GLIDER TOY AND KIT

Abstract

A toy glider includes a nose section having a flat circular shape. A hook projects from a first surface of the nose section proximate a front edge of the nose section. A circular left wing is formed at a left side of the nose. A circular right wing formed at a right side of the circular nose section. A left winglet extends from the left wing; and, a right winglet extends from the right wing

Description

BACKGROUND

Toy gliders conventionally have a vertical body with a thin nose and horizontal long and thin wings that pass through the body. While easily constructed, these designs are prone to damage upon collision.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The act of playing with the G-Glider is as if you are connecting with nature, as the sunshine and breeze combine with this glider in order to affect a fulfilling flying experience that takes the user with it high into the sky.

A primary objective of the invention is to provide an inexpensive toy glider with the ability to reach the highest altitude of any other toy glider presently on the market. The glider is designed to be robust, avoiding thin and delicate wings that are easily damaged. The use of round shapes for the node and wings provides significantly improved resistance to damage as compared to conventional designs that have thin noses and long thin wings with straight edges. An additional bonus of using this glider is that it is a healthy activity that is physically and mentally rewarding.

In one embodiment, a toy glider includes a nose section having a flat circular shape, a hook projecting from a first surface of the nose section proximate a front edge of the nose section, a circular left wing formed at a left side of the nose section, a circular right wing formed at a right side of the nose section, a left winglet extending from the left wing, and a right winglet extending from the right wing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example toy glider, in an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a back elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a right side elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one example toy glider with a tail, in an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a top elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a bottom elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a back elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a right side elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is a top elevation of a modular toy glider that is similar to the toy glider of FIG. 1, in an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a bottom elevation of the modular toy glider of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front elevation of the modular toy glider of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a back elevation of the modular toy glider of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a right side elevation of the modular toy glider of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a top elevation of a modular toy glider with tail that is similar to the toy glider of FIG. 7, in an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a bottom elevation of the modular toy glider with tail of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a front elevation of the modular toy glider with tail of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a back elevation of the modular toy glider with tail of FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a right side elevation of the modular toy glider with tail of FIG. 18.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating launch of the toy glider of FIG. 1.

FIG. 24 is a bottom elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 7 showing example navigation lights added to the wings and tail, in an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example toy glider 100, in an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a bottom elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a back elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a right side elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 1. FIGS. 1-6 are best viewed together with the following description.

Glider 100 has a circular nose section 102, left and right circular wings 104(1), 104(2), positioned on either side of the circular nose section 102, a left semi-circular winglet 106(1) positioned through a left slot 108(1) in left circular wing 104(1), and a right semi-circular winglet 106(2) positioned through a right slot 108(2) in right circular wing 104(2). Winglets 106 may be perpendicular to their corresponding wing 104. Winglets 106 may be other shapes without departing from the scope hereof. Glider 100 is symmetrical about a center line 110 that runs from the front 112 to the rear 114 of glider 100. Glider 100 is constructed from a durable foam material, but may be constructed from other materials (e.g., plastic, silicone, rubber, etc.) without departing from the scope hereof. Circular nose section 102 and circular wings 104(1), 104(2) are flat with an upper surface 116 and a lower surface 118 and formed, for example from the durable foam material, as a single structure. Each semi-circular winglet 106 is formed separately of the durable foam material. Examples of the foam material include Styrofoam, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), and Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), although other materials having similar qualities may be used without departing from the scope hereof.

A launching hook 120 has a flat base 122 that permanently attaches (e.g., using adhesive) to an upper surface 116 of circular nose section 102, positioned towards front 112 and aligned with center line 110, as shown. Hook 120 and flat base 122 are made from a rigid plastic. A weight 124 has a flat surface that permanently attaches (e.g., using adhesive) to a lower surface 118 of circular nose section 102, positioned towards front 112 and aligned with center line 110, as shown. Weight 124 may be made from a metal (e.g., a coin) or from a dense plastic or rubber material. Weight 124 is shown circular, but may have other shapes without departing from the scope hereof. In certain embodiments, hook 120 and weight 124 are aligned with one another and may be secured together through circular nose section 102. In some embodiments, hook 120 and flat base 122 are made from a metal or dense plastic and weight 124 is omitted. The weight 124 may also have other functionality associated therewith. For example, in certain embodiments, the weight 124 includes a light (such as an LED) that is turned on or off via a button and points in any direction (e.g., forward/backward/sideways) or multiple directions (e.g., forward and backwards) desired by the operator.

