Aerodynamically Supported Or Retarded Patents (Class 446/34)
  • Patent number: 11655023
    Abstract: A fixed-wing VTOL hybrid UAV is disclosed comprising: a central frame 104; a pair of quick lockable fixed-wings 102 comprising right wing 102-2 and left wing 102-1 that lock with each other over the central frame; and four electrically operated rotors 108 in downward facing configuration attached to fixed-wings with help of rotor-blade arms 110. Arms 110 are pivotally fixed to wings 102 so that arms 110 are movable between a working position in which arms 110 are oriented parallel to central frame 104, and a storage position in which arms 110 are aligned with wings 102. Central frame 104 is a thin rod and works as fuselage. Drivers and control modules are fitted in wings 102. UAV includes rudders attached to arms at 45 degrees for maneuvering UAV for yaw and a secondary roll response. UAV includes two landing gears 106 attached to each end of central frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: ideaForge Technology Pvt. Ltd.
    Inventors: Rahul Singh, Ashish Bhat, Vishal Khetmali, Gulab Mali
  • Patent number: 11572153
    Abstract: Disclosed here are systems for detachable airframe components including detachable nose cones, propeller assemblies and motors. In some example embodiments, the assemblies include a nose cone with a connection receiver, a motor assembly with a rotatable section, where the rotatable section includes torque arms configured to secure with the nose cone connection receiver, and a propeller assembly, configured to connect to the nose cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Skydio, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Skyler Sartorius
  • Patent number: 11358705
    Abstract: Disclosed here are systems for detachable airframe components including detachable nose cones, propeller assemblies and motors. In some example embodiments, the assemblies include a nose cone with a connection receiver, a motor assembly with a rotatable section, where the rotatable section includes torque arms configured to secure with the nose cone connection receiver, and a propeller assembly, configured to connect to the nose cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Skydio, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Skyler Sartorius
  • Patent number: 11338992
    Abstract: A packaging having at least one accommodating space configured for an object to be inserted therein is provided. The at least one accommodating space is openable via a hinge. The at least one rotor blade extends from the at least one accommodating space and causes an autorotation motion of the packaging during free fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: Florian Wiest
  • Patent number: 11141673
    Abstract: A radio controlled model rotorcraft implemented with features improving flight performance using increasing structural stability and increasing rotorcraft visibility and orientation awareness through the use of multifunctioning, configurable, and aesthetically pleasing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: TRAXXAS LP
    Inventor: Jonathan Scott Wood
  • Patent number: 10661882
    Abstract: A radio-controlled (RC) aircraft has a wing lock and disconnect mechanism. The RC aircraft has a structural member and a wing that disconnects from a fuselage. The RC aircraft has a lock mechanism, a wing structural member recess, a fuselage structural member recess, a lock recess, and an aperture. The lock mechanism couples to the wing and is adapted to fit within the lock recess of the fuselage. The wing structural member receives the structural member. The fuselage structural members recess corresponds to the wing structural member recess. The lock recess receives the lock mechanism. The wing disconnects from the fuselage by unlocking the lock mechanism. The structural member fits within the wing structural member recess and the fuselage structural member recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Horizon Hobby, LLC
    Inventors: James Haley, Mike McConville, Aaron Shell, Chris Huhn, Dustin Buescher
  • Patent number: 10625843
    Abstract: An energy dispersion plug for use in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a blunt head section, a wedge section, and a rim section. The blunt head section has an outer side for receiving an impact force and an inner side opposite the outer side. The wedge section has a base end and a distal end opposite the base end. The wedge section extends at the base end from the inner side of the blunt head section towards the distal end and the distal end has a smaller cross-sectional area than the base end. The wedge section is shaped and sized to fit into an open end of a hollow structural member of the UAV and to transfer impact energy incident upon the blunt head section into the hollow structural member to shatter the hollow structural member into fragments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Wing Aviation LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Benson, Adam Woodworth, Michael Nowakowski, James Schmalzried, Adem Rudin
  • Patent number: 10449437
