U.S. patent application number 13/775221 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-13 for flying toy configured to move by wing flapping.
The applicant listed for this patent is Edwin VAN RUYMBEKE. Invention is credited to Edwin VAN RUYMBEKE.
Application Number | 20140073216 13/775221 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50233719 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140073216 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VAN RUYMBEKE; Edwin |
March 13, 2014 |
FLYING TOY CONFIGURED TO MOVE BY WING FLAPPING
Abstract
A flying toy capable of moving by flapping of wings includes an
actuation mechanism, for the wings, comprising a crank drive
rotated by a means providing the driving force, two flexible wings
arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane of
symmetry of the toy and connected, at the wing bases, to the
actuation mechanism. The wing bases are mounted oscillating about
axes arranged on both sides of the vertical plane of symmetry of
the toy. The toy includes a control means, that receives a control
signal indicating a left turn, increases the tension on the right
wing and reduces it on the left wing. For a right turn, the
opposite action is performed.
Inventors: |
VAN RUYMBEKE; Edwin;
(Marseille, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VAN RUYMBEKE; Edwin |
Marseille |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
50233719 |
Appl. No.: |
13/775221 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12830402 |
Jul 5, 2010 |
8382546 |
|
|
13775221 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/35 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 27/008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/35 |
International
Class: |
A63H 27/00 20060101
A63H027/00 |
Claims
1. A flying toy capable of moving by flapping of wings and
comprising: a support structure (1), an actuation mechanism (2),
for the wings, arranged on the support structure (1) and comprising
a crank drive (20) rotated by a means (4) providing the driving
force, two flexible wings (3a, 3b) arranged symmetrically with
respect to the vertical plane of symmetry (P) of the toy and
connected, at the wing bases (30a, 30b), to the actuation mechanism
(2), the wing bases being mounted oscillating about axes (31a, 31b)
arranged on both sides of the vertical plane of symmetry of the
toy, characterized by the fact that a control means (5), that
receives a control signal indicating a left turn, increases the
tension on the right wing and reduces it on the left wing, for a
right turn, the opposite action is performed.
2. A toy according to claim 1, wherein the posterior edges of the
main airfoil (33a, 33b) of the wings (3a, 3b) are attached on a
rudder (5) configured to pull laterally on the edges, in the plane
of the wings, so as to change the tension of the wings: a lateral
traction on the posterior edge of the right wing increases the
tension on the right wing and decreases the tension on the left
wing, a lateral traction on the posterior edge of the left wing
increases the tension on the left wing and decreases the tension on
the right wing.
3. A toy according to claim 2, wherein the rudder (5) is mounted
pivoting around an axis (52) perpendicular to the plane of the
wings (3a, 3b), the pivoting of the rudder causing a lateral
traction on the posterior edges of the main airfoil (33a, 33b) of
the wings.
4. A toy according to claim 2, wherein the rudder (5) is mounted
movable in translation in a direction parallel to the plane of the
wings (3a, 3b), the displacement of the rudder causing a lateral
traction on the posterior edges of the main airfoil (33a, 33b) of
the wings.
5. A toy according to claim 2, wherein the movement of the rudder
(5) is controlled via a radio-controlled motor (6).
6. A toy according to claim 2, wherein a return spring (8) enables
restoration of the rudder (5) in a neutral position where no
traction is exerted on the posterior edges of the main airfoil
(33a, 33b) of the wings (3a, 3b).
7. A toy according to claim 6 combined with claim 5, wherein: the
radio-controlled motor (6) is provided with reduction ratio device,
and wherein the spring (8) is pretensioned in the neutral position,
the legs of the spring being held apart by an element (71), the
pre-tension enabling restoration of the rudder (5) positively into
the neutral position, compensating for the residual frictions of
the reduction ratio device.
8. A toy according to claim 1, wherein the wings (3a, 3b) comprise
spanwise wing beams (32a, 32b) connected to the wing bases (30a,
30b), the spanwise beams being formed from a first part (3210)
inserted into the wing bases and at the end of which is attached a
rod (3220), the latter being pivotally mounted, about its
longitudinal axis, in the first part.
9. A toy according to claim 8, wherein the rods (3220) are tightly
fitted and/or cemented in a sheath (300), the latter covering the
rods so as to consolidate their base and decrease the fragility at
this area.
10. A method for controlling a flying toy capable of moving by
flapping of wings, the toy comprising: a support structure (1), an
actuation mechanism (2), for the wings, arranged on the support
structure (1) and comprising a crank drive (20) rotated by a means
(4) providing the driving force, two flexible wings (3a, 3b)
arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane of
symmetry (P) of the toy and connected, at the wing bases (30a,
30b), to the actuation mechanism (2), the wing bases being mounted
oscillating about axes (31a, 31b) arranged on both sides of the
vertical plane of symmetry of the toy, the method comprising:
increasing the tension on the right wing and reducing it on the
left wing, to control a right turn, increasing the tension on the
left wing and reducing it on the right wing, to control a left
turn.