Arrow 130 indicates a direction of launch and flight of glider 100.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one example toy glider 200 with a tail 240, in an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a top elevation of glider 200 of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a bottom elevation of glider 200 of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a front elevation of glider 200 of FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is a back elevation of glider 200 of FIG. 7. FIG. 12 is a right side elevation of glider 200 of FIG. 7. FIGS. 7-12 are best viewed together with the following description.

Glider 200 has a circular nose section 202, left and right circular wings 204(1), 204(2), positioned on either side of the circular nose section 202, a left semi-circular winglet 206(1) positioned through a left slot 208(1) in left circular wing 204(1), a right semi-circular winglet 206(2) positioned through a right slot 208(2) in right circular wing 204(2), and a V-shaped tail section 240 positioned at a rear 214 of glider 200. Winglets 206 may be other shapes without departing from the scope hereof. Tail section 240 has a left extension 242(1) and a right extension 242(2). Glider 200 is symmetrical about a center line 210 that runs from a front 212 of glider 200 to the rear 214. Glider 200 is constructed from a durable foam material, but may be constructed from other materials (e.g., plastic, silicone, rubber, etc.) without departing from the scope hereof. Circular nose section 202 and circular wings 204(1), 204(2) are flat with an upper surface 216 and a lower surface 218 and formed, for example from the durable foam material, as a single structure. Each semi-circular winglet 206 is formed separately of the durable foam material. Examples of the foam material include Styrofoam, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), and Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), although other materials having similar qualities may be used without departing from the scope hereof.

A launching hook 220 has a flat base 222 that permanently attaches (e.g., using adhesive) to an upper surface 216 of circular nose section 202, positioned towards front 212 and aligned with center line 210, as shown. Hook 220 and flat base 222 are made from a rigid plastic. A weight 224 has a flat surface that permanently attaches (e.g., using adhesive) to a lower surface 218 of circular nose section 202, positioned towards front 212 and aligned with center line 210, as shown. Weight 224 may be made from a metal (e.g., a coin) or from a dense plastic or rubber material. Weight 224 is shown circular, but may have other shapes without departing from the scope hereof. In certain embodiments, hook 220 and weight 224 are aligned with one another and may be secured together through circular nose section 202. In some embodiments, hook 220 and flat base 222 are made from a metal and/or dense plastic and weight 224 is omitted. The weight 224 may also have other functionality associated therewith. For example, in certain embodiments, the weight 224 includes a light (such as an LED) that is turned on or off via a button and points in any direction (e.g., forward/backward/sideways) or multiple directions (e.g., forward and backwards) desired by the operator.

Arrow 230 indicates a direction of launch and flight of glider 200.

FIG. 13 is a top elevation of a modular toy glider 300 that is similar to the toy glider of FIGS. 1-6. FIG. 14 is a bottom elevation of the modular toy glider 300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a front elevation of the modular toy glider 300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a back elevation of the modular toy glider 300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 17 is a right side elevation of the modular toy glider 300 of FIG. 13. FIGS. 13-17 are best viewed together with the following description.

Glider 300 has a similar outline to glider 100 of FIGS. 1-6, but is made from a plurality of components that are assembled together to form glider 300. Glider 300 is symmetrical about a center line 310 that runs from the front 312 to the rear 314 of glider 300. Glider 300 has a circular nose component 302, left and right circular wing components 304(1), 304(2), positioned on either side of the circular nose section 302, a left semi-circular winglet component 306(1) positioned through a left slot 308(1) in left circular wing component 304(1), and a right semi-circular winglet component 306(2) positioned through a right slot 308(2) in right circular wing component 304(2). Winglets 306 may be other shapes without departing from the scope hereof. A portion of a lower surface 317(1) of left wing components 304(1) attaches (e.g., adhesively) to a portion of an upper surface 316 of nose component 302. Similarly, and symmetrically, a portion of a lower surface 317(2) of right wing components 304(2) attaches (e.g., adhesively) to a different portion of upper surface 316 of nose component 302, such that wing components 304 abut at a rearward edge of circular nose component 302 and at center line 310. A second circular nose component 303 is shaped to fit over circular nose component 302 and between wing components 304, thereby having two semi-circular cutouts 326(1) and 326(2) corresponding to wing components 304(1) and 304(2), respectively. Second circular nose component 303 affixes (e.g., using adhesive) to circular nose component 302.

