U.S. patent application number 09/794744 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-27 for toy.
Invention is credited to Streit, Frank.
Application Number | 20010024923 09/794744 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7632620 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010024923 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Streit, Frank |
September 27, 2001 |
Toy
Abstract
A toy in the form of a flying top. The toy has a flat body with
at least an area nearby the center of gravity and at least one
planar extension having a free end. The toy has a maximum distance
r between a peripheral rim and the center of gravity, the mass m
and/or the mass of inertia .theta. of the flat body being defined
in such manner that the flat body can be laid with its area near
the center of gravity onto a convex arched surface, especially onto
a finger knuckle, where it can be given a fast rotatory motion
.omega. (.omega..gtoreq.300 rpm) by flipping or jerking with a
finger in a horizontal and tangential direction against the free
end of an extension, while it receives only a slow translatory
motion V.sub.T (V.sub.T<.omega.*r), so that its horizontal
orientation is spin-stabilized and results in an air cushion
carrying the flat body during its flight.
Inventors: |
Streit, Frank; (Bad
Neustadt, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Frank H. Foster
KREMBLAS, FOSTER, PHILLIPS & POLLICK
7632 Slate Ridge Blvd.
Reynoldsburg
OH
43068
US
|
Family ID: |
7632620 |
Appl. No.: |
09/794744 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/18 20130101;
A63H 27/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/36 |
International
Class: |
A63H 027/127 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 28, 2000 |
DE |
100 09 230.6 |
Claims
1. A toy in the form of a flying top comprising a flat body with at
least an area nearby the center of gravity and at least one planar
extension having a free end, the toy having a maximum distance r
between a peripheral rim and the center of gravity, the mass m
and/or the mass of inertia .omega. of the flat body being defined
in such manner that the flat body can be laid with its area near
the center of gravity onto a convex arched surface, especially onto
a finger knuckle, where it can be given a fast rotatory motion
.omega. (.omega..gtoreq.300 rpm) by flipping or jerking with a
finger in a horizontal and tangential direction against the free
end of an extension, while it receives only a slow translatory
motion V.sub.T (V.sub.T<.omega.*r), so that its horizontal
orientation is spin-stabilized and results in an air cushion
carrying the flat body during its flight.
2. A toy as described in claim 1, wherein the rim of the flat body
including all extensions is limited by a smooth curve.
3. A toy as described in claims 1 or 2, wherein the flat body has a
diameter of between 3 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 8
cm, ideally between 5 cm and 7 cm.
4. A toy as described in claim 1, wherein the flat body has a
thickness of between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and
1 mm, ideally between 0.3 mm and 0.7
5. Toy as described in claim 1, made from a light, stable material,
particularly a plastic material.
6. A toy as described in claim 5, wherein the flat body including
extensions is made, particularly punched out, from a rigid
film.
7. A toy as described in claim 1, having a total weight of not more
than 1 g.
8. A toy as described in claim 1, wherein at least one extension
diverges about radially from the center of gravity of the flat
body.
9. A toy as described in claim 1, wherein at least one extension
has a base with a convex perimeter.
10. A toy as described in claim 1, wherein the surface of at least
one extension is similar to a propeller and is inclined against the
base of the flat body.
11. A toy as described in claim 10, characterized in that the angle
of inclination is between 2.degree. and 20.degree., preferably
between 5.degree. and 15.degree..
12. A toy as described in claim 10, wherein the flat body including
extensions is made, particularly punched out, from a rigid film,
and wherein the inclination of the extensions is achieved by a
thermal deformation of the plastic film.
13. A toy as described in claim 1, further comprising a second flat
extension offset by about 10.degree. to 120.degree., preferably by
30.degree. to 90.degree., behind the first extension in the
preferred rotation direction.
14. A toy according to claim 1, the toy having several extensions
positioned in a rotationally symmetrical structure around the
center of gravity of the flat body.
15. A toy as described in claim 14, wherein the extensions diverge
from the center of gravity of the flat body and are offset from
each other at identical angles.