11. A flying toy configured to move by flapping of wings, the
flying toy comprising: a support structure, an actuation mechanism
arranged on the support structure and comprising a rotatable crank
drive, two flexible wings each comprising a wing base, the two
flexible wings being arranged symmetrically with respect to a
vertical plane of symmetry of the toy and connected, at the wing
bases, to the actuation mechanism, the wing bases being mounted
oscillating about axes arranged on both sides of the vertical plane
of symmetry of the toy, a control means that, responsive to
receiving a control signal indicating a left turn, increases a
tension on the right wing while reducing a tension on the left wing
thereby effecting a left turn, and that, responsive to receiving a
control signal indicating a right turn, increases the tension on
the left wing while reducing the tension on the right left wing
thereby effecting a right turn, posterior edges of a main airfoil
of the wings are attached on a rudder configured to pull laterally
on the edges, in a plane of the wings, so as to change the tension
of the wings: a lateral traction on the posterior edge of the right
wing increases the tension on the right wing and decreases the
tension on the left wing, a lateral traction on the posterior edge
of the left wing increases the tension on the left wing and
decreases the tension on the right wing, wherein the movement of
the rudder is controlled by means of a memory shapes wires that,
responsive to receiving an electric current, constricts.
12. A toy according to claim 11, wherein the memory shapes wires
are copper-aluminium-nickel alloys.
13. A toy according to claim 11, wherein the memory shapes wires
are nickel-titanium alloys.
14. A toy according to claim 11, wherein the switching power of
memory shapes wires is controlled by a radio-control remote.
15. A toy according to claim 11, wherein the rudder is mounted
pivoting around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the wings,
the pivoting of the rudder causing a lateral traction on the
posterior edges of the main airfoil of the wings.
16. A toy according to claim 11, wherein the rudder is mounted
movable in translation in a direction parallel to the plane of the
wings, a displacement of the rudder causing a lateral traction on
the posterior edges of the main airfoil of the wings.
17. A toy according to claim 11, wherein a return spring enables
restoration of the rudder in a neutral position where no traction
is exerted on the wings.
18. A toy according to claim 11, wherein the wings comprise
spanwise wing beams connected to the wing bases, the spanwise beams
being formed from a first part inserted into the wing bases and at
the end of which is attached a rod, the latter being pivotally
mounted, about its longitudinal axis, in the first part.
19. A toy according to claim 12, wherein the rods are tightly
fitted and/or cemented in a sheath, the latter covering the rods so
as to consolidate their base and decrease the fragility at this
area.
20. A method for controlling a flying toy configured to move by
flapping of wings, the toy comprising: a support structure, an
actuation mechanism arranged on the support structure and
comprising a rotatable crank drive, two flexible wings each
comprising a wing base, the two flexible wings being arranged
symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane of symmetry of the
toy and connected, at the wing bases, to the actuation mechanism,
the wing bases being mounted oscillating about axes arranged on
both sides of the vertical plane of symmetry of the toy, each
posterior edges of a main airfoil of the wings is coupled to a
memory shape wire that, responsive to receiving an electric
current, constricts, the method comprising: receiving a control
signal, responsive to the control signal indicating a right turn,
constricting the memory shape wire coupled to the right wing to
reduce the tension on the right wing, responsive to the control
signal indicating a left turn, constricting memory shape wire
coupled to the left wing to reduce the tension on the left wing.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/830,402 of Edwin VAN RUYMBEKE filed 5 Jul.
2010, for IMPROVEMENT TO A FLYING TOY ABLE TO MOVE BY THE FLAPPING
OF WINGS, the contents of which are herein incorporated by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to the general technical field of
flying toys, and more particularly those imitating the flight of a
bird which they may resemble.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0003] The patent documents FR 1,604,345 (G. VAN RUYMBEKE) and EP
0,449,922 (G. VAN RUYMBEKE) describe a flying toy of this type
comprising: [0004] a hollow body having an elongated shape and in
the front which is housed an actuation mechanism driven by an
elastic strap providing driving force; [0005] two flexible wings
attached, first, to the actuation on the one hand, the activation
mechanism and second, on the body; [0006] a winding system for
twisting of the elastic strap motor.
[0007] In this type of flying toy, the actuation mechanism for the
wings generally comprises two oscillating levers--or wing
bases--connected or designed to be connected, each to a wing
spanwise beam on which is attached the front edge of a flexible
airfoil constituting the wings of the toy. In principle, the
beating of wings suffices to ensure the levitation of the flying
toy.
[0008] Several techniques enable turning of these flying toys. The
patent documents GB 442,667 (HAENLE), GB 20145.AAD.1910 (EUSTACE),
U.S. 2004/155145 (YOSHIJI) or U.S. Pat. No. 1,450,480 (JAMES),
teach for example changing the angle of incidence of the wings so
that the toy turns right or left.
[0009] Known more particularly, from the patent document EP
1,958,681 (PROXYFLYER), is a flying toy that can turn in a desired
direction, using a different drag on the wings. A control means,
which receives a control signal indicating a left turn, increases
the angle of incidence on the left wing and reduces it on the right
wing. For a right turn, the opposite action is performed.
