TOY AIRCRAFT AND TOY AIRCRAFT KITS

Abstract

Toy aircraft comprise a fuselage and a main wing coupled to the fuselage. The main wing is configured to be bent and/or twisted at any position along a substantial span-wise length of the main wing amongst a plurality of distinct wing configurations and the main wing is configured to be retained in a selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations. In some examples, the main wing comprises an external body and a malleable frame that is supported by the external body. The malleable frame is configured to be selectively bent and/or twisted at any position span-wise along the malleable frame amongst a plurality of distinct wing configurations and the malleable frame is configured to retain the main wing in a selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations. The external body is configured to be pliable to conform to the selected one of the distinct wing configurations.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates to toy aircraft.

BACKGROUND

Flying aircraft, such as toy airplanes, are popular toys for children. Some such toys are configured to be thrown or launched and to glide through the air. However, many standard toy aircraft lack customizability and variation. As a result, the behavior of the toy aircraft may become predictable after numerous throws or launches, and therefore less interesting and fun for the user.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods relating to toy aircraft and toy aircraft kits.

Toy aircraft may comprise a main wing coupled to a fuselage. The main wing is configured to be bent and/or twisted at any position along a substantial span-wise length of the main wing amongst a plurality of distinct wing configurations and the main wing is configured to be retained in a selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations.

Toy aircraft kits may comprise a fuselage and a main wing configured to be coupled to the fuselage. The main wing is configured to be bent and/or twisted at any position along a substantial span-wise length of the main wing amongst a plurality of distinct wing configurations and the main wing is configured to be retained in a selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations.

A method of manufacturing a main wing of a toy aircraft may comprise inserting a malleable frame of the main wing within a mold, heating a material to be injected into the mold, and injecting the material into the mold around the malleable frame. The method of manufacturing may further comprise cooling the material to form an external body of the main wing around the malleable frame.

A method of manufacturing a main wing of a toy aircraft may comprise sandwiching a malleable frame of the main wing between a first layer of an external body of the main wing and a second layer of the external body. The method further comprises coupling the first layer to the second layer, such that the malleable frame is embedded in the external body. In some examples, the method further comprises, after the coupling, pressing the first layer and the second layer of the external body together using a hot press.

Features, functions, and advantages may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram representing toy aircraft in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram representing a sectional view of a wing of toy aircraft corresponding to line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an example toy aircraft.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an example fuselage of an example toy aircraft.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view representing an example main wing of an example toy aircraft.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view representing an example toy aircraft with its main wing in an example distinct wing configuration.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view representing an example toy aircraft with its main wing in another example distinct wing configuration.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view representing an example toy aircraft with its main wing in another example distinct wing configuration.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view representing an example toy aircraft with its main wing in another example distinct wing configuration.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart schematically representing example methods of manufacturing a bendable main wing of a toy aircraft.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart schematically representing another example method of manufacturing a bendable main wing of a toy aircraft.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross section representing a sandwiching step of the method of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross section representing a coupling step of the method of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram representing an example toy aircraft kit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects and examples of toy aircraft comprising bendable main wings, as well as related methods or manufacturing, are described below and illustrated in the associated drawings. Unless otherwise specified, a toy aircraft in accordance with the present teachings, and/or its various components, may contain at least one of the structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein. Furthermore, unless specifically excluded, the process steps, structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein in connection with the present teachings may be included in other similar devices and methods, including being interchangeable between disclosed embodiments. The following description of various examples is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. Additionally, the advantages provided by the examples and embodiments described below are illustrative in nature and not all examples and embodiments provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantages.

FIGS. 1-9 provide examples of toy aircraft 100 and toy aircraft kits 10 according to the present disclosure. Elements that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like reference numerals in FIGS. 1-9, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of FIGS. 1-9. Similarly, all elements are not labeled in each of FIGS. 1-9, but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. Elements, components, and/or features that are discussed herein with reference to one or more of FIGS. 1-9 may be included in and/or utilized with any of FIGS. 1-9 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 schematically represents toy aircraft 100 and toy aircraft kits 10 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a sectional view corresponding to line 2-2 in FIG. 1. Generally, in FIGS. 1 and 2, elements that are likely to be included in a given example are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional to a given example or that correspond to a specific example are illustrated in dashed lines. Elements that are likely to be included in a given example, but that are obstructed by other elements, e.g., elements that are embedded within other elements, are shown in dash-dot lines. However, elements that are illustrated in solid lines or dash-dot lines are not essential to all examples of the present disclosure, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from a particular example without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, toy aircraft 100 and toy aircraft kits 10 comprise a fuselage 102 and a main wing 104 coupled to, or configured to be coupled to, the fuselage 102. The main wing 104 may be coupled to the fuselage 102 in any suitable manner. For example, the fuselage 102 may define a slot 110 that is configured to receive the main wing 104. The main wing 104 may extend through the slot 110 in a friction-fit arrangement such that the main wing 104 is securely held to the fuselage 102. In some examples, the main wing 104 is removably coupled to the fuselage 102. For example, the main wing 104 may be configured to be removed from the slot 110 in the fuselage 102 and reinserted into the slot 110, as desired by a user.

Alternatively, in some examples, the main wing 104 and the fuselage 102 may comprise a unitary piece. In other words, toy aircraft 100 may comprise a monolithic structure including both the fuselage 102 and the main wing 104 formed as a single piece. In such examples, the main wing 104 and the fuselage 102 are fixed to each other and the main wing 104 is not configured to be disconnected from the fuselage 102 without damaging the fuselage 102 and/or the main wing 104.

In some examples, the main wing 104 comprises a monolithic wing 152 that extends through the slot 110 and extends outward external to the fuselage 102 on either side of the slot 110. In other words, the main wing 104 may comprise a single piece that extends through the slot 110 and forms a primary lifting surface on a right side 156A and a left side 156B of the fuselage 102. In such examples, the slot 110 may extend through an entirety of the fuselage 102 from the left side 156A of the fuselage 102 to the right side 156B of the fuselage 102 and vice versa.