    Abstract: A toy is used for play between two players who grasp and tug at the toy in an attempt to wrest the toy from the other player's grasp. The toy has a solid body with two identical lobes arranged on a long axis of the body on opposed sides of the body. The lobes each have a truncated ovate shape with a base, and the bases of the lobes proximate to each other. The lobes are rotationally offset with respect to each other about the long axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher P. Curtis
  • Patent number: 10307667
    Abstract: A hovering remote-control flying craft having a molded frame assembly includes a plurality of arms extending from a center body with an electric motor and corresponding propeller on each arm. In various embodiments, the motor and propeller are mounted downward-facing at a distal portion of each arm with a motor cover over the motor. The center body can be formed of a two-piece molded structure that sandwiches a circuit board to provide structural support for the frame. The circuit board can include a plurality of tabs that facilitate mounting of wire connectors, and can also provide antennas and emitters for both IR and RF communications. In some embodiments, a removable safety ring protects the propellers from lateral contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: QFO Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: John Paul Condon, James Edward Fairman, Bradley Dean Pedersen, Thomas Edward KraMer, Scott Andrew Melanson
  • Patent number: 10028487
    Abstract: A pet toy having a body which includes a head section and a tail section. A stretchable member extends from and is fixedly attached to the head section. This stretchable member is an elastomer having a web with first and second ends, the first end being appended to the head section and the second end transitioning to a loop, the loop having an opening sized to receive the finger of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Worldwise, Inc.
    Inventors: Aimee Diskin, Regina Chern, Sara Paculdo
  • Patent number: 9938007
    Abstract: This invention discloses a flapping wing with multi film sheets listed on a net frame, wherein a fuselage is disposed on the flapping wing, transmissions are installed on both sides of the fuselage, a frame is installed on a side of each transmission, the frame is composed of supports and a fine net structure, one side edge of each film sheet is fixed on the fine net structure, and the other side edge of the film sheet can move freely; one end of a limit thread is connected with the fine net structure, while the other end of the limit thread is connected with the movable side edge of the film sheet. All the film sheets are arranged on the same side of the fine net structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Wangqiang Jiang
  • Patent number: 9199718
    Abstract: A launchable device capable of autorotating flight. The device comprises a wing with two airfoils that induce this autorotating flight after launch and ascent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: Shaun P. Fogarty
  • Patent number: 9150301
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a collapsible wing assembly of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a method of locking and unlocking the collapsible wing assembly of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The collapsible wing assembly comprising a center wing adapted to be attached to the fuselage; and a pair of outboard wings, wherein each of the outboard edges of the center wing comprises a first attachment structure, and each of the inboard edges of the outboard wings comprises a second attachment structure, wherein the first attachment structure is operable to engage with the second attachment structure and displace the second attachment structure to a captive position towards the trailing edge of the center wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd
    Inventors: Yong Wee Liu, Hian Beng Kek
  • Publication number: 20150079868
    Abstract: A flying toy, a kit for assembling a flying toy, and method of constructing and launching a flying toy is shown and described. The flying toy may be used by dogs, cats, or other domesticated animals. The flying toy may include a tubular member configured to form a torus, simulated aircraft horizontal and vertical stabilizers attached to the torus to form a simulated aircraft empennage, and a simulated aircraft cockpit. The kit for constructing a flying toy may include four planar materials, one or more elastic filaments configured to form a loop, and filler material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Nancy L. Stites
  • Publication number: 20150044934
    Abstract: An object intended to rotate in a flow of air (F), comprising a plate (2) with a general planar aspect and globally extending along a plane, the plate (2) comprising: a rear face (4) having a central area (16) on which an operator (6) is intended to exert a pressure force (F1) either directly or via a support; a front face (8) intended to receive the flow of air; a peripheral portion (10); and a main portion (14) extending between the peripheral portion; the plate having a stable shape at rest, the plate having a shape in use such that: the pressure force balances a resulting force (F2) exerted by the flow of air on the plate, so that the central area remains in contact with the operator or the support, and the flow of air exerts a torque on the plate causing rotation of the plate around an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Xavier Senemaud