[0010] The wings of this toy have airfoil surfaces that have an
increased drag when the angle of incidence increases. In practice,
this technique does not enable turning of the toy with great
precision.
[0011] Moreover, when the speed of the toy is too high, the
controls can be inverted: the increase of the angle of incidence on
the right wing (respectively left) drives a steering to the left
(respectively right). The control of such a toy can be random.
[0012] Given this state of affairs, a principal objective of the
invention is to work out a technique enabling more precise and more
effective turning of a flying toy of the type known from the prior
art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] To address the problem above, a flying toy capable of moving
by flapping of wings and comprises a support structure, an
actuation mechanism, for the wings, arranged on the support
structure and comprising a crank drive rotated by a means providing
the driving force, two flexible wings arranged symmetrically with
respect to the vertical plane of symmetry of the toy and connected,
at the wing bases, to the actuation mechanism. The wing bases are
mounted oscillating about axes arranged on both sides of the
vertical plane of symmetry of the toy. The toy includes a control
means, that receives a control signal indicating a left turn,
increases the tension on the right wing and reduces it on the left
wing, for a right turn, the opposite action is performed.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is a method for controlling a flying toy capable of moving by
flapping of wings, the toy comprising a support structure, an
actuation mechanism, for the wings, arranged on the support
structure and comprising a crank drive rotated by a means providing
the driving force, two flexible wings arranged symmetrically with
respect to the vertical plane of symmetry of the toy and connected,
at the wing bases, to the actuation mechanism, the wing bases being
mounted oscillating about axes arranged on both sides of the
vertical plane of symmetry of the toy. The method comprises
increasing the tension on the right wing and reducing it on the
left wing, to control a right turn, increasing the tension on the
left wing and reducing it on the right wing, to control a left
turn.
[0015] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a
flying toy capable of moving by flapping of wings, the flying toy
comprising a support structure, an actuation mechanism arranged on
the support structure and comprising a rotatable crank drive, two
flexible wings each comprising a wing base, the two flexible wings
being arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane of
symmetry of the toy and connected, at the wing bases, to the
actuation mechanism, the wing bases being mounted oscillating about
axes arranged on both sides of the vertical plane of symmetry of
the toy. The toy includes a control means that, responsive to
receiving a control signal indicating a left turn, increases a
tension on the right wing while reducing a tension on the left wing
thereby effecting a left turn, and that, responsive to receiving a
control signal indicating a right turn, increases the tension on
the left wing while reducing the tension on the right left wing
thereby effecting a right turn, posterior edges of a main airfoil
of the wings are attached on a rudder configured to pull laterally
on the edges, in a plane of the wings, so as to change the tension
of the wings: a lateral traction on the posterior edge of the right
wing increases the tension on the right wing and decreases the
tension on the left wing, a lateral traction on the posterior edge
of the left wing increases the tension on the left wing and
decreases the tension on the right wing, wherein the movement of
the rudder is controlled by means of a memory shapes wires that,
responsive to receiving an electric current, constricts.
[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is a method for controlling a flying toy capable of moving by
flapping of wings, the toy comprising a support structure, an
actuation mechanism arranged on the support structure and
comprising a rotatable crank drive, two flexible wings each
comprising a wing base, the two flexible wings being arranged
symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane of symmetry of the
toy and connected, at the wing bases, to the actuation mechanism,
the wing bases being mounted oscillating about axes arranged on
both sides of the vertical plane of symmetry of the toy, each
posterior edges of a main airfoil of the wings is coupled to a
memory shape wire that, responsive to receiving an electric
current, constricts. The method comprises receiving a control
signal, responsive to the control signal indicating a right turn,
constricting the memory shape wire coupled to the right wing to
reduce the tension on the right wing, and responsive to the control
signal indicating a left turn, constricting memory shape wire
coupled to the left wing to reduce the tension on the left
wing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Other advantages and features of the invention will become
more apparent upon reading the description of preferred
implementation modes which follows, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, made by way of indicative and non limiting
examples and wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view showing the layout of various
components of a toy in accordance with an exemplary embodiment,
[0019] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of detail D of FIG. 1, showing,
from above, the tensioning device for the wings,
[0020] FIG. 3 is a front view of the tensioning device for the
wings,
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tensioning device for
the wings,
[0022] FIGS. 5a and 5b show respectively a front view and a top
view of a second implementation mode for the spanwise wing
beam,
[0023] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal section view showing an example of
attachment of a rod to the end of a part of a spanwise wing
beam,
[0024] FIG. 7 is a schematic top view showing the layout of various
components of a toy in accordance with another exemplary
embodiment,
[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tensioning device for
the wings,
[0026] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of FIG. 8, showing the tensioning
device for the wings,
[0027] FIGS. 10a and 10b show respectively a front view and a top
view of another implementation mode for the spanwise wing beam,
[0028] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal section view showing an example of
attachment of a rod to the end of a part of a spanwise wing
beam.