16. A toy as described in claim 15, further comprising a central
recess surrounding the center of gravity located inside the flat
body, the recess being surrounded by a closed ring of the flat
body.
17. A toy as described in claim 16, wherein the area of the closed
ring of the flat body has an undulated shape along a tangential
direction.
18. A toy as described in claim 17, wherein the number of
undulations of the closed ring is equivalent to the number of
wing-like extensions.
19. A toy according to claim 1, wherein the center of gravity of
the flat body lies within that body (centroidal area) or in a
distance of not more than 2 cm, preferably not more than 1.5 cm,
ideally not more than 1.2 cm from it.
20. A method for starting a flying top comprising a flat body with
at least an area nearby the center of gravity and at least one
planar extension having a free end, the toy having a maximum
distance r between a peripheral rim and the center of gravity, the
mass m and/or the mass of inertia .omega. of the flat body being
defined in such manner that the flat body can be laid with its area
near the center of gravity onto a convex arched surface, especially
onto a finger knuckle, where it can be given a fast rotatory motion
.omega. (.omega..gtoreq.300 rpm) by flipping or jerking with a
finger in a horizontal and tangential direction against the free
end of an extension, while it receives only a slow translatory
motion V.sub.T (V.sub.T<.omega.*r), so that its horizontal
orientation is spin-stabilized and results in an air cushion
carrying the flat body during its flight, the method comprising: a)
laying the flat body with its area near the center of gravity onto
a convex arched surface; b) imparting a fast rotory motion .omega.
(.omega..gtoreq.300 rpm) to the flat body by flipping or jerking
with a finger in a horizontal and tangential direction against the
free end of an extension, while imparting only a slow translatory
motion V.sub.T (V.sub.T<.omega.*r) to the flat body, wherein the
horizontal orientation of the flat body is spin-stabilized and
results in an air cushion carrying the flat body during its flight.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention refers to a toy in the form of a flying top
comprising a flat body with at least an area nearby the center of
gravity and at least one planar extension having a free end, and to
a method for starting that peg.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] It is known that a body rotating at high speed around its
own axis has a great positional stability. This principle is used
e.g. to give the well-known "Frisbee" disk its stability in flight.
However, this principle applies not only to rotationally
symmetrical bodies, but also to the highly crooked boomerang used
by the Australian aborigines e.g. for hunting. Such a boomerang has
the additional advantage that its usually asymmetric shape causes
it to change direction in flight, so that, ideally, one can catch
the returning boomerang. The boomerang is therefore a very nice toy
which, in contrast to the "Frisbee" disk, one can even throw and
catch without a partner and constitutes an entertaining pastime. On
the other hand, both "Frisbee" and boomerang require a vast open
space, as their flight paths are very long. Particularly in large
cities, such vast open space is hard to find, so that children
growing up there often have no opportunity to play with these
interesting flying objects. Even in the event that sufficient open
space is available, "Frisbee" and boomerang require reasonably
nice, not too windy weather, as they can only be thrown
outdoors.
[0005] On the other hand, rules for building small planes from
paper are known, which do not destroy an obstacle in case of
collision. The orientation of such flying objects is only
stabilized by the airflow during flight so that they can stay
airborne only if they have been started with a sufficiently high
translatory velocity, too. Therefore, the pleasure in such flying
objects is always of very short duration and interrupted by the
necessity of fetching the flying object at a distant place of the
room.
[0006] From that circumstance results the problem of developing a
flying toy that can be used indoors without danger for persons and
objects and can fly at a slow velocity with stable behavior so that
even in a narrow space a flight of long duration can be
achieved.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention refers to a toy in the form of a flying top
comprising a flat body with at least an area nearby the center of
gravity and at least one planar extension having a free end,
whereby the maximum distance r between the peripheral edge and the
center of gravity, the mass m and/or the mass of inertia .omega. of
the flat body is defined in such manner that the following start
method can be carried out:
[0008] a) the flat body is laid with its area nearby the center of
gravity onto a convex arched surface;
[0009] b) the flat body is imparted a fast rotatory motion .omega.