Glider 300 is constructed from a durable foam material, but may be constructed from other materials (e.g., plastic, silicone, rubber, etc.) without departing from the scope hereof. Circular nose section 302, circular wings 304(1), 304(2), and semi-circular winglets 306 are flat and each formed from the durable foam material. Examples of the foam material include Styrofoam, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), and Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), although other materials having similar qualities may be used without departing from the scope hereof.

A launching hook 320 has a flat base 322 that permanently attaches (e.g., using adhesive) to an upper surface 316 of second nose component 303, positioned towards front 312 and aligned with center line 310, as shown. Hook 320 and flat base 322 may be made from a rigid plastic. In certain embodiments, second nose component 303 may be omitted, wherein flat base 322 attaches to an upper surface of circular nose component 302. A weight 324 has a flat surface that permanently attaches (e.g., using adhesive) to a lower surface 318 of circular nose component 302, positioned towards front 312 and aligned with center line 310, as shown. Weight 324 may be made from a metal (e.g., a coin) or from a dense plastic or rubber material. Weight 324 is shown circular, but may have other shapes without departing from the scope hereof. In certain embodiments, hook 320 and weight 324 are aligned with one another and may be secured together through circular nose section 302. In some embodiments, hook 320 and flat base 322 are made from a metal or dense plastic and weight 324 is omitted. The weight 324 may also have other functionality associated therewith. For example, in certain embodiments, the weight 324 includes a light (such as an LED) that is turned on or off via a button and points in any direction (e.g., forward/backward/sideways) or multiple directions (e.g., forward and backwards) desired by the operator.

Glider 300 may be supplied as a kit of components for assembly by a user of glider 300. Arrow 330 indicates a direction of launch and flight of glider 300.

FIG. 18 is a top elevation of a modular toy glider 400 with tail that is similar to the toy glider of FIG. 7. FIG. 19 is a bottom elevation of the modular toy glider 400 with tail of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a front elevation of the modular toy glider 400 with tail of FIG. 18. FIG. 21 is a back elevation of the modular toy glider 400 with tail of FIG. 18. FIG. 22 is a right side elevation of the modular toy glider 400 with tail of FIG. 18. FIGS. 18-22 are best viewed together with the following description.

Glider 400 has a similar outline to glider 200 of FIGS. 7-12, but is made from a plurality of components that are assembled together to form glider 400. Glider 400 is symmetrical about a center line 410 that runs from the front 412 to the rear 414 of glider 400. Glider 400 has a circular nose section 402, left and right circular wings 404(1), 404(2), positioned on either side of the circular nose section 402, a left semi-circular winglet 406(1) positioned through a left slot 408(1) in left circular wing 404(1), a right semi-circular winglet 406(2) positioned through a right slot 408(2) in right circular wing 404(2), and a V-shaped tail section 440 positioned at a rear 414 of glider 400. Winglets 406 may be other shapes without departing from the scope hereof. Tail component 440 has a left extension 442(1) and a right extension 442(2).

A portion of an upper surface 417(1) of left wing components 404(1) attaches (e.g., adhesively) to a portion of a lower surface of nose component 402. Similarly, and symmetrically, a portion of an upper surface 317(2) of right wing components 304(2) attaches (e.g., adhesively) to a different portion of the lower surface of nose component 402. Tail component 440 attaches (e.g., adhesively) to upper surface 417(1) of left wing component 404(1) and to upper surface 417(2) of right wing component 404(2) and abuts a flat edge 405 of circular nose component 402. A second circular nose component 403 is shaped to fit over circular nose component 402 and between wing components 404, thereby having two semi-circular cutouts 426(1) and 426(2) corresponding to wing components 404(1) and 404(2), respectively. Second circular nose component 403 affixes (e.g., adhesively) to circular nose component 402.

Glider 400 is constructed from a durable foam material, but may be constructed from other materials (e.g., plastic, silicone, rubber, etc.) without departing from the scope hereof. Circular nose section 402, circular wings 404(1), 404(2), tail component 440 and semi-circular winglets 406 are flat and each formed from the durable foam material. Examples of the foam material include Styrofoam, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), and Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), although other materials having similar qualities may be used without departing from the scope hereof.