[0029] The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and
which constitute a part of this specification, illustrate
embodiments of the exemplary embodiment and, together with the
description, explain the principles of the exemplary embodiment,
and additional advantages thereof. Throughout the drawings,
corresponding elements are labeled with corresponding reference
numbers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIRST EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The flying toy object of a first exemplary embodiment is
typically a toy imitating the flight of a bird, whose appearance it
has. It may be however any other type of flying toy that moves by
flapping of wings, for example having the appearance of an insect
or an imaginary winged character.
[0031] This toy is nonetheless remarkable in that a control means,
that receives a control signal indicating a left turn, increases
the tension on the right wing and reduces it on the left wing, for
a right turn, the opposite action being performed. A turn to the
right or to the left is controlled by the tension of the opposite
wing.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, the toy object of the exemplary
embodiment comprises a support structure 1 on which are arranged
the various components of the mechanism 2 of driving wings and
steering rudder 5. A hollow body (not shown) having elongated
shape, evoking the body of a bird, and typically made of plastic,
will cover the support structure 1 in order to conceal the various
components of the drive mechanism of the wings and rudder.
[0033] According to FIG. 1, the actuation mechanism 2 of wings 3a,
3b is arranged on the support structure 1 in the front part of the
latter. This actuation mechanism 2 enables communication of
identical oscillations to the wings 3a, 3b and more particularly
the bases of wing 30a, 30b. This actuation mechanism 2 comprises a
drive crank 20 rotated by means 4 providing the driving force. The
means 4 providing the driving force to the crank 20 can be elastic.
In this case, a winding device enabling twisting of the elastic
will be provided. This type of elastic system providing power to
the crank 20 is for example described in FIG. 5 of the document EP
0,449,922. However, the means 4 providing the driving force is
preferably an electric motor 40 coupled to a reduction gear 41. The
electric motor 40 is of the type known to the person of skill in
the art, powered by battery or by cell and whose operation can be
controlled by a remote control of the radio-control type. By
actuating this dedicated control, the user will transmit a control
signal causing the flapping of the wings to drive the flight of the
toy or to the contrary stopping the beating during the landing
and/or to simulate periods of gliding. The actuation mechanism 2 of
wings 3a, 3b, however, is well known to the person of skill in the
art and will therefore not be described here in more detail.
[0034] The two flexible wings 3a, 3b are arranged symmetrically
with respect to the vertical plane of symmetry P of the toy and
connected at the wing bases 30a, 30b, to the actuation mechanism 2.
The bases of the wings are mounted oscillating in the two
directions about axes 31a, 31b arranged symmetrically with respect
to the plane P. In practice, the external part of the bases 30a,
30b is connected, or arranged to be couplable, for example by
interlocking, to the spanwise wing beams 32a, 32b on which is
coupled the front edge of the main airfoil 33a, 33b.
[0035] The spanwise wing beams 32a, 32b have a diameter of
approximately 0.6 mm and are typically made of plastic or carbon.
However, to further lighten the structure of the toy while
retaining good rigidity, the spanwise wing beams 32a, 32b are made
wholly or partially of liquid crystal polymer (LCP) combined with
carbon fibers.
[0036] In the implementation modes shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the
spanwise wing beams 32a, 32b are formed from a first part 3210
inserted into the wing bases 30a, 30b. This first part can have a
tapered section at the end of which is attached a rod 3220 (FIG.
5a). In a second implementation mode (FIGS. 1 and 5b), the first
part of 3210 has a "gooseneck" curvature type oriented toward the
front of the toy enabling an esthetic closer to a bird, without
losing efficiency. This configuration also enables displacement of
the center position of the airfoil towards the front of the toy,
which enables modification of the flight attitude without
displacing the center of gravity.
[0037] Advantageously, the rods 3200 are mounted pivoting, along
their longitudinal axis, in the first parts 3210. The rods 3220 may
also be mounted sliding in the first parts 3210.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 6, the rods 3220 are tightly fitted and/or
cemented in a sheath 300. The latter is made of a semi-rigid
plastic. The sheath 300 covers the rods 3220 over a length of
approximately 1 cm in order to consolidate their base and reduce
the fragility in this area.
[0039] The sheath 300 is advantageously mounted mobile in rotation,
and possibly sliding, in a sleeve 301 itself tightly fitted and/or
cemented to the end 32100 of the first part 3210. During the flight
of the toy, the rods 3220 can be subject to longitudinal axis
torsional stresses. However, because the carbon rods have poor
torsional rigidity, a non negligible risk of fracture exists. The
degree of freedom of rotation of the sheath 300 cancels these
torsional stresses and reduces the risks of fracture.
[0040] In practice, when they are manufactured and/or delivered,
the rods 3220 are never perfectly straight but have a certain
curvature. In these conditions, if the rods 3220 are rigidly
connected to the first parts 3210, the curvatures of each wing 3a,
3b can not be symmetrical with respect to the plane P, which
inevitably leads to an irregular, even random, flight. The degree
of freedom of rotation of the sheath 300 enables natural
restoration of the curvature of the rods 3220 toward the rear of
toy, symmetrically with respect to the plane P.
