The angle between the surface of rotation of the main rotor and the rotor shaft may vary. A swinging manner on an oscillatory shaft is essentially transverse to the rotor shaft of the main rotor and is directed transversally to the longitudinal axis of the vanes. The main rotor and the tandem rotor each have an auxiliary rotor connected respectively to the main rotor and tandem rotor by a mechanical link. The swinging motions of the auxiliary rotor controls the angle of incidence (A) of at least one of the propeller blades of the main rotor and tandem rotor. There is an acute angle of displacement when viewing the propeller blades relative to the vanes in a direction perpendicular to their respective rotational planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: SILVERLIT TOYS MANUFACTORY, LTD.
    Inventors: Alexander Jozef Magdalena Van de Rostyne, Kei Fung Choi
  • Patent number: 7445536
    Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide an ultra-miniature aircraft which is able to perform ‘Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL)’ and maintaining altitude when the vehicle is moving or when the horizontal velocity of a vehicle is at 0 by getting life only from a single rotor's rotation, and without using separate stabilizers such as a tail-rotor or a gyro.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Air Robot Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Yeal Lee, Nam Kwon Song
  • Publication number: 20080220687
    Abstract: A wireless remote-control model includes a safety management portion having a central control device, and the safety management portion includes a determination portion, such that when a battery is connected correctly, a first mode buzz signal instruction is sent to a buzzer control portion for indicating that the battery is connected. If the battery is connected correctly and a start pushbutton is pressed during an examination period, or a second mode buzz signal instruction is sent to the buzzer control portion for indicating that the operation is started, or a third mode buzz signal instruction is sent to the buzzer control portion for indicating that a power motor is at a driving idle state when the examination determines a normal condition, so as to assure the safety of an operator (or a user) as well as the safety of the wireless remote-control model itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Shigetada Taya
  • Publication number: 20080207079
    Abstract: A remotely controlled transformable toy vehicle that is remotely transformable from a standing position to a flying position, where the toy performs like a helicopter and also to a driving position, where the toy performs like a wheeled vehicle. Transformations are carried out on-the-fly by remote control and the toy vehicle has the ability to maintain proper center of gravity for stable flight, takeoff and landing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Jeff Corsiglia, Charles Sink, James E. Elson
  • Patent number: 7416466
    Abstract: A flying toy is provided in which a flying object on a model having an optional character can be caused to freely ascend/descend or hover by remote control. The flying toy comprises: a flying object which replicates a model having a character; an upper rotor and a lower rotor which are provided on the top of the flying object and which concentrically rotate in directions opposite from each other; a stabilizer which rotates in conjunction with at least one of the rotors and which stabilizes a posture; a driver which is provided inside the flying object and which rotates the upper rotor, the lower rotor and the stabilizer; a control circuit for remote control to control an operation of the driver and a battery to serve as a power source which are provided inside the flying object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kunikazu Isawa
  • Patent number: 7407424
    Abstract: A flying toy can determine its orientation and position in a space by calculating the distance to three reference points on the ground. The flying toy uses three ultrasonic transmitters as the three reference points. The distance to each ultrasonic transmitter is calculated by a microprocessor integrated in the flying toy which records the time it takes for the ultrasonic signal to travel from each of the ultrasonic transmitters to the flying toy. Once the distances to each of the ultrasonic transmitters are known, the microcontroller in the flying toy determines the position in space of the flying toy using trilateration methods. The flying toy can fly on autopilot according to predetermined regions, and prevent crashes by using is positioning data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Silverlit Toys Manufactory, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kei Fung Choi
  • Patent number: 7275973
    Abstract: A toy aircraft may include an airframe, which may include a fuselage and a wing assembly. The toy aircraft may include at least one propulsion unit mounted to the airframe. The at least one propulsion unit may be operable to propel the toy aircraft. The toy aircraft may include at least one energy source mounted to the airframe. The toy aircraft may include a controller mounted to the airframe. The controller may couple the energy source to one or more of the at least one propulsion unit. The controller may include a gate array, which may be configured to control operation of the propulsion unit to control flight of the toy aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenlip Ong
