Abstract: A launching and/or catching toy kit has a football and at least one associated slingshot. The football includes a generally elongated spheroidal body, a support non-movably attached to the body, a tail, a first and a second elastic band hook oppositely disposed, and a lift-generating wing. The slingshot is configured to launch the football from a first user to a second user. The slingshot includes a handle and a pair of prongs connected and/or extending from the handle top. At least one elastic band is connected to each prong. Each of the at least one elastic bands are releasably captured by their respective first or second elastic band hook on the football during launching by the first user. When two slingshots are available, the users can shoot and catch the football between each other allowing for a game of catch.

Abstract: An articulating mechanical toy including a universal docking mechanism having a left articulating wing, and a right articulating wing is provided. The left articulating wing assembly and the right articulating wing assembly each include a first linkage that may be attached at a respective one of the opposite ends of the docking mechanism. Each respective wing may also include a pair of movable linkages that are connected in series and are removably attachable to a respective primary linkage. Disposed about each movable linkage are a plurality of feather like elements that are coupled to one another via monofilament suture. The articulating toy mechanism is configured and designed to be controlled by a user (e.g., a child). The mechanical toy may include interchangeable left and right wing assemblies and may be interchangeably, attached to a plurality of toys—such as action figures—via the docking mechanism.

Abstract: A system comprising an aerial vehicle or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to control pitch, roll, and/or yaw via airfoils having resiliently mounted trailing edges opposed by fuselage-house deflecting actuator horns. Embodiments include one or more rudder elements which may be rotatably attached and actuated by an effector member disposed within the fuselage housing and extendible in part to engage the one or more rudder elements.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention providing a butterfly emulation by a structure including a body and attached wings that are folded, covered, and initially contained in cocoon-like structure, and the user participates in unfolding and establishment of an emerged butterfly. Moreover, the emerged and unfolded butterfly (or other phenomenon of nature) is movable in a life-like motion by the user. Further novel embodiments include different hard and soft covering or containing structures. Such containing structures may also include devices and systems to allow the amusement device to emulate natural phenomenon changes such as the emergence of the butterfly in response to cycles or conditions (e.g. light, sound and/or temperature) sensed from the environment surrounding the butterfly structure, and containing structure.

Abstract: An aircraft is provided comprising: a fuselage, a first tail fin rotatably mounted to a first lateral side and a second tail fin rotatably mounted to the second lateral side. A wing body is rotatably mounted to the underside of the fuselage. A pair of independent tail fin latch and release devices are provided to independently latch the first tail fin and the second tail fin when the wing body having a first angle is in a stowed position with respect to the fuselage, to independently unlatch the first tail fin in response to a second angle of the wing body with respect to the fuselage, and to independently unlatch the second tail fin in response to a third angle of the wing body with respect to the fuselage. The first angle, second angle and third angle are different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fuselage.

Abstract: Embodiments include an aerial vehicle. Two winged surfaces are provided in communication with a fuselage. The surfaces are in communication at a front edge via a cuff, at a midsection via a first resilient member, and at a trailing edge via a second resilient member. As the aerial vehicle is in flight, it is subject to loads. The connections of the surfaces provides flexibility and resiliency to maintain the surfaces in communication with the fuselage and to allow regulated separation of the winged surfaces at their rear edges in a first direction in a first flexed state and at their front edges in a second direction, different from the first direction, in a second flexed state.

Abstract: A non-adhesive wing connector comprising at least one left wing installation surface and at least one right wing installation surface passing through a central line of the non-adhesive wing connector by section, wherein a dihedral angle made on the left wing installation surface and the right wing installation surface corresponds with finger holes made on the edge of both wings in order to plug them together.

Abstract: An aircraft for unmanned aviation is described. The aircraft includes an airframe, a pair of fins attached to a rear portion of the airframe, a pair of dihedral braces attached to a bottom portion of the airframe, a first thrust-vectoring (“T/V”) module and a second T/V module, and an electronics module. The electronics module provides commands to the two T/V modules. The two T/V modules are configured to provide lateral and longitudinal control to the aircraft by directly controlling a thrust vector for each of the pitch, the roll, and the yaw of the aircraft. The use of directly articulated electrical motors as T/V modules enables the aircraft to execute tight-radius turns over a wide range of airspeeds.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a flying vehicle having a fuselage, a pair of wings, the ability to manually apply a force against a portion of the wings causing the leading edge of each wing to sweep outwardly, the ability to mechanically holding the wings in a predetermined swept position, and the ability to bias the wings towards an initial inwardly swept position. A launcher rod with a rubber band is used to launch the vehicle.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a flying vehicle having a fuselage, a pair of wings, the ability to manually apply a force against a portion of the wings causing the leading edge of each wing to sweep outwardly, the ability to mechanically holding the wings in a predetermined swept position, and the ability to bias the wings towards an initial inwardly swept position. A launcher rod with a rubber band is used to launch the vehicle.

