U.S. patent application number 13/259270 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-19 for aerodynamic flying toy.
Invention is credited to Wang Han Yap.
Application Number | 20120015766 13/259270 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43011290 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120015766 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yap; Wang Han |
January 19, 2012 |
AERODYNAMIC FLYING TOY
Abstract
The invention relates to an aerodynamic toy (1, 2) that has two
concave portions (15 and 25 or 35 and 45), enabling the aerodynamic
toy (1, 2) to be launched in any orientations. The aerodynamic
flying toy has a central portion that is circular in form and
circumscribed at its peripheral edge by a first annular flange
curving upwardly laterally towards the centre of the central
portion to form a first concave portion and by a second annular
curving downwardly laterally towards the centre of the central
portion (10) to form a second concave portion. The curved surface
on the concave side of the annular flange of the aerodynamic flying
toy can be further provided with a plurality of spaced apart ribs
or ridges.
Inventors: |
Yap; Wang Han; (Negeri
Sembilan, MY) |
Family ID: |
43011290 |
Appl. No.: |
13/259270 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
March 31, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/MY2010/000046 |
371 Date: |
September 23, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/588 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/588 |
International
Class: |
A63B 65/10 20060101
A63B065/10; A63H 33/18 20060101 A63H033/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 20, 2009 |
MY |
PI 20091597 |
Claims
1. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) comprising a central portion (10)
that is circular in form circumscribes at the peripheral edge by a
first and a second annular flanges (11, 21) wherein the first
annular flange (11) circumscribes the peripheral edge of the
central portion (10) and curving upwardly laterally towards the
centre of the central portion (10), terminating in a first rim
(12), and with the inner surface of the first annular flange (11)
and the central portion (10) forming a first concave portion (15)
of the aerodynamic flying toy (1); the second annular flange (21)
circumscribes the peripheral edge of the central portion (10) and
curving downwardly laterally towards the centre of the central
portion (10), terminating in a second rim (22) and with the inner
surface of the second annular flange (21) and the central portion
(10) forming a second concave portion (25) of the aerodynamic
flying toy (1); and the central portion (10), the first and second
annular flanges (11, 21) are a single unit of unitary construction
manufactured integrally by injection moulding of plastic.
2. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as in claim 1, wherein each
annular flange (11, 21) merges with the central portion (10), at
the peripheral edge of the central portion (10), in a curved and
smooth transitional manner.
3. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as in claim 2, wherein the area
(13, 23) where the annular flanges (11, 21) merge with the central
portion (10) is a filleted joint.
4. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as in claim 1, wherein the annular
flanges (11, 21) merge with one another at the external
circumference, providing a cross sectional profile for the combined
annular flanges (11, 21) that yields an external convex surface
that has a suitable aerodynamic shape.
5. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as in claim 4, wherein the shape
of the cross sectional profile of annular flanges (11, 21),
excluding the central portion (10), resembles a wedding ring but
with a wider flange or a tyre but with a narrower flange.
6. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as in claim 4, wherein the cross
section profile of the combined annular flanges (11, 21) is the arc
of the leading edge on the major axis of an ellipse.
7. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as in claim 6, wherein the ellipse
may have varying eccentricity.
8. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as in claim 1, wherein the size of
the annular flanges (11, 21) is selected such that the aerodynamic
flying toy (1) may be conveniently gripped by placing the fingers
on the convex side of the annular flanges (11, 12) or on the rims
(12, 22).
9. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as in claim 1, wherein the
aerodynamic flying toy (1) is further provided with at least one
spaced apart rib or ridge each (16, 26) between the rim (12) and
the central portion (10) and between the rim (22) and the central
portion (10) respectively, the rib or ridge (16, 26) run
circumferentially around the aerodynamic flying toy (1) in planes
parallel to the plane of the central portion (10).
10. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as in claim 9, wherein the widths
of the or each rib or ridge (36, 46) is such that the circles
formed by the loci of the free end of the or each rib or ridge (36,
46) has the same or greater radius than the circle formed by the
loci of the rim (12 or 22).
11. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as in claim 1, wherein the convex
side of the annular flanges (11, 21) are provided with ridges to
facilitate better frictional grip by the user.
12. (canceled)
13. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as claim 2, wherein the convex
side of the annular flanges (11, 21) are provided with ridges to
facilitate better frictional grip by the user.
14. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as claim 3, wherein the convex
side of the annular flanges (11, 21) are provided with ridges to
facilitate better frictional grip by the user.
15. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as claim 4, wherein the convex
side of the annular flanges (11, 21) are provided with ridges to
facilitate better frictional grip by the user.
16. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as claim 5, wherein the convex
side of the annular flanges (11, 21) are provided with ridges to
facilitate better frictional grip by the user.
17. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as claim 6, wherein the convex
side of the annular flanges (11, 21) are provided with ridges to
facilitate better frictional grip by the user.
18. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as claim 7, wherein the convex
side of the annular flanges (11, 21) are provided with ridges to
facilitate better frictional grip by the user.
19. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as claim 8, wherein the convex
side of the annular flanges (11, 21) are provided with ridges to
facilitate better frictional grip by the user.
20. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as claim 9, wherein the convex
side of the annular flanges (11, 21) are provided with ridges to
facilitate better frictional grip by the user.
21. An aerodynamic flying toy (1) as claim 10, wherein the convex
side of the annular flanges (11, 21) are provided with ridges to
facilitate better frictional grip by the user.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to aerodynamic flying toys adapted
for throwing with a spinning motion imparted thereto on the
aerodynamic flying toy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Aerodynamic toys have been used extensively for
entertainment purposes and developing agility and other skills in
the person using the toy. The conventional aerodynamic flying toys
are substantially saucer shaped or modification thereof and may
incorporate lights for better visual effect when used at night. The
saucer shaped aerodynamic flying toy is normally gripped by placing
the thumb on the convex side of the saucer with the fingers or
fingers of the hand extending around the rim and being placed on
the concave side of the saucer.
[0003] It is an objective of the present invention to provide an
aerodynamic flying toy that has a circumferential surface that
facilitates gripping by the user, resulting in more consistent and
better controlled throws and allows varied styles of launching.
[0004] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
an aerodynamic flying toy capable of accomplishing a variety of
aerodynamic manoeuvres.
[0005] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide an aerodynamic flying toy that has an inner concave portion
on each side, enabling the aerodynamic flying toy to be launched
immediately without having to first adjust and orient the convex
surface upward as would be the case in an aerodynamic toy with only
one inner concave portion.
[0006] When taken with the following descriptions of the drawings
(not to scale), the various features and advantages of the
aerodynamic flying toy of this invention will become apparent.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] The aerodynamic flying toy has a central portion that is
circular in form and circumscribed at its peripheral edge by a
first annular flange curving upwardly laterally towards the centre
of the central portion, terminating in a first rim, and with the
inner surface of the first annular flange and the central portion
forming a first concave portion of the aerodynamic flying toy. A
second annular flange circumscribes the peripheral edge of the
central portion and curving downwardly laterally towards the centre
of the central portion, terminating in a second rim and with the
inner surface of the second annular flange and the central portion
forming a second concave portion of the aerodynamic flying toy. The
annular flanges are preferably symmetrical about the central
portion. The annular flanges merge with one another at the external
circumference to form into a shape that resembles a wedding ring
but with a wider flange or a tyre but with a narrower flange. The
curved surface on the concave side of the annular flange of the
aerodynamic flying toy can be further provided with one or more
spaced apart ribs or ridges.
[0008] One salient feature of the aerodynamic flying toy of the
present invention is that it is provided with two concave portions,
enabling the aerodynamic flying toy to be launched with either of
the concave portion facing down. A complete ring like annular
circumferential surface facilitates gripping by the user. The
aerodynamic flying toy can be gripped while launching in several
possible ways such as with the thumb and fingers placed on the rims
or on the convex surface of the aerodynamic flying toy. The
aerodynamic flying toy can be launched flexibly in several styles
such as back hand style, fore hand style, discus style throw.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] The drawings constitute part of this specification and
include an exemplary or preferred embodiment of the invention,
which may be embodied in various forms. It should be understood,
however, the disclosed preferred embodiments are merely exemplary
of the invention. Therefore, the figures (not to scale) disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the
basis for the claim and for teaching one skilled in the art of the
invention.
[0010] In the appended drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1 is the top view of an embodiment of the aerodynamic
flying toy of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the aerodynamic flying toy
of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is the cross-sectional view at the section X-X of
FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is the vertical cross sectional view through a
diametrical line of the central portion of the aerodynamic flying
toy of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is the vertical cross sectional view through a
diametrical line of the central portion of an aerodynamic flying
toy provided with ribs or ridges.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the aerodynamic flying toy (1)
has a central portion (10) that is circular in form. A first
annular flange (11) circumscribes the central portion (10) at its
peripheral edge and curving upwardly laterally towards the centre
of the central portion (10), terminating in a first rim (12), and
with the inner surface of the first annular flange (11) and the
central portion (10) forming a first concave portion (15) of the
aerodynamic flying toy (1). A second annular flange (21)
circumscribes the peripheral edge of the central portion (10) and
curving downwardly laterally towards the centre of the central
portion (10), terminating in a second rim (22), and with the inner
surface of the second annular flange (21) and the central portion
(10) forming a second concave portion (25) of the aerodynamic
flying toy (1). Each annular flange (11, 21) merges with the
central portion (10) at the peripheral edge of the central portion
(10) in a curved and smooth transitional manner. The areas (13, 23)
where the annular flanges (11, 21) meet the central portion (10) is
preferably a filleted joint, but may also be other smooth joint
such as a rim groove and the like, so as to reduce interference
drag where the surfaces meet one another. The annular flanges (11,
21) are preferably symmetrical about the central portion (10) and
merge with one another at the external circumference to form into a
shape, when ignoring the central portion, that resembles a wedding
ring but with a wider flange or a tyre but with a narrower
flange.