  • Patent number: 8939810
    Abstract: A kit for quick replacement of unitary model airplane structural components contains a first wing assembly is removable from a model airplane fuselage component so a second wing assembly from the kit can be quickly installed. A first vertical stabilizer subassembly is removable from the model airplane fuselage component so a second vertical stabilizer subassembly from the kit can be quickly installed. A first horizontal stabilizer subassembly is removable from the model airplane fuselage component so a second horizontal stabilizer subassembly from the kit can be quickly installed. The kit has a kit box for portable storage of the wing assembly, vertical stabilizer subassembly, and the horizontal stabilizer subassembly. The kit does not contain the fuselage component or a fuselage padding component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Noel F. Suknanan
  • Patent number: 8920267
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of adjusting the angle of attack to the longitudinal axis of a plurality of aerodynamic surfaces on a high performance throwing toy which affect the performance of such toy and to also provide a means of measuring such performance by recording the time the toy is airborne during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Derek J. Gable
  • Publication number: 20140349540
    Abstract: This invention is of a reinforcement kit which is intended to supply structural elements, or supplement and add to any existing structural elements in Radio Controlled aircraft, especially those craft that are constructed of expanded or extruded plastic foam, for the purpose of limiting or eliminating structural damage to the airframe caused by crashing or by stresses from extreme aerobatic maneuvering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Laughlin
  • Patent number: 8888551
    Abstract: An aerobat toy comprising propellers (30), a fuselage (50) and an undercarriage (70), wherein the propellers (30) comprise a first propeller (310) and a second propeller (320); the first propeller (310) is provided at a top part of the fuselage (50), and the second propeller (320) is provided between the fuselage (50) and the undercarriage (70) thereunder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Yuehuang Xu
  • Patent number: 8746180
    Abstract: A dog toy having a center portion and two opposedly positioned free ends. Each of the free ends of the elongated member includes a plurality of extension members [tines] having a first end connected to the elongated member and a free end spaced apart from the connected portion. The extension members are manufactured by a series of cuts made through each of the free ends of the elongated member. Hence, the user throws the stick through the air, wind or air passes through the slots created by the extension members thereby making an intermittent whistling noise to attract the dog's attention. Further, the extension members of the elongated member make a loud thrashing or clacking noise as the apparatus reaches the ground before retrieval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Moser
  • Patent number: 8740665
    Abstract: A cockpit yoke assembly adapted for mounting on top of a RC transmitter for controlling the operation of a model airplane. The yoke assembly includes a first control arm with a throttle knob. The first control arm is attached to a first ball and socket linkage adapted for attachment a first joystick on the transmitter. A rudder control lever is attached to the first control arm. The yoke assembly includes a second control arm with an elevator knob. The second control arm is attached to a second ball and socket linkage adapted for attachment to a second joystick on the transmitter. An aileron control lever is attached to the second control arm. The first and second ball and socket linkage are used for moving the first and second joysticks fore or aft and left or right during the operation of the model airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Richard A. Bowers
  • Publication number: 20140100037
    Abstract: A gaming system for enabling three-dimensional game play of remote-control craft controlled by a controller, each craft including a communication system with both radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) capabilities. The system can include a plurality of hovering remote-control flying craft each controlled by a handheld controller, and further may include at least one additional game accessory elements, such as a puck, a ground station or a gun. Each pairing of craft and controllers communicate via an RF protocol that transmits at least control communications between the controller and the craft based on pair identification information in an RF communication protocol. The craft and game-accessory elements also communicate via at least an IR protocol that communicates game-play information. Selectable pairs of craft and controllers may be assigned to different teams for playing multiplayer team games based on team identification information in the RF communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: QFO LABS, INC.
    Inventor: QFO LABS, INC.
