Patent Publication Number: US-10765961-B2

Title: Rotor-supporting housing

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 120, this application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/395,870, filed Dec. 30, 2016, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/791,587, filed on Jul. 6, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,533,234, which pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §§ 119(e) and 120:
         (a) is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/277,902, filed on May 15, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,981, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/823,861, filed on May 15, 2013, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/875,653, filed on Sep. 9, 2013; and   (b) claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/116,616, filed on Feb. 16, 2015, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by this reference       

    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of remote controlled flying toys, and more particularly, to a hovering toy creature that simulates the flight of birds, insects, reptiles, mammals, and mythical creatures having wings that support flight in a flapping motion 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Past winged toy creatures rely on rapidly flapping wings to create lift and corresponding flight. These toys commonly rely on ornithopter-style flapping assemblies, and they are usually unstable and difficult to maneuver. In addition, the arrangement of wings in these toy creatures does not produce a realistic flight simulation of the actual figure. Instead, these toys appear to be mechanical and awkward in appearance during flight. 
     The present invention seeks to overcome these deficiencies by providing a wing flapping assembly that produces a realistic simulation of flight. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The hovering toy creature comprises a propulsion system, a control system, a winged body, and a wing actuation assembly. The winged body is mounted to the propulsion system, which is controlled by the control system. The wing actuation assembly is mounted to the winged body, and the winged actuation assembly is powered by the control system, which comprises all of the electrical components for operation of the remote controlled toy creature. The propulsion system comprises any one of a number of known remote controlled, propeller driven lift units. 
     The winged body generally comprises one or more side panels and two or more wings. The wings are configured either with or without apertures that enable the passage of air through the wings. In effect, the apertures remove surface area from the wings, thus reducing the aerodynamic forces generated by the wings during the flapping motion. The wings comprise a first spine to provide form and stiffness to the wing material. The first spine has a base and a distal end, wherein the base connects to the wing actuation assembly, as described below. 
     In some embodiments, it is preferable for the wing to comprise a second spine, which simulates the second finger or third finger of a Chiropteran-style wing. The second spine is attached to the wing in proximity to the second finger or third finger of the wing. The first and second spines are oriented on the wing such that the spines cross tips in the proximity of the wrist of the wing, with the distal end of the first spine crossing above the tip of the second spine. The first spine and the second spine are separated to form a flex zone between the attachment means of the respective spines. On the upstroke of the wing, the wing actuation assembly lifts the first spine, and the wing bends at the flex zone such that the wing distal end droops as the wing is raised. At the top of the upstroke, the wing distal end snaps to an upright position due to its momentum, and the down stroke of the flapping cycle begins again. During the down stroke of the wing, the wing distal end straightens out, and the second spine abuts the crossing first spine such that the first and second spines provide stiffness across the flex zone along the full length of the wing. In this manner, when the wing droops on the upstroke and straightens on the down stroke, the action of the wing appears more realistic during flight of the toy creature. 
     The wing actuation assembly comprises the components necessary to actuate wing movement in a flapping motion. For example, in one embodiment the wing actuation assembly comprises a frame having a base, vertical struts, and a servo. The servo has a rotating arm, which is connected to a linking assembly. As the arm rotates, the motion of the arm drives the linking assembly up and down in a cyclical manner, which drives the wings up and down in the flapping movement. During flight, the flapping wings cause a “bouncing” effect, making the hovering toy creature appear to be life-like during flight. The bouncing effect becomes more pronounced when there are no wing apertures, or when such apertures are relatively small. The bouncing effect is minimized, or even eliminated, when the area of the apertures approaches that of the overall wing surface area. To further enhance the life-like appearance of the hovering toy creature, the wings pivot about an axis that is inclined at an angle ranging from about 15-degrees to about 75-degrees as measured from horizontal 
     In one embodiment, the propulsion system comprises a first rotor and a second rotor configured in a co-axial orientation. A motor drive unit drives the first rotor and the second rotor via at least one rotor mast. The propulsion system further comprises a housing disposed around the rotor mast for providing lateral support to the rotor mast. The housing can be configured in the shape or form of a figure seated on the body and riding the hovering toy creature. 
     In another embodiment, the propulsion system and the wing actuation assembly placed in operative engagement by a worm device and a worm wheel. 