In some examples, the main wing 104 comprises two pieces, e.g., a left wing portion 105A and a right wing portion 105B, that are each coupled to the fuselage 102 on opposing left and right sides 156A, 156B of the fuselage 102. In such examples, the fuselage 102 may define a left wing slot 154A that is configured to receive the left wing portion 105A and a right wing slot 154B that is configured to receive the right wing portion 105B. Explained in other words, the left wing portion 105A is configured to extend into the left wing slot 154A in a first friction-fit arrangement and the right wing portion 105B is configured to extend into the right wing slot 154B in a second friction-fit arrangement. Alternatively, in some examples, both the left wing portion 105A and the right wing portion 105B may be received in the same slot 110 that extends through the fuselage 102 from the left side 156A to the right side 156B of the fuselage 102.

The main wing 104, whether comprising a monolithic main wing 152 or formed from two distinct pieces (e.g., left wing portion 105A and right wing portion 105B), is configured to be bent and/or twisted at any position along a substantial span-wise length 166 of the main wing 104 amongst a plurality of distinct wing configurations and to be retained in a selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations. As described herein, the substantial span-wise length 166 of the main wing 104 may comprise at least 50% of the total span-wise length 158 of the main wing 104, at least 60% of the total span-wise length 158 of the main wing 104, at least 70% of the total span-wise length 158 of the main wing 104, at least 80% of the total span-wise length 158 of the main wing 104, and/or at least 90% of the total span-wise length 158 of the main wing 104. In examples in which the main wing 104 comprises two distinct pieces (e.g., left wing portion 105A and right wing portion 105B), the total span-wise length 158 of the main wing 104 may be measured from a left distal tip 162A of the left wing portion 105A to a right distal tip 162B of the right wing portion 105B when the left wing portion 105A and the right wing portion 105B are each coupled to the fuselage 102.

The main wing 104 (e.g., the monolithic main wing 152 or left and right wing portions 105A, 105B) may comprise any suitable structure(s), which are configured to permit the main wing 104 to be bent and/or twisted at any position along the substantial span-wise length 166 of the main wing 104 amongst the plurality of distinct wing configurations and to be retained in a selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations. For example, the main wing 104 may comprise an external body 106 and a malleable frame 108 supported by the external body 106. In some examples, the malleable frame 108 is at least partially or completely embedded in the external body 106. In some examples, the malleable frame 108 is completely covered by the external body 106. In some examples, one or more portions of the malleable frame may be embedded in the external body 106 and one or more portions of the malleable frame 108 may be exposed. In other words, the external body 106 may not cover an entirety of the malleable frame 108 that is embedded in the external body 106 and one or more portions of the malleable frame 108 may be exposed.

The malleable frame 108 is configured to be selectively bent and/or twisted at any position span-wise along the malleable frame 108. In other words, rather than having a specific joint or axis at which the malleable frame 108 is configured to bend, the malleable frame 108 is configured to be continuously bendable and/or twistable at any position along an entirety of a frame span-wise length 164 of the malleable frame 108. This facilitates the malleable frame 108 being configured to not only bend upwards and downwards, but also twist in either direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise. In this manner, the malleable frame 108 facilitates the selective positioning of the main wing 104 into a plurality of distinct bent and/or twisted wing configurations.

The malleable frame 108 is configured to retain the main wing 104 in a selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations. For example, a user may bend and/or twist the main wing 104 into any suitable bent and/or twisted position and the malleable frame 108 is configured to remain in the selected position until readjusted by the user. The external body 106 is configured to conform to the selected position and the external body 106 is configured to be held in the selected position by the malleable frame 108. FIGS. 6-9 illustrate example selected wing configurations of the main wing 104. However, numerous other wing configurations are possible by bending and/or twisting the main wing 104 by different degrees, in different directions, or at different locations of the main wing 104.

The malleable frame 108 may comprise any suitable structure(s) that are configured to be selectively bent, folded, twisted, etc. at any position span wise along the frame span-wise length 164 of the malleable frame 108 and that are configured to retain a selected bent, folded, and/or twisted position. For example, the malleable frame 108 may comprise a metal wire 112 supported by (e.g., embedded in) the external body 106. The metal wire 112 may extend generally in a loop around a periphery of the main wing 104 within the external body 106. As shown in FIG. 2, which illustrates a sectional view of the main wing 104 corresponding to line 2-2 in FIG. 1, in some examples, the metal wire 112 comprises a circular metal wire 144 having a circular cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, the metal wire 112 may comprise a flat metal wire 111 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The metal wire 112 (e.g., the circular metal wire 144 and/or the flat metal wire 111) may have any suitable width, height, cross-sectional area, and/or cross-sectional shape configured to facilitate selectively bending, folding, and/or twisting the main wing 104 into the plurality of distinct wing configurations.

Because the metal wire 112 (e.g., the circular metal wire 144 or the flat metal wire 111) is in a loop and thus has two lengths of wire running along the length of the main wing 104 fore and aft of each other, the loop of the metal wire 112 is able to bend in either direction (e.g., upwards and downwards) and twist in either direction (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise). The metal wire 112 may comprise any suitable material that is configured to be bent and/or twisted and that is configured to retain a selected bent and/or twisted position. For example, the metal wire 112 may comprise aluminum. In some examples in which the main wing 104 comprises a left wing portion 105A and right wing portion 105B, the metal wire 112 may comprise a left metal wire 113A supported by (e.g., embedded in) the left wing portion 105A, and a right metal wire 113B supported by (e.g., embedded in) the right wing portion 105B. In such examples, the left metal wire 113A may extend generally in a loop around a periphery of the left wing portion 105A and the right metal wire 113B may extend generally in a loop around a periphery of the right wing portion 105B.

