U.S. patent application number 15/667371 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-29 for self-propelled toy glider.
The applicant listed for this patent is Connor Lee Middleton, Lance Middleton. Invention is credited to Connor Lee Middleton, Lance Middleton.
Application Number | 20180085678 15/667371 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61687473 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180085678 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Middleton; Connor Lee ; et
al. |
March 29, 2018 |
SELF-PROPELLED TOY GLIDER
Abstract
A self-propelled toy glider includes a flexible frame and a
flight surface. The flexible frame may deformed and held within the
user's hand. When deformed, the flexible frame stores spring
energy. This spring energy is subsequently used to propel the
self-propelled toy glider forward as it returns to original shape.
Related to glider durability and overall safety, the flexible frame
can elastically deform when the toy glider impacts objects during
flight.
Inventors: |
Middleton; Connor Lee;
(Germantown, TN) ; Middleton; Lance; (Germantown,
TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Middleton; Connor Lee
Middleton; Lance |
Germantown
Germantown |
TN
TN |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61687473 |
Appl. No.: |
15/667371 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62399118 |
Sep 23, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 27/02 20130101;
A63H 27/00 20130101; A63H 29/18 20130101; A63H 27/08 20130101; A63H
27/14 20130101; A63H 29/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 27/14 20060101
A63H027/14; A63H 27/00 20060101 A63H027/00; A63H 29/00 20060101
A63H029/00; A63H 29/18 20060101 A63H029/18 |
Claims
1. A glider comprising: (a) a flexible frame; (b) a flight surface,
wherein the flight surface is comprised of a fabric material that
is coupled with the flexible frame; (c) a nose element, the nose
element being coupled with the frame, wherein the nose element is
weighted and is coupled to the flexible frame with a plurality of
fasteners, and (d) a finger hold, the finger hold being at least
partially defined by the flexible frame.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional
application 62/399,118, filed Sep. 23, 2016, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments relate, generally, to a toy glider. More
specifically, a toy glider with a flight surface and an elastically
deformable frame, wherein the elastically deformable frame provides
a mechanism for a self-propelled launch.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Toy and recreational gliders are popular among children and
adults, ranging from simple paper airplanes to more sophisticated
remote-control models. These gliders provide an entertaining and
educational opportunity to explore aviation, aerodynamics, and
physics.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments can be directed to a toy glider with a flight
surface supported by a frame. At least a portion the frame can
elastically deform to provide spring energy for self-propelling the
toy glider during a launch. The frame also adds to the durability
and safety of the toy glider, since it reduces the glider's impact
force when colliding with other objects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The particular features and advantages of the various
embodiments, as well as, other objectives will become apparent from
the following description taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a first embodiment of
a glider with a flight surface and flexible frame.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows an exploded top perspective view of the glider
of FIG. 1 to include a flight surface, nose element, and flexible
frame.
[0008] FIG. 3A shows a top view of the glider shown in FIG. 1 with
a shape change when subjected to compressive forces; FIG. 3B shows
the glider of FIG. 1 in a compressed shape, held within a hand of
the user; and FIG. 3C shows the glider of FIG. 1 released and in
flight.
[0009] FIG. 4A shows a top perspective view of second embodiment of
a glider having a flexible frame, flight surface, nose element, and
a longitudinal element; and FIG. 4B shows a bottom perspective view
of the glider shown in FIG. 4A to include an attachment element
associated with the nose.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the glider shown
in FIG. 4A associated with a rubber-band catapult launcher.
[0011] FIG. 6A shows a top perspective view of a third embodiment
of a glider having a flexible frame, flight surface, and nose
element; and FIG. 6B shows a portion of the flight surface folding
in a prescribed manner when subjected to compressive forces.
[0012] FIG. 7 shows a top view of a fourth embodiment of a glider
to include an elastic frame and a flight surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment, glider 100, to include
flight surface 120, flexible frame 130, nose element 150, fasteners
152, and finger hold 156. An exemplary construction pertaining to a
glider can involve sewing a fabric surface to a flexible frame
using a peripheral hem. Accordingly, FIG. 1 shows flight surface
120 and flexible frame 130 attached by hem 140 and stitching 142.
