US3476386A - Rotating toy simulated aircraft - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 4, 1969 P. D. BART ROTATING TOY SIMULATED AIRCRAFT Filed Aug 29, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 PHILIP D. BART QM-OM 6.

ATTORNEY Nov. 4, 1969 P. D. BART I 3,476,386

ROTATING TOY SIMULATED AIRCRAFT Filed Aug 29, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. PHILIP D. BART ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,476,386 ROTATING TOY SIMULATED AIRCRAFT Philip D. Bart, 27 Keith Drive, Monsey, N.Y. 10952 Filed Aug. 29, 1966, Ser. No. 575,748 Int. Cl. A63h 27/00; A63g 1/10 US. Cl. 272-31 11 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A rotating toy with a simulated aircraft having an elevation dependent on the speed of its rotation and a hood mounted beneath it, a landing area and an arresting member periodically urged into and out of the landing area by a camming device. By suitable control of the aircraft speed, the aircraft is manipulated to catch the arresting member during the period when the arresting member is in an engageable position. The engagement of the aircraft is also indicated by means of an electrically generated signal. In a further embodiment, alternative air foil patterns on complementary aircraft provide the required lift factor.

The invention relates to improvements in rotating toys and more particularly to a controllable rotating toy airplane with arrested landing.

Heretofore, games of the rotating simulated aircraft variety have been designed to primarily provide entertainment rather than for promoting skill in the visual and manipulative powers of the operator. While the promotion of operative skill is a laudable purpose, commercial necessity demands that the game or toy provide entertainment to a wide range of potential users.

Attempts to solve these conflicting purposes have resulted in complex and cumbersome mechanisms which all too often provide little if any challenge to the manipulative skill of hand/eye coordination.

It is therefore a prime object of the invention to provide a rotating toy which is both stimulating to the imagination and useful in promoting manipulative coordination of the operator.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a rotating toy which is relatively simple in construction, possesses an ease of operation, and is relatively uncumbersome.

In accordance with the foregoing objects, the invention contemplates a rotatable simulated aircraft, pivotally attached to a shaft by a suitable cross member, and a prescribed landing area, preferably in the shape of a simulated aircraft carrier landing deck. The aircraft is controllable by the operator as to rotational speed and elevation. Beneath the aircraft, mounted to the underportion thereof, is a substantially hoop shaped member. On the landing deck is an arresting means. By suitable control of the rotational speed of the aircraft, the elevation thereof may be lowered until the hook shaped member positively engages the arresting means, thereby causing instant cessation to the rotary movement of the aircraft. A suitable indicating means is coupled to the arresting means to provide the operator with registerable evidence of aircraft rotary arrest.

To further challenge the manipulative skill of the operator, the arresting means is arranged so as to be periodically retractable from its engageable position to a position of non-engagement. Thus, only when the arresting means is extended in its engaging position can a landing be attempted. The periodic action of the arresting means can 'be for delayed periods, and for random or regular cycles.

Further, the rotating cross member carrying the aircraft can be provided at its opposite end with a second simulated aircraft, the elevated position of which is similarly dependent on speed of rotation. The respective aircraft can each be provided with opposing air foil configurations to aid in the elevation effect of either with regard to the speed of rotation. In this case, the aircraft with a positive or normal air foil will vertically elevate with increasing rotational speed, while the other will fall. With decreasing speed, the opposite will result. Thus, either craft can be selectively brought into contact with the arresting means by suitable manipulation of the varying speed control. Preferably, because of weight and/o1 distance of each aircraft from the cross member pivot, the positive air foil craft exerts a greater downward force.

To heighten realism and further provoke the imagination of the operator, the invention may also include a simulated submarine or other superstructure, positioned at the periphery of the rotating perimeter defined by the simulated aircraft. The superstructure may be relatively close to the base level of the invention but in any event is provided at the uppermost portion with a switch, operable as a result of proximity with the rotating craft as by contact, magnetism, photoelectric means, or the like. The operation of this switch by proper elevation and speed control on the part of the operator thus allows a further manipulative operation within the same framework as heretofore detailed, and for the same purpose. Suitable sound effects simulating the noise of aircraft in flight can be thus provided as to create a more realistic audio background and thereby complement the above described visual effects.

The foregoing objects and features as well as other objects and features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein: FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of the general layout contemplated; FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of the invention; FIG. 3 shows a detail of an arrest and switch mechanism; FIG. 4 shows an electrical circuit of the present invention; FIG. 5 illustrates the sound simulator of the present invention.