Abstract: A projectile and a compact carrying and launching case in combination. The projectile includes foldable wings which when unfolded resemble a plane. The compact carrying and launching case includes a two piece housing that is pivotally attached to each other about a hinge/launching mechanism. When closed, the two piece housing encloses the plane in its folded position. When opened, the hinge/launching mechanism can be pulled to a cocked position and then released forcibly moves the projectile such that it releases from the launching mechanism and is capable of flying.

Abstract: A collapsible toy airplane reconfigurable between storage and use configurations. At least one spar member forms first and second wings and is coupled to a fuselage. The main body member and the at least one spar are formed from spring steel with an arcuate cross section whereby they can be reconfigured from a straight, substantially rigid disposition to a coiled configuration. A sheath of flexible material envelops the at least one spar member. The at least one spar member can be pivotable from a use configuration forming the first and second wings to a collapsed configuration substantially in-line with the main body member. The wings can be formed from first and second spar members, each pivotally coupled to the main body portion and each adjustable from a use configuration disposed at a dihedral angle to a collapsed, in-line configuration.

Abstract: A portable device comprises a motor for providing vibration, a power source for powering the motor, a switching device for controlling the direction of the motor, propelling means for engaging a surface and for propelling the device when the motor is vibrating, the propelling means extending downwardly at an angle to the vertical, and an input device connected to the switching device, the switching device arranged to switch the direction of the motor when the input device receives a predetermined signal. Advantageously, the propelling means comprise a set of bristles. By using angled bristles, this increases friction in the backwards direction and so causes the device to move forwards when vibrating. The bristles dig into surface when vibration tries to move the object backwards, and the bristles slide over surface when vibration tries to move object forwards.

Abstract: A toy airplane with foldable wings. The wings can be folded before being launched by a launcher. When the toy airplane is launched the wind pressure maintains the wings in the folded position. When the toy airplane reaches a certain reduced speed, springs of the toy plane move the wings back into an unfolded position. Movement of wings into the unfolded position closes a switch and powers a propeller of the toy plane. The propeller can be powered by a battery within the toy plane fuselage. The combination of a motorized propeller, switch and folded wings provides a toy airplane that minimizes drag during launch and allows for extended flight after launch.

Abstract: A collapsible toy airplane reconfigurable between storage and use configurations. At least one spar member forms first and second wings and is coupled to a fuselage. The main body member and the at least one spar are formed from spring steel with an arcuate cross section whereby they can be reconfigured from a straight, substantially rigid disposition to a coiled configuration. A sheath of flexible material envelops the at least one spar member. The at least one spar member can be pivotable from a use configuration forming the first and second wings to a collapsed configuration substantially in-line with the main body member. The wings can be formed from first and second spar members, each pivotally coupled to the main body portion and each adjustable from a use configuration disposed at a dihedral angle to a collapsed, in-line configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a launching device for a flying toy. The launching device facilitates the transition of the flying toy from a resting state to a flying state. The launching device may include elements for holding one or more parts of the flying toy in a retracted position while the flying toy is in a resting state and for releasing the parts when the flying toy launches into a flying state. According to the invention, the launching device includes a launch-assist mechanism that provides a force to facilitate the launch of the flying toy.

Abstract: A flying toy (10) includes a planar body defining an outer edge (16). A recess (18) extends inwardly from die outer edge and includes an undercut section (22). The body defines a hook section (24) adjacent the undercut section of the recess, and a finger engagement section (28) opposite the hook section that defines a pair of wings (32, 34). The wings are resilient, and include outer end areas that can be spread apart. The recess is configured to receive the tip of a user's finger. When the user's fingertip is positioned within the recess, the hook section engages one side of the user's finger and the finger engagement section engages an opposite side of the user's finger. The wings spread apart so as to stabilize the body on the user's finger. The user flicks his or her finger to dislodges the flying toy from the user's fingertip, and the flying toy is then propelled through the air.