By way of example, hem 140 may be folded fabric. Alternatively, a
hem may be integral with flight surface 120 and folded around
flexible frame 130. FIG. 1 also shows axis A-A perpendicular to
flight surface 120. To provide aerial stability, flight surface 120
may be cambered or arcuate, as shown by line B-B. Flight surface
120 can be comprised of left wing surface 122, right wing surface
124, and tail surface 126. Nose element 150 may provide forward
weight to lead glider 100 through the air. As described in greater
detail in subsequent sections, glider 100 can assume an elastically
deformed shape for a self-propelled launch.
[0014] Flight surface 120 may be constructed of any number of thin
flexible materials, to include polymer fabric, polymer sheet, or
natural fiber fabric. Examples of a polymer fabric include nylon or
rip-stop nylon. An example of a polymer sheet is Tyvek.RTM., made
from high-density polyethylene fibers. An example of a natural
fiber fabric is cotton. Flight surface 120 is of sufficient surface
area and shape for gliding flight of glider 100. Hem 140 and
stitching 142 are shown as a mechanism to attach at least a portion
of flight surface 120 to flexible frame 130. The flight surface 130
may also be secured to flexible frame 130 using a variety of
attachment mechanisms, to include glue, thermal welding, and
fasteners. In its entirety, or in designated regions, flight
surface 120 may be porous to allow air to pass thru during flight.
This may be advantageous applied to achieve certain aerodynamic
stability and glide angle characteristics, and may reduce glider
weight. Flight surface 120 may be advantageously designed to billow
during flight, that is, a flight surface may or may not be attached
to frame in a taut manner. Glider 100 may be further defined by a
forward portion 172 and an aft portion 174.
[0015] At least a portion of flexible frame 130 is designed for
elastic deformation. Flexible frame 130 may be constructed from
metal, plastics, composite materials, and combinations thereof. An
example of a preferred material is spring-steel. Another example
material for flexible frame construction is fiberglass. To achieve
desirable strength, stiffness, and aerodynamic characteristics,
frame may have a varying cross-section. As examples, cross-section
of flexible frame 130 may be circular (as shown), but it may also
be non-circular to achieve desired directional stiffness and
strength properties. As an example, a rectangular cross-section may
have a height greater than the width. This particular rectangular
configuration may be easier to compress to establish spring forces,
yet have greater strength and stiffness to support vertical loads
during flight. Alternatively, the frame may have an aerodynamic
shape to reduce drag or otherwise create aerodynamic lift during
flight.
[0016] A frame may partially or completely define the outer shape
of the glider or flight surface. As an example, flexible frame 130
of glider 100 (FIG. 1) is aligned with the outer shape of wing
portion 172 and the outer shape of tail portion 174, completely
defining the outer shape of the glider. Alternatively, a flexible
frame may only form a portion of the glider. As an example, an
elastically deformable frame may simply form a fuselage or a
portion of a fuselage.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of glider 100, to include flight
surface 120, flexible frame 130, nose element 150, and hem 140.
Nose element 150 is configured with slot 154 to enable fixation to
flexible frame 130. Nose element 150 is fastened to flexible frame
130 using fasteners 152 in combination with fastener holes 153.
Fasteners 152 and corresponding fastener holes 153 may at least be
partially threaded or may incorporate a non-threaded fastening
mechanism, such as, a rivet connection. Nose element 150 may also
be fastened by adhesives to frame 130 or flight surface 120.
Exemplary materials for fastener 152 include metals, plastics, or
composites, and combinations thereof. Nose element 150 has finger
hold 156 in the form of a dimple shape to facilitate holding glider
100 in a deformed shape, as described in subsequent section. Finger
hold 156 may take the form of a dimple (shown), protrusion, or
hole. Nose element 150 may be at least partially comprised of
plastic, metal, or foam, the latter a common glider material for
absorbing impact. Nose element 150 may be slidably connected to
frame 130 for selective lateral positioning, where the nose element
150 can provide a weight-based mechanism for trimming glider 100 to
follow a straight flight path or an arcuate flight path.
[0018] A flexible frame can include a beam element or a series of
interconnecting beam elements arranged to achieve a desired shape
and spring stiffness. Substantially long and relatively thin beams
are inherently flexible, so a preferred glider frame or frame
section may be described as a beam or beam element, wherein the
length of beam or beam element is substantially greater than any
dimensional width, height, or diameter associated with the beam's
cross-section. With continuing reference to FIG. 2, flexible frame
130 may defined as a series of interconnecting arcuate or straight
beam elements collectively achieving a desired shape and spring
stiffness. Concurrently, flexible frame 130 has an overall shape to
peripherally support flight surface 120. More specifically,
flexible frame 130 may be further defined as having forward frame
portion 132 and aft frame portion 134. Forward frame portion 132
may be defined as a segment of flexible frame 130 extending from
point U to point V and may further be described as an arcuate beam
element. Aft frame portion 132 may be defined as a segment of
flexible frame 130 extending from point X to point Y. Forward frame
portion 132 may be defined as a segment of flexible frame 130
forming an arcuate, elongated beam element or segment.
