U.S. patent application number 11/033413 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-29 for flying cylinder.
Invention is credited to Forti, William B., Forti, William M., Turchik, David M..
Application Number | 20050287902 11/033413 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35506521 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050287902 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Forti, William M. ; et
al. |
December 29, 2005 |
Flying cylinder
Abstract
A flying cylinder has a leading portion and a tail portion,
wherein the leading portion is pointed to a degree such that the
curf thickness is equal or less than 2 mm. In preferred flying
toys, the tail portion has an average thickness of at least the
thickness of the leading portion.
Inventors: |
Forti, William M.;
(Claremont, CA) ; Forti, William B.; (Claremont,
CA) ; Turchik, David M.; (Corona, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT D. FISH
RUTAN & TUCKER LLP
611 ANTON BLVD 14TH FLOOR
COSTA MESA
CA
92626-1931
US
|
Family ID: |
35506521 |
Appl. No.: |
11/033413 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60568653 |
May 5, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/046 |
International
Class: |
A63H 027/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A hand-propelled flying toy, comprising: a cylindrical leading
portion having a forward edge with a curf thickness of equal or
less than 2.5 millimeter; a cylindrical tail portion having an
average thickness of equal to or at least 2 millimeter in an area
that is between 4 centimeter and 6 centimeter from the forward
edge; and wherein the leading portion and the tail portion have a
weight distribution such that the forward edge of the flying toy
faces forward during flight.
2. The flying toy of claim 1 wherein the leading portion has
maximum thickness that is equal to the average thickness of the
tail portion.
3. The flying toy of claim 2 wherein the leading portion has a
length of less than 2 cm when measured from the forward edge.
4. The flying toy of claim 2 wherein outside and inside surfaces of
the leading portion form an angle of less than 35 degrees.
5. The flying toy of claim 1 wherein the inside surface of the
leading portion is straight and parallel to an inside surface of
the tail portion.
6. The flying toy of claim 1 wherein the leading portion has an
outer diameter that is equal or less than an outer diameter of the
tail portion.
7. The flying toy of claim 1 wherein a weight element is coupled to
the leading portion.
8. The flying toy of claim 1 wherein at least one of the leading
portion and the tail portion comprises a dimpled surface.
9. A hand-propelled flying cylindrical toy having a cylindrical
tail portion and a cylindrical leading portion, wherein the toy has
a perimeter to curf ratio of between 100 and 200, and a perimeter
to thickness of the tail portion of equal to or less than 100.
10. The flying toy of claim 9 wherein the cylindrical tail portion
has an average thickness T.sub.T, wherein the cylindrical leading
portion has an average thickness T.sub.F, and wherein
T.sub.F.ltoreq.T.sub.T.
11. The flying toy of claim 9 wherein the leading portion has a
length of less than 2 cm when measured from a forward edge.
12. The flying toy of claim 9 wherein the inside surface of the
leading portion is straight and parallel to an inside surface of
the tail portion.
13. The flying toy of claim 9 further comprising a weight element
coupled to the leading portion.
14. The flying toy of claim 9 wherein outside and inside surfaces
of the leading portion form an angle of less than 35 degrees.
15. The flying toy of claim 9 wherein the perimeter to curf ratio
is between 130 and 170.
16. The flying toy of claim 9 wherein at least one of the leading
portion and the tail portion comprises a dimpled surface.
17. The flying toy of claim 9 wherein the leading portion forms a
forward edge such that the toy flies predictably at least 25 meters
in a horizontal direction when manually thrown.
18. The flying toy of claim 9 wherein at least one of the perimeter
to curf ratio is between 100 to 120 and a diameter of the
cylindrical tail portion is less than 7 inches.
19. A hand-propelled flying cylindrical toy having a cylindrical
tail portion with an average thickness of at least 2 millimeters
and a curf thickness of equal or less than 2.5 millimeters, wherein
a leading portion forms a forward edge such that the toy flies
predictably at least 25 meters in a horizontal direction when
manually thrown.