(.omega..gtoreq.300 rpm) by flipping or jerking with a finger in a
horizontal and tangential direction against the free end of an
extension, while the flat body receives only a slow translatory
motion V.sub.T (V.sub.T<.omega.*r);
[0010] c) thereby the horizontal orientation of the flat body is
spin-stabilized and results in an air cushion carrying the flat
body during its flight.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Further features, details, properties and advantages of the
invention will become apparent from the following description of
preferred embodiments of the invention with regard to the enclosed
drawings, whereby:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention at the
same view as FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the invention at the same
view as FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 shows a further modified embodiment of the invention
at the same view as FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a view on FIG. 2 in direction of arrow V.
[0017] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention
which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be
resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended
that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and
it is to be understood that each specific term includes all
technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The solution of this problem is possible with a toy
according to claim 1.
[0019] Both boomerangs and "Frisbees" are held at their periphery
with one hand and then thrown away forcefully with a movement of
the arm. This momentum sends them in a fast rotation, which is
essential for their stability in flight. Inevitably, the flying
object also receives a great impulse, so that it flies away at high
speed and, in the event that it hits an obstacle, can seriously
damage that object or even be destroyed itself. As these
characteristics, which are a disadvantage for playing narrow space,
result from the impulse energy incurred when starting, the
invention described here uses a different principle: The center of
gravity of the flying object is supported on a resting body and
then pushed in tangential direction in at least one peripheral
point, so that a high torque will send the light-weight body in a
fast rotary movement without a too great flying impulse. To achieve
this, the inertia of masses of the invented flying object is
relatively large compared to its moment of inertia, so that the
greater part of the starting energy is translated into a rotary
movement and only a relatively small part into the forward
movement. This results from the geometry of the flying top with its
wing-like extension, as this ends in a peripheral tip, which
supplies a relatively low moment of inertia, but still contributes
to the inertia of masses of the whole object. It is of key
importance for this invention that the mass of the invented toy
lies close to its center of gravity, while the mass in the
periphery is significantly lower. This results from the free end of
the wing-like extension, whereas e.g. a Frisbee disk has a rim all
round. While other flying objects are stabilized by a peripheral
ring connecting several wing-like extensions, the invention
described here has no such ring in order to reduce the moment of
inertia as far as possible. Moreover, the free end of the wing-like
extension is of key importance for starting the invented flying
object. In case of a ring shape, it would be almost impossible to
induce a tangential torque.
[0020] A peripheral stabilization element is not needed because the
base of the flat body, including all extensions, is limited by a
smooth curve. As the wing-like extension(s) verge(s) into the flat
body without any notch, the invented flying object is comparatively
stable, particularly around the wing(s), so that no peripheral
rings or the like are needed to stabilize it (them). Another
measure helping to stabilize the invented flying object is that the
cross-section of the wing-like extension tapers barely or not at
all around its center of gravity compared with the peripheral
area.
[0021] The inherent stability of the invented structure can be
further improved if the flat body has a diameter of between 2 cm
and 10 cm. With such a small diameter, the forces acting upon the
wing-like extension during the flight are relatively small, so that
a peripheral stabilization can be omitted.
[0022] Furthermore, the invention provides for a thickness of the
flat body of 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 1 mm, ideally 0.3
mm to 0.7 mm. The required thickness results primarily from the
stability requirements to the invented flying object and possibly
from factors related to the production.
[0023] A light, stable material, particularly plastic, should be
the material of choice for the invented flying object. Moreover,
such a plastic material is already corrosion-proof without any
further treatment, so that is production costs are reduced to a
minimum. As the desired color can already be achieved by adding
pigments to the e.g. granulated raw material, the object will not
need to be colored afterwards. Selecting a suitable material will
also make sure that it contains no toxic substances and thus poses
no risk for playing children, even if they should try to take such
a toy into their mouths. Furthermore, the invented object was
deliberately dimensioned with a diameter that makes it impossible
to swallow the toy.