[0019] Glider 100 exhibits a beneficial degree of flexibility that
enables spring-energy to be stored prior to flight as a result of a
shape change of flexible frame 130. Accordingly, FIGS. 3A, 3B, and
3C demonstrate a preferred method for advantageously launching
glider 100. The arrows shown in FIG. 3A represent opposing forces
applied to glider 100, demonstrating the ability of glider 100 to
change shape. More specifically, glider 100 is shown in a first
shape 180' (at rest) and second shape 180'' (compressed). At least
a portion of flexible frame 130 is able to store spring forces
associated with elastic deformation. This elastic deformation can
be associated with beam bending and may be accompanied by beam
torsion. Elastic deformation of the flexible frame 130 may be
associated with a degree of twisting of the elastic frame. By way
of example, wing surface 122 and right wing surface may twist about
their longitudinal axis. Referring now to FIG. 3B, a user is able
to compress glider 100 toward a second shape 180''. Finger hold 156
(FIG. 3A) may be used to assist the user compress and hold glider
100 in second shape 180''. More specifically, a force may be
applied to forward portion 172 and an opposing force is applied to
aft portion 174. With continued reference to FIG. 3B, glider 100
assumes second shape 180'' with elastic potential energy stored in
flexible frame 130. Accordingly, flexible frame 130 is deformed to
store elastic spring force, readily available to provide a
launching force. As shown in FIG. 3C, the user releases glider 100
into flight as aft portion 174 of glider 100 pushes against the
user's hand. During this self-propelled launch, glider 100
transitions back to first shape 180' (natural shape at rest or in
flight). A user's hand is shown in an exemplary mode of operation,
however, any number of means and objects can be used to compress
glider 100 and provide a suitably platform for a self-propelled
launch.
[0020] The glider can be essentially programmed with the
appropriate thrust to provide a good flight. In part, this
programming of flight thrust is a combination of frame geometry,
material properties, and the extent of deformation. Unlike many
other hand-launched gliders, the embodiments disclosed herein may
require less finesse to achieve a desirable flight. This is
especially appealing to younger children that might otherwise
struggle with the traditional hand-launch of a toy glider, but may
otherwise be fully capable of holding and releasing an object. In
addition, combining arm and hand movements can initiate longer
flights or produced curved trajectories.
[0021] Durability of toy gliders remains problematic. Free flight
gliders often strike stationary objects and may become damaged or
cause damage to the object they strike, especially when the glider
is used indoors. The flexible frame and compliant flight surface of
certain embodiments may provide a lightweight and durable glider
because impact forces can be absorbed by the frame upon impact with
an object. More specifically, impact forces are diminished, as at
least a portion of kinetic energy is stored upon impact as elastic
potential energy through elastic deformation of the flexible frame,
ultimately released again as kinetic energy as the glider rebounds
away from an object. As an example, frame 130 of glider 100 of FIG.
1 can store spring energy upon impact and rebound against objects
it strikes. Accordingly, the inventive aspects of the present
glider provide an improved glider with advantageous durability
associated with a high degree of safety for users and objects the
glider may strike.
[0022] A second embodiment, glider 200, is shown in FIGS. 4A and
4B. Similar to glider 100, glider 200 has flight surface 220, frame
230, and nose element 250. Line C-C defines an axis substantially
vertical during level flight. Flight surface 220 is attached to
frame 230 by hem 240. Hem 240 is sewn or otherwise bonded to secure
flight surface 220 to frame 230. Flight surface 220 can be
comprised of left wing surface 222, right wing surface 224, and
tail surface 226. At least a portion of frame 230 may be
purposefully and temporarily deformed to store spring forces for
launching glider 200. Glider 200 is also comprised of central strap
228 and pull tab 229. FIG. 4B shows a bottom-perspective view of
glider 200, and particularly shows attachment element 258 for
attaching other components, such as, a tether or rubber-band
launcher. Alternatively, attachment element 258 can be used as a
finger hold for a traditional hand-launch, wherein glider 200 may
be tossed in the manner of launching a paper airplane.