[0041] The technique used in the exemplary embodiment and enabling
rotation of the toys toward the right or toward the left will now
be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1-4. In
accordance with the exemplary embodiment, a control means 5, that
receives a control signal indicating a left turn, increases the
tension on the right wing 33a and reduces it on the left wing 33b.
For a right turn, the control means 5 increases the tension on the
left wing 33b and reduces it on the right wing 33a. A turn to the
right or to the left is controlled by the tensioning of the
opposite wing.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, the posterior edges of the main airfoil
33a, 33b of the wings are attached to a rudder 5 configured to pull
laterally on the edges, in the plane of the wings (plane of FIG. 1
or 2 and perpendicular to the plane P), so as to change the tension
of the wings: [0043] a lateral traction on the posterior edge of
the right wing 33a increases tension on the right wing and
decreases the tension on the left wing 33b: the toy turns left,
[0044] a lateral traction on the posterior edge of the left wing
33b increases the tension on the left wing and decreases the
tension on the right wing 33a: the toy turns right.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 2, the rudder 5 has the shape of a T of
which the ends of the crossbar are attached to the posterior edges
of the main airfoil 33a, 33b of the wings. The attachment can be
made via a piece 330 more rigid than the airfoil and cemented on
the airfoil and that comprises a hole that fits on a ball-shaped
pin 50 (FIG. 3). The T-like longitudinal bar is terminated by a
gear 51 meshing with a pinion 61 driven by an electric motor 6
(FIG. 4). The latter is of the type known to the person of skill in
the art, powered by battery or by cell and whose operation is
controlled by a remote control of the radio-control type. The
direction of rotation of the motor 6 depends on the control signal
that is sent to it. A reduction ratio device can be between the
pinion gear 61 and the rotation shaft of the motor 6. The latter is
secured to a base 7 attached to the support structure 1. The rudder
5 is pivotally mounted around an axis 52 perpendicular to the plane
of the wings 33a, 33b. In practice, the axis 52 is a vertically
projecting element of the base 7, the T-like longitudinal bar
forming the rudder 5 being mounted freely in rotation around this
axis. In this configuration, when the engine 6 receives a control
signal (to turn right or to left turn), the pinion 61 rotates,
driving the gear 51. The rudder 5 then pivots either right or left
by applying lateral tension on the posterior edges of the wings
33a, 33b. In reality, the ends 50 of the rudder 5 draw an arc whose
center is the axis of rotation 52.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, a return spring 8 enables
automatic restoration of the rudder 5 in a neutral position where
no tension is exerted on the posterior edges of the main airfoil
33a, 33b of the wings. In practice, a spiral spring 8 attached on
the base 7 and from which the legs are arranged on both sides of
the T-like longitudinal bar forming the rudder 5, is used. The
spring 8 is pretensioned in the neutral position, the legs of the
spring 8 being held apart by an element 71 of the base 7. At rest,
the rudder 5 is in a neutral position, i.e. extending from the
support structure 1. When the rudder 5 leaves this position, the
legs of the spring 8 tend to return it into the neutral position.
The spring 8 having a pre-tension and resting on the element 71,
the rudder 5 is positively returned to the neutral, compensating
for the residual friction of the reduction ratio device. This
enables the flying toy to follow a straight path when the motor 6
is stopped.
[0047] In an implementation variation not shown, the rudder 5 is
mounted mobile in translation in a direction parallel to the plane
of the wings 3a, 3b, the displacement of the rudder causing a
lateral tension on the posterior edges of the main airfoil 33a, 33b
of the wings. In practice, a rudder 5 comprising a longitudinal
control rod with ends to which are attached the posterior edges of
the main airfoil 33a, 33b of the wings 3a, 3b, can be used. This
control rod is engaged on a toothed pinion driven by the electric
motor 6. The rotation of the toothed pinion drives the translation
to the right or to the left of rudder 5 and alters de facto the
tension of the wings 3a, 3b. A return spring similar to that
described above will enable automatic restoration of the rudder 5
in a neutral position where no tension is exerted on the posterior
edges of the main airfoil 33a, 33b of the wings.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the posterior part of the toy is
provided with a tail airfoil 9 arranged symmetrically with respect
to the vertical plane of symmetry P of the toy. This tail airfoil 9
can be orientable in a vertical plane so as to adjust the type of
flight: when the tail is raised, a slow flight is obtained and when
the tail is lowered, practically to the horizontal, a fast flight
is obtained. The inclination of the tail 9 can be automatically
controlled by means of a radio-controlled motor. However, the angle
of inclination of the tail 9 can be manually adjusted. To do this,
and referring to FIG. 4, the end of the tail 9 is pivotally mounted
around a horizontal axis of rotation 90. A latching device 91
attached on the base 7 enables maintenance in position of the tail
9 corresponding to a desired angle of inclination "i".
[0049] In summary, according to a preferred implementation mode,
the posterior edges of the main airfoil of the wings are attached
on a rudder configured to pull laterally on the edges, in the plane
of the wings, so as to change the tension of the wings: [0050] a
lateral traction on the posterior edge of the right wing increases
the tension on the right wing and decreases the tension on the left
wing, [0051] a lateral traction on the posterior edge of the left
wing increases the tension on the left wing and decreases the
tension on the right wing.
