Abstract:
A toy character includes a body, a first propeller assembly, a second propeller assembly, and a motor. The body extends in a longitudinal direction and has a longitudinal axis. The first propeller assembly is mounted to the body to rotate in a first direction about the longitudinal axis and positioned at a mid-portion of the body. The second propeller assembly is mounted to the body to rotate in a second direction about the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from the first propeller assembly. The second propeller assembly is mechanically linked to the first propeller assembly for counter-rotation in the second direction when the first propeller assembly rotates in the first direction. The motor is in communication with the first and second propeller assemblies to drive rotations in the first direction and the second direction.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/294,032 filed Jun. 2, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,474, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/458,743 filed Jun. 21 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. D740,376, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to propeller assemblies and control systems for flying toys. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Flying toy entities may utilize various types of components to create propeller assemblies and toy entity structures to assist in generating lift for the toy entity. Various types of control systems may also be used to direct operation of the components. Improvements in electronics and mechanics continue to reduce the weight of the components and also provide additional packaging space to create new flying toy entities which improve play patterns and enjoyment for a user. Traditional flying toys have used multiple forms of manual or spring launched gliders providing horizontal flight as well as manual or spring launched propeller toys for vertical flight. Toy helicopters in particular have benefited from the improvements in electronics and mechanics. A desire remains for non-helicopter style lightweight electric motorized vertical interactive flying toys. 
     SUMMARY 
     A toy character includes a body, a first propeller assembly, a second propeller assembly, and a motor. The body extends in a longitudinal direction and has a longitudinal axis. The first propeller assembly is mounted to the body to rotate in a first direction about the longitudinal axis and positioned at a mid-portion of the body. The second propeller assembly is mounted to the body to rotate in a second direction about the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from the first propeller assembly. The second propeller assembly is mechanically linked to the first propeller assembly for counter-rotation in the second direction when the first propeller assembly rotates in the first direction. The motor is in communication with the first and second propeller assemblies to drive rotations in the first direction and the second direction. A controller may be in communication with the motor and a mechanical switch secured at a foot portion of the body to contact a surface. The controller may be programmed to adjust a speed of the motor in response to the mechanical switch contacting a surface. The controller may be further programmed to adjust the speed of the motor in a predetermined play pattern. The controller may be further programmed to adjust the speed of the motor based on a predetermined time scale of motor outputs. A controller may be in communication with the motor and a lower sensor secured to a lower portion of the character to transmit a surface detection signal and to receive a reflected surface detection signal. The controller may be programmed to adjust a speed of the motor in response to the lower sensor receiving or not receiving the reflected surface detection signal. The controller may be further programmed to activate or deactivate the lower sensor based on receiving or not receiving the reflected surface detection signal. 
     A controller may be in communication with the motor and an upper sensor secured to a head of the body to transmit a surface detection signal and to receive a reflected surface detection signal. The controller may be programmed to adjust a speed of the motor in response to the upper sensor receiving or not receiving the reflected surface detection signal. The controller may be further programmed to activate or deactivate the upper sensor based on receiving or not receiving the reflected surface detection signal. The first propeller assembly may include a first pair of blades pivotally mounted to a first propeller mount, a flybar mounted to the body and offset from the first pair of blades, and a linkage mechanically linking pivotal movement of the first propeller mount and the flybar. The second propeller assembly may include a second pair of blades pivotally mounted to a second propeller mount and a third pair of blades pivotally mounted to the second propeller mount. The toy character may include a gear train and the first propeller assembly may further include a first propeller mount and a first set of blades secured thereto for pivotal movement. The second propeller assembly may further include a second propeller mount and a second set of blades secured thereto for pivotal movement. The gear train may mechanically link the first propeller mount and the second propeller mount for the counter-rotation. One of the first propeller assembly and the second propeller assembly may further include a propeller mount, a pair of blades, and a pair of safety arcs. The propeller mount may be mounted to the body for rotation. Each of the blades of the pair of blades may extend from the propeller mount and each of the blades of the pair of blades including a lead edge and a trail edge. Each of the safety arcs of the pair of safety arcs may be spaced forward of the lead edge extending from the lead edge at a location adjacent the propeller mount to a portion of a distal end of the blade such that a space is defined between the safety arc and the portion of the distal end of the blade. A controller may be in communication with the motor to send control signals and receive voltage feedback signals. The controller may be programmed to adjust a speed of the motor in response to receiving the voltage feedback signals. The toy character may further include at least one of a sensor and a mechanical switch. The controller may be in communication with the at least one of the sensor and the mechanical switch and programmed to activate or deactivate the at least one of the sensor and mechanical switch in response to the voltage feedback signals. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example of a flying toy doll shown in a first configuration and supported by a charge base. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the flying toy doll of  FIG. 1  and a fragmented view of the charge base of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the flying toy doll of  FIG. 1  and a fragmented view of the charge base of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a right side view of the flying toy doll of  FIG. 1  and a fragmented view of the charge base of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a left side view of the flying toy doll of  FIG. 1  and a fragmented view of the charge base of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of the flying toy doll of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the flying toy doll from  FIG. 1  shown in a second configuration and a fragmented view of the charge base of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the flying toy doll of  FIG. 1  shown in the second configuration and a fragmented view of the charge base of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of the flying toy doll from  FIG. 1  shown in a second configuration and a fragmented view of the charge base of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a right side view of the flying toy doll of  FIG. 1  shown in the second configuration and a fragmented view of the charge base of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a left side view of the flying toy doll of  FIG. 1  shown in the second configuration and a fragmented view of the charge base of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of the flying toy doll of  FIG. 1  shown in the second configuration and a fragmented view of the charge base of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of an example of a flying toy figure shown in a first configuration and supported by a charge base. 
         FIG. 13B  is a plan view of the flying toy figure from of  13 A. 
         FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of the flying toy figure of  FIG. 13A  shown in a second configuration. 
         FIG. 14B  is a plan view of the flying toy figure of  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an example of a counter rotating propeller assembly. 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagram showing examples of components of the flying toy figure of  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view of an example of a gear train for utilization with the flying toy figure of  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 18  is a fragmented rear perspective view of the flying toy figure of  FIG. 13A  showing a portion of a control system. 
         FIG. 19  is perspective view of the flying toy figure of  FIG. 13A  shown with an example of another upper section embodiment and a pair of arms embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the upper section and pair of arms embodiment from  FIG. 19  with a portion of the upper section removed to show internal components. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the flying toy figure from  FIG. 13A  shown with examples of lighting features. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments can take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present embodiments. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations. 
     In one example,  FIGS. 1 through 12  show a flying toy doll  10  supported by a charge base  14 . The flying toy doll  10  may be removable from the charge base  14 . The flying toy doll  10  may include a body extending in a longitudinal direction and having a longitudinal axis being substantially vertical. The flying toy doll  10  has an upper body section  18  and a lower body section  20 . A mid-body section  22  may be mounted to the body between the upper body section  18  and the lower body section  20 . A head  24  may be secured to the upper body section  18 . A pair of arms  30  may be secured to the upper body section  18  and extend outwardly therefrom. A leg member  31  may extend from the lower body section  20 . An upper propeller mount  36  may be mounted to the mid-body section for rotation. The upper propeller mount  36  may define two upper blade receiving brackets  38  extending outward from the upper propeller mount  36 . For example, the upper blade receiving brackets  38  may each define a pair of upper bracket prongs adapted to receive an upper pin  39  extending therebetween. Two upper blades  42  may each define a proximal end  44  and an upper extension  45  mounted to one of the upper blade receiving bracket  38  at the upper pin  39  for hinged movement between at least two positions. For example,  FIGS. 1 through 6  show the upper blades  42  in a raised position or flying position and  FIGS. 7 through 12  show the upper blades  42  in a lowered position or resting position. The two upper blades  42  may each define a leading edge  46  and a trailing edge  48  relative to a first direction of rotation. A leading edge of blade corresponds to a direction of rotation of a respective propeller mount. The two upper blades  42  may each define a distal end  50  and a safety arc  52  which may extend between the proximal end  44  and the distal end  50 . The distal end  50  moves between at least the lowered position and the raised position. In the flying position, the upper blades  42  are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body of the flying toy doll  10 . 