     In another embodiment, the control system comprises a timer device to control the propulsion system, and the control device is not in communication with a wireless control device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an elevation of one embodiment of the remote controlled hovering toy creature with the propulsion system removed and the left arm of the body removed, thereby showing a typical placement of the wing actuation assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view elevation of one embodiment of the remote controlled hovering toy creature during the upstroke of the wings. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view elevation of one embodiment of the remote controlled hovering toy creature during the down stroke of the wings. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the wing actuation assembly at the top of the upstroke of the wings. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the wing actuation assembly at the bottom of the down stroke of the wings. 
         FIG. 6  is right side view of the wing actuation assembly, showing its connection to a generic control system. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a typical wireless control device. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross section of one embodiment of the hovering toy creature having a riding figure, without the wing actuation assembly shown. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of one embodiment of the propulsion system and the wing actuation assembly placed in operative engagement by a worm device and a worm wheel. 
         FIG. 10  shows one embodiment of the wing gears of the wing actuation assembly. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram showing one embodiment of the connectivity between a power source, a timer device, and the propulsion system. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram showing one embodiment of the connectivity between a power source, a timer device, and the propulsion system. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram showing one embodiment of the connectivity between a power source, a timer device, and the propulsion system. 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram showing one embodiment of the connectivity between a power source, a timer device, and the propulsion system. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures, or to the shapes, relative sizes, or proportions shown in the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to the drawings, the invention will now be described with regard to the best mode and the preferred embodiment. In general, the device is a remote-controlled, hovering toy creature in the shape of a winged bird, reptile, mammal, or mythical creature, wherein the flapping wings simulate flight of the figure. The embodiments disclosed herein are meant for illustration and not limitation of the invention. An ordinary practitioner will appreciate that it is possible to create many variations and combinations of the following embodiments without undue experimentation. 
     By way of example and not limitation, the following discussion will generally present the hovering toy creature  99  in the context of a dragon-shaped body. However, it will be appreciated that the hovering toy creature  99  may take the form of a variety of other creatures, such as bird, reptile, mammal, or mythical creature. As used herein, the terms “right,” “left,” “forward,” “rearward,” “top,” “bottom,” and the like refer to directions relative to the conventional orientation of the figure. For example, the head is at the “forward” portion of the figure&#39;s body, and the tail is positioned at the “rearward” portion of the figure&#39;s body. The term “horizontal” means a plane generally parallel to the ground or other surface above which the hovering toy creature  99  is flying. The term “vertical” means the direction generally perpendicular to the ground or other surface above which the hovering toy creature  99  is flying. The term “electronic signal” means any wireless electromagnetic signal transmitted from a wireless control device  5  to the control system  15  (shown generically in  FIG. 6 ) for controlling the hovering toy creature  99 . In the most common embodiment, the electronic signal is a radio frequency signal typical for radio controlled (RC) toys. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the hovering toy creature  99  generally comprises a propulsion system  10 , a control system  15 , a winged body  20 , and a wing actuation assembly  35 . The winged body  20  is mounted to the propulsion system  10 , which is controlled by the control system  15 . The wing actuation assembly  35  can be mounted to either the propulsion system  10 , the winged body  20 , or both, and the winged actuation assembly  35  is powered by the control system  15 , as discussed below. 
     In one embodiment, the propulsion system  10  comprises any one of a number of known propeller-driven lift units that comprises at least one propeller unit  11 . For example, the propulsion system  10  comprises any one of a number of known quadcopters or hexacopters, which generally comprise four propeller units  11  or six propeller units  11 , respectively, arranged in a substantially co-planar configuration. The propeller units  11  are oriented vertically to provide lift to the hovering creature  99 . As an alternative, the propeller units  11  could be oriented substantially vertically, being angled or canted slightly towards the winged body  20 . This configuration of the propeller units  11  creates a dihedral stabilizing effect on the overall hovering toy creature  99 . In other words, canting the propeller units  11  toward the body  20  results in the propeller units  11  creating a thrust vector that has a horizontal component directed toward the body  20 . The propeller units  11  are generally connected by a frame  12 , which provides structural support and rigidity to the propulsion system  10 . It will be appreciated that the components of such propulsion systems  10  include components such as propellers, electric remote controlled motors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, collision avoidance features, and the like 
     The propulsion system  10  is controlled by a control system  15  (generically depicted in  FIG. 6 ), which comprises all of the electrical components for operation of the remote controlled toy creature  99 . The control system  15  typically comprises a wireless receiver for receiving wireless signals from a wireless control device  5  (shown in  FIG. 7 ), a power source such as a battery, a circuit board, and other electronic components and wiring necessary to create electrical connectivity between the receiver, power source, and the motorized propeller units  11  of the propulsion system  10 . The main components of the control system  15  are attached to either the propulsion system  10  or the winged body  20 , or both. A removable attachment is preferable so that damaged components can be removed and replaced in the event of a destructive crash landing. However, a permanent attachment of the control system  15  and its components is sufficient. 