Referring to the figures wherein like legends denote like components, the rotating toy is provided with a relatively horizontal supporting base 10 and an upstanding rotatable vertical shaft 12. At or near the uppermost portion of the shaft at a point P is pivotally mounted a cross member 14 having a simulated aircraft 16, preferably constructed of a relatively light-weight material such as plastic or balsa wood, mounted at one end thereof. At the other end of the cross member 14 is a counterweight 18 weighing slightly less than the aircraft 16 and preferably in the shape of a similar aircraft. It is understood that the weight of the counterweight is intended to refer to the downward force exerted as a result of the inherent weight of the aircraft and the length of lever arm between the aircraft and point P. At one peripheral edge of the base there is mounted a simulated aircraft carrier 20 having a prescribed landing area or deck 22 and a supporting frame 24 for mounting the deck to the base. The frame is of sufficient height to elevate the deck from the base so as to form a distinct landing area and to more closely simulate an aircraft carrier of the Forrestal class. To complete the simulation, the carrier deck 22 is provided with a superstructure 26 analogous to a conning tower or the like.

At a convenient location, such as within the framework of the simulated aircraft and supported by the base platform, there is positioned a suitable driving motor 28 having a rotatable shaft 30 and a pulley wheel 32. A continuous driving belt 34, preferably of rubber for positive frictional engagement, is tensed about the motor pulley wheel 32 and another pulley wheel 36, affixed to the vertical shaft 12. Both pulley wheels and belt are preferably grooved to provide a more positive engagement. For increased support and greater stability, a fixed non-rotatable outer shaft 38 is mounted to the base and encloses the inner shaft 12 for the greater part of the length thereof. The rotatable inner shaft 12 is Suitably afiixed to the inner portion of the base 10 as by means of a bronze or similar variety of bushing 40 to provide support while enabling rotation.

The driving motor is preferably electrically operable and to this end there is provided a power source such as a battery 42 having electrical connections forming a series circuit which includes control means constituting an on-otf switch 44, a rheostat 46 and the driving motor 28, best illustrated in FIG. 4. The switch and rheostat are manually operable by means of easily accessible handles or control levers 48 and 50 respectively. The battery may be located within the base 10 for easy accessibility.

In operation, the slightly heavier aircraft 16 maintains that portion of the cross member containing it in a downward angled position. When the power to the motor is switched on and the rheostat advanced to increase the current flow from the battery, the rotational speed of the aircraft 16, transmitted through shaft 30, pulley 32, belt 34, pulley 36 and the rotating shaft 12, begins to undergo an increase. Because of centrifugal force, or an advantageously shaped air foil as described below in further detail, the aircraft 16 begins to rise in accordance with the build-up of rotational speed, attaining thereby a vertical elevation corresponding to the attained rate of rotational speed. When the rheostat is returned to its initial position, the current flow decreases and so does the rotational speed and elevation of the aircraft 16. By proper manipulation of the rheostat handle, the aircraft 14 may be made to reach the precise elevation of the deck 22 of the simulate aircraft carrier 20.

The alternative embodiment employing two simulated aircraft may be designed such that the aircraft 16 exerting the greater downward force has a positive air foil configuration, whereas the aircraft 18 has negative air foil configuration. In this embodiment, the aircraft 16 will elevate with increasing rotational speed, while the other will fall. With decreasing speed, the opposite will result. The specific shape of the respective air foils is such that rotational movement of aircraft 16 causes a lifting force to be imparted thereto, while rotational movement of aircraft 18 causes a dragging force to be induced thereto. Since both aircraft rotate in the same direction at opposite ends of the same cross member, the forces are complementary.

Beneath the aircraft 16 and preferably towards the tail portion thereof, there is rigidly mounted a substantially hook shaped member 52. At a suitable location within the landing deck area 22 of the aircraft carrier 20 there is positioned an arresting means 54. While the arresting means may take any operable form, it is preferably constituted by an arresting member 56 in the shape of an enclosed wire frame which is positioned transversely with respect to the direction of rotation of the aircraft 16, and secured to the deck of the carrier in a manner described more fully below.

In operation, when the aircraft 16 has reached the proper elevation with regard to the landing deck 22, the hook member 52 will undergo a flying engagement with the arresting member 56 and the rotational movement of the aircraft will undergo an immediate arrest.

To provide a suitable indication of the successful arrest of the rotating aircraft, an electrical switch 58, preferably but not necessarily of the mechanical push button variety, is mounted, preferably below the deck area 22 of the carrier, so as to be engageable by the arresting member 56 in a manner sufficient to cause the switch to mechanically close and thus form a complete electrical circuit which would include a visible or audible indicator. One preferred form of indicator includes a set of colored lights 60 mounted atop the conning tower 26 of the carrier. When the switch 58 is closed, an electrical series circuit which includes the battery 42, switch 7 5 8, and the lights 60 is completed thereby causing the lights to become lighted. The lighted condition will continue by virtue of the continued applied pressure of the aircraft 16 against the a resting member 56 until the aircraft is removed from the arresting member or until the entire unit is shut off. If it is not desirable to allow the motor to be in a full stall condition, it is optionally possible to provide for either pulley wheel 32 or 36 to slip when the aircraft is in arrest position. Alternatively, switch 58 may provide another set of normally closed contacts series connected in the motor energizing circuit. Closing of switch 58 results therefor in disconnecting the battery from the motor and halting the rotation thereby. A further possibility could provide for a second switch performing the foregoing function.