20. The flying toy of claim 19 wherein the average thickness is
measured in an area that is between 4 centimeter and 6 centimeter
from the forward edge.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of our provisional
patent application with the Ser. No. 60/568,653, which was filed
May 5, 2004, and which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention is flying toys, and especially
flying cylinders.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Flying cylinders have recently enjoyed considerable
popularity, and numerous of such toys are known in the art.
Depending on the configuration and desired flight characteristics,
various elements in the cylindrical toy are of at least perceived
importance.
[0004] For example, Hill teaches in U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,788 that
specific proportions between the body length and diameter, and body
diameter and forward edge thickness are important for desirable
flight qualities. Similarly, as described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,048,245 by Forti et al., a predetermined ratio of perimeter to
thickness of the forward edge and/or greatest thickness of the body
imparts highly desirable flying quality to the toy. In still
further known flying cylinders, the weight distribution between the
forward edge and the tail are described as critical to a gyroscopic
flying device as taught by Forti et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,880.
Alternatively, a weight may be movably coupled to the leading
portion to allow a user to modify the flight quality as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,246,721 to Bowers.
[0005] Additional elements are reported to help improve flight
patterns, and representative examples are described in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,151,674 to Klahn et al, in which a boundary layer tripping
mechanism produces a turbulent layer that improves flying
characteristics. Etheridge describes use of an airfoil profile in
which the airfoil is formed by a blunt front end as taught in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,850,923 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,709 to Johnson III, et
al. in which the flying toy doubles as beverage insulator.
Similarly, McMahon teaches in U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,922 a flying
beverage insulator that has a blunt and weighted forward edge. To
improve rotational momentum, a flying ring may be equipped with a
structure to which a tether is releasably coupled to increase
spinning of the toy once the flying toy is launched as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,329,807. Further known cylindrical flyers may also
have a flexible of foldable tail portion as reported in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,810,637 to Mileti and U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,748 to Forti et
al.
[0006] In a different use, as less-than-lethal weapons, flying
cylinders have been as projectiles that are fired from a gun to
immobilize or otherwise deter a person that is hit by the flying
cylinder. Exemplary flying cylinders that are used as
less-than-lethal weapons are described by Flatau et al in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,898,932, 3,951,070, and 4,190,476. While such flying
cylinders typically exhibit predictable flight paths, the
rotational momentum needed for stable flight is substantial
(typically at about 2000 rpm).
[0007] Therefore, while there are numerous flying cylinders known
in the art, all or almost all of the suffer from one or more
disadvantages. Among other things, where known cylindrical flyers
have relative thick walls, flying characteristics are often less
than desirable. Thus, there is still a need to provide improved
flying cylinders.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to improved cylindrical
flying toys that are fabricated from a relatively thick material.
Superior flying characteristics are imparted by a pointed front
forward edge.
[0009] In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, contemplated
cylindrical flying toys will therefore comprise a cylindrical
leading portion having a forward edge with a curf thickness of less
than 2 millimeter and a cylindrical tail portion with an average
thickness of at least 2 millimeter in an area that is between 4
centimeter and 6 centimeter from the forward edge, wherein the
leading portion and the tail portion have a weight distribution
such that the forward edge of the flying toy faces forward during
flight.
[0010] The leading portion in particularly preferred toys has
maximum thickness that is equal to the average thickness of the
tail portion, and has a length of less than 2 cm when measured from
the forward edge. It is further preferred that the outside and
inside surfaces of the leading portion form an angle of less than
35 degrees to thereby form at least part of the forward edge,
wherein the inside surface of the leading portion is preferably
straight and parallel to the inside surface of the tail portion. In
further contemplated flying toys, the leading portion has an outer
diameter that is equal or less than the outer diameter of the tail
portion. While not limiting to the inventive subject matter, a
weight element may be coupled to the leading portion.