  • Patent number: 7255623
    Abstract: A rotating toy may then include a hub having a central axis and a lower portion; a plurality of counter rotating blades extending outwardly from the lower portion of the hub, the plurality of counter rotating blades having a tip connected to an outer ring; a single means for rotating the hub and blades sufficiently quickly to generate a major portion of the lift generated by the aircraft through the single rotating means; and the hub having an upper portion above the plurality of counter rotating blades and above the single rotating means such that the aircraft includes a center of gravity above a bottom portion defined by the outer ring to improve self stabilization of the toy. In furtherance thereto the single rotating means may be secured on the central axis and positioned below the counter rotating blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Davis
  • Patent number: 7134840
    Abstract: A remotely controllable flying machine, such as a remote control ultralight helicopter, has at least one rotor blade (104), the pitch (?) of which may be adjusted. The adjustment of the pitch (?) of the at least one rotor blade is achieved by means of a force, such as a torsion force directly applied to the rotation axis of the rotor blade. The force is generated by a magnetic field, variable by the electrical control of at least one coil (196) which is not part of an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Heribert Vogel
  • Patent number: 7100866
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is described a vehicle having a propeller mechanism for propelling the vehicle in a horizontal direction. The vehicle includes a transmitter positioned on the bottom of the vehicle for transmitting a signal from the vehicle downwardly away from the vehicle. A receiver is positioned on the bottom of the vehicle for receiving the signal as it is bounced off of a surface, defined as a bounced signal. A control system is also provided that automatically sets a speed of the propeller mechanism in response to the receiver. The control system sets the speed of the propeller mechanism to a first speed when the receiver receives the bounced signal and the control system sets the speed of the propeller mechanism to a second speed when the receiver does not receive the bounced signal. The first speed is predefined as a speed that causes the vehicle to gain altitude, while the second speed is predefined as a speed that causes the vehicle to lose altitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rehkemper, Nicholas Grisolia, Peter Greenley, Bret Gould
  • Patent number: 6929215
    Abstract: A tail rotor system for a helicopter includes a gear box housing retainer (66) coupled to the tail boom (16) of the helicopter. The tail rotor system also includes a power-limiting device (50) configured to disconnect the tail rotor from a power plant for driving the tail rotor about a rotor axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Paul E. Arlton
  • Patent number: 6899586
    Abstract: A rotating toy may then include a hub having a central axis and a lower portion; a plurality of counter rotating blades extending outwardly from the lower portion of the hub, the plurality of counter rotating blades having a tip connected to an outer ring; a single means for rotating the hub and blades sufficiently quickly to generate a major portion of the lift generated by the aircraft through the single rotating means; and the hub having an upper portion above the plurality of counter rotating blades and above the single rotating means such that the aircraft includes a center of gravity above a bottom portion defined by the outer ring to improve self stabilization of the toy. In furtherance thereto the single rotating means may be secured on the central axis and positioned below the counter rotating blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Steven Davis
  • Patent number: 6843699
    Abstract: A rotating toy may then include a hub having a central axis and a lower portion; a plurality of counter rotating blades extending outwardly from the lower portion of the hub, the plurality of counter rotating blades having a tip connected to an outer ring; a single means for rotating the hub and blades sufficiently quickly to generate a major portion of the lift generated by the aircraft through the single rotating means; and the hub having an upper portion above the plurality of counter rotating blades and above the single rotating means such that the aircraft includes a center of gravity above the plurality of counter rotating blades to provide a self-stabilizing rotating toy. In furtherance thereto the single rotating means may be secured on the central axis and positioned below the counter rotating blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Steven Davis
  • Patent number: 6811460
    Abstract: There is provided a rotary aircraft and launching assembly that includes a launching platform, a hub, and a plurality of blades. The launching platform has a funnel-shaped portion. The hub has a cone-shaped portion for being supported by the funnel-shaped portion of the launching platform during at least a launching of the rotary aircraft. The plurality of blades extends generally outwardly from the hub for generating lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Leynian Ltd. Co.
