Patent Application
20050006531
The popularity of kites has boomed in recent decades, and novelty kites are particularly in demand since many consumers want kites that are unique, that stand out from the rest of the kites, and that constitute a personalized expression that consumers want to make.
Very few flying toys have included a rigid toy human figure or other weighted mass suspended from the toy, or a parachute component thereof. Even fewer are able to make it appear as though the flying toy is acting similar to what a real device would act like when in use.
A flying toy, such as a kite, with a ballast that may be configured to move relative to the toy during flight, is provided. The ballast could be in the form of a human, an animal, a fanciful creature, or even an inanimate object. The size and weight of the ballast may be comparable to that of the kite, such that the ballast is weighted sufficiently to affect the flight characteristics of the kite, whereby movement of the ballast during flight and/or wind effects on the ballast itself causes a somewhat noticeable change in the kite's flight characteristics.
In one embodiment, the ballast has generally flexible portions. According to another embodiment, the kite is in the form of a water or air vehicle, such as a ship, boat, or plane, and includes a sail. In another embodiment, the ballast is removably, selectively, positionally coupled to the kite at one or more attachment points, and in a number of different orientations, for both aesthetics and functionality, as desired by the user.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the embodiments may be constructed and/or utilized. The description also sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Ballast 12 is removably, selectively, positionally coupled to kite 30 to alter the appearance, and the flight characteristics of the entire system, when in flight. Ballast 12 is typically coupled to kite 30 above hull portion 40, however, other configurations may be utilized, as desired. Ballast 12 may also move continually or intermittently when in flight, thereby changing the flight characteristics of the system 10. The flight characteristics include, but are not limited to, the center of gravity, the altitude and direction the kite is flying, and the airspeed of the kite.
This configuration may make the system act as if the system is riding on water, bouncing over waves, and the like. Ballast 12 also includes mating structures that allow it to couple to coupling structure 46 in many different positions throughout the system. With this configuration, ballast 12 may be coupling to the kite 30 in many different positions and configurations to alter the appearance and the flight characteristics of the system when in flight, as desired. The mating structures 26 may be located at many positions on the surfaces of ballast 12. For example,
As an illustrative, but non-limiting example, the kite 30, with lift members 50, weighs approximately 4.0-7.0 ounces, and has a hull portion 40, which is approximately 30-45 inches long, 8-12 inches wide, and 2-4 inches deep. Additionally, the hull forks at approximately 28 inches from its front end. The sails 44 are typically between 10-14 inches in length, and 18-22 inches in height. Lift members 50 may be optionally attached or detached from the top of masts 42, and may be rectangular or parallelogram shaped, are typically 13-20 inches by 10-16 inches in length and width respectively. The ballast 12 may include slightly bent knees and is approximately 12-20 inches tall and has average head and body diameters of approximately 1-4 inches, and weighs about 0.4-2.0 ounces.
Additionally, the system 10 typically has string segments 34 which are approximately 10-30 inches in length, connected to the front and rear, or other portion of hull portion 40, whereby the string segments are joined at a common point, which may include a connecting structure 36 as shown in the figure, for connection to a third long string (not shown) held by the user. Connecting structure 36 is shown as a ring-type connector, however, it will be appreciated that other connecting structures may be utilized, as desired.
Besides being in the form of a human, the ballast may also be in the form of an animal, fanciful or whimsical creature, or inanimate object. Furthermore, the kite itself may be in the form of various vehicles and other objects, including fanciful vehicles and objects, which may incorporate a figure including a ship, airplane, car, surfboard, snowboard, skateboard, house, etc. Additionally, more than one ballast in accordance with the exemplary embodiments may be attached to a single kite.
Lift members 50 are typically a rectangular shape and coupled to the system above hull portion 40, however, it will be appreciated that other shapes and configurations may be utilized, as desired.
During flight, ballast 12, which is illustrated as attached approximately at a central location on the sailboat kite 30, may pivot from side to side depending on the orientation of the sailboat kite 30 and wind affects on the ballast 12, thus resembling the actual human motion when sailing or sailboarding, or the like.
Ballast 12 also includes mating structures 26, located at various locations on ballast 12. Coupling structure 26 typically is configured to couple to coupling structure 46 of kite 30, such that ballast 12 is coupled to kite 30. Mating structures 26 and coupling structure 46 are typically a hook and loop configuration, but other coupling structures may be utilized as desired. It will be appreciated that, although certain locations on ballast 12 for mating structure 26 are shown in
Ballast 12 is typically made of kite material such as nylon, plastic, or rubber-like materials, that are flexible, but may also be rigid, or partially rigid, or combinations thereof. With this configuration, ballast 12 may be connected at certain points of ballast 12 to kite 30 such that the remainder of ballast 12 will move continually during flight of the system with respect to kite 30. Furthermore with this configuration, different points of ballast 12 may be connected to numerous different points of kite 30, as desired.
Ballast 12 also typically includes fill material 22 to add weight to the system as well as to keep the form of ballast 12 when not inflated. Fill material is typically foam, or other lightweight fill material. It will be appreciated that other materials may be utilized such as cotton, feathers, or synthetic filling, typically used for stuffing plush animals, pillows, and the like, which allow air to circulate through the body of ballast 12, as desired.
The size and weight of the ballast may be comparable to that of the kite, such that the ballast is weighted sufficiently to affect the flight characteristics of the kite, whereby movement of the ballast during flight and/or wind effects on the ballast itself cause significant change in the kite's flight characteristics.
In this embodiment, ballast 86 is in the form of a human-like caricature, and ballast 88 is in the form of a dog or other animal type figure. It will be appreciated, however, that although ballasts are shown as human figures and animal figures, many other whimsical cartoon-like and caricactures can be used, as desired. Furthermore, any number of ballasts may be utilized, and ballasts may be used with more than one system, as desired.
While the examples described herein illustrate a ballast positioned atop the surface of the kite, it should be understood that embodiments wherein a ballast is positioned below the kite surface is also contemplated by the present invention. Such embodiments may be advantageous in that the figure will be more readily seen by viewers on the ground. Additionally, a flexible figure in accordance with the exemplary embodiments may be attached to other flying toys such as gliders, and the like, as desired.
In closing, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the drawings and description are illustrative and not meant to be a limitation thereof.