Abstract: A portable unmanned air vehicle and launcher system that includes a foldable unmanned air vehicle having a pressure tube; a launch gas reservoir for holding launch gas; a launch tube operatively connected to the launch gas reservoir and having a free end that is positioned in the pressure tube of the air vehicle; a free piston positioned within the launch tube; and a free piston stop to prevent the free piston from leaving the launch tube. A first portion of the launch gas in the launch gas reservoir is released into the launch tube and forces the free piston from an initial position to an end position at which the free piston is stopped by the free piston stop.

Abstract: A novelty item having extending appendages which are supported by springs so as to impart life-like movement thereto.

Abstract: A remotely controllable toy surface vehicle has the capability of deploying wings on command and to attain flight in the absence of any air interactive propulsion mechanism. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the fixed wings are first pitched to keep the vehicle on the ground or water until a takeoff velocity is reached; after which the pitch of the wings is remotely adjusted for takeoff and flight.

Abstract: Improved toy glider having folding wings and incorporating improved release mechanisms which increase the initial height achievable by the glider by preventing early transition of the folding wings from a launch configuration to a glide configuration.The improved glider may advantageously include a long ribbon-like tail wrapped around the glider to prevent biased wings from transitioning from a launch to a glide configuration. When the glider changes attitude in a manner indicating a change from an upward to a downward flight path, a weight is released from a support and the released weight unwraps the tail. Once the tail is unwrapped, the wings transition from a launch configuration to a glide configuration.

Abstract: A light-weight yet sufficiently dense object made of reasonably rigid material for throwing and catching, having an elongated main body section (12) dividing congruent angled sections (20a & 20b) on either side. Each angled section containing a plurality of angles, and both section being mirror images of each other. The object (15) being of suitable size so as to be thrown and caught easily by an average human.

Abstract: A main wing positioning and release system particularly adapted for use with a toy or model aircraft, includes a wing positioning bracket upon the axial centerline of the aircraft, the bracket having projecting elements directed upwardly from the centerline of the aircraft. The system also includes a wing release mechanism including a lower portion press-fittably securable to the upwardly projecting elements of the positioning bracket to provide proper positioning of the release mechanism relative to the aircraft fuselage, a rear area of the lower portion including a press fittable receiving recess, an upper surface of the lower portion of the release mechanism proportioned for complemental engagement of a lower surface of the main wing.

Abstract: An improved toy glider having folding wings is retained in a launch configuration during launch by at least one wrappable retaining member. The at least one wrappable retaining member is wrapped around the glider during launch and prevents early deployment of the wings, and, after the glider is launched, becomes unwrapped from around the glider so as to allow deployment of the wings. The improved glider may advantageously include multiple long ribbon-like tails/streamers wrapped around the glider to prevent biased wings from transitioning from a launch to a glide configuration. After launch, the tails/streamers unwrap, and the wings transition from a launch configuration to a glide configuration.

Abstract: A kit for assisting in the fabrication of a model is disclosed. Such kit includes a compact disk positionable within the computer for being read and for the issuing of commands to the printer in response to input from a user. The compact disk includes a plurality of separate and distinct programs, each program representing a particular model to be fabricated. Each program includes instruction data adapted to be printed out by the printer and read by a user. Each program further includes template data adapted to be printed out and used by a user in the fabricating of a model. The instructions and templates correspond to the program selected by a user. The templates are adapted to be printed out by the printer and cut by the user in accordance with the printed out instructions in a correlated manner in response to commands from the computer and input from the user from any particular program on the compact disk.

Abstract: An apparatus which transforms itself from one form to another. The apparatus comprises a body having a first rotatable leg and a second rotatable leg mounted thereon. When placed in motion, the apparatus is in its first form. First and second links are rotatably mounted in the first and second rotatable legs, respectively. The first and second links are pivotably joined at a pivot point. The apparatus has a weight disposed at the pivot point. Forces acting on the apparatus at different stages of travel cause forces to shift. This causes rotation of the first rotatable leg and said second rotatable leg. When this occurs, the apparatus is transformed into the second form. Also, a center of gravity shifting apparatus shifts the center of gravity of the apparatus from the front of the apparatus to the rear of the apparatus.