    Inventors: Neil Tilbor, Michael G. Hetman, Masaki Suzuki, Charles Sink
  • Patent number: 6805604
    Abstract: A toy driving mechanism includes a housing, a display element coupled to the housing, and a controller mounted on the housing and coupled to the display element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Brumagin, Peter M. Harris, John T. Smokowski
  • Patent number: 6773329
    Abstract: A thematic play set that in one example is in the form of a castle includes a plurality of turrets. Some turrets have end caps that may be removed to allow fiber optic bundles to be exposed that simulate a fireworks bloom. Another turret includes a launcher that launches a winged figurine into the air to simulate flight. The play set includes a number of accessories and features that add to the theme established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: All Season Toys, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Hornsby, Joseph L. McGowan, Chad P. Stuemke, David B. Midgett
  • Patent number: 6758436
    Abstract: A propeller related vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is described as a helicopter having an airframe housing a pneumatic motor mechanism for powering a main propeller attached to a main drive shaft. The helicopter further includes a horizontal stabilizing means attached between the main propeller and the main drive shaft, which permits the main propeller to freely pivot about the main drive shaft independently from the airframe. As such when the main propeller is rotating and the main propeller begins to pitch, the rotating main propeller has a centrifugal force created by the rotation thereof and will tend to pivot about the horizontal stabilizing means in a manner that offsets the pitch such that the helicopter remains in a substantially horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rehkemper, Keith Johnson
  • Patent number: 6732973
    Abstract: A stabilizer attached between a propeller and a shaft; and the propeller is pivotally mounted to the shaft in a substantially perpendicular plane to the shaft. The stabilizer has a tendency to exert a reactionary force on the propeller, when the propeller pivots in relation to the shaft, such that the reactionary force tends to return the propeller in the substantially perpendicular plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Rehkemper
  • Patent number: 6688936
    Abstract: The rotating toy in accordance with the present invention includes a hub having an outer portion rotatably connected to an inner portion. At least three rods extending outwardly from the hub to connect to an outer ring. A motor operably connected to a propeller is further disposed on each rob between the hub and the outer ring. In addition the rods are positioned such that each is offset by the same predetermined angle. When operating, the propellers spin in a first direction exerting a reaction torque in the opposite direction causing the outer portion to rotate in the opposite direction. The inner portion includes a plurality of legs with vanes that protruded outwardly such that the downward moving air is deflected causing the inner portion not to rotate. A tether attached to a control box and the rotating toy communicates a drive voltage to each motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Steven Davis
  • Patent number: 6659395
    Abstract: A propeller related vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is described as a helicopter having an airframe housing a motor mechanism for powering a main propeller attached to a main drive shaft that extends vertically through the airframe and for powering a tail rotor. The helicopter further includes a horizontal stabilizing mechanism attached between the main propeller and the main drive shaft, which permits the main propeller to freely pivot about the main drive shaft independently from the airframe. As such when the main propeller is rotating and the main propeller begins to pitch, the rotating main propeller has a centrifugal force created by the rotation thereof and will tend to pivot about the horizontal stabilizing mechanism in a manner that offsets the pitch such that the helicopter remains in a substantially horizontal position. In addition various main propeller configurations may be employed that provide additional self-stabilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rehkemper, Keith Johnson, Nicholas Grisolia
  • Publication number: 20030162469
    Abstract: A flying toy has a leader portion defining an opening, and a supple tail portion defining an inlet and outlet, wherein when the toy is flying in air, the air enters through the inlet and exits through the outlet. Also, a center of gravity of the toy is within the leader portion. Furthermore, the thickness of the tail portion is not more than 1 mm, or even 0.5 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: William Mark Forti, William B. Forti
  • Patent number: 6550715
    Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is disclosed that includes a support structure having a motor mounted vertically thereto, with the motor having a propeller for rotation in a horizontal plane. A power supply for the motor is mounted to the support structure below the motor and electrical coupled thereto. A plurality of fins are attached by their first end to the power and extending radially outward therefrom. Vertical posts have there first ends attached to the second end of the fins and extend upward to the plane of rotation of the propeller. A ring is mounted horizontally to the second ends of the plurality of vertical posts surrounding the propeller. The torque produced by the drag of fins as the aircraft rotates in the opposite direction reacting the torque of the propeller equal to the torque of the propeller necessary to achieve hover. The rotational inertia of aircraft is made equal to the rotational inertia of the propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: John Reynolds, Eric P. Young, Joseph Wurts, Eric Knutson