In some examples, the malleable frame 108 comprises a metal sheet 114. Similar to the metal wire 112, because the metal sheet 114 spans fore and aft across a substantial portion of the chord-wise span of the main wing 104, the metal sheet 114 is able to bend in either direction (e.g., upwards and downwards) and twist in either direction (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise). In some examples, the metal sheet 114 has a substantially similar planform as the external body 106 of the main wing 104. In examples in which the main wing 104 comprises a left wing portion 105A and a right wing portion 105B, the metal sheet 114 may comprise a left metal sheet 115A supported by (e.g., embedded in) the left wing portion 105A and a right metal sheet 115B supported by (e.g., embedded in) the right wing portion 105B. The left metal sheet 115A may have a substantially similar planform to the left wing portion 105A and the right metal sheet 115B may have a substantially similar planform to the right wing portion 105B. The metal sheet 114 may comprise any suitable material configured to be selectively bent, folded, and/or twisted at any position span-wise along the metal sheet 114 and configured to retain a selected bent, folded, and/or twisted position. For example, the metal sheet 114 may comprise an aluminum sheet having any suitable thickness (e.g., 0.3 mm-0.6 mm thickness).

The malleable frame 108 (e.g., the metal wire 112 or the metal sheet 114) may have any suitable size and/or shape that is configured to facilitate the bending and/or twisting of the main wing 104 into the plurality of different wing configurations. The malleable frame 108 may have any suitable frame span-wise length 164 relative to the total span-wise length 158 of the main wing 104 dependent on the desired bending and twisting characteristics of the main wing 104. The frame span-wise length 164 may be equal to or defined by the straight-line distance between a left-frame distal end or edge 170A of the malleable frame 108 and a right-frame distal end or edge 170B of the malleable frame 108. In examples in which the malleable frame 108 comprises two distinct pieces, e.g., left and right metal wires 113A, 113B or left and right metal sheets 115A, 115B, the left-frame distal edge 170A may be the distal tip of the left portion of the malleable frame (e.g. the left metal wire 113A or left metal sheet 115A) and the right-frame distal edge 170B may be the distal tip of the right portion of the malleable frame 108 (e.g., the right metal wire 113B or the right metal sheet 115B).

As shown in FIG. 1, in some examples, the malleable frame 108 does not extend or span across the total span-wise length 158 of the main wing 104. In other words, the malleable frame 108 may not extend completely to the tips and edges of the main wing 104, which are formed by the external body 106. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the malleable frame 108 may not extend across a total chord-wise span of the main wing 104 in a front to back direction perpendicular to the total span-wise length 158 of the main wing 104. Alternatively, in some examples, the malleable frame 108 is configured to span an entirety of the main wing 104. The frame span-wise length 164 of the malleable frame 108 may be at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, or at least 95% of the total span-wise length 158 of the main wing 104. In some examples, the frame span-wise length 164 is equal to or defines the substantial span-wise length 166 of the main wing 104 along which the main wing 104 is configured to be selectively bent and/or twisted into the plurality of distinct wing configurations and to retain the selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations.

The external body 106 may comprise any suitable structure(s) that are configured to surround the malleable frame 108 and that are configured to conform to a selected bent and/or twisted position. For example, when the malleable frame 108 is selectively bent, folded, and/or twisted, the external body 106 is configured to also bend, fold, and/or twist accordingly. The external body 106 may be held in a selected bent, folded, and/or twisted position by the malleable frame 108, which is supported by (e.g., embedded in) the external body 106. In examples in which the main wing 104 comprises two distinct pieces (e.g., the left wing portion 105A and the right wing portion 105B), each of the left wing portion 105A and the right wing portion 105B may have respective external bodies 106 and respective malleable frames 108. In some examples, the external body 106 comprises a pliable material that is configured to bend, fold, and/or twist at any position span wise along the external body 106 and that is configured to be held in a selected bent, folded, and/or twisted position by the malleable frame 108. For example, the external body 106 may comprise an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam material. The external body 106 may have any suitable shape and/or size configured to form the external shape and contour of the main wing 104.

In some examples, the main wing 104 and/or the fuselage 102 each comprise one or more engagement structures which are configured to engage one another to selectively retain the main wing 104 within the slot 110 of the fuselage 102. For example, the main wing 104 (e.g., the external body 106 of the main wing 104) may define one or more of a front channel 136, a rear channel 140, and/or an upper channel 129 each of which is configured to receive a respective protrusion and/or other suitable structure(s) of the fuselage 102 when the main wing 104 is received within the slot 110. The front channel 136 is formed in or defined by a forward portion of the main wing 104, the upper channel 129 is formed in or defined by an upper surface of the main wing 104, and the rear channel 140 is formed in or defined by a rear portion of the main wing 104. In some examples, the main wing 104 comprises a pair of front tabs 125 which are configured to define lateral ends of the front channel 136 and/or a pair of rear tabs 127 which are configured to define lateral ends of the rear channel 140. The front tabs 125 and/or the rear tabs 127 may engage portions of the fuselage 102 when the main wing 104 is received in the slot 110.

In some examples, the fuselage 102 comprises a front-slot protrusion 109, which is configured to be received within the front channel 136, and/or an upper-slot protrusion 131, which is configured to be received within the upper channel 129. The front-slot protrusion 109 may be disposed in a front portion of the slot 110 and positioned to be received within the front channel 136 of the main wing 104. The upper-slot protrusion 131 may be disposed in an upper portion of the slot 110 and positioned to be received within the upper channel 129 of the main wing 104. In some examples, the rear channel 140 is configured to receive and contact a slot rear wall 142 of the fuselage 102 which partially defines the slot 110. In some examples, the rear tabs 127 may engage exterior surfaces on left and right sides of the fuselage 102 when the main wing 104 is received in the slot 110. In other words, the rear tabs 127 may be positioned external to the slot 110 contacting external surfaces on either side of the fuselage 102 when the main wing 104 is received within the slot 110. Collectively the front channel 136, the rear channel 140, the upper channel 129, the front-slot protrusion 109, and/or the upper-slot protrusion 131 are configured to facilitate an improved friction-fit arrangement between the main wing 104 and the slot 110 and to prevent undesired decoupling of the main wing 104 from the fuselage 102. The front channel 136, rear channel 140, upper channel 129, front-slot protrusion 109, and/or upper-slot protrusion 131 are not configured to prevent a user from removing the main wing 104 from the slot 110, as desired.

