Patent ID: 8303367
Filing Date: 2012-11-06
Classification: A63H

Abstract:
1. A flying toy, comprising: a body portion that is configured to be inflatable by a lighter-than-air gas to thereby form an inflated body that is compressible by an elastic element, wherein the body portion has a volume sufficient to provide neutral buoyancy to the toy when the body portion is inflated with the lighter-than-air gas, and wherein the body portion is formed from a polymeric film; a tail assembly that is coupled to the body portion by the elastic element, wherein the tail assembly, the body portion, and the elastic element are configured such that the elastic element assists, via exertion of a compressive force to the body portion, in maintaining sufficient rigidity of the body portion for propulsion by a moving surface when the toy is inflated with the lighter-than-air gas; wherein the moving surface that is coupled via a first actuator and the tail assembly to the body portion, wherein the first actuator is coupled to the tail assembly, and wherein the first actuator is configured such that the moving surface is reciprocally movable by the first actuator at variable and different angles relative to a forward directional axis of the toy to thereby provide propulsion to the toy; a second actuator coupled to the body portion via a guide element that extends in a parallel or perpendicular direction relative to the forward directional axis, and wherein the second actuator is configured to allow movement of a weight element by the second actuator in parallel or perpendicular direction relative to the forward directional axis; and wherein the weight element and guide element are coupled to the body portion such that the movement of the weight element changes pitch of the toy while the toy is flying to thereby allow for controlled ascent or descent of the flying toy.