     The winged body  20  takes the form of the hovering toy creature  99 , whether the form be that of a bird, a reptile, an insect (e.g. a butterfly), a mammal (e.g. a bat), or a mythical creature (e.g. a dragon). The winged body  20  generally comprises one or more side panels  21  or other housing or housing-like member, and two or more wings  22 . In embodiments having two side panels  21 , it is advantageous, but not necessary, for the winged body  20  to additionally comprise connectors, spacers, or lateral support members  33  between the side panels  21  such that the side panels  21  are held in a relatively fixed position with respect to each other. The side panels  21  or housing comprises a mount  34  for mounting the winged body  20  to the propulsion system  10 . The mount  34  is configured such that the frame  12  of the propulsion system  10  snugly and removably mates with the mount  34 . The propulsion system  10  and winged body  20  can be further secured together by connection members, such as glue, tape, clips, latches, clasps, or an equivalent member. The side panels  21  and wings  22  are constructed of thin, lightweight, flexible, and durable material. Many types of plastics, such as polyethylene materials, are suitable for this construction. Mylar is a non-limiting example of such material. Other examples include injection-molded plastic. 
     The wings  22  of the body  20  have a support  30  attached to the body  20 , and a tip  31  extending away from the body  20 . The wings  22  are configured either with or without apertures  23 . The apertures  23  enable the passage of air through the wings  22 . In effect, the apertures  23  remove surface area from the wings  22 , thus reducing the aerodynamic forces generated by the wings  22  during the flapping motion. The apertures  23  are sized and oriented to produce the desired aerodynamic effect of the wings  22 . In embodiments with no apertures  23 , the flapping wings  22  create the largest aerodynamic forces for any given shape of wing  22 . However, fitting the wings  22  with larger apertures  23  or a greater number of apertures  23  reduces the overall surface area of the wings  22 , which then generate smaller aerodynamic forces during the flapping motion. Based on the surface area removed from the wings  22  by the apertures  23 , the aerodynamic forces produced by the flapping wings  22  is proportioned to the lift and other aerodynamic forces produced by the propulsion system  10 . That is, apertures  23  can be adjusted so that the wing-flapping forces are greater than or less than the typical forces produced by the propulsion system  10 . 
     When apertures  23  are present in the wings  22 , it is preferable to orient the apertures  23  in shapes that promote the overall appearance of the hovering toy creature  99 . For example, when the creature  99  is in the shape of a dragon or a bat, the apertures  23  are shaped in a curved fanning orientation to simulate removal of portions of the dactylopatagium major, the dactylopatagium medius, the plagiopatagium, or any combination of these membranes in a manner that accentuates the fingers  18  of the wing  22 . In embodiments where the hovering toy creature  99  takes the form of a butterfly, the apertures  23  could be in the shape of circles or ovals to simulate the markings on the butterfly wings. 
     The wings  22  comprise a first spine  24  to provide stiffness and form to the wing material. The spine  24  is selected from material that provides the optimum combination of strength, stiffness, and weight. For example, in most embodiments that have Mylar wings  22 , the first spine  24  is a wire or thin rod of metal or plastic. The first spine  24  can be bent or contoured to conform to the shape of the wing  12 . The first spine  24  runs along the wing  22 , terminating at some point along the length of the wing  22 . The termination point depends on the contour and shape of the wing  22 . The first spine  24  is attached to the wing  22  by means for attaching the spine  24  to the wing  22 , such attachment means  26  being glue, tape, ties, fasteners, clips, or the like. 