With respect to the foregoing, it should be noted that the simulated aircraft 18 could be provided with a landing hook member similar to that on aircraft 16, and that a controlled landing involving aircraft 18 is equally as feasible as that involvingaircraft 16, the only distinction being that an increase in rotational speed 15 necessary to cause aircraft 18 to land. The arresting member 56 is constructed, as is the remainder of the assembly, to withstand the rotating impact of the aircraft.

To further increase the gaming skill of the operator in effecting an accurate landing, the position of the carrier arresting member 56 may be varied in a vertical direction. In a preferred form, as best illustrated 1n FIGURE 3, the arresting member is slidably positioned within the landing area 22 of the carrier 20 and normally biased in a retracted position so that the uppermost position thereof lies beneath or flush with the deck and is in a non-engageable position with respect to the a1r craft hook member. This is accomplished by arranging the arresting member loop in the form of a closed loop having at least one but preferably two biasing springs 62 and 64. Located beneath the arresting member loop 56 is a supporting frame 56A to which the loop 56 is hingedly mounted for forward movement to engage the switch 58 when the aircraft hook member makes a fiying contact. The frame 56A is in turn supported by a cam 66, rotatable about a central shaft 66A, and designed with suflicient dimension in both long and short radius so as to allow the frame 56A and therefore the arresting member loop 56 to be periodically urged up into a position of engageable relation with the hook member 52 of the aircraft 16 and retracted into av position out of engagement, thereby preventing engagement with the hook member 52. It is noted that the frame 56A and the under part of the deck 22 form suitable opposed surfaces for tensiom'ng the biasing springs. The cam 66 is provided with a bevel bear 68 affixed thereto and rotatable therewith. A mating bevel gear 70 positively engages gear 68 and is in turn fixedly mounted to a rotatable motor driven shaft 72. Advantageously, shaft 72 may be 'driven by motor unit 28. It is' understood, however, that the cam 66 may be operated in any convenient manner to cause raising and retracting of the arresting member as, for instance, a separate motor unit may be provided, or a suitable manually operably mechanism may be employed. The shaft 66A, upon which the cam may be supported and rotated, is attached to the frame at wherever location may be most satisfactory and is preferably constructed of a durable molded plastic.

For heightened realism, a noise making device to approximate the sound of an aircraft is optionally provided. To this end, a sawtoothed wheel 74, best illustrated in FIGURE 5 is rigidly mounted onto any of the rotating shafts such as the shaft 30. Abutting one side thereof and engaging at one end thereof the sawtooth, in a slidable manner, is a reed like member 76 composed of relatively stiff material and suitably fixed mounted at the other end to a convenient point on the framework of the invention. As the wheel rotates, a

ratchet like sound is produced by virtue of the repeated striking of the member 76 against the teeth of the wheels, thereby providing a suitable sound effect.

As a further feature, a simulated submarine superstructure 78 is positioned along the periphery of the rotational path of the simulated aircraft, and is provided at the top thereof with, a switch 80. When either aircraft 16m 18 are suificiently lowered, a wing tip thereof will strike switch 80, and result in a suitable, momentary indication, such as lighting of the lamps 60. The switch 80 may of course be operable in any similar effective manner.

It is understood from the foregoing exemplary embodiment that the cross member 14 need actually include only one simulated aircraft, and that the rotational drive of the aircraft may be effected by other than electrical motor drives. It is further understood that although in many instances no specific constructional materials have been specified, any material suitable for the purpose may be employed. For example, the base can be either wood, plastic, or aheavy paper board.

While the foregoing description has been primarily concerned with rotating aircraft in the form of conventional airplanes, it will b understood that the rotating objects may take other more fanciful forms, as rockets or satellites. a

It will be apparent that many modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention as expressed in the appended claims. 1

Iclaim:

1. A rotating toy comprising: a rotatable shaft, driving means coupled to said shaft'forcausing the rotation thereof, control means connected to said driving means for varying the rotational speed of saidshaft, a cross member pivotally mounted to said shaft and rotatable therewith, a simulated aircraft mounted at one end of said cross member and having an elevation dependent upon the speed of rotation of said simulated aircraft, a substantially hooked shaped member mounted to the underportion of said simulated aircraft, a prescribed simulated landing area for said simulated aircraft, arresting means including an arresting member positioned within said landing area and engaging said hook shaped member when said aircraft is in a lowered position for, andmeans for periodically urging saidarresting member into and out of position for engagement with said hook shaped member.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said rotating toy further comprises'a horizontal base, said rotatable shaft extending vertically upwards therefrom.