[0023] Like glider 100, glider 200 can be launched in a similar
manner by deforming frame 230, especially in compression, followed
by a self-propelled launch by hand as elastic potential energy is
converted to kinetic energy (see FIGS. 3A thru 3C). For longer
flights, especially outdoors, glider 200 can also be launched by
using a rubber band-based launcher. Referring now to FIG. 5, glider
200 is shown coupled with a rubber band launcher 260. The rubber
band launcher 260 includes handle 262 and rubber band 264. Related
to a method of launching glider 200, one hand holds handle 260 and
the other hand is used to grab pull tab 229 and load rubber band
264 in tension for launch (user's hands are not shown).
Accordingly, FIG. 5 shows glider 200 ready for launch, as rubber
band 264 is loaded in tension. The user launches glider 200 by
releasing pull tab 229. Central strap 228, may be configured as a
substantially non-elastic member, serving as a tension band, to
prevent glider 200 from being overstretched. As an example, central
strap 228 may be a woven nylon strip. Conversely, central strap 228
may be configured with a degree of elasticity to provide spring
forces for launch when tensioned.
[0024] Alternatively, an attachment element, such as attachment
element 258 of glider 200, can be used to attach a tether. As an
example, a tether can be a slender, flexible ribbon constructed of
a synthetic or natural fabric. One end of the tether may be
permanently attached to the glider or it may have a release
mechanism. By holding the free end of the tether, the user is able
to propel glider 200 in a circular motion and optionally release
the tether to propel glider 200 into free flight.
[0025] A third embodiment, glider 300, is shown in FIG. 6A, to
include flight surface 320, frame 330, and nose element 350. Flight
surface 320 has patterned creases, allowing it to fold in a manner
similar to a foldable fan. More specifically, flight surface 320 is
formed in part by creases 325 and creases 327. Flight surface 320
may be formed from a plastic sheet with a capacity for elastic
deformation. Viewed as a partial lateral cross-section, FIG. 6B
shows a portion of flight surface 320 in at partially compressed
state. Compression forces are indicated by the arrows. More
specifically, the crease pattern is formed by alternating a first
crease 325 and second crease 327, predisposed to fold flight
surface 320 in compression. Flight surface 320, as an example, can
be a plastic sheet, capable of deforming in a fan-like or
accordion-like manner when pre-creased and subjected to
compression. Further, at least a portion of the aforementioned
deformation of flight surface 320 can be elastic deformation,
wherein spring forces are stored for launch. At least a portion of
frame 330 can store spring energy by elastic deformation, similar
to aforementioned gliders described herein. Like glider 100, glider
300, can be launched by introducing a shape change (see FIGS. 3A,
3B, and 3C).
[0026] A fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, glider 400,
comprised of frame 430 and flight surface 420. Flight surface 420
can be comprised of left wing surface 422, right wing surface 424,
and tail surface 426. At least a portion of frame 430 is capable of
storing spring forces when frame 430 experiences a shape change.
Stored spring forces may be stored for self-propelled launch and
may created by deforming frame in a variety of shapes, to include
elongation or compression longitudinally. Flight surface 420 may be
at least partially attached to frame 430 using a variety of
methods, to include, adhesives, welding, thermal melting, or hem
and stitch, as examples. Glider 400 is shaped as a flying wing and
frame 430 can further be defined by forward frame region 432 and
rear frame region 434. Forward frame region 432 may have a degree
of elastic flexibility to absorb impact. Rear frame region 434,
defined as the trailing edge of wing, may be considered an
elongated beam element, having a different degree of elastic
flexibility to store spring-forces for a self-propelled launch.
[0027] Certain embodiments described serve as examples and should
not limit the scope and spirit of the present invention. Our
experience has shown a degree of twisting or other distortion in 3D
space may accompany compressive loading of the frame
longitudinally. The construction of a peripheral frame defining the
outer boundary of the glider may create a glider that can be folded
and collapsed thru twisting of the frame, creating a smaller
package for travel. In addition, any number of components known in
the art can be added to enhance flight, to include a vertical
stabilizer, flaps, and landing gear. Many elements may be
adjustable to trim the glider or establish certain flight
trajectories. In addition, portions, or the entirety of the
flexible frame may be bent to trim the aircraft for optimal flight
or to otherwise change the flight trajectory.
* * * * *