  • Patent number: 6484967
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive unit for a model helicopter comprising a fuselage in the central portion of which both the drive unit and a rotor shaft 1 are supported, characterized in that the drive unit comprises a horizontally arranged turbine 2 having a turbine shaft 3 which is extended in the inlet portion of the turbine 2 and connected to a transmission 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Christoph Protte
  • Patent number: 6461212
    Abstract: A starting device of a toy engine comprises a spring, a starting piece, and a unidirectional bevel gear. The motion of the spring between the two fulcrums serves to ensure that the control rod is kept securely in place at a disengaging position and an engaging position. The unidirectional bevel gear is mounted behind the engine propeller and is controlled by the starting piece to prevent the propeller from turning in reverse at the time when the engine is started. The clutch is formed of two clutch pieces which are mounted between the propeller and the engine head. One of the two clutch pieces is mounted on the front end of the propeller shaft for imparting the engine power. Other one of the two clutch pieces is mounted in front of the propeller. The two clutch pieces are symmetrical in construction to each other and are therefore capable of joining together to enable the propeller shaft to actuate the propeller to turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Yu-Chi Tsai
  • Publication number: 20020142699
    Abstract: The rotating toy in accordance with the present invention includes a hub having an outer portion rotatably connected to an inner portion. At least three rods extending outwardly from the hub to connect to an outer ring. A motor operably connected to a propeller is further disposed on each rob between the hub and the outer ring. In addition the rods are positioned such that each is offset by the same predetermined angle. When operating, the propellers spin in a first direction exerting a reaction torque in the opposite direction causing the outer portion to rotate in the opposite direction. The inner portion includes a plurality of legs with vanes that protruded outwardly such that the downward moving air is deflected causing the inner portion not to rotate. A tether attached to a control box and the rotating toy communicates a drive voltage to each motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Steven Davis
  • Patent number: 6146231
    Abstract: A flying toy including a handle portion having an upper end. A spindle is mounted atop the upper end and has a bore extending downwardly therethrough. A rotating rod extends through the bore and into the upper end of the handle to allow relative rotation of the spindle upon the handle. The spindle has a pair of pins extending upwardly therefrom. A propeller portion is coupled with respect to the circular platform of the handle portion. The propeller portion includes an inner circular disk. The inner circular disk has a plurality of radially extending blades integrally formed with a peripheral edge thereof. Each of the blades have a predetermined angle of orientation. A length of string is secured to the spindle. The length of string has an end fixedly secured to the spindle with a remainder of the string being wrappedly disposed around the rotating rod just prior to operation of the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Uri Rachmany
  • Patent number: 5971320
    Abstract: A model helicopter creates lift using rotor propellers mounted to the rotor arms of a gyroscopic rotor assembly. A controller converts front-back, and left-right inputs into speed control signals used to vary the speeds of the rotor propellers at selected positions of the rotor assembly as it rotates. The varying speed of the rotor propellers at selected rotor positions produces thrust vectors at those positions. The resultant thrust vector determines the direction of the helicopter's flight and enables it to pitch and roll in response to the front-back and left-right inputs. The rotor assembly can have two or more rotor arms, each with a propeller. The helicopter provides left-right yaw control with a yaw propeller on the helicopter body. Electric motors, or motors using other conventional power and speed control methods, can be used to drive the rotor and yaw propellers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Phillip Matthew Jermyn, Steven Martin Davis
  • Patent number: 5836545
    Abstract: A model rotary wing aircraft is provided that includes a fuselage, a power plant, a main rotor, a tail rotor, and a drive apparatus. The power plant includes a passive cooling system to transfer heat produced by the power plant to the atmosphere. The passive cooling system consumes less than about five percent of the power produced by the power plant. The main rotor is driven by the power plant at a main rotor speed of rotation and the tail rotor is driven by the power plant at a tail rotor speed of rotation. The drive apparatus transfers power from the power plant to the main rotor and tail rotor to rotate the tail rotor at a tail rotor speed of rotation that is about three times greater than the main rotor speed of rotation to minimize the amount of power used by the tail rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Paul E. Arlton