[0024] In addition, the invention makes it possible to punch out
the flat body, including the wing-like extensions, in one piece
from a rigid film. This production method proceeds from a film-like
intermediate product, so that the further production steps can be
done with simple tools, which permits a production at particularly
low cost.
[0025] The further concept of this invention, that the wing-like
extension(s) diverge about radially from the center of gravity of
the flat body, make use of the fact that the shortest connection
between two points is a straight line. The radial arrangement of
the wing-like extensions creates a connection between the wing's
peripherals and the centroidal area of the flying object with the
least possible material requirement and thus with a low moment of
inertia.
[0026] The invention can be further developed in that the
wing-shaped extension(s) has (have) a base with a curved perimeter.
By bending the wing-like extensions e.g. in their peripheral area,
the lift generated there can be increased, as the bent wing areas
result in a greater wing cross section in that area. If there are
several wings, they should all be bent in the same direction,
against the preferred rotation direction, in order to improve
flying properties, especially flight stability.
[0027] As the surface of the wing-like extension(s) is slightly
inclined in relation to the base of the flat body, similar to a
propeller, the invented toy can draw on its rotational energy
throughout the entire flight to accelerate the molecules of the
surrounding air downwards and thus generate an ascending force
according to Newton's law of reaction--an ascending force that
balances the weight of the invented toy, so that it can stay in the
air even at minimal translation speed. Similar to a helicopter,
this results in optimal properties when flying at low speed, which
is of particular importance for use indoors. The inclination of an
extension in relation to the base of the flat body may be between
5.degree. and 30.degree., preferably between 10.degree. and
20.degree..
[0028] The inclination of the wing-like extension(s) in relation to
the base of the flat body can be achieved by shaping the plastic
film. For this purpose, the punched-out body can be heated (at
least partially) and thus temporarily transformed in a plastic
state. When cooling down, it can be forced into the desired
shape.
[0029] The flying properties of the invented toy depend on a number
of fringe conditions. Particularly fluidic factors must be taken
into account. Therefore, not all feasible shapes of the flat body
are fit to fly. On the basis of further studies, the inventor
designed various categories of flying objects that have
particularly favorable flying qualities due to their shape.
[0030] The first variant has a second planar extension offset by
about 10.degree. to 90.degree., preferably by 30.degree. to
60.degree., opposite to the preferred direction of rotation. This
extension serves to stabilize the position of the actual lifting
wing, which should ideally be longer, and thus ensures stable
flight. The advantage of this variant is that only one lifting wing
plus a stabilizing wing are necessary, which further reduces the
moment of inertia. A high torque can apply on the comparatively
long lifting wing, so that this structure can be sent in a
particularly strong rotary movement, take up a high quantum of
rotational energy at the start and thus can stay in the air for a
particularly long time.
[0031] Another category of flying toys is characterized by several
wing-like extensions in rotationally symmetric positions to the
center of gravity of the flat body or laterally inversed to an axis
running through that center of gravity. In this case, the flying
object owes its stable flying qualities to a symmetric geometry. At
the same time, the center of gravity is positioned favorably
approximately in the middle of the flat body.
[0032] The flying qualities of the rotationally symmetric variant
can be further perfected if the wing-like extensions, offset
against each other in identical angles, lead away from the center
of gravity of the flat body. This results in an approximately
star-shaped structure, while the individual beams can follow a
curved line.
[0033] In this variant, the center of the object generates no
ascending force, so that there can be a centric recess surrounded
by the closed ring of the flat body. As this ring takes over the
connection and stabilization of the wing-like extensions, the
center of the object can be omitted as largely neutral, which
further reduces the moment of inertia of this structure. Moreover,
this ring-shaped structure makes it possible to decouple the wings
to a very large extent, so that the inclination of a wing can be
achieved with the simplest means.
[0034] It can be achieved e.g. if the closed ring of the flat body
is undulated in tangential direction. Due to this undulation, the
protruding wings will have an incidence, which provides an
ascending force during flight.