A launching hook 420 has a flat base 422 that permanently attaches (e.g., adhesively) to an upper surface 418 of circular nose section 402, positioned towards front 412 and aligned with center line 410, as shown. Hook 420 and flat base 422 are made from a rigid plastic. A weight 424 has a flat surface that permanently attaches (e.g., adhesively) to a lower surface 416 of second nose section 403, positioned towards front 412 and aligned with center line 410, as shown. Weight 424 may be made from a metal (e.g., a coin) or from a dense plastic or rubber material. Weight 424 is shown circular, but may have other shapes without departing from the scope hereof. In certain embodiments, hook 420 and weight 424 are aligned with one another and may be secured together through nose sections 402 and 403. In some embodiments, hook 420 and flat base 422 are made from a metal and/or dense plastic and weight 424 is omitted. The weight 424 may also have other functionality associated therewith. For example, in certain embodiments, the weight 424 includes a light (such as an LED) that is turned on or off via a button and points in any direction (e.g., forward/backward/sideways) or multiple directions (e.g., forward and backwards) desired by the operator.

Arrow 430 indicates a direction of launch and flight of glider 400.

Operation of the Invention

FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating launch of glider 100 of FIGS. 1-6. A similar launch may be used for gliders 200, 300, and 400, discussed herein. A first end of a stretchable material 502 (e.g., elastic, ¼″ surgical tubing, or similar material) is removably attached to hook 120, and an opposite end of stretchable material 502 is held in a first hand 504 of a user. A second hand 506 of the user holds glider 100 between wings 104 from rear 114 and along center line 110. The user's first hand 502 is held high and at arm's length (e.g., between 40-60 degrees) while the second hand 506 pulls glider 100 downwards to stretch stretchable material 502. The user's left hand 506 releases glider 100, which is launched into the sky as stretchable material 502 rapidly contracts and releases from hook 120.

The gliders 100, 200, 300, and 400 are a cost effective and durable toys that fly well and are easily launched high into the sky to really grab the attention of users and spectators. It is a healthy activity that is great physically and mentally and is well liked by both children and adults. Each glider 100, 200, 300, and 400 is for example approximately 8″×6″ is size and lightweight (e.g., 1 gram excluding weights 124, 224, 324, and 424). It should be appreciated that other sizes and weights may be used without departing from the scope hereof. For example, each glider 100, 200, 300, and 400 may be of 9″×6.5″, and a weight of 19.0 grams (including the respective weights 124, 224, 324, 424). As another example, each glider 100, 200, 300, and 400 may be of 9″×7.5″, and a weight of 10.5 grams (including the respective weights 124, 224, 324, 424). As another example, each glider 100, 200, 300, and 400 may be of 7.5″×5″, and a weight of 9 grams (including the respective weights 124, 224, 324, 424). Each of gliders 100, 200, 300, and 400 easily reach altitudes of 40-60 feet above the launch location and usually glide down to land near to the launch location. The joy and excitement of launching the glider skyward is different with every shot is best enjoyed any time of the day or evening when the wind is calm.

Tail extensions 242 and 442 of gliders 200 and 400 may be shaped, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 22, respectively, to modify aerodynamics of gliders 200, 400 such that gliding is improved. For example, since gliders 200 and 400 are made from a durable foam in embodiments, gentle manipulation by the user's fingers provides sufficient deformation of tail extensions 242 and 442 that the shape is retained, at least temporarily. Similarly, wing trailing edges 150 and 350 of gliders 100 and 300 may be manipulated to modify glide characteristics. Such easy manipulation extends the appeal of gliders 100, 200, 300 and 400 to the user.

Durability of the gliders 300 and 400 may be further enhanced by application of adhesive tape, such as between the nose component(s), wing components, and tail component, without any significant affect upon flight performance. In certain embodiment, where supplied as a kit, gliders 300 and 400 may be assembled using adhesive tape.

Navigation Lights

Any of gliders 100, 200, 300, 400 of FIGS. 1, 7, 13, and 18, respectively, may include lighting, in embodiments, that enables operation of the glider at night. In the following example, glider 200 of FIGS. 7-12 is shown with navigation lighting, however, similar modification of gliders 100, 300, and 400 may be made.