Abstract: A collapsible flying structure includes an enclosed resilient frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, a panel covering the resilient frame member to form the flying structure when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, and a control string coupled to the panel for controlling the flight of the flying structure. The frame member and panel may be twisted and folded to form a plurality of concentric loops and panels in the folded orientation of the frame member to substantially reduce the size of the flying structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a model glider having position-variable wings wherein the installation angle of the main wings of the model glider can be freely adjusted within a certain limit by a user, thus providing optimum flight. The model glider according to the present invention includes a central frame constituting a central body of the model glider, auxiliary frames connected with the central frame on both sides of the central frame, a vertical tail mounted upward on the rear part of the central frame, horizontal tails mounted horizontally on both sides of the rear part of the auxiliary frames, main wings movably mounted on the auxiliary frames and connected to the central frame via the auxiliary frames, and an angle adjusting means to adjust the angle between the main wings and the central frame.

Abstract: A toy is composed of a projectile and a tube for launching the projectile into the air. The projectile has a pair of wings symmetrically disposed about a longitudinal axis. The leading edge of the wings normally extend outwardly at an oblique angle from a nose which defines the forward end of the projectile. In that position, the projectile will fly through the air. The wings are spring-biased into position for flying. When a manual force opposed to such biasing is applied to the wings, the wings fold inwardly such that the leading edges pivot toward each other. When the wings are closed, the projectile is in a pre-launching position. The projectile is launched into the air via a tube which is hollow and open at one end through which the projectile exits from the tube.

Abstract: A toy aircraft glider for launching by a slingshot, having two-axis wing retraction for improved launch height and wing stability, internally-mounted wing deployment springs for improved toy life, the ability to eject smaller toys while airborne to enhance toy enjoyment, sound effects and remote control steering.

Abstract: A novel rotating aerodynamic toy comprising a ultra-elastic gel airfoil which is suitable for launch in light or heavy wind conditions and capable of performing various aerodynamic effects including climb, stall, return, straight-line flight and other aerobatics. The ultra-elastic properties of the airfoil allow the airfoil to transform its aerodynamic profile at launch and while in flight.

Abstract: A projectile toy includes an elongate body having an internal cavity, to include wing plates that are arranged for pivotment from a first position positioned within the cavity to a second position directed exteriorly of the cavity in a timed relationship to project the wings from the body upon directing the toy from a catapult alone or in combination with a propulsion member.

Abstract: A toy helicopter device is disclosed which is capable of a projected nose up ascent and a helicopter nose down descent. The device has a streamlined two dimensional main body comprising a nose, stem, and tail portion. The tail portion is hingedly connected to two helicopter blades arranged adjacent and partially overlapping each other. Resilient means located in the gap between the tail and helicopter blades can be adjusted to control helicopter blade deployment early or late during the catapult projection. At a selected rotational velocity from the catapult, the spinning toy helicopter deploys the helicopter blades to approximately right angles to the main body and the device continues to rotate slowly to the ground. The launch angle relative to the ground is not significant in determining a successful deployment.

Abstract: A toy glider has an elongated fuselage having a longitudinal axis in the normal horizontal flight attitude, a nose section and a tail section having airfoil portions in horizontal and vertical planes. The fuselage includes a trapezoidal portion with non-parallel sides forming wing root fairings at an angle to the longitudinal axis for mounting a pair of wings having wing roots at an angle to a wing span axis, and pivotal on the wing root fairings. The wings may be extended into normal flight position and may also be pivoted into a retracted position parallel to the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment the nose section simulates a head, and the vertical tail portions simulate feet, providing the appearance of an animal figure. The glider has the aft edges of the tail section in a vertical, transverse plane, whereby the glider can stand on its tail in an erect, standing posture, and the aft edges of the vertical tail portions also include wheels so the erect glider may also be rolled on the wheels.

Abstract: A toy glider has an elongated fuselage including a nose section and a tail empennage section, an elongated, recessed wing mounting channel on each side of the flight axis including a female, V-shaped bottom for receiving a pair of wings. Each wing has a wing root in the form of an elongated polygon having male corners matching the V-bottom channel of the fuselage. A tension means, such as an elastic band, urges each wing root into a mating engagement with the wing root channel of the fuselage, whereby the tension means may be manually overcome to disengage wing root and permit movement of either wing in a vertical direction from the horizontal plane. In a preferred embodiment one male corner of the wing root as an upstanding rib matching an elongated groove in the V-bottom of the fuselage channel, providing a positive position for the wing in a flight configuration.