[0017] The cross section profile of the combined annular flanges
(11, 21) could be any suitable aerodynamic shape such as, but not
limited to, the arc of the leading edge on the major axis of an
ellipse, generating many possible arcs depending on the
eccentricity of the ellipse, the arc of a circle, and the like
curved surface and even V-shaped. The size of the annular flanges
(11, 21) is selected such that the aerodynamic flying toy (1) may
be conveniently gripped by placing the fingers on the convex side
of the annular flanges (11, 12) or on the rims (12, 22).
[0018] Ridges (not shown) may be provided on the convex side of the
annular flanges (11, 21) to act as spoiler as well as to improve
the grip by user on the circumferential surface of the convex side
of the annular flanges (11, 21) of the aerodynamic flying toy
(1).
[0019] The central portion (10) and the annular flanges (11, 21)
preferably comprise a single unit of unitary construction.
Preferably the aerodynamic flying toy (1) of the present invention
is manufactured integrally by injection moulding of plastic such as
ABS, polyethylene and the like. The plastic material enables the
aerodynamic flying toy (1) to have the degree of rigidity necessary
for shape retention while retaining a limited degree of softness
and flexibility to reduce impact shock on the party catching the
aerodynamic flying toy (1). However, the material used may be foam
rubber if a softer aerodynamic flying toy is preferred.
[0020] The combined peripheral convex surface of the annular
flanges (11, 21) enable users to maintain firmer physical contact
with the aerodynamic flying toy (1) during launching resulting in
several advantages such as a more consistent, better controlled
launches and better transfer of spins and torque for longer and
faster flights of the aerodynamic flying toy (1) of the present
invention.
[0021] The aerodynamic flying toy (1) can be gripped while
launching in several possible ways. One way is to place the thumb
on the convex side of the convex surface of one annular flange (11
or 21) and the other fingers on the convex surface of the other
annular flange (21 or 11). Alternatively, instead of the other four
fingers on the other annular flange (21 or 11), the fore finger can
be at the leading edge of the annular flange surfaces i.e. at the
meeting surfaces of the first annular flange (11) and the second
annular flange (21). The aerodynamic flying toy (1) could also be
launched, for example, by holding the aerodynamic flying toy (1)
with the thumb on one rim (12 or 22) and the forefinger or other
finger or fingers on the other rim (22 or 12) and trusting the
aerodynamic flying toy (1) forward with a spinning motion.
[0022] The aerodynamic flying toy (1) can be launched flexibly in
several styles such as back hand style, fore hand style, discus
style throw, making the aerodynamic flying toy (1) more challenging
and exciting to play with.
[0023] With a concave portion (15, 25) on each side of the
aerodynamic flying toy (1), the aerodynamic flying toy (1) can be
thrown immediately or re-launched immediately after catching the
throw from another player without having to adjust or orientate the
convex side of the aerodynamic toy (1) upward as with conventional
Frisbee available in the market. Depending on the skill of the
throwers, the aerodynamic flying toy (1) can also flip over from
having one concave portion (15 or 25) facing downward into having
the other concave portion (25 or 15) facing downward. Such varied
flight manoeuvres provide even greater challenge to the user,
making a game using the aerodynamic flying toy (1) of the present
invention more interesting and exciting. Such flip over manoeuvre
would not be possible with conventional saucer shaped aerodynamic
toy that has only one concave portion.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 5, the curved surface on the concave side
of the annular flange (11, 21) of the aerodynamic flying toy (1)
can be further provided with one or more spaced apart ribs or
ridges (16, 26) between the rim (12) and the central portion (10)
and between the rim (22) and the central portion (10) respectively.
These ribs or ridges (16, 26) run circumferentially around the
aerodynamic flying toy (1) in planes parallel to the plane of the
central portion (10) and concentric about the vertical axis passing
through the centre of the central portion (10). The width of the
ribs or ridges (16, 26) next to the central portion (10) is the
widest and decreases progressively towards the rim (11, 21).
Preferably the widths of the ribs or ridges (36, 46) are adapted in
such a way that the circles formed by the loci of the free ends of
the ribs or ridges (36, 46) have the same or greater radius than
the circle formed by the loci of the rim (12 or 22). For an
aerodynamic flying toy (1) provided with only one rib or ridge on
either side of the concave portion (15, 25), the loci of the free
ends of the ribs or ridges (36, 46) have the same or greater radius
than that of the rims (12, 22). An aerodynamic flying toy (1) with
ribs or ridges (36, 46) is relative heavier than an aerodynamic
flying toy (1) without ribs or ridges (36, 46). With a heavier
weight at the annular flange, the aerodynamic flying toy (1) is
capable of achieving higher and longer flight trajectories compared
to the aerodynamic flying toy (1) without ribs or ridges (36, 46).
The weight of the aerodynamic flying toy (1) can be varied by
having different numbers of ribs or ridges (36, 46).
[0025] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the principle and scope of the
invention, and all such modifications as would obvious to one
skilled in the art intended to be included within the scope of
following claims.
* * * * *