    Inventors: Paul E. Arlton, David J. Arlton, Paul Klusman
  • Patent number: 5672086
    Abstract: A toy aircraft includes a main body portion having a central hub member and a plurality of wings. Each wing of the plurality of wings is equally spaced about a central axis of rotation. The toy aircraft further includes a power source carried by the aircraft, at least one motorized propulsion unit interconnected with the power source, and at least first and second propeller assemblies interconnected to the at least one motorized propulsion unit. The first and second propeller assemblies each include a plurality of blades arranged for rotation within a substantially horizontal plane. A preferred construction of the propellers includes a propeller shaft and a plurality of blade portions equally spaced about an axis of rotation defined by the propeller shaft. Each blade portion is formed from foamed polystyrene. A preferred construction of a control system for controlling the flight of the toy aircraft includes a handheld remote control unit and a receiver circuit positioned on the toy aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Don Dixon
  • Patent number: 5634839
    Abstract: A toy aircraft includes a main body portion having a central hub member and a plurality of wings. Each wing of the plurality of wings is equally spaced about a central axis of rotation. The toy aircraft further includes a power source carried by the aircraft, at least one motorized propulsion unit interconnected with the power source, and at least first and second propeller assemblies interconnected to the at least one motorized propulsion unit. The first and second propeller assemblies each include a plurality of blades arranged for rotation within a substantially horizontal plane. A preferred construction of the propellers includes a propeller shaft and a plurality of blade portions equally spaced about an axis of rotation defined by the propeller shaft. Each blade portion is formed from foamed polystyrene. A preferred construction of a control system for controlling the flight of the toy aircraft includes a handheld remote control unit and a receiver circuit positioned on the toy aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Donald Dixon
    Inventor: Donald Dixon
  • Patent number: 5628620
    Abstract: A main rotor is provided for use in a rotary winged model aircraft. The main rotor includes a rotor hub assembly rotatable about a vertical axis and at least two main rotor blades. Each of the main rotor blades extends in a radial direction from the rotor hub assembly. The main rotor blades each include a tip end positioned to lie in spaced-apart relation to the rotor hub assembly and a root end coupled to the rotor hub assembly for pivotable folding movement from an initial horizontal position perpendicular to the vertical axis about a horizontal axis through a desired folding angle of about 90.degree.. Forces transmitted to the rotor hub by the rotor blade during a crash-landing of a rotary winged model aircraft including the main rotor are minimized due to movement of the rotor blades through the desired folding angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Paul E. Arlton
  • Patent number: 5525086
    Abstract: A launchable figurine device includes a figurine having wings capable of providing aerodynamic lift upon rotation of the figurine. A rotation imparting mechanism is releasably mated with the figurine to provide the requisite rotational velocity for launching the figurine into the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventors: John Gentile, Anthony Gentile, Karyn K. Silfies
  • Patent number: 5492494
    Abstract: A hobby aircraft arranged for vertical flight aerodynamics. A substantially-planar body is symmetrical about a central axis. An upper blade is fixed to the bottom of the body. An elastic band is aligned with the central axis for powering a lower blade that is in spaced relation to the upper blade. Rotation of the second blade is controlled by means of a locking mechanism to assure that gravity alone powers the final stage of aircraft flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Matthew Keennon
  • Patent number: 5429542
    Abstract: A helium-filled remote-controlled saucer toy comprising a hollow saucer having a central aperture disposed therethrough; a filling mechanism for allowing the saucer to be filled with helium gas for enabling the saucer to hover in air; a first fan having a fixed stator coupled within the aperture of the saucer, a rotatable rotor extended upwards therefrom, and fan blades coupled about the rotor for providing a propelling force for moving the saucer upwards or downwards when the rotor is rotated in one direction or in the opposite direction; a second fan having a fixed stator coupled within the aperture of the saucer, a rotatable rotor extended downwards therefrom, and fan blades coupled about the rotor for providing a propelling force for spinning the saucer clockwise or counter-clockwise when the rotor is rotated in one direction or in the opposite direction; a receiver mechanism adapted for receiving signals for controlling the direction of rotation of the fan blades; a power mechanism for energizing the fan
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Harold D. Britt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5403222