  • Patent number: 8640993
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for slowing the descent of an object in flight such as a baseball using a parachute are presented. A parachute assembly includes a canopy attached to a plurality of suspension lines converging downwardly to a corresponding number of attachment points on the surface of a ball. The attachment points are substantially equidistantly spaced apart along a line of substantially equal latitude. In one embodiment, each attachment point defines an opening to an interior channel extending to a central chamber. Each suspension line is inserted into an interior channel, through the central chamber, and out of the ball through a common shaft, where the lines are fastened together in a bundle and then withdrawn until the bundle lies in the central chamber, retaining the lines inside the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Marcus Culbreath
  • Patent number: 8602350
    Abstract: A flying body is provided with: an air blower including an upper blower equipped with rotating blades for pumping air in an axial flow direction and a lower blower equipped with rotating blades for pumping the air pumped from the upper blower in a centrifugal direction, with the upper blower and the lower blower disposed on the same axis and rotating in the opposite directions to each other; and a fixed wing having at least an inner surface formed in a skirt shape to provide a circular conical surface, and mounted concentrically with the air blower. The lower blower is mounted below an inner top face of the fixed wing such that the air pumped and sent in the centrifugal direction strikes the circular conical surface (T) of the fixed wing. The top portion of the fixed wing has no opening except for a passage through which an axial flow is pumped from the upper blower to the lower blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Kiyoko Inamori
  • Publication number: 20130260635
    Abstract: A remote controlled flying toy figure has a thrust-powered, weight shifting rudder head. The flying toy figure comprises a head, a body, a propulsion system, and a control system. The head is attached to the body by a flexible support member, making the head securely fixed in flexible relation to the body, thus permitting a yawing motion of the head relative to the body. The propulsion system comprises two independently operable motorized propellers, each of which is attached to opposite ends of a steering bar. The steering bar and head form an integral steering unit. Increasing the thrust from one of the propellers causes the figure to turn in the opposite direction. This increased thrust causes the steering bar to yaw, which moves the center of gravity of the head to the opposite side of the center line of the body, which causes the figure to bank towards the turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Tanous Works, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory David Tanous
  • Patent number: 8543264
    Abstract: A method and aircraft system are provided for determining an optimal gliding speed that maximizes gliding distance of the aircraft upon engine failure, and comprises calculating the optimal gliding speed from a speed polar curve, true airspeed, heading, and vertical wind speed. The polar curve may be constructed with consideration of the aircraft center of gravity and weight. The calculated gliding speed, which may be restricted to a threshold, is provided to the pilot and optionally to an autopilot. The method is repeated periodically, or if the wind vertical or horizontal velocities exceed a threshold for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Tomas
  • Patent number: 8523627
    Abstract: A model helicopter includes a drive mechanism comprising a battery powered motor comprising a toothed motor shaft; a main rotor comprising a main shaft aligned with the motor shaft and including a main gear; and a reduction gear assembly comprising a lower section including four first gears arranged around the motor shaft, and four second gears smaller than the first gears, each second gear fixed to top of the first gear; an upper section including four third gears and four fourth gears each being smaller than the third gear and fixed to top of the third gear, the fourth gears being meshed with the main gear; and four shafts each axially passing through the fourth gear, the third gear, the second gear, and the first gear so that a revolution of the motor shaft rotates the main shaft via the first gears, the fourth gears, and the main gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Shu-Mei Tseng
  • Patent number: 8454405
    Abstract: Provided are flying devices and methods of manufacturing and launching same, in particular flying toys or other recreational items that are designed to be thrown through the air by a user participating in any one of a variety of throwing (i.e. “catch”) games. In particular, the concept is directed toward a flying disc having rotatably attached non-rotating (a.k.a. “gliding”) portions that are attached to the disc and provide an optical illusion, wherein the user (and, similarly, an observer) does not notice the spinning of the flying disc, but instead sees a flying craft that appears to have no propulsion, yet flies. While the non-rotating portions alter the airflow associated with a typical flying disc, they do not negatively affect the flight characteristics of the disc itself. Indeed, in certain embodiments, the non-rotating portions (e.g., ailerons) have been observed to improve the flight characteristics of typical flying discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Guy L. Scarborough
  • Publication number: 20130115847