[0035] The inclination angle of the wing-like extensions can be
determined as the number of undulations of the closed ring is
equivalent to the number of extensions, and the phases of the
points from which the wings diverge are shifted against the
undulations. Thus, the wing-like elements themselves need not be
deformed, so that a highly symmetrical structure can be achieved
even with the simplest tools.
[0036] To start the invented flying top, the centroidal area of the
flat body is placed on a convex surface, e.g. a knuckle. Then one
extension of the flat body is flicked with a finger in roughly
horizontal direction, so that the body is sent in a fast rotation.
A gyro force then stabilizes the orientation of the object, and a
propeller-like effect of the extensions may exert a supporting
vertical force, so that the object flies away in a stable manner
with a relatively slow translatory velocity and remains airborne
for a long duration.
[0037] This method is suitable for operating the flying top
indoors. As a particularly slow translation movement is desired,
the invented flying top is chipped only at one peripheral end. The
large torque applying in this case results in a fast rotary
movement, while the horizontal accelerating force, which results in
a translation movement, is relatively low. This is achieved by the
shape of the extension generating the ascending force, especially
by a rearward rim of such extension, especially of a distal part
thereof, having a section with a tangent extending towards the
center of gravity or even in front of this point, seen in direction
of movement of that jerked extension. This gives a maximum
resulting torque at a definite jerk, allowing an optimum ratio
v.sub.R/v.sub.T between rotational speed V.sub.R=.omega.* r and
translatory speed V.sub.T.
[0038] FIG. 1 shows the flying top 1 in original size. It is made
from 0.2 mm plastic film and therefore extremely lightweight; it
weighs only about 0.5 g. It has a ring-shaped body 2 with three
preferably wing-like extensions 3 positioned at intervals of
120.degree. around the center of the ring. Like the ring 2, the
wing-like extensions 3 are about 0.6 cm to 1.0 cm wide. At the
junction 4, the wing-like extensions 3 at first diverge radially,
before gradually bending by about 90.degree.. At their ends, they
are approximately coaxial to the ring 2. They end in wing tips 5
limited by a roughly semi-circular curve. The flying top 1 has a
preferred rotation direction 7 which goes approximately from the
free end 5 of a wing 3 to its junction 4 with the ring.
[0039] The entire borderline 6 of the flying object 1 is extremely
smooth and strongly rounded particularly around the junctions 4, so
that there are no notches that might impair stability. The ring 2
is undulated along its perimeter with an approximately sinusoidal
amplitude. One undulation period is equivalent to one-third of the
ring perimeter, so that a total of three undulations occur along
this perimeter. The undulation of the ring 2 is dephased against
the wings 3 in such a way that there is a maximum of the wave
amplitude 9 on the front side 8 of each wing-like extension 3,
while the following minimum 11 is located on the back side of the
wing 10. For this reason, the ring 2 is inclined downward at the
junctions 4 between a front side 8 and a backside 10 of a wing.
This inclination affects the otherwise planar wings 3 into their
tips 5. Consequently, all wings 3 are inclined against the turning
direction 7, i.e. downwards from their junctions 4 on the ring 2 to
their free ends 5. If the flying top 1 rotates at high speed in
direction of the arrow 7, the wing-like extensions 3 displace the
air downwards, which results in an opposite ascending force for the
flying top 1. Due to the extremely low weight of the flying top 1,
it can stay in the air for a very long time and even gain height
continuously over a long period of time.
[0040] In the variant shown, the central recess 12 inside the ring
2 has a diameter of about 22 mm, so that the center of gravity in
the middle of this recess 12 is only 11 mm away from the nearest
border line 13. Thus the ring 2 of the flying top 1 can be placed
on a knuckle or a crooked finger, where it is additionally
centered. Then the one of the free ends 5 of the wing-like
extensions 3 is chipped with a finger of the other hand and the
flying top 1 is thus sent in a fast rotational movement.