[0011] In another aspect of the inventive subject matter,
contemplated cylindrical flying toys will have a cylindrical tail
portion and a cylindrical leading portion, wherein the toy has a
perimeter to curf ratio of between 100 and 200, and a perimeter to
thickness of the tail portion of equal to or less than 100. Most
preferably, the cylindrical tail portion has an average thickness
T.sub.T, wherein the cylindrical leading portion has an average
thickness T.sub.F, and wherein T.sub.F.ltoreq.T.sub.T, and the
leading portion has a length of less than 2 cm when measured from a
forward edge. With respect to other aspects of such toys, the same
considerations as provided above apply.
[0012] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0013] FIGS. 1A-1F are schematic detail illustrations of a
longitudinal cross section of various flying toys.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The inventors have discovered that cylindrical flying toys,
and especially hand-propelled flying toys can be manufactured from
a relatively thick material while retaining superior flying
characteristics when such toys include a pointed forward edge. In
particularly contemplated toys, the curf thickness and to some
degree the thickness of the tail portion, is dependent on the
perimeter of the cylinder.
[0015] Therefore, the inventors generally contemplate a flying toy
comprising a preferably cylindrical leading portion with a forward
edge having a curf thickness of less than 2 millimeter and a
cylindrical tail portion having an average thickness of at least 2
millimeter in an area that is between 4 centimeter and 6 centimeter
from the forward edge. The leading portion and the tail portion in
such toys have a weight distribution such that the forward edge of
the flying toy faces forward during flight.
[0016] As used herein, the term "curf thickness" refers to the
thickness of the forward edge as measured in a position that is 1
millimeter away (in direction of the tail end) from the forward
edge. As also used herein, the term "forward edge" refers to the
segment of the leading portion that cuts into the air during
flight. For example, the forward edge is in many cases the portion
of the flying toy that contacts the ground when the toy is placed
on the ground with the leading portion first. As still further used
herein, the term "leading portion" refers to the angled portion of
the flying toy that points forward during flight (i.e., that
includes the forward edge). Therefore, in many cases, the leading
portion ends at the position at which the outer surface of the
leading portion is (or turns) parallel to the longitudinal axis of
the cylindrical toy. In other cases, and especially where the
leading portion is stepped as depicted in FIG. 1D, the leading
portion ends at the last step. The leading portion has therefore in
many embodiments a length of between about 5 millimeters and 5
centimeters, more typically between about 1 centimeter and 3
centimeters, and most typically between about 1.5 centimeters and
2.5 centimeters (as measured from the forward edge towards the tail
end).
[0017] As still further used herein, the term "hand-propelled" toy
refers to a toy that is launched by a user without help of a device
that provides at least some kinetic energy to the toy (e.g., using
a spring operated launcher, a sling-shot-type launcher, etc.).
Viewed from another perspective, the user of a hand-propelled toy
will typically grip the toy with one or both hands and then propel
the toy into the air in a throwing motion. Consequently, in some of
contemplated embodiments, an instruction may be provided to the
flying toy that depicts and/or describes use of the toy in a manner
in which the toy is manually propelled (i.e., without a launcher or
other device that provides kinetic energy to the toy) by the user
into the air In one exemplary contemplated aspect of the inventive
subject matter as depicted in the cross sectional view of FIG. 1A
(not to scale), a flying toy 100A includes a cylindrical leading
portion 110A and a cylindrical tail portion 120A, wherein the outer
surface of the cylindrical toy is denoted OS while the inner
surface is denoted IS. The leading portion 10A has a forward edge
112A with a curf thickness 114A of 2 millimeter as measured at
distance D1 (here: 3 millimeter) from the front of the leading
portion. The inner surface of the leading portion (which is
typically straight and parallel to the inner surface of the tail
portion 120A) and the outer surface of the leading portion form an
angle 116A of about 30 degrees. Metallized plastic strip 130A is
affixed to the inner surface IS of the leading portion 110A to
provide a weight distribution that allows the flying toy to fly
with the forward edge pointing forward when the toy is manually
propelled in the air (preferably with a spinning motion around the
cylindrical axis). The tail portion 120A has a thickness of about 3
millimeter as measured at distance D2 (here: 50 millimeter) from
the front of the leading portion. Preferably, a plurality of
dimple-shaped indentations 122A is included in the outer surface OS
of the tail portion 120A. Alternatively, contemplated flying toys
need not be limited to the shapes depicted in FIG. 1A, and
exemplary suitable shapes are depicted in FIGS. 1B-1F (in cross
sectional view). It should be recognized that while the exemplary
Figures depict the forward edge as a sharp (pointed) edge,
alternative edge configurations are also deemed suitable and
included semicircular or otherwise rounded or irregular shapes.