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of adjusting the angle of attack to the longitudinal axis of a plurality of aerodynamic surfaces on a high performance throwing toy which affect the performance of such toy and to also provide a means of measuring such performance by recording the time the toy is airborne during flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: WEST COAST INNOVATIONS
    Inventor: Derek J. Gable
  • Patent number: 8430709
    Abstract: A flying toy has a propeller rotated by the first motor mounted on the body. A propeller holder mounts the propeller. An end cap is located to the front of the propeller holder, and there is a snap joint between the holder and the end cap. The end cap is removable by disengagement of holder and end cap at the snap joint, and the propeller is releasable from the holder by a human hand and without a tool. When the toy crashes, the propeller is forced relatively free from the drive force rotating the holder and back towards the body and is trapped against separation from the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Silverlit Limited
    Inventor: Kwok Leung Wong
  • Patent number: 8398449
    Abstract: A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: William Mark Corporation
    Inventor: William Mark Forti
  • Patent number: 8348712
    Abstract: A toy vehicle is disclosed. It has a main vehicle body portion and a display device rotatably mounted to the main body portion, the display device being configured to create a plurality of images via a persistence of vision effect. A mechanism is also present for rotating said display device. An actuator is included and is attached to a sensor for determining when the actuator is depressed. A microcontroller is in operable communication with the sensor and the display device; the microcontroller changing the appearance of at least one of the plurality of images when the sensor determines the actuator has been depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel De La Torre
  • Publication number: 20130005213
    Abstract: A pedal-operated holding device for a model aeroplane, comprising a holding means (3; 103) having a holding state in which it is arranged to engage part of a model aeroplane (20), and a release state in which it is arranged to release the part of the model aeroplane (20); a pedal (2; 102), the operation of which causes the holding means (3; 103) to switch between states; and a base (1; 101), on which are mounted the pedal (2; 102) and the holding means (3; 103); in which the holding means (3; 103) is arranged so as to prevent movement of the model aeroplane (20) in a first horizontal direction (17; 117) when in the holding state, and to permit such movement in the release state; and the holding device (3; 103) further comprises auxiliary stop means (156) arranged to prevent movement of the model aeroplane (20) in a second horizontal direction opposite to the first horizontal direction (17; 117), in which the holding means (3; 103) is sized and shaped so that the part of the model aeroplane (20) which it engag
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Stuart Windsor Baker
  • Patent number: 8241083
    Abstract: An toy return glider having a first sheet member with a head cover section, a wing section and a tail section disposed along a longitudinal axis, and a rear air intake duct disposed within a connecting area between the wing section and the tail section. The toy glider also has a second sheet member with a body and rudders disposed along the longitudinal axis. The body has two longitudinal fold lines parallel to the longitudinal axis, and when the second sheet member is folded upward, two first slots extend obliquely rearward and downward with the rear air intake duct cover coupled with the two first slots, and the head cover section bonds a front section of the body to form a front air intake duct. The toy glider enhances the structural strength, overall stability and life time of the glider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Alan Fish
  • Patent number: 8220418
    Abstract: A pet toy is provided having a tubular, linearly elongated main body terminated at each end by a replaceable wing assembly. As the toy is flying through the air, the wings provides a visual ‘flapping’ like stimuli, similar to that of the wings of a bird. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: OurPet's Company
    Inventor: Steven Tsengas
  • Patent number: 8202137
    Abstract: Toy aircraft may include an airframe, a modular power system, first and second wheel supports, and first and second wheels. The modular power system may be configured for selective use with and selective removal from the airframe. The power system may include a propulsion unit operable to propel the toy aircraft and a power unit, which may include an energy source configured to supply energy to the propulsion unit. The airframe may include a fuselage, a propulsion unit mount, which may be disposed on the airframe and configured to removably retain the propulsion unit, and a power unit mount, which may be disposed on the fuselage and configured to removably retain the power unit. The first and second wheel supports may extend from the power unit mount toward respective first and second wheel mounts to which the first and second wheels may be rotatably mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Amireh, Paulo King, David Strom, Chi Keung Chui
  • Patent number: 8182306