     A lower propeller mount  54  may be mounted to the body of the flying toy doll  10  for rotation. The lower propeller mount  54  may define two or more lower receiving brackets  56  extending outward from the lower propeller mount  54 . For example, the lower blade receiving brackets  56  may each define a pair of lower bracket prongs adapted to receive a lower pin  57  extending therebetween. Two or more lower blades  60  may each define a proximal end  62  and a lower extension  63  mounted to one of the lower receiving brackets  56  at the lower pin  57  for hinged movement between at least two positions. 
     For example,  FIGS. 1 through 6  show the lower blades  60  in a raised position or flying position and  FIGS. 7 through 12  show the lower blades  60  in a lowered position or resting position. When the upper blades  42  and the lower blades  60  are both in the respective lowered positions, the blades may form an appearance of a skirt. The two or more lower blades  60  may each define a leading edge  64  and a trailing edge  66  relative to the second direction of rotation. The two or more lower blades  60  may each define a distal end  67  and a safety arc  68  which may extend between the proximal end  62  and the distal end  67 . In one example, the leading edges  46  of the upper blades  42  are oriented opposite the leading edges  64  of the lower blades  60 . The distal ends  67  of the lower blades  60  move between at least the lowered position and the raised position. A vertical membrane, such as a wing member  70 , may be secured and substantially parallel to the upper body section  18 . The wing member  70  may be sized to provide air resistance when the upper propeller mount  36  and the lower propeller mount  54  are rotating. 
     The flying toy doll  10  may include a pair of flybar mounting brackets  80  secured to the upper propeller mount  36 . Each of the flybar mounting brackets  80  may define a pair of prongs adapted to receive a flybar pin  81  extending therebetween. A flybar  84  may include first and second portions, each portion may define a proximal end adapted to mount to one of the flybar pins  81  to facilitate pivotal movement of the flybar  84  portions between at least a flybar raised position or flybar flying position and a flybar lowered position or flybar resting position. The portions of the flybar  84  may define a distal end which may be weighted to provide stability during rotation of the upper propeller mount  36 . 
     In another example,  FIGS. 13A through 18  show a flying and/or hovering toy  figure 100  supported by a charge base  104 . The toy  figure 100  is removable from the charge base  14 . The charge base  104  may include a charge base power supply (not shown) and a connector (not shown) to transfer power to the toy  figure 100 . It is contemplated the toy  figure 100  may have other forms such as dolls, figures, characters, and animals. The toy  figure 100  may include an upper section  106 , a pair of arms  108  extending from the upper section  106 , a head  110 , and a vertical membrane, such as a wing member  111 , secured to the upper section  106 . A central shaft  114  may extend from the upper section  106  and define a central axis  115 . A lower section  116  may be secured to the central shaft  114 . A mid-section  118  may be mounted to the central shaft  114  for rotation about the central axis  115 . A leg member  120  may extend from the lower section  116 . Two or more propeller assemblies  121  may be mounted to the toy  figure 100 . 
     For example, a first propeller mount  122  may be mounted to the central shaft  114  for rotation in a first direction about the central axis  115 . The first propeller mount  122  may also be mounted to the central shaft  114  for pivotal movement about at least one axis such as a first propeller mount axis defined by a set of upper receiving brackets  126 . The first propeller mount  122  may define the two upper receiving brackets  126 . A first set of blades  128  may be mounted to the first propeller mount  122  for pivotal movement between at least two positions. For example, each of the blades of the first set of blades  128  may define a first proximal end  130  and a first distal end  132 . Each first proximal end  130  may be mounted to the respective upper receiving bracket  126 . A safety arc  134  may extend from the first proximal end  130  to the first distal end  132 . The safety arc  134  may assist in preventing contact with a leading edge  135 , relative to rotation in the first direction, of the blades  128 . 
     Another example of the two or more propeller assemblies  121  may include a second propeller mount  140  which may be mounted to the central shaft  114  for rotation in a second direction about the central axis  115 . The second propeller mount  140  may define two or more lower receiving brackets  142 . A second set of blades  144  may be mounted to the second propeller mount  140  for pivotal movement between at least two positions. For example, each of the blades of the second set of blades  144  may define a second proximal end  146  and a second distal end  148 . Each second proximal end  146  may be mounted to a respective lower receiving bracket  142 . A safety arc  150  may extend between the second proximal end  146  and the second distal end  148 . The safety arc  150  may assist in preventing contact with a leading edge  147 , relative to rotation in the second direction, of the blades  144 . 
