Amusement devices: toys – Aerodynamically supported or retarded – Glider
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-22
2001-06-19
Rimell, Sam (Department: 3712)
Amusement devices: toys
Aerodynamically supported or retarded
Glider
C446S063000, C446S045000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247990
ABSTRACT:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
My invention falls under the category of outdoor action toys such as hand/rubberband launched glider airplanes or hand twirled propellers (whirligigs). I have a vague recollection of seeing an all plastic toy with the same objective as my invention, but it was more of a novelty without the high performance features of my design. A few years ago I began the task of making a high performance toy autogiro like the one to be described, and after repeated failures, I realized the undertaking proved to be more difficult than I imagined. The reasons for the difficulty are primarily in the contradictory design requirements. To obtain a high altitude, the device must be streamlined. During descent it must have high wind drag. One attribute is usually achieved at the expense of the other. This is probably why only marginal performance has been seen to date. Making a device that will undergo such a transition is quite a challenge, especially for a toy. Without the right design such a toy could fail to transition properly, and damage results as I can attest. Also timers and sensors (altitude, attitude, velocity, inertia, etc.) for a toy are prohibitive due to complexity and cost. The invention I am submitting, through a unique blend of materials and design features solves the problems mentioned. Though appearing simple, this design is not obvious considering the many variables involved. I do not know of any previous invention with the high performance characteristics of the one described herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A rubberband launched toy autogiro which due to its clean aerodynamic design and light weight can be propelled at high velocity to an altitude in excess of 100 feet. As wind drag and gravity bring the upward speed to zero, air pressure on the two folded wings drops and allows them to open. Gravity pulls the nose downward and the toy spins autogiro-like in a slow descent back to the ground. With a descent rate of about 8 to 10 ft/sec, time aloft can be routinely greater than 15 seconds. Under conditions of thermal air uplifts, it may stay aloft over one minute (and possibly get lost). Some skill is needed to launch it without entanglement in the rubberband, but with practice anyone 10 or more years old should have little difficulty, while those as young as four can catch it on landing. In a cleared open area under calm weather, this is a fascinating, high performance, flying outdoor toy which can be enjoyed by young and old.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2236877 (1941-04-01), Jacobs
patent: 2417267 (1947-03-01), Porter
patent: 4836817 (1989-06-01), Corbin
patent: 4863413 (1989-09-01), Schwarz
patent: 5013277 (1991-05-01), Hufeld
patent: 5284454 (1994-02-01), Randolph
patent: 5423706 (1995-06-01), Chase
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