[0041] If the flying top 1 is placed on a flat surface for
starting, some of the energy absorbed from chipping is converted
into a translation movement, so that the flying top 1, barely
slowed down due to the low air resistance, flies away. If, however,
the flying top 1 is placed over a crooked finger, it cannot fly
away when it is chipped, but only gets a fast rotational movement
and rises vertically, similar to a helicopter.
[0042] Embodiment 21 of a flying peg, which is shown in FIG. 2,
differs from embodiment 1 mainly in that the central body does not
have the shape of a ring, but roughly that of a disk. Again, three
wings 23, offset by 120.degree. each, diverge from this central
area 22. Again, these wings 23, which diverge in the shape of a
star, are bent from their longitudinal axes, which are
approximately radial at the junctions 24, in an approximately
tangential axis direction close to their peripheral ends 25. Here,
too, the rim or edge 26 is completely rounded, so that no notches
impair the stability of the flying top 21. The preferred direction
of rotation 27 also runs from the wing tips 25 to the preceding
junctions 24.
[0043] As can be seen from the lateral view in FIG. 5, the wings 23
are also inclined against the base 28 of the flying top 21. This is
achieved by an undulation of the center part 22 particularly at the
junctions 24. The undulation is such that the wings 23 are inclined
downwards from their front edge 29 in turning direction 27 to their
rear edge 30. When the flying top 21 is turning fast 27, the air
molecules are accelerated and the flying top 21 receives an
ascending force which provides it with optimal flying qualities. In
contrast to embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 1, however, this flying
top 21 cannot be centered e.g. on a knuckle, so that it receives a
translation movement in addition to the rotational movement when it
is chipped.
[0044] While the flying objects described above 1, 21 have a
rotationally symmetric base, the third flying top 31 instead has a
basic shape that is symmetric to a central axis 32, as three
different wings 35, 36, 37 are joined to a disk-shaped central body
34 close to the center of gravity 33. While two wings 35, 36 have
an approximately angled shape and are joined to the central body 34
around one of their sides, the third wing 37 has the shape of a
triangle, one side of which is joined to the central part 34.
Cross-section, diameter and weight are roughly equivalent to
versions 1 and 21. All wings 35, 36, 37 are surrounded by a rounded
edge or border line 38. The preferred turning direction 39 of this
flying top 31 is clockwise. Accordingly, the wings 35, 36, 37 are
inclined downwards opposite to this turning direction 39 in order
to generate the ascending force needed for a long flight. Like in
the previously described variants 1, 21, the inclination of the
wings 35, 36, 37 is relatively flat and lies approximately between
5.degree. and 15.degree.. Also with this embodiment 31, it is not
possible to start vertically, but owing to its differently shaped
wings 35, 36, 37, it can be chipped in different spots 40, 41, 42
which have different distances to the center of gravity 33. With
the same start impulse, the start energy is thus divided into
different rotary and translation movements for each wing, so that
one can achieve a slow and rising flight as well as a fast and, due
to the low rotary speed, slowly descending flight.
[0045] Finally, embodiment 51 of the flying top, as shown in FIG.
4, is completely unsymmetrical. Roughly speaking, this embodiment
consists of a central part 52 in the shape of a ring segment
comprising a central angle of 60.degree., with a main wing 54 in
front in the rotating direction 53 protruding roughly
perpendicularly, an auxiliary wing 55 offset by around 30.degree.
and a third steering or stabilization wing 56. While the surface of
the auxiliary wing 55 is about 80% to 90% of that of the main wing
54, the steering wing 57 is relatively small with a surface of only
about 10% to 20%. In this variant, the main wing 54 can be designed
for maximum rise, the steering wing 56 ensures a stable flight,
similar to the horizontal tail unit of an aircraft, and the
auxiliary wing 55 has been optimized to be used preferably for
starting. The preferred flying speed of this flying top 51 can be
adjusted by the ratio of the lengths of main wing 54 and auxiliary
wing 55. It has turned out that optimal long-distance flying
qualities can be achieved with a wing length ratio of 5:4.
[0046] While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed in detail, it is to be understood that various
modifications may be adopted without departing from the spirit of
the invention or scope of the following claims.
* * * * *