    Abstract: Provided are flying devices and methods of manufacturing and launching same, in particular flying toys or other recreational items that are designed to be thrown through the air by a user participating in any one of a variety of throwing (i.e. “catch”) games. In particular, the concept is directed toward a flying disc having rotatably attached non-rotating (a.k.a. “gliding”) portions that are attached to the disc and provide an optical illusion, wherein the user (and, similarly, an observer) does not notice the spinning of the flying disc, but instead sees a flying craft that appears to have no propulsion, yet flies. While the non-rotating portions alter the airflow associated with a typical flying disc, they do not negatively affect the flight characteristics of the disc itself. Indeed, in certain embodiments, the non-rotating portions (e.g., ailerons) have been observed to improve the flight characteristics of typical flying discs. The non-rotating portions (a.k.a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Guy L. Scarborough
  • Patent number: 8128451
    Abstract: A model airplane may include a fuselage, a wing rib removably attached at a top portion of the fuselage, and a wing having two wing sections. Each of the two wing sections may include an opening at an exterior end. The model airplane may also include a connecting member removably coupled with the fuselage alternatively either at the wing rib or at a side portion of the fuselage. The connecting member may be removably inserted into the opening of a wing section to couple the wing section with the fuselage. The connecting member may include a ferromagnetic material which is magnetically attracted to a ferromagnetic material included at an end of the opening within the wing section when the connecting member is inserted into the opening to couple the wing section with the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hobbico, Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel A. Frontera Castaner, Keh-Bing Sheng
  • Patent number: 8118634
    Abstract: One or more ready-to-use near-invisible fixed-length tethers are provided on a carrier such that each tether can be removed from and reattached to the carrier without tangling. Most typically, such attachment is facilitated by modifying the ends of the tethers with a low tack adhesive and by winding the tether around a spool portion. Especially preferred low-tack adhesives provide adhesion of the tether ends to a user, the carrier, and the toy. In particularly preferred aspects, the tether is attached such that one end is removable while the other end remains attached such that the tether can be unwound from the spool by inverting the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: William Mark Corporation
    Inventor: William Mark Forti
  • Publication number: 20110237151
    Abstract: A self-propelled flying toy includes a body defined as having a front section, a center section and a back section each along a longitudinal axis. A ducted fan is located within the body substantially centered about the longitudinal axis. A motor is mechanically coupled to the ducted fan and a power source is coupled to the motor. An air-inlet is located substantially within the front section in airflow communication with the ducted fan. An air-outlet is located substantially within the back section in airflow communication with the ducted fan. At least two angled surfaces are fixed relative to the body and located substantially within the front section. Each of the at least two angled surfaces are evenly centered about the longitudinal axis and facing an opposite thrust-generating rotational direction relative to the ducted fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Marc Gregory Martino
  • Publication number: 20110174767
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are flying beverage bottles having a unitary part secured to a beverage bottle, the part having a nose and fins connected by extensions, the part being deformable and securable to a beverage bottle in a fully inserted position, thereby providing a configuration for aerodynamic guidance of the bottle through the air. A cavity may be formed within a unitary part for insertion of a beverage bottle. A unitary part may attach to the threads of a bottleneck, or may attach over a cap. A unitary part may be formed as a single part, such as molded in plastic, or may be assembled from a plurality of parts. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Justin C. Yarro, Ralph J. Yarro, Daniel Child, Matt Redding
  • Publication number: 20110174768
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are flying beverage bottles having a nose fittable to the body of the bottle in two configurations, one providing a cover for the bottle and a second providing a stand. The bottle body bottom includes a fitment configured to accept the nose as a stand, optionally using threads, snaps, ridge and flutes, lug and hole, adhesives and friction fits. The nose may attach over and cover a capped or an uncapped bottle, optionally using threads. The bottle body may have a football shape, and may optionally include fins, either molded in to the body wall or attached separately. The nose may optionally hold an object, prize or additive. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Justin C. Yarro, Ralph J. Yarro, Daniel Child, Matt Redding
  • Publication number: 20110168664
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are beverage bottles having a bottle body including a narrowed portion, the narrowed portion dividing the volume of the bottle body between a first portion including fins and a second portion containing a majority of volume. Bottles may also include one or more of: fins that are molded in, attached individually or in a finned section; a base section adapting a finned bottle for transport in a track or conveyor of bottling machinery; aerodynamic noses and nosecones, attachable to the neck or bottom of a bottle or other location, optionally holding an object, prize or additive, also optionally acting as a stand; a production sleeve permitting transport through a track or conveyor; and noses, fins and finned sections that are reversible. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Justin C. Yarro, Ralph J. Yarro, Daniel Child, Matt Redding