In some examples, toy aircraft 100 comprise one or more flight control surfaces of an aircraft. For example, the toy aircraft 100 may comprise a rear stabilizing wing 116, a tail fin 118, and/or any other suitable flight control surfaces. The rear stabilizing wing 116, the tail fin 118, and/or any other suitable flight control surfaces of the toy aircraft 100 may be coupled to the fuselage 102 in any suitable manner. In some examples, a rear portion 120 of the fuselage 102 defines a rear-wing slot 134 and the rear stabilizing wing 116 is configured to be received in the rear-wing slot 134 to couple the rear stabilizing wing 116 to the fuselage 102. In other words, the rear stabilizing wing 116 may be received in the rear-wing slot 134 in a friction-fit arrangement to couple the rear stabilizing wing 116 to the fuselage 102. In some examples, the tail fin 118 and/or the rear stabilizing wing 116 are coupled to the fuselage using an adhesive. In some examples, the tail fin 118 and/or the rear stabilizing wing 116 are formed integrally with the fuselage 102. In other words, the fuselage 102, tail fin 118, and/or the rear stabilizing wing 116 may comprise a single piece. The rear stabilizing wing 116 and the tail fin 118 may comprise any suitable material(s), e.g., an EVA foam material.

In some examples, the rear stabilizing wing 116 and/or the tail fin 118 may include a malleable frame supported by (e.g., embedded in) an external body, similar to the main wing 104 having a malleable frame 108 and external body 106. For example, the rear stabilizing wing 116 may include a rear-wing malleable frame 117 embedded in a rear-wing external body 119. The rear-wing malleable frame 117 may be substantially similar to the malleable frame 108 and may comprise a metal sheet, a metal wire, and/or any other suitable structure(s) configured to be selectively bent and/or twisted at any position span-wise along the rear-wing malleable frame 117 and configured to retain a selected bent and/or twisted position. The rear-wing external body 119 may be substantially similar to the external body 106 of the main wing 104 and may comprise a pliable material (e.g., EVA foam material) that is configured to conform to the selected bent and/or twisted position and that is configured to be retained in the selected bent and/or twisted position by the rear-wing malleable frame 117. In this manner, the rear-wing malleable frame 117 and the rear-wing external body 119 facilitate the selective positioning of the rear stabilizing wing 116 in a plurality of distinct bent and/or twisted wing configurations. The rear-wing external body 119 may have any suitable shape, size, and/or planform that is configured to form the outer contour and shape of the rear stabilizing wing 116. Similar to the rear stabilizing wing 116, the tail fin 118 may include a tail-fin malleable frame 121 and a tail-fin external body 123. The tail-fin external body 123 may comprise any suitable shape, size, and/or planform configured to form the outer contour and shape of the tail fin 118.

In some examples, the rear-wing external body 119 and/or the fuselage 102 may comprise one or more engagement structures which are configured to be in mutual engagement when the rear stabilizing wing 116 is received within the rear-wing slot 134. For example, the rear-wing external body 119 may define one or more rear-wing channels 130, each of which is configured to engage a respective rear-slot protrusion 132 and/or other suitable structure(s) of the fuselage 102. The one or more rear-wing channels 130 may be formed in or defined by any suitable portions of the rear-wing external body 119, such as a front portion, a rear portion, and/or a top portion. The one or more rear-wing channels 130 and the rear-slot protrusions 132 are configured to facilitate an improved friction-fit arrangement between the rear stabilizing wing 116 and the rear-wing slot 134 and prevent undesired decoupling of the rear stabilizing wing 116 from the fuselage 102.

As described above, the main wing 104, the rear stabilizing wing 116, and the tail fin 118 may each comprise a respective malleable frame supported by (e.g., embedded in) a respective external body. This facilitates the independent and selective positioning of each of the main wing 104, the rear stabilizing wing 116, and the tail fin 118 into a plurality of distinct wing configurations. Adjusting the position of one or more of the main wing 104, the rear stabilizing wing 116, and/or the tail fin 118 may induce different flight characteristics of the toy aircraft 100 when launched or thrown. For example, adjusting the position of the main wing 104, the rear stabilizing wing 116, and/or the tail fin 118 may induce different roll characteristics, directional characteristics, and/or lift characteristics of the toy aircraft 100. Alternatively, only the main wing 104 may comprise a respective malleable frame embedded in or supported by a respective external body and the rear stabilizing wing 116 and/or tail fin 118 may not comprise a respective malleable frame. In such examples, only the main wing 104 may be configured to be selectively positioned into a plurality of distinct bent, folded, and/or twisted wing configurations.

In some examples, toy aircraft 100 may comprise a weighted ball 135 and/or other weighted structure embedded within the fuselage 102. The weighted ball 135 may have any suitable weight that is configured to balance toy aircraft 100 during flight. The weighted ball 135 may be embedded within the fuselage 102 at any suitable position, such as proximate a forward end of the fuselage 102.