     A gear train  160  may mechanically link the first propeller mount  122  and the second propeller mount  140  for counter-rotation. For example, the gear train  160  may link rotation such that the first propeller mount  122  and the second propeller mount  140  always rotate in opposite directions. This counter-rotation may assist in providing stability of the toy  figure 100  during flight. In one example of the gear train  160 . Rotation of the first propeller mount  122  and the second propeller mount  140  may cause the first set of blades  128  and the second set of blades  144  to move between a lowered position and raised position and as such, generate lift. 
     A flybar mount  170  may be mounted to the central shaft  114  for rotation in the first direction and pivotal movement. A flybar  176  may include first and second portions extending outward from the flybar mount  170 . Distal ends of the first and second portions of the flybar  176  may be weighted to assist in providing stability during flight of the toy  figure 100 . One or more mechanical linkages  182  may link pivotal movement of the first propeller mount  122  and the flybar mount  170 . A housing  190  may be secured to the mid-section  118  to contain components therein and to prevent access to the components. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , a motor  196  may be in communication with the gear train  160 . A power source  198  may be in communication with the motor  196 . The power source  198  may be a rechargeable power supply such as a battery or capacitor. The motor  196  and the power source  198  may be secured to the toy  figure 100  within, for example, the lower section  116 . A connector  199  (shown in  FIG. 18 ) may be secured within the mid-section  118  or other location on the toy  figure 100  and may be in communication with the power source  198 . The connector  199  may be adapted to mate with the charge base connector to transfer power received from the charge base power supply included within the charge base  14 . A controller  200  may be in communication with the motor  196 , the power source  198 , and the connector  199 . The connector  199  may be further adapted to transfer data, such as software updates or other similar information, to the controller  200  from an external source. An energy sensor  203  may be in communication with the power source  198  and the controller  200  to provide energy level information to the controller  200 . The controller  200  may utilize the energy level information from the energy sensor  203  to assist managing charge inputs to and outputs of the power source  198 . The leg member  120  may define a well  201  to receive a pin (not shown) on the charge base  14  to support the toy  figure 100  in a substantially upright position. 
     One or more sensors  202  may be secured to the toy  figure 100  and may be in communication with the controller  200 . The one or more sensors  202  may include a transmitter and receiver pair which may operate with the controller  200  to assist in detecting obstacles and/or surfaces. For example and as shown in  FIG. 13 , the one or more sensors  202  may include a lower infrared (IR) transmitter  210  and a lower IR receiver  212 . The lower IR transmitter  210 , such as a light emitting diode, may be secured to a lower portion of the leg member  120 . The lower IR receiver  212  may be secured to the lower section  116  or other location on the toy  figure 100 . The lower IR transmitter  210  may be oriented to transmit a detection signal away from the toy  figure 100  and toward an obstacle and/or surface such that the detection signal may bounce off the same. The lower IR receiver  212  may be oriented to receive the detection signal when reflected off of the obstacle and/or surface under certain conditions. For example, the lower IR receiver  212  may receive the reflected detection signal when the lower IR transmitter  210  is within a predetermined range of distances from the obstacle and/or surface. 
     The controller  200  may be configured to adjust a speed of the motor  196  in response to the lower IR receiver  212  receiving the reflected detection signal. The controller  200  may be further configured to adjust a speed of the motor  196  in response to the lower IR receiver  212  not receiving the reflected detection signal. The controller  200  may be further configured to adjust the speed of the motor  196  or to deactivate the motor  196  in response to receiving a motor voltage feedback signal indicating rotation obstruction of one or more of the propeller mounts. For example, in a crash scenario of the toy  figure 100 , an obstacle may prevent rotation of one of the propeller mounts which may result in motor voltage feedback identifiable by the controller  200 . As such, the controller  200  may deactivate the motor  196  to prevent burnout of the motor  196  and also to as a safety precaution for users. In another example, the toy  figure 100  may hover above the obstacle and/or surface as the controller  200  adjusts the speed of the motor  196  as multiple reflected detection signals are received. 