Abstract: A toy glider is provided in the form of an animal figure having an elongated fuselage, a nose section, in the form of an animal head attached by a hinge to the front end of the fuselage, a tail section in the form of a pair of animal legs terminating in feet and attached by a hinge to the rear end of the fuselage and a pair of animal wings attached to the sides of the fuselage. The feed may rest on a horizontal surface and form an animal in a biped standing position. In a preferred embodiment each wing each has a root section retained in a recess in the fuselage, and each wing has a outer section joined to the respective root section by a hinge.

Abstract: A toy glider designed for launching with a slingshot like device, the glider having automatically converging wings for creating a swept-back appearance and for reducing air resistance during launch. The wings automatically rotate forward to an extended or glide configuration after launch. Wings are automatically converged by means of a sliding launching hook, which is pulled forward by the slingshot like launcher. When pulled forward, the launching hook slides forward within a longitudinal central aperture between the inboard portion of the wings, simultaneously rotating the inboard portions of the wings forward. This rotates the outlying wings into a swept-back or converged configuration. A rubber band tends to rotate the wing back into an extended or glide configuration, so when the force applied by the rubber band is greater than the forces opposing it, as when the plane slows, the wings are rotated out into an extended or glide configuration.

Abstract: A toy glider assembly is disclosed. The glider includes a fusilage, vertical stabilizer, and horizontal stabilizer. Wings are received in wing receiving members which are pivotably connected to a main wing support housing which in turn is pivotably connected to the fusilage. Pivoting the main wing support housing and the wing receiving members results in the wings being longitudinally aligned with the fusilage. A force imparting member is operative between the fusilage and the wing receiving members urging a force for emplacing the wings in their flight orientation with respect to the fusilage. A slignshot-like catapult serves to launch the glider assembly. In launching, the wings are held in longitudinal alignment with the fusilage and will open into flight orientation when the glider reaches its upper launch height.

Abstract: A bird shaped toy glider which is preferably comprised of Styrofoam and includes a body. The body has a laminated head structure. A metal weight is embedded in the head between the laminations of the head structure for balancing the glider. A collapsible wing structure is provided and it includes a pair of wings mounted on the body behind the head. The body having its center of gravity at a medial point between opposite ends of the body. A tail structure is mounted on the rear end of the body. A stationary pivot pin is fixedly secured with and extends through the body behind the wings. Resilient spring-like means in the form of a rubber band operates to secure the collapsible wing structure on the body permitting the collapsible wings to be pivoted about the stationary pivot pin in a 90.degree.

Abstract: A folding swept wing toy glider having wind sections foldable to a first position wherein the upper surfaces are abutting for launching and biased for deployment at slow speed to a second gliding position wherein the wing sections are substantially coplanar. The wing sections have adjustable trim tabs formed in the trailing edges of the tip portions thereof for flight control adjustments and the glider can be launched by a rubber band launcher.

Abstract: A folding wing hand launch glider having two modes of operation is disclosed. In one mode of operation a portion of the wings are retracted and so produce a reduced air resistance and lift, while in the other mode of operation the wings are fully outstretched so that the airplane glides. The first mode of operation is used for launching the glider and the second mode of operation represents normal flight. The outer tip portions of the wing is hinged and said portions are released to their fully outstretched positions, such as by command from radio control means after the glider is launched.

Abstract: A delayed-release suspension system for rubberband powered flying toys includes a wire-like hanger arm affixed to the forward end of a fuselage of an airplane, the hanger arm being inclined rearwardly at an angle from the vertical of 10.degree. to 25.degree. and provided midway thereof with a V-shaped notch. One end of a rubberband for use in powering the airplane has attached thereto a figure 8 shaped attachment loop, which can be manually positioned on the hanger arm astride the V-notch therein. Upon winding up of the rubberband, the loop adjacent the V-shaped notch will, because of the torque exerted thereon by the rubberband, rotate around the mounting thereof on the hanger arm until it reaches a position wherein the respective sides of the loop are braced against the sides of the hanger arm by the torque. Upon release of the rubberband powered propeller and subsequent unwinding of the rubberband, a delayed-release of the propulsion mechanism will be effected.

Abstract: A glider comprising a pair of wings having overlapped forward, inner root portions that are freely pivotally connected and tailfins on rearward, outer portions of the wings. The tailfins are angularly offset from the general longitudinal axes of the wings so as to have an airfoil liftout angle of attack to the relative wind during flight which causes the wings to swing out to an extended configuration.