In some examples, toy aircraft 100 are configured to be utilized with any suitable launcher 128 to propel the toy aircraft 100 through the air. For example, toy aircraft 100 may be configured to be utilized with any suitable spring-biased launcher. In such examples, the toy aircraft 100 may comprise a launch connector 126 configured to facilitate the launching of the toy aircraft 100 using the launcher. The launch connector 126 may comprise any suitable structure(s) configured to connect the toy aircraft 100 to the launcher and facilitate the transfer of force from the launcher to the toy aircraft 100 to propel the toy aircraft 100 through the air. For example, the launch connector 126 may comprise a hook that is configured to be connected to a portion of the launcher that is propelled forward. In some examples, the launch connector 126 is disposed on the underside of the fuselage 102 of the toy aircraft 100. For example, the launch connector 126 may comprise the hook coupled to the underside of the fuselage 102 and extending downward from the underside of the fuselage 102.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3-9, illustrative non-exclusive examples of toy aircraft 100 and toy aircraft kits 10 are illustrated. Where appropriate, the reference numerals from the schematic illustrations of FIGS. 1-2 are used to designate corresponding parts of the examples of FIGS. 3-9; however, the examples of FIGS. 3-9 are non-exclusive and do not limit the toy aircraft 100 or toy aircraft kits 10 to the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 3-9. That is, toy aircraft 100 and toy aircraft kits 10 are not limited to the specific embodiments of FIGS. 3-9, and toy aircraft 100 and toy aircraft kits 10 may incorporate any number of the various aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. of the toy aircraft 100 and toy aircraft kits 10 that are illustrated in and discussed with reference to the schematic representations of FIGS. 1-2 and/or the embodiments of FIGS. 3-9, as well as variations thereof, without requiring the inclusion of all such aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. For the purpose of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc. or variants thereof may not be discussed, illustrated, and/or labeled again with respect to the examples of FIGS. 3-9; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the previously discussed features, variants, etc. may be utilized with the examples of FIGS. 3-9.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of an example toy aircraft 100 assembled from a toy aircraft kit 10. FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of an example fuselage 102 of toy aircraft 100 and toy aircraft kits 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the fuselage 102 defines a slot 110 which is configured to receive a main wing 104 and a rear-wing slot 134 which is configured to receive a rear stabilizing wing 116. The fuselage 102 comprises a front-slot protrusion 109 and an upper-slot protrusion 131, each of which is configured to be received within a respective channel of the main wing 104 to facilitate the friction-fit arrangement between the main wing 104 and the fuselage 102. The rear-wing slot 134 comprises a pair of rear-slot protrusions 132 that are configured to be received within respective rear-wing channels of the rear stabilizing wing 116 when the rear stabilizing wing 116 is received in the rear-wing slot 134.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of an example main wing 104 of toy aircraft 100 and toy aircraft kits 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the main wing 104 defines a front channel 136, an upper channel 129, and a rear channel 140. The front channel 136 is configured to receive and engage a front-slot protrusion 109 and the upper channel 129 is configured to receive and engage an upper-slot protrusion 131 when the main wing 104 is received within the slot 110 of the fuselage 102. The rear channel 140 is configured to receive and engage a slot rear wall 142 of the fuselage when the main wing 104 is received within the slot 110 of the fuselage 102. The front channel 136, upper channel 129, and rear channel 140 each receiving respective portions of the fuselage facilitates an improved friction-fit connection between the main wing 104 and the fuselage 102 and prevents undesired decoupling of the main wing 104 from the fuselage 102.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate toy aircraft 100 having the main wing 104 disposed in a plurality of illustrative and distinct wing configurations. FIGS. 6-9 illustrate non-limiting examples of selected wing configurations of the main wing 104. However, numerous other wing configurations are possible by bending and/or twisting the main wing 104 by different degrees, in different directions, or at different locations of the main wing 104.

FIG. 10 depicts steps of an illustrative method 200 for manufacturing a main wing 104 of toy aircraft 100, described above. In some examples, method 200 is a method of injection molding or overmolding an external body 106 of the main wing 104 over or around a malleable frame 108 of the main wing 104. Optionally, in some examples, as described further below, method 200 may be utilized to form a toy aircraft 100 including a main wing 104 and a fuselage 102 that are formed as a single-piece. Aspects of toy aircraft 100 as described above may be utilized in the method steps described below. Where appropriate, reference may be made to components and systems that may be used in carrying out each step. These references are for illustration and are not intended to limit the possible ways of carrying out any particular step of the method.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed in an illustrative method 200, and may not recite the complete process or all steps of the method. Although various steps of method 200 are described below and depicted in FIG. 10, the steps need not necessarily all be performed, and in some cases may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than the order shown.

Step 202 of method 200 comprises inserting a malleable frame 108 of a main wing 104 into a mold. As described above, the malleable frame 108 may comprise any suitable structure(s) and/or material(s) (e.g., aluminum), which are configured to be selectively bent and/or twisted at any position span-wise along the length of the malleable frame 108 and which are configured to maintain a selected bent and/or twisted position. For example, the malleable frame 108 may comprise any one of a circular metal wire 144, a flat metal wire 111, and/or a metal sheet 114. The mold may have any suitable shape that corresponds to the intended shape of an external body 106 of the main wing 104. Alternatively, in some examples in which a monolithic toy aircraft 100 (in which the fuselage 102 and the main wing 104 are formed as a single-piece) is formed, the mold may have any suitable shape that corresponds to the desired overall shape of the toy aircraft 100.

Step 204 of method 200 comprises heating a material that is to be injected into the mold to form an external body 106 around the malleable frame 108. For example, the material may be heated to a molten or melted state in step 204. As described above, the external body 106 of the main wing 104 is configured to be pliable and to conform to any one of a plurality of distinct bent and/or twisted positions of the main wing 104. Accordingly, the heated material may comprise any suitable material that, when cooled, is configured to form an external body 106 that is pliable and configured to conform to a plurality of distinct wing configurations of the main wing 104. For example, the heated material may comprise an Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) material.

Step 206 of method 200 comprises injecting the material that is heated in step 204 into the mold in order to form the external body 106 surrounding the malleable frame 108. The heated material may be injected into the mold in any suitable manner.

Step 208 of method 200 comprises cooling the heated material or allowing the heated material to cool. After cooling, the material is configured to form the external body 106 surrounding the malleable frame 108. In some examples in which a monolithic toy aircraft 100 (in which the fuselage 102 and the main wing 104 are formed as a single-piece) is formed, the material is cooled to form both the fuselage 102 and the main wing 104 surrounding the malleable frame 108. In some examples, the malleable frame 108 is completely embedded within the external body 106 formed by the cooled material, such that no portion of the malleable frame 108 is exposed through the external body 106. Alternatively, in other examples, one or more portions of the malleable frame 108 may be exposed through the external body 106 and one or more portions of the malleable frame 108 may be covered by the external body 106.

An alternative illustrative method 300 of manufacturing a main wing 104 of toy aircraft 100 is shown in FIG. 11. Aspects of toy aircraft 100 may be utilized in the method steps described below. Where appropriate, reference may be made to components and systems that may be used in carrying out each step. These references are for illustration and are not intended to limit the possible ways of carrying out any particular step of the method.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed in an illustrative method 300, and may not recite the complete process or all steps of the method. Although various steps of method 300 are described below and depicted in FIG. 11, the steps need not necessarily all be performed, and in some cases may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than the order shown.