[0052] Advantageously, the rudder is mounted pivoting around an
axis perpendicular to the plane of the wings, the pivoting of the
rudder causing a lateral traction on the posterior edges of the
main airfoil of the wings.
[0053] In an implementation variation, the rudder is mounted mobile
in translation in a direction parallel to the plane of the wings,
the displacement of the rudder causing a lateral traction on the
posterior edges of the main airfoil of the wings.
[0054] The movement of the rudder preferably is controlled via a
radio-controlled motor.
[0055] To enable the flying toy to follow a straight path in the
absence of stress on the wings, a return spring enables automatic
restoration of the rudder into a neutral position where no tension
is exerted on the posterior edges of the main airfoil of the
wings.
[0056] According to another advantageous feature of the exemplary
embodiment: [0057] the radio-controlled motor is provided with a
reduction ratio device, [0058] and wherein the spring is
pretensioned in the neutral position, the legs of the spring being
held apart by an element, the pre-tension enabling restoration of
the rudder positively into the neutral position, compensating for
the residual frictions of the reduction ratio device.
[0059] Preferably, the wings comprise spanwise wing beams connected
to the wing bases, the spanwise beams being formed from a first
part inserted into the wing bases and at the end of which is
attached a rod, the latter being pivotally mounted, about its
longitudinal axis, in the first part.
[0060] The rods can be tightly fitted and/or cemented in a sheath,
the latter covering the rods so as to consolidate their base and
decrease the fragility at this area.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SECOND EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0061] Referring to FIG. 7, the toy object of a second exemplary
embodiment comprises a support structure 1 on which are arranged
the various components of the mechanism 2 of driving wings and
steering rudder 5. A hollow body (not shown) having elongated
shape, evoking the body of a bird, and typically made of plastic,
will cover the support structure 1 in order to conceal the various
components of the drive mechanism of the wings and rudder.
[0062] According to FIG. 7, the actuation mechanism 2 of wings 3a,
3b is arranged on the support structure 1 in the front part of the
latter. This actuation mechanism 2 enables communication of
identical oscillations to the wings 3a, 3b and more particularly
the bases of wing 30a, 30b. This actuation mechanism 2 comprises a
drive crank 20 rotated by means 4 providing the driving force. The
means 4 providing the driving force to the crank 20 can be elastic.
In this case, a winding device enabling twisting of the elastic
will be provided. This type of elastic system providing power to
the crank 20 is for example described in FIG. 5 of the document EP
0,449,922. However, the means 4 providing the driving force is
preferably an electric motor 40 coupled to a reduction gear 41. The
electric motor 40 is of the type known to the person of skill in
the art, powered by battery or by cell and whose operation can be
controlled by a remote control of the radio-control type. By
actuating this dedicated control, the user will transmit a control
signal causing the flapping of the wings to drive the flight of the
toy or to the contrary stopping the beating during the landing
and/or to simulate periods of gliding.
[0063] The two flexible wings 3a, 3b are arranged symmetrically
with respect to the vertical plane of symmetry P of the toy and
connected at the wing bases 30a, 30b, to the actuation mechanism 2.
The bases of the wings are mounted oscillating in the two
directions about axes 31a, 31b arranged symmetrically with respect
to the plane P. In practice, the external part of the bases 30a,
30b is connected, or arranged to be couplable, for example by
interlocking, to the spanwise wing beams 32a, 32b on which is
coupled the front edge of the main airfoil 33a, 33b.
[0064] The spanwise wing beams 32a, 32b have a diameter of
approximately 0.6 mm and are typically made of plastic or carbon.
However, to further lighten the structure of the toy while
retaining good rigidity, the spanwise wing beams 32a, 32b are made
wholly or partially of liquid crystal polymer combined with carbon
fibers.
[0065] In the implementation modes shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b, the
spanwise wing beams 32a, 32b are formed from a first part 3210
inserted into the wing bases 30a, 30b. This first part can have a
tapered section at the end of which is attached a rod 3220 (FIG.
10a). In another implementation mode (FIGS. 7 and 10b), the first
part of 3210 has a "gooseneck" curvature type oriented toward the
front of the toy enabling an esthetic closer to a bird, without
losing efficiency. This configuration also enables displacement of
the center position of the airfoil towards the front of the toy,
which enables modification of the flight attitude without
displacing the center of gravity.
[0066] Advantageously, the rods 3200 are mounted pivoting, along
their longitudinal axis, in the first parts 3210. The rods 3220 may
also be mounted sliding in the first parts 3210.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 11, the rods 3220 are tightly fitted
and/or cemented in a sheath 300. The latter is made of a semi-rigid
plastic. The sheath 300 covers the rods 3220 over a length of
approximately 1 cm in order to consolidate their base and reduce
the fragility in this area.
[0068] The sheath 300 is advantageously mounted mobile in rotation,
and possibly sliding, in a sleeve 301 itself tightly fitted and/or
cemented to the end 32100 of the first part 3210.