  • Publication number: 20110130066
    Abstract: Toy aircraft may include an airframe, a modular power system, first and second wheel supports, and first and second wheels. The modular power system may be configured for selective use with and selective removal from the airframe. The power system may include a propulsion unit operable to propel the toy aircraft and a power unit, which may include an energy source configured to supply energy to the propulsion unit. The airframe may include a fuselage, a propulsion unit mount, which may be disposed on the airframe and configured to removably retain the propulsion unit, and a power unit mount, which may be disposed on the fuselage and configured to removably retain the power unit. The first and second wheel supports may extend from the power unit mount toward respective first and second wheel mounts to which the first and second wheels may be rotatably mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Amireh, Paulo King, David Strom, Chi Keung Chui
  • Publication number: 20110117806
    Abstract: A model airplane may include a fuselage, a wing rib removably attached at a top portion of the fuselage, and a wing having two wing sections. Each of the two wing sections may include an opening at an exterior end. The model airplane may also include a connecting member removably coupled with the fuselage alternatively either at the wing rib or at a side portion of the fuselage. The connecting member may be removably inserted into the opening of a wing section to couple the wing section with the fuselage. The connecting member may include a ferromagnetic material which is magnetically attracted to a ferromagnetic material included at an end of the opening within the wing section when the connecting member is inserted into the opening to couple the wing section with the fuselage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Hobbico, Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel A. Frontera Castaner, Keh-Bing Sheng
  • Patent number: 7931239
    Abstract: A homeostatic flying hovercraft preferably utilizes at least two pairs of counter-rotating ducted fans to generate lift like a hovercraft and utilizes a homeostatic hover control system to create a flying craft that is easily controlled. The homeostatic hover control system provides true homeostasis of the craft with a true fly-by-wire flight control and control-by-wire system control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventors: Brad Pedersen, Peter Spirov
  • Patent number: 7883392
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Silverlit Toys Manufactory Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexander Jozef Magdalena Van de Rostyne, Kwok Leung Wong
  • Publication number: 20110003526
    Abstract: A radio controlled flying toy device having a duck-shaped flying object, a RC controller and an IR beam gun is provided wherein the controller and gun are respectively operated by a first and second user. Both the beam gun and RC controller can charge the flying object. The flying object has a pair of flapping wings whose speed and directional characteristics are controlled by the RC controller. The IR beam gun sequentially loads and fires IR beam radiations towards the duck object. The gun is specifically adapted to hit the duck with the IR beam, whereas the RC controller is specifically adapted to prevent the duck from being hit by the IR beam. The duck object includes a controller unit/micro controller that is configured to allow the duck to fly after being shot for two successive occasions by the gun and fall after being shot for the third successive occasion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20100330865
    Abstract: A flying model aircraft kit is invented for use with radio control and electric power and is constructed entirely of paper products without any other materials necessary for structural support, with the exception of glue. The aircraft kit provides for extremely inexpensive and simple manufacturing methods, while also providing for ease of construction, lightweight, high strength, durability, scale appearance, and the ability to effectively repair after crashing. The airframe is also designed such that structural pieces can be manufactured using smaller standard paper sizes, which enable extraordinarily low cost manufacture. The airframe derives its strength using a paper skin exoskeleton impregnated with epoxy resins such that tensile strength is derived from the aircraft skin itself, in addition to internal supports made of heavy card. The wing utilizes innovative construction that produces a precise and flyable wing made entirely of paper products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: WILLIS SUTTER
  • Patent number: 7845263
    Abstract: A new bomb release mechanism which allows an RC aircraft to carry an unlimited number of model bombs. The new bomb release mechanism allows the pilot to release these model bombs in any sequence using only one unused channel on the receiver in the aircraft. The present invention accomplishes these objectives by employing a special alloy metal wire which shrinks when subjected to an electric current. A programmed circuit is used to energize the metal wire upon receipt of the designated control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Frank Miller