Step 302 of method 300 comprises sandwiching a malleable frame 108 between a first layer 122 of an external body 106 and a second layer 124 of the external body 106. As shown in FIG. 12, the malleable frame 108 is sandwiched between the first layer 122 which is disposed beneath the malleable frame 108 and the second layer 124 which is disposed above the malleable frame 108. As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the malleable frame 108 may comprise a metal sheet 114, a metal wire 112, and/or any other suitable structure(s) that are configured to be selectively bent and/or twisted at any position span wise along the malleable frame and configured to maintain a selected bent and/or twisted position.

The first layer 122 and the second layer 124 are configured to collectively form upper and lower layers of the external body 106 of the main wing 104. In some examples, the first layer 122 and the second layer 124 may be substantially identical, i.e., having a same planform, size, and/or shape. In some examples, one or more of the first layer 122 and the second layer 124 may define one or more channels and/or other engagement structures which are configured to engage a fuselage of a toy aircraft to facilitate coupling the main wing to the fuselage. The first layer 122 and the second layer 124 may comprise any suitable material configured to conform to the selected bent and/or twisted shape of the main wing 104. For example, the first layer 122 and the second layer 124 may each comprise an EVA foam material.

Step 304 of method 300 comprises coupling the first layer 122 to the second layer 124, such that the malleable frame 108 is embedded in the external body 106. In some examples, the malleable frame 108 is completely covered by the first and second layers 122, 124 of the external body 106. In some examples, one or more of the first layer 122 and the second layer 124 comprise one or more holes, openings, and/or thinner portions, such that at least a portion of the malleable frame 108 that is embedded in the external body 106 between the first and second layers 122, 124 is exposed through the first or second layers 122, 124. As shown in FIG. 13, the first layer 122 is coupled to the second layer 124 with the malleable frame 108 sandwiched between the first layer 122 and the second layer 124. The first layer 122 may be coupled to the second layer 124 in any suitable manner. For example, the first layer 122 may be coupled to the second layer 124 utilizing any suitable adhesive. The first layer 122 and the second layer 124 form the external body 106 of the main wing 104 having the malleable frame 108 sandwiched between.

Step 306 of method 300 comprises pressing the first layer 122 and the second layer 124 of the external body 106 together using a heat press. In some examples, the first layer 122 and the second layer 124 are coupled together using an adhesive and pressing the layers together utilizing the heat press further bonds the first layer 122 to the second layer 124. In some examples, the heat press has an inner contour that is shaped to form the desired outer contour and shape of the main wing 104, such that the main wing 104 is formed having the desired outer contour and shape.

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates an example toy aircraft kit 10 comprising a main wing 104 and a fuselage 102, as described herein. The main wing 104 of toy aircraft kit 10 is configured to be coupled to the fuselage 102 to form toy aircraft 100.

Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of inventive subject matter according to the present disclosure are described in the following enumerated paragraphs:

• • A0. A toy aircraft (100) comprising:
  • a fuselage (102); and
  • a main wing (104) coupled to the fuselage (102), wherein the main wing (104) is configured to be bent and/or twisted at any position along a substantial span-wise length (166) of the main wing (104) amongst a plurality of distinct wing configurations, and wherein the main wing (104) is configured to be retained in a selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations.
  • A1. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A0, wherein the main wing (104) comprises an external body (106) and a malleable frame (108) supported by the external body (106), wherein the malleable frame (108) is configured to be selectively bent and/or twisted at any position along a frame span-wise length (164) of the malleable frame (108) amongst the plurality of distinct wing configurations, and wherein the malleable frame (108) is configured to retain the main wing (104) in a selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations.
  • A1.1. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A1, wherein the malleable frame (108) is embedded within the external body (106).
  • A1.2. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A1 or A1.1, wherein the substantial span-wise length (166) is equal to the frame span-wise length (164) of the malleable frame (108).
  • A2. The toy aircraft (100) of any one of paragraphs A0-A1.2, wherein the main wing (104) comprises a monolithic main wing (152).
  • A2.1. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A2, wherein the fuselage (102) defines a slot (110), and wherein the monolithic main wing (152) extends through the slot (110) in a friction-fit arrangement.
  • A2.2. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A2 or A2.1, wherein the monolithic main wing (152) extends through the slot (110) and outward external to the fuselage (102) on either side of the slot (110).
  • A2.3. The toy aircraft (100) of any one of paragraphs A2-A2.2, wherein the main wing (104) defines one or more channels (136, 140, 129) each of which receives a respective portion the fuselage (102) to selectively retain the monolithic main wing (152) within the slot (110).
  • A2.3.1. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A2.3, wherein the one or more channels (136, 140, 129) comprise a front channel (136), an upper channel (129), and a rear channel (140).
  • A2.3.1.1. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A2.3.1., wherein the fuselage (102) comprises a front-slot protrusion (109) received within the front channel (136) and an upper-slot protrusion (131) received within the upper channel (129).
  • A2.3.1.2. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A2.3.1. or A2.3.1.1, wherein the fuselage (102) comprises a slot rear wall (142), and wherein the slot rear wall (142) is received in the rear channel (140).
  • A3. The toy aircraft (100) of any one of paragraphs A0-A1.2, wherein the main wing (104) comprises a left wing portion (105A) and a right wing portion (105B), wherein the left wing portion (105A) and the right wing portion (105B) comprise two distinct pieces.
  • A3.1. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A3, wherein the fuselage (102) defines a slot (110), and wherein both the left wing portion (105A) and the right wing portion (105B) extend into the slot (110) in a friction-fit arrangement.
  • A3.2. The toy aircraft of paragraph A3, wherein the fuselage (102) defines a left wing slot (154A) and a right wing slot (154B), wherein the left wing portion (105A) extends into the left wing slot (154A) in a first friction-fit arrangement and the right wing portion (105B) extends into the right wing slot (154B) in a second friction-fit arrangement.
  • A3.3. The toy aircraft of any one of paragraphs A3-A3.2 when depending from any one of paragraphs A1-A1.2, wherein the malleable frame (108) comprises a left metal sheet (115A) supported by the left wing portion (105A) and a right metal sheet (115B) supported by the right wing portion (105B).
  • A3.4. The toy aircraft of any one of paragraphs A3-A3.2 when depending from any one of paragraphs A1-A1.2, wherein the malleable frame (108) comprises a left metal wire (113A) supported by the left wing portion (105A) and a right metal wire (113B) supported by the right wing portion (105B).
  • A4. The toy aircraft (100) of any one of paragraphs A1-A3.2, wherein the malleable frame (108) comprises a metal wire (112).
  • A4.1. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A2, wherein the metal wire (112) forms a loop extending around a periphery of the main wing (104).
  • A4.2. The toy aircraft of paragraph A4 or A4.1, wherein the metal wire (112) comprises a circular metal wire (144) having a circular cross-sectional shape.
  • A4.3. The toy aircraft of paragraph A4 or A4.1, wherein the metal wire (112) comprises a flat metal wire (111) having a rectangular cross-sectional shape.
  • A4.4. The toy aircraft (100) of any one of paragraphs A4-A4.3, wherein the metal wire (112) comprises aluminum.
  • A5. The toy aircraft (100) of any one of paragraphs A1-A3.2, wherein the malleable frame (108) comprises a metal sheet (114).
  • A5.1. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A5, wherein the metal sheet (114) comprises aluminum.
  • A6. The toy aircraft (100) of any one or paragraphs A1-A5.1, wherein the external body (106) comprises a pliable material configured to conform to the selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations.
  • A6.1. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A6, wherein the pliable material comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam material.
  • A7. The toy aircraft (100) of any one of paragraphs A0-A6.1, wherein the fuselage (102) comprises an EVA foam material.
  • A8. The toy aircraft (100) of any one of paragraphs A0-A7, further comprising:
  • a rear stabilizing wing (116) coupled to the fuselage (102); and
  • a tail fin (118) extending upward from a rear portion (120) of the fuselage (102).
  • A8.1. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A8, wherein the fuselage (102) comprises a rear-wing slot (134), and wherein the rear stabilizing wing (116) extends through the rear-wing slot (134) in a friction-fit arrangement.
  • A8.2. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A8 or A8.1, wherein the rear stabilizing wing (116) comprises a rear-wing malleable frame (117) embedded in a rear-wing external body (119).
  • A8.2.1. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A8.2 when depending from paragraph A7, wherein the rear-wing external body (119) defines one or more rear-wing channels (130) and the fuselage (102) comprises one or more rear-slot protrusions (132) disposed within the rear-wing slot (134), wherein each of the one or more rear-wing channels (130) receives a respective one of the one or more rear-slot protrusions (132).
  • A8.3. The toy aircraft (100) of any one of paragraphs A8-A8.2.1, wherein the tail fin (118) comprises a tail-fin malleable frame (121) embedded in a tail-fin external body (123).
  • A9. The toy aircraft (100) of any one of paragraphs A1-A8.3, wherein the external body (106) comprises a first layer (122) and a second layer (124), and wherein the malleable frame (108) is sandwiched between the first layer (122) and the second layer (124).
  • A9.1. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A9, wherein the first layer (122) and the second layer (124) each comprise an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam material.
  • A10. The toy aircraft of any one of paragraphs A0-A9.1, wherein the main wing (104) has a total span-wise length (158), and wherein the substantial span-wise length (166) of the main wing (104) is less than the total span-wise length (158) of the main wing (104).
  • A10.1. The toy aircraft of paragraph A10, wherein the substantial span-wise length (166) is at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, and/or at least 95% of the total span-wise length (158).
  • A11. The toy aircraft (100) of any one of paragraphs A0-A10.1, further comprising:
  • a launch connector (126) configured to be connected to a launcher (128) to propel the toy aircraft (100) forward.
  • A11.1. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A11, wherein the launch connector (126) comprises a hook extending downward from an underside of the fuselage (102).
  • A11.2. The toy aircraft (100) of paragraph A11 or A11.1, further comprising the launcher (128), wherein the launcher comprises a spring-biased launcher.
  • A12. A method (300) of manufacturing a main wing (104) of the toy aircraft (100) of any one of paragraphs A1-A11.2, the method (300) comprising:
  • sandwiching (302) the malleable frame (108) between a/the first layer (122) of the external body (106) and a/the second layer (124) of the external body (106); and
  • coupling (304) the first layer (122) to the second layer (124), such that the malleable frame (108) is embedded in the external body (106).
  • A12.1. The method (300) of paragraph A12, wherein the coupling (304) comprises utilizing an adhesive.
  • A12.2. The method (300) of paragraph A12 or A12.1, further comprising:
  • after the coupling (304), pressing (306) the first layer (122) and the second layer (124) of the external body (106) together using a hot press.
  • A13. A method (200) of manufacturing a main wing (104) of the toy aircraft (100) of any one of paragraphs A1-A8.3 or A10-A11.2, the method (200) comprising:
  • inserting (202) the malleable frame (108) within a mold;
  • heating (204) a material to be injected into the mold; and
  • injecting (206) the material into the mold around the malleable frame (108).
  • A13.1. The method (200) of paragraph A13, wherein the material comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
  • A13.2. The method (200) of paragraph A13 or A13.1, further comprising cooling (208) the material, such that the material forms the external body (106) around the malleable frame (108).
  • A14. The toy aircraft (100) of any one of paragraphs A0-A13.2, wherein the fuselage (102) and the main wing (104) are formed as a single piece.
  • B0. A toy aircraft kit (10), comprising:
  • a fuselage (102); and
  • a main wing (104) configured to be coupled to the fuselage (102), wherein the main wing (104) is configured to be bent and/or twisted at any position along a substantial span-wise length (164) of the main wing (104) amongst a plurality of distinct wing configurations, and wherein the main wing (104) is configured to be retained in a selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations.
  • B1. The toy aircraft kit (10) of paragraph B0, wherein the main wing (104) comprises an external body (106) and a malleable frame (108) supported by the external body (106), wherein the malleable frame (108) is configured to be selectively bent and/or twisted at any position along a frame span-wise length (164) of the malleable frame (108) amongst a plurality of distinct wing configurations, and wherein the malleable frame (108) is configured to retain the main wing (104) in a selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations.
  • B1.1. The toy aircraft kit (10) of paragraph B1, wherein the malleable frame (108) is embedded in the external body (106).
  • B2. The toy aircraft kit (10) of any one of paragraphs B0-B1.1, wherein the fuselage (102) defines a slot (110), and wherein the main wing (104) is configured to be selectively inserted into the slot (110) in a friction-fit arrangement.
  • B3. The toy aircraft kit (10) of any one of paragraph B0-B2, further comprising the subject matter of any of paragraphs A1-A14.
  • C0. A method (300) of manufacturing a main wing (104) of a toy aircraft (100), the method (300) comprising:
  • sandwiching (302) a malleable frame (108) of the main wing (104) between a first layer (122) of an external body (106) of the main wing (104) and a second layer (124) of the external body (106); and
  • coupling (304) the first layer (122) to the second layer (124), such that the malleable frame (108) is embedded in the external body (106).
  • C1. The method (300) of paragraph C0, wherein the coupling (304) comprises utilizing an adhesive.
  • C2. The method (300) of paragraph C0 or C1, further comprising:
  • after the coupling (304), pressing (306) the first layer (122) and the second layer (124) of the external body (106) together using a hot press.
  • D0. A method (200) of manufacturing a main wing (104) of a toy aircraft (100), the method (200), comprising:
  • inserting (202) a malleable frame (108) within a mold;
  • heating (204) a material to be injected into the mold;
  • injecting (206) the material into the mold around the malleable frame (108).
  • D1. The method (200) of paragraph D0, wherein the material comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) material.
  • D2. The method (200) of paragraph A12 or A12.1, further comprising cooling (208) the material, such that the material forms an external body (106) of the main wing (104) around the malleable frame (108).