[0069] A technique used in the second exemplary embodiment and
enabling rotation of the toys toward the right or toward the left
will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7-9. A
control means 5, that receives a control signal indicating a left
turn, increases the tension on the right wing 33a and reduces it on
the left wing 33b. For a right turn, the control means 5 increases
the tension on the left wing 33b and reduces it on the right wing
33a. A turn to the right or to the left is controlled by the
tensioning of the opposite wing.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 7, the posterior edges of the main airfoil
33a, 33b of the wings are attached to a rudder 5 configured to pull
laterally on the edges, in the plane of the wings (plane of FIG. 7
and perpendicular to the plane P), so as to change the tension of
the wings:
[0071] a lateral traction on the posterior edge of the right wing
33a increases tension on the right wing and decreases the tension
on the left wing 33b: the toy turns left,
[0072] a lateral traction on the posterior edge of the left wing
33b increases the tension on the left wing and decreases the
tension on the right wing 33a: the toy turns right.
[0073] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, the rudder 5 has the shape
of a T of which the ends of the crossbar are attached to the
posterior edges of the main airfoil 33a, 33b of the wings. The
attachment can be made via a piece more rigid than the airfoil and
cemented on the airfoil and that comprises a hole that fits on a
ball-shaped pin 50 (FIGS. 8 and 9). The rudder 5 is pivotally
mounted around an axis 52 perpendicular to the plane of the wings
33a, 33b. In practice, the axis 52 is a vertically projecting
element of the support structure 1, the T-like longitudinal bar
forming the rudder 5 being mounted freely in rotation around this
axis.
[0074] Each side of the rudder 5 is attached to a memory shape wire
61a, 61b that, responsive to receiving an electric current,
constricts. Memory shape wire 61a, 61b remembers its original
cold-forged shape and returns to the pre-deformed shape when
heated. Wires 61a, 61b are preferably copper-aluminium-nickel
alloys or nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys. Wires sold under the
trademark FLEXINOL.RTM., by the American firm Dynalloy.RTM., are
preferably used.
[0075] Each wire 61a, 61b has a first end 610a, 610b and a second
end 611a, 611b. The first end 610a, 610b is attached on the rudder
5. The second end 611a, 611b is attached at the front of the toy,
and more particularly on the actuation mechanism 2. To heat such
wire, it is sufficient to apply an electric current to the
wire.
[0076] First ends 610a, 610b are electrically connected to the
bottom (for example positive bottom) of a battery 7, or a cell.
Second ends 611a, 611b are also electrically connected to the
bottom (for example negative bottom) of the battery 7, or cell.
Accordingly, by connecting ends 610a-611a, respectively 610b-611b,
to the bottom of the battery 7, the wire 61a, respectively 61b,
electrical energy will be provided to such wire. Like a resistor,
the wire 61a, 61b will heat, and therefore constrict.
[0077] Battery 7, or a cell, is preferably rechargeable and can
have a voltage capacity of approximately 0.5 volts to 12 volts, and
can be an alkaline battery, a lithium battery, a nickel-cadmium
battery, or any other battery of like voltage capacity.
[0078] The switching power of each wire is controlled by a remote
control 70 of the radio-control type. The remote control 70 is
configured with the battery 7 such that when a wire 61a or 61b
receives an electric current and constricts, the other wire 61b or
61a does not receives electric current and releases. Preferably
battery 7, or cell, is provided with a switch means such that wires
61a and 61b may be selectively connected to the battery or cell.
Remote control 70 controls such switch means. Referring to FIGS. 8
and 9, the remote control 70 and the battery 7 are mounted into a
printed circuit board 700 positioned between the two wires 61a and
61b.
[0079] The direction of rotation of the rudder 5 depends on the
control signal that is sent to remote control 70. When the remote
control 70 receives a control signal, one of the wire 61a or 61b
receives an electric current and constricts. Responsive to a
control signal indicating a right turn, memory shape wire 61a,
coupled to the right wing 33a, is constricted (while no action is
performed on the memory shape wire 61b coupled to the left wing
33b) to force the rudder 5 to rotate on the right side, which have
to effect to reduce the tension on the right wing 33a and, at same
time, increase the tension on the left wing 33b. For a left turn,
memory shape wire 61b coupled to the left wing 33b is constricted
(while no action is performed on the memory shape wire 61a coupled
to the right wing 33a) to force the rudder 5 to rotate on the left
side, which have to effect to reduce the tension on the left wing
33b and, at same time, increase the tension on the right wing
33a.
[0080] The rudder 5 then pivots either right or left by applying
lateral tension on the posterior edges of the wings 33a, 33b. In
reality, the ends 50 of the rudder 5 draw an arc whose center is
the axis of rotation 52.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 8, a return spring 8a, 8b enables
automatic restoration of the rudder 5 in a neutral position where
no tension is exerted on the posterior edges of the main airfoil
33a, 33b of the wings. In practice, a spiral spring 8a, 8b is
attached on each the second end 611a, 611b of wires 61a, 61b and on
the actuation mechanism 2. The spring 8a, 8b is pretensioned in the
neutral position. At rest, the rudder 5 is in a neutral position,
i.e. extending from the support structure 1. When the rudder 5
leaves this position, the spring 8a, 8b tends to return it into the
neutral position. The spring 8a, 8b having a pre-tension, the
rudder 5 is positively returned to the neutral position. This
enables the flying toy to follow a straight path when the remote
control 70 is stopped or when the battery 7 is not energized.