[0018] It is typically preferred that the flying toy has a
generally cylindrical shape with a circular horizontal cross
section, however, ellipsoid or otherwise irregularly shaped
horizontal cross sectional profiles are also contemplated suitable
herein. With respect to the outer diameter of the flying toys, it
is generally preferred that the maximum outer diameter (of the
leading portion and/or tail portion) is such that the toy can be
propelled by a user's hand. Consequently, the perimeter of
contemplated toys will generally be in the range of about 10-60
centimeters, more preferably in the range of between about 20 and
40 centimeters, and most preferably between about 30 to 35
centimeters. However, smaller perimeters are also contemplated,
particularly where the toy is launched via a blowpipe. Similarly,
and especially where mechanical launchers are employed, larger
perimeters are also deemed suitable.
[0019] In further generally preferred aspects, the maximum length
of contemplated flying toys will typically be in the range of about
5 centimeters and 30 centimeters, more typically between about 7
and 25 centimeters, and most typically between about 10 and 20
centimeters. It should be noted that where the term "about" is
employed in conjunction with a numeral, the value of that numeral
may vary +/-10%, inclusive.
[0020] Depending on the particular shape (see e.g., FIGS. 1A to 1F)
of the leading portion, it should be recognized that the thickness
(or weighted average thickness where appropriate) of the leading
portion may vary considerably. However, it is generally preferred
that the leading portion is pointed in the direction of the flight,
and that the curf thickness is equal or less than 2 millimeters.
Thus, further preferred leading portions will have a maximum
thickness that is equal to the average thickness of the tail
portion. Where the thickness of the leading portion changes and
where the thickness of the tail portion changes, it is generally
preferred that T.sub.F.ltoreq.T.sub.T wherein T.sub.T is the
average thickness of the tail portion and wherein T.sub.F is the
average thickness of the leading portion. However, in various
alternative aspects of the inventive subject matter, the thickness
of the leading portion may (preferably only in part) exceed the
maximum thickness of the tail portion. Therefore, in most preferred
aspects, it should be recognized that the leading portion has a
maximum (or weighted average) outer diameter that is equal or less
than a maximum (or weighted average) outer diameter of the tail
portion. In further contemplated aspects of the inventive subject
matter, preferred flying cylinders will have a diameter to curf
thickness ratio that is typically in that range of between about 30
to 70 (and more preferably 40 to 60) for diameters greater than 9
cm of the leading and/or tail portion. For example, where the
diameter of the tail portion is 9.12 cm (33/4"), it is generally
preferred that the curf thickness is about 2 mm. For tail diameters
of less than 9 cm, it is typically preferred that the curf
thickness is 2 mm or less (regardless of a diameter to curf
ratio).
[0021] It is further preferred that the leading portion has a
length of less than 2 cm as measured from the forward edge, and
that the leading portion includes an angle of equal to or less than
35 degrees. It should be recognized that the angle may be formed in
numerous manners (see e.g., FIGS. 1A-1F), and all known manners of
angle formation are deemed suitable for use herein. However, it is
generally preferred that the angle is formed by at least one of the
outside and inside surfaces of the leading portion, and that such
an angle is less than 35 degrees. Among other suitable angles, it
is contemplated that the inside surface of the leading portion is
straight and parallel to an inside surface of the tail portion,
while the outside surface will form an angle with the inside
surface of about 15-25 degrees.