The different embodiments and examples of the toy aircraft described herein provide several advantages over known solutions for toy aircraft having bendable wings. For example, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein allow a malleable frame to be embedded in an external body of the main wing of the toy aircraft. The malleable frame facilitates selective bending and/or twisting of the main wing at any suitable position span wise along the main wing to position the main wing in a plurality of different wing configurations. The malleable frame further facilitates retaining the main wing in a selected one of the plurality of different wing configurations. As a result, the main wing of the toy aircraft is adjustable into a plurality of different bent and/or twisted wing configurations. The different bent and/or twisted wing configurations may change the flight characteristics of the toy aircraft when thrown or launched.

No known system or device can perform these functions. However, not all embodiments and examples described herein provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantage.

The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple distinct examples with independent utility. Although each of these has been disclosed in its preferred form(s), the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. To the extent that section headings are used within this disclosure, such headings are for organizational purposes only. The subject matter of the disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed in applications claiming priority from this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A toy aircraft, comprising: a fuselage; anda main wing coupled to the fuselage, wherein the main wing is configured to be bent and/or twisted at any position along a substantial span-wise length of the main wing amongst a plurality of distinct wing configurations, and wherein the main wing is configured to be retained in a selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations.

2. The toy aircraft of claim 1, wherein the main wing comprises an external body and a malleable frame supported by the external body.

3. The toy aircraft of claim 2, wherein the malleable frame is embedded within the external body.

4. The toy aircraft of claim 2, wherein the malleable frame comprises a metal wire.

5. The toy aircraft of claim 4, wherein the metal wire forms a loop extending around a periphery of the main wing.

6. The toy aircraft of claim 4, wherein the metal wire comprises aluminum.

7. The toy aircraft of claim 2, wherein the malleable frame comprises a metal sheet.

8. The toy aircraft of claim 7, wherein the metal sheet comprises aluminum.

9. The toy aircraft of claim 2, wherein the external body comprises a pliable material configured to conform to the selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations.

10. The toy aircraft of claim 9, wherein the pliable material comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam material.

11. The toy aircraft of claim 1, wherein the main wing comprises a monolithic main wing.

12. The toy aircraft of claim 11, wherein the fuselage defines a slot, and wherein the monolithic main wing extends through the slot in a friction-fit arrangement.

13. The toy aircraft of claim 1, wherein the main wing comprises a left wing portion and a right wing portion, wherein the left wing portion and the right wing portion comprise two distinct pieces.

14. The toy aircraft of claim 13, wherein the fuselage defines a slot, and wherein both the left wing portion and the right wing portion extend into the slot in a friction-fit arrangement.

15. The toy aircraft of claim 13, wherein the fuselage defines a left wing slot and a right wing slot, wherein the left wing portion extends into the left wing slot in a first friction-fit arrangement and the right wing portion extends into the right wing slot in a second friction-fit arrangement.

16. The toy aircraft of claim 1, wherein the fuselage comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam material.

17. The toy aircraft of claim 1, further comprising: a rear stabilizing wing coupled to the fuselage; anda tail fin extending upward from a rear portion of the fuselage.

18. A toy aircraft kit, comprising: a fuselage; anda main wing configured to be coupled to the fuselage, wherein the main wing is configured to be bent and/or twisted at any position along a substantial span-wise length of the main wing amongst a plurality of distinct wing configurations, and wherein the main wing is configured to be retained in a selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations.

19. The toy aircraft kit of claim 18, wherein the main wing comprises an external body and a malleable frame supported by the external body, wherein the malleable frame is configured to be selectively bent and/or twisted at any position along a frame span-wise length of the malleable frame amongst a plurality of distinct wing configurations, and wherein the malleable frame is configured to retain the main wing in a selected one of the plurality of distinct wing configurations.

20. The toy aircraft kit of claim 18, wherein the fuselage defines a slot, and wherein the main wing is configured to be selectively inserted into the slot in a friction-fit arrangement.