     One or more switches  220  may be secured to the toy  figure 100  and may be in communication with the controller  200 . The one or more switches  220  may include a mechanical switch which may operate with the controller  200  to assist in detecting obstacles and/or surfaces. For example, a switch  224  may be secured to a lower portion of the leg member  120 . The controller  200  may be further configured to adjust a speed of the motor  196  in response to receipt of a signal from the switch  224  indicating contact with a surface. The controller  200  may be further configured to initiate a preprogrammed output of the motor  196  in response to receipt of a signal from the switch  224  indicating contact with a surface. For example, the preprogrammed output may be similar to a set of ballerina movements in which the toy  figure 100  flies and/or hovers in a sequence when the switch  224  is triggered. Other examples of preprogrammed output of the motor  196  may be based on a predetermined duration of time and/or other play patterns which may be triggered by certain events, such as triggering of the switch  224  or receipt of a detection signal. 
     The toy  figure 100  may have alternative forms.  FIGS. 19 and 20  show another example of the toy  figure 100 . In this example, a pair of arms  236  extend upward from the upper section  106  in a fashion similar to a ballerina pose. The one or more sensors  202  may include another transmitter and receiver pair to operate with the controller  200  to assist in detecting obstacles and/or surfaces. For example, the one or more sensors  202  may include an upper IR transmitter  240  and an upper IR receiver  242 . The upper IR transmitter  240 , such as a light emitting diode, may be secured to a head  244 . The upper IR receiver  242  may be secured to the head  244 . The upper IR transmitter  240  may be oriented to transmit an upper detection signal away from the toy  figure 100 , upward relative to the head  244 , and toward an obstacle and/or surface such that the upward detection signal may reflect off the same. The upper IR receiver  242  may be oriented to receive the upper detection signal when reflected off of the obstacle and/or surface under certain conditions. For example, the upper IR receiver  242  may receive the reflected upper detection signal when the upper IR transmitter  240  is within a predetermined range of distances from the obstacle and/or surface. The controller  200  may be further configured to adjust a speed of the motor  196  in response to the upper IR receiver  242  receiving the reflected upper detection signal. One example of an obstacle includes a user&#39;s hand. In this example, the user may place their hand above the toy  figure 100  such that the upper detection signal reflects off of the user&#39;s hand and the user may thus, control flight and hovering movements of the doll. The controller  200  may be further configured to adjust a speed of the motor  196  in response to the upper IR receiver  242  not receiving the reflected upper detection signal. The controller  200  may be further configured to adjust a speed of the motor  196  in response to various combinations of signals received from lower IR receiver  212 , the upper IR receiver  242 , and the switch  224  such that the toy  figure 100  executes movement sequences which may include dancing and twirling on and above a surface. 
     The lower IR receiver  212  may be configured to receive motor operation commands in the form of signals from a charge base transmitter  243  of the external charge base  104 . The motor operation commands may be triggered by pressing an operation button  245  on the external charge base  104 . The motor operation commands may be a preprogrammed launch sequence or a land sequence. The motor operation commands may direct the toy  figure 100  to execute one or more dancing, flying, and/or hovering movements in a preprogrammed sequence. 
     In  FIG. 21 , the toy  figure 100  is shown with light features. For example, one or more of the blades  144  may include lights  250 , such as LEDs, to provide light effects. While the lights  250  are shown on two of the blades  144 , it is contemplated that the lights  250  may be secured to other blades of the toy  figure 100 . In another example, one or more light extensions  254  may extend outward from the toy  figure 100  and include lights  256 , such as LEDs, to provide light effects. The light extensions  254  may mounted to, for example, the lower propeller mount  140  for pivotal movement between raised and lowered positions and to rotate with the lower propeller mount  140 . When the blades  144  and/or light extensions  254  are rotating, the lights  250  and lights  256  may be directed to illuminate by the controller  200  in various patterns and sequences. 
     While various embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of various embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments could have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. These attributes can include, but are not limited to cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, serviceability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. As such, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure and can be desirable for particular applications.