[0022] It is still further contemplated that a weight element may
be coupled (permanently or temporarily) to the leading portion of
the toy, wherein the weight element may be positioned on the inside
surface, partially within the material of the leading portion, or
on the outside. However, it is generally preferred that the weight
element is disposed on the inside surface of the leading portion.
With respect to the weight, it is generally preferred that the
weight element will have a mass between about 0.5 gram and 50 gram,
and more typically between about 2 gram and 10 gram. However, the
particular weight is at least in part determined by the weight of
the leading portion and/or tail portion. Preferably, the weight
element is configured and positioned such that the weight
distribution between the leading portion and the tail portion
allows flight of the toy with the forward edge facing the direction
of flight. Consequently, in many embodiments the weight
distribution is such that the axial center of gravity lies about
5-35% (as calculated from the total length of the toy) away from
the forward edge. Alternatively, it should also be recognized that
the weight element may be entirely omitted where a desired weight
distribution is achieved by a particular choice of materials (e.g.,
high density polyethylene in the leading portion and Styrofoam in
the tail portion).
[0023] Similarly, depending on the particular shape (see e.g.,
FIGS. 1A to 1F) of the tail portion, it should be recognized that
the thickness (or weighted average thickness where appropriate) may
vary considerably. However, it is generally preferred that the
thickness of the tail portion is equal or greater than the
thickness (or weighted average thickness where appropriate) of the
leading portion. In most preferred embodiments, the thickness of
the tail portion will be equal or greater than 2 millimeters, and
more preferably equal or greater than 3 millimeters. Especially
preferred curf thickness is typically equal or less than 3
millimeters, and more typically equal or less than 2 millimeters.
Thus, viewed from another perspective, contemplated flying toys
will have a cylindrical tail portion and a cylindrical leading
portion, wherein the perimeter to curf ratio is between 100 and 200
(more preferably between 130 and 170), and the perimeter to
thickness of the tail portion of equal to or less than 100.
[0024] Suitable materials for contemplated cylindrical flying toys
may vary considerably, and it should be appreciated that all known
materials for flying toys are considered appropriate for use
herein. However, it is especially preferred that the cylindrical
flying toy is manufactured from a light-weight material (e.g.,
having a density of less than the density of water). Consequently,
particularly preferred materials include foamed polymers,
cardboard, and combinations thereof (which may also include
reinforcing structures from other materials (e.g., metals, hard
plastics, etc.). It is still further contemplated that the
cylindrical toys may include additional elements, and particularly
contemplated elements may be added to the cylinder (e.g.,
streamers, wings, etc.), or subtracted from the cylinder (e.g., one
or more channels, and especially spiral-shaped channels,
indentations such as golf ball-type dimples, etc.).
[0025] Viewed from yet another perspective, the inventors
contemplate a flying cylindrical toy having a cylindrical tail
portion with an average thickness of at least 2 millimeters and a
curf thickness of equal or less than 2.5 millimeters, wherein a
leading portion forms a forward edge such that the toy flies
predictably at least 25 meters in a horizontal direction when
manually thrown. The term "flies predictably" as used herein means
that the actual path of flight of the flying toy and the intended
path of flight (e.g., straight ahead relative to a user's
perspective) will deviate no more than 30 degree in at least 8 out
of 10 attempts.
[0026] Thus, specific embodiments and applications of improved
flying cylinders have been disclosed. It should be apparent,
however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications
besides those already described are possible without departing from
the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter,
therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the
appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification
and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest
possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the
terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as
referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive
manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or
steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements,
components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.
* * * * *