[0082] In an implementation variation not shown, the rudder 5 is
mounted mobile in translation in a direction parallel to the plane
of the wings 3a, 3b, the displacement of the rudder causing a
lateral tension on the posterior edges of the main airfoil 33a, 33b
of the wings. In practice, a rudder 5 comprising a longitudinal
control rod with ends to which are attached the posterior edges of
the main airfoil 33a, 33b of the wings 3a, 3b, can be used. This
control rod is driven by the wires 61a, 61b which are attached on
both sides of the rod. Constricting wires 61a, 61b drives the
translation to the right or to the left of rudder 5 and alters de
facto the tension of the wings 3a, 3b. A return spring similar to
that described above will enable automatic restoration of the
rudder 5 in a neutral position where no tension is exerted on the
posterior edges of the main airfoil 33a, 33b of the wings.
[0083] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, the posterior part of the
toy is provided with a tail airfoil 9 arranged symmetrically with
respect to the vertical plane of symmetry P of the toy. This tail
airfoil 9 can be orientable in a vertical plane so as to adjust the
type of flight: when the tail is raised, a slow flight is obtained
and when the tail is lowered, practically to the horizontal, a fast
flight is obtained. The inclination of the tail 9 can be
automatically controlled by means of a radio-controlled motor.
However, the angle of inclination of the tail 9 can be manually
adjusted. To do this, the end of the tail 9 is pivotally mounted
around a horizontal axis of rotation 90. A latching device 91
attached on the support structure 1 enables maintenance in position
of the tail 9 corresponding to a desired angle of inclination.
[0084] In summary, according to the second exemplary embodiment, a
flying toy comprises:
[0085] a support structure,
[0086] an actuation mechanism arranged on the support structure and
comprising a rotatable crank drive,
[0087] two flexible wings each comprising a wing base, the two
flexible wings being arranged symmetrically with respect to a
vertical plane of symmetry of the toy and connected, at the wing
bases, to the actuation mechanism, the wing bases being mounted
oscillating about axes arranged on both sides of the vertical plane
of symmetry of the toy, and
[0088] a control means that, responsive to receiving a control
signal indicating a left turn, increases a tension on the right
wing while reducing a tension on the left wing thereby effecting a
left turn, and that, responsive to receiving a control signal
indicating a right turn, increases the tension on the left wing
while reducing the tension on the right left wing thereby effecting
a right turn,
[0089] posterior edges of a main airfoil of the wings are attached
on a rudder configured to pull laterally on the edges, in a plane
of the wings, so as to change the tension of the wings:
[0090] a lateral traction on the posterior edge of the right wing
increases the tension on the right wing and decreases the tension
on the left wing,
[0091] a lateral traction on the posterior edge of the left wing
increases the tension on the left wing and decreases the tension on
the right wing,
[0092] wherein the movement of the rudder is controlled by means of
a memory shapes wires that, responsive to receiving an electric
current, constricts.
[0093] Accordingly to the second exemplary embodiment, control
means that receives a control signal indicating a left turn
constricts memory shape wire coupled to the left wing to reduce the
tension on the left wing, the tension on the left wing being
preferably increased at that time. For a right turn, the opposite
action is performed.
[0094] Advantageously, the memory shapes wires are
copper-aluminium-nickel alloys or nickel-titanium alloys.
[0095] The switching power of memory shapes wires is preferably
controlled by a radio-control remote.
[0096] Advantageously, the rudder is mounted pivoting around an
axis perpendicular to the plane of the wings, the pivoting of the
rudder causing a lateral traction on the posterior edges of the
main airfoil of the wings.
[0097] In an implementation variation, the rudder is mounted mobile
in translation in a direction parallel to the plane of the wings,
the displacement of the rudder causing a lateral traction on the
posterior edges of the main airfoil of the wings.
[0098] To enable the flying toy to follow a straight path in the
absence of stress on the wings, a return spring enables automatic
restoration of the rudder into a neutral position where no tension
is exerted on the posterior edges of the main airfoil of the
wings.
[0099] Preferably, the wings comprise spanwise wing beams connected
to the wing bases, the spanwise beams being formed from a first
part inserted into the wing bases and at the end of which is
attached a rod, the latter being pivotally mounted, about its
longitudinal axis, in the first part.
[0100] The rods can be tightly fitted and/or cemented in a sheath,
the latter covering the rods so as to consolidate their base and
decrease the fragility at this area.
[0101] While preferred embodiments of the present exemplary
embodiment have been described above, it is to be understood that
variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in
the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
exemplary embodiment. The scope of the present exemplary
embodiment, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following
claims.
* * * * *