FIG. 24 is a bottom elevation of the toy glider of FIG. 7 showing example navigation lights added to the wings and tail. In this embodiment, the weight 224 is replaced by a battery (e.g., a coin-cell type battery) that may electrically connect with a switch 604 (or similar method for mechanically making and breaking electrical contact with battery 602) via wiring 606. Wiring 606 is for example a light-weight wire pair that may be glues and/or taped to the bottom surface 216 of glider 200. A first light-emitting diode (LED) 608 is positioned to emit light away from glider 200 at an outside leading edge of right circular wing 204(2), a second LED 610 is positioned to emit light away from glider 200 at an outside leading edge of left circular wing 204(1), and a third LED 612 is positioned to emit light away from glider 200 between tail extensions 242. However, LEDs 608, 610, and 612 may have other positions and orientations without departing from the scope hereof. LEDs 608, 610, and 612 electrically couple to switch 604 and/or battery 602 via wiring 606 as shown. Although LEDs 608, 610, and 612 are illustrated as connecting in parallel with switch 604 and/or battery 602, LEDs 608, 610, and 612 may connect in series with switch 604 and/or battery 602 without departing from the scope hereof. In certain embodiments, LED 608 emits green light, LED 610 emits red light, and LED 612 emits white light. However, LEDs 608, 610, and 612 may emit light of other color without departing from the scope hereof. In certain embodiments, one or more of LEDs 608, 610, and 612 may be omitted. For example, glider 200 may omit LEDs 608 and 610.

In certain embodiments, switch 604 may include one or more electrical components that form part of the circuit to control operation of LEDs 608, 610, and 612. For example, the electrical components may control one or both of brightness and flashing of one or more of LEDs 608, 610, and 612.

Changes may be made in the above methods and systems without departing from the scope hereof. It should thus be noted that the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A toy glider, comprising: a nose section having a flat circular shape;a hook projecting from a first surface of the nose section proximate a front edge of the nose section;a circular left wing formed at a left side of the nose section;a circular right wing formed at a right side of the nose section;a left winglet extending from the left wing; and,a right winglet extending from the right wing.

2. The toy glider of claim 1, further comprising a weight positioned on a second surface, opposite the first surface, of the nose section.

3. The toy glider of claim 1, further comprising left and right slots located between a lower and upper surface of the left and right wings, respectively.

4. The toy glider of claim 3, the left and right slots being parallel to and offset from a center line defined by the hook and a center of the nose section.

5. The toy glider of claim 3, the left and right winglets being semicircular in shape.

6. The toy glider of claim 3, the left and right winglets extending through the left and right slot, respectively.

7. The toy glider of claim 1, the left winglet extending equally from the upper surface and the lower surface of the left wing, the right winglet extending equally from the upper surface and the lower surface of the right wing, and the left and right winglets providing directional stability to the toy glider.

8. The toy glider of claim 1, the hook being configured for temporarily coupling with a rubber band during launch of the toy glider.

9. The toy glider of claim 1, the nose section, the left wing, the right wing, the left winglet and the right winglet collectively comprising a monolithic semi-rigid foam.

10. The toy glider of claim 1, further comprising a tail section coupling with the left wing and the right wing and extending (1) along a center line defined by the hook and a center of the nose section and (2) away from the nose section.

11. The toy glider of claim 10, the tail section being shaped with a v-shaped cutout that forms two deformable tail surfaces to adjust flight of the toy glider.

12. The toy glider of claim 1, further comprising: a battery positioned on a second surface, opposite the first surface, of the nose section; andat least one LED positioned to emit light away from the toy glider when electrically coupled with the battery.

13. The toy glider of claim 12, wherein the at least one LED comprises two LEDs, a first one of the two LEDs being positioned at a leading edge of the circular right wing, and a second one of the two LED being positioned at a leading edge of the circular left wing.

14. The toy glider of claim 12, wherein the at least one LED comprises three LEDs, a first one of the three LEDs being positioned at a leading edge of the circular right wing, and a second one of the three LED being positioned at a leading edge of the circular left wing, and a third one of the three LEDs being positioned at a tail section coupling with the left wing and the right wing.

15. The toy glider of claim 12, further comprising a switch and wiring that electrically couple the at least one LED to the battery.