    Abstract: An object that is selectively movable through a fluid in which the object is at least partially immersed and which is adapted to automatically change between different operating states without operator intervention. A movable object has a vessel / balloon with first means having first and second states for causing the vessel to move within the fluid. The first means in the first state thereof cause the vessel to move along a first travel path. The first means in the second state thereof cause the vessel to one of a) move along a second travel path within the fluid which is different from the first travel path and b) remain substantially in a static state within the fluid. Second means are provided on the vessel for automatically changing the first means from one of its first and second states to the other of its first and second states and back to its original state without intervention by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventors: Theodore L. Koenig, Rainer Wiebalck
  • Patent number: 5297759
    Abstract: A rotary aircraft includes a cylindrically tubular hub mounting a plurality of outwardly extending, resiliently flexible blades. The blades are uniformly spaced around the hub and its central axis and fixed in pitch. Outer tips on each of the blades are downwardly turned and outwardly turned sufficiently to balance the lift generated by the blades from air striking the aircraft horizontally when the aircraft is in hover to provide passive stability to the aircraft. A pair of propellered electric motors are mounted on a diametrically opposing pair of the blades, pitched transversely to the central axis of the hub and to a plane perpendicular to the central axis, to simultaneously provide both lift and rotation. A battery supplies all power used by the aircraft while radio control circuitry in the hub permits variation of the power supplied to the motors for altitude control of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventors: Neil Tilbor, Herman M. Drees, William D. Watson, Charles J. Sink, Jeffrey Corsiglia, Warren E. Bosch
  • Patent number: 5259802
    Abstract: A multi-disc flying device is disclosed in which outer and middle discs rotate in opposite directions by a force generated by the unwinding of a torsion spring. Downwardly extending deflecting plates on each disc generate an upward force during rotation to prolong the flight of the device. An inner disc rotatably attached to the middle disc has a normally curved rudder assembly to impart a curved flight path to the device so that it will return to its launching point. A propeller is driven by relative movement between the rudder and the inner disc to provide a propulsive force to the flying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Ming-Tung Yang
  • Patent number: 5110314
    Abstract: In a propeller blade tip path plane-inclining device for a toy helicopter, a propeller is disposed asymmetrically with respect to a rotation shaft, and the position of the propeller in the plane of rotation of the propeller is detected, and the speed of rotation of the propeller is increased and decreased at predetermined regions so as to change the flexing of the propeller caused by a difference in the rotational speed, so that the propeller blade tip path plane is inclined, thereby determining the direction of the force of propulsion of a fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Fujihara, Masaru Ando
  • Patent number: 5071383
    Abstract: A radio-controlled flying apparatus comprising an annular buoyant body and having an overall center of gravity below the center of buoyant force of the buoyant body. The annular buoyant body contains a gas of lighter weight than air. A main body is supported by the annular buoyant body by means of a dual-axis gimbal. The main body is provided with a pair of propellers which are rotatably supported by the main body and are driven by variable-speed motors into rotation in opposite directions. The main body is further provided with a rocking mechanism for causing said main body to rock about the dual-axis gimbal. An electric circuit resides in the main body for receiving a radio wave from an external transmitter to control the rocking mechanism and variable-speed motors. The electric components in the electric circuit are supplied their power from a battery carried on the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Jal Data Communications & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 4464116
    Abstract: This invention provides a helicopter flight training device. The device comprises, in combination, a free-flying, radio-controlled, scale model of a helicopter and a flight station that is a substantially actual size simulation of a helicopter cockpit with its associated individual flight controls. The individual flight controls of the flight station incorporate means to convert their operation into a radio signal transmitted to the scale model helicopter to actuate the appropriate flight controls therein to control the flight thereof. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the flight station consists of dual flight stations with dual flight controls to facilitate teaching student pilots. The device of this invention provides the utmost in safety to the student and instructor during the early, most hazardous, stages of flight training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Helicopter Training Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 4461436
    Abstract: A model having a flying saucer shaped body which is provided with lift by means of a thrust producing device such as a reciprocating Wankel or turbine engine and a propeller. The body is prevented from rotating by means of counterrotational fins, and stability in the horizontal plane is provided by means of an internal gyro rotor actuated by the airflow from the propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Inventor: Gene Messina