3. Th combination of claim 1 wherein said driving means comprises a battery driven electric motor and said control means includes a rheostat connected between said battery and said motor for selectively varying the power appliedto said motor to vary the speed thereof.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said prescribed landing area comprises a simulated aircraft carrierlanding deck and a supporting frame for mounting said deck to said base, said deck being elevated by said frame from said base.

'5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said arresting member is transversely positioned for engaging said hook shaped member, said arresting member being spring biased so as to normally be positioned below the surface of said landing area, in an inoperable position with respect to said hook shaped member, and periodically rotatable camming means, said camming means positioned to periodically urge said arresting member above the surface of said landing area into an operable position With respect to said hook shaped member.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said arresting means includes means for providing an indication of said arrest comprising an electrical push button switch connected to said arresting means and forming an electrical series circuit with an electrically operable visual indicator and a battery, said arresting means operable in the engaged position thereof to electrically close said series circuit and thereby energize said indicator.

7. A rotating toy comprising: a base, a central shaft upstanding from said base, a cross member pivotally mounted to said shaft, a first simulated aircraft mounted on one end of said cross member, a second simulated aircraft mounted at the other end of said cross member remote from said first aircraft, said first aircraft having a positive configuration air foil for inducing a lift force to said first aircraft upon rotation thereof, and said second aircraft having a negative configuration air foil for inducing a drag force to said second aircraft, said first aircraft and said second aircraft balanced on said cross member such that said first aircraft normally exerts a greater downward force, driving means coupled to said simulated aircraft to cause rotation thereof about said shaft, said aircraft having an elevation dependent upon the speed of said rotation, control means coupled to said driving means for varying the rotational speed of said simulated aircraft, a substantially hook shaped member mounted to the underportion of each of said simulated aircraft, a simulated aircraft carrier having a substantially flat simulated landing area upstanding from said base, and arresting means positioned within said landing area for engaging said hook shaped member when either of said simulated aircraft is in a lowered position and thereby arresting the rotational movement of said simulated aircraft.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said arresting means includes a transversely positioned arresting member for engaging said hook shaped member, said arresting member being spring biased so as to normally be p0- sitioned below the surface of said landing area in an inoperable position with respect to said hook shaped member, and periodically rotatable camming means, said camming means positioned to periodically urge said arrestingmember above the surface of said landing area into an operable position with respect to said hook shaped member.

9. The combination of claim 7 further including indicating means coupled to said arresting means for providing an indication of said arrest wherein said indicating means comprises an electrical position switch connected to said arresting means and forming an electrical series circuit with an electrically operable visual indicator and a battery, said arresting means operable in the engaged position thereof to electrically close said series circuit and thereby energize said indicator.

10. The combination of claim 7 wherein said driving means comprises a battery driven electric motor and said control means includes a rheostat connected between said battery and said motor for selectively varying the power applied to said motor to vary the speed thereof.

11. A rotating toy comprising: a rotatable shaft, driving means coupled to said shaft for causing the rotation thereof, control means connected to said driving means for varying the rotational speed of said shaft, a cross member pivotally mounted to said shaft and rotatable therewith, a simulated aircraft mounted at one end of said cross member and having an elevation dependent upon the speed of rotation of said simulated aircraft, a substantially hook shaped member mounted to the underportion of said simulated aircraft, a prescribed landing area for said simulated aircraft, arresting means positioned within said landing area and engaging said hook shaped member when said aircraft is in a lowered position for arresting the rotational movement of said simulated aircraft, an electrical switch connected to said arresting means and forming an electrical circuit as a series circuit including a battery and an electrically operable indicating means, said arresting means being operable in the engaged position thereof to electrically close 7 8 said series circuit and thereby energize said indicator for FOREIGN PATENTS providing an indication of rotational arrest. 273,108 4/1951 Switzerland References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 RICHARD C. PINK.HAM, Prlrnary Examlner 2,222,648 11/1940 Billet v D. W. DIAZ, JR.,Ass1stantExam1ner 212551352 if 3321 11:11:11: 333i} 2,901,251 8/1959 Pettit 27331 46243; 273- 1 g;;g UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,476,386 Dated November 4, 1969 Inventor( PHILIP D. BART It: is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

column 5, line 45. after "for" insert --arresting the rotational movement of said simulated aircraft-- Signed and sealed this 25th day of ug st 1970.

r; Atteat:

Edward M. Fletcher, 18 WEIIIAM E- JR- Gomissioner of Patents Attesting cer

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