     The first spine  24  has a base  28  and a distal end  29 , wherein the base  28  is operably connected to the wing actuation assembly  35  such that the first spine  24  extends along the wing  22 , and the distal end  29  extends beyond the termination point of the connectivity between the first spine  24  and the wing  22 , or a first spine connectivity termination point  26   a . In some embodiments, the user may desire the wing  22  to resemble Chiropteran wings  22 , such as the wings of a bat or a dragon. In these embodiments, it is preferable for the wing  22  to comprise a second spine  25 , which simulates the second finger or third finger of the Chiropteran wing  22 . The second spine  25  is attached to the wing  22  by an attachment means  26  in proximity to the second finger or third finger of the wing  22 . The first and second spines  24 ,  25  are oriented on the wing  22  such that the spines  24 ,  25  cross tips in the proximity of the wrist of the wing  22 , with the distal end  29  of the first spine  24  crossing above the tip of the second spine  25 . See  FIGS. 2 &amp; 3 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first spine  24  and the second spine  25  are separated to form a flex zone  27  between the attachment means  26  of the respective spines  24 ,  25 . That is, the second spine  25  is attached to the wing  22  at a second spine connectivity termination point  26   b  that is located between the first spine connectivity termination point  26   a  and the tip  31  of the wing  22  such that a space between the first spine connectivity termination point  26   a  and the second spine connectivity termination point  26   b  is a flex zone  27  in the wing  22 . The second spine  25  is oriented such that the distal end  29  of the first spine  24  and a tip of the second spine  25  cross in proximity to the flex zone  27 . 
     On the upstroke of the wing  22 , the wing actuation assembly  35  lifts the first spine  24 , as described below. As the first spine  24  is lifted, the wing  22  bends at the flex zone  27  such that the wing tip  31  droops as the wing  22  is raised, and the spines  24 ,  25  separate from contact with each other. At the top of the upstroke, the wing tip  31  snaps to an upright position due to its momentum, and the down stroke of the flapping cycle begins again. During the down stroke of the wing  22 , the wing tip  31  straightens out, and the second spine  25  is placed into contact with the first spine  24  such that the first and second spines  24 ,  25  provide stiffness across the flex zone  27  along the full length of the wing  22 . In this manner, when the wing  22  droops on the upstroke and straightens on the down stroke, the action of the wing  22  appears more realistic during flight of the toy creature  99 . 
     In another embodiment of the wings  22 , the attachment means  26  of the first spine  24  to the wing  22  permits the wing  22  to rotate about the spine  24  as the wing  22  proceeds through the flapping motion. This embodiment of the wings  22  is particularly useful when the angle  51  approaches 90-degrees so that the flapping motion is more horizontal than vertical. In this orientation, the wing  22  is rotatably adjusted about the first spine  24  during the forward stroke such that the wing  22  is oriented at about 45-degrees from horizontal, thus pushing air in a downward direction and creating lift during the forward stroke. Near the end of the forward stroke, the wing  22  rotates about 90-degrees around the first spine  24  such that on the backward stroke, the wing  22  is again oriented at about 45-degrees from horizontal, again pushing air in a downward direction and creating lift. Thus, the wings  22  generate lift during the forward and backward strokes of the flapping motion. In this embodiment, the attachment means comprises notches, tabs, stops, or other similar features to prevent over-rotation of the wing  22 . 
     Optionally, the winged body  20  can comprise one or more access hatches  19  so that the user can access the internal components of the propulsion system  10 , the control system  15 , or the wing actuation assembly  35 . The location, orientation, and configuration of such access hatches depends on the overall shape of the winged body  20  and the flying toy creature  99 . 
     In some embodiments of the winged body  20 , the body  20  comprises a tail  32 . The tail  32  may or may not be a structural or aerodynamic feature of the toy creature  99 . For example, the tail  32  could be maneuverable, such as with servos, to form an aerodynamic rudder at the rearward part of the toy creature  99 . As another alternative, the tail  32  could be weighted to provide ballast to the hovering toy creature  99 . Alternately, the tail  32  could be included merely for aesthetics, with no weights or movable features. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , the wing actuation assembly  35  comprises the components necessary to actuate wing  22  movement in a flapping motion. For example, in one embodiment the wing actuation assembly  35  comprises a frame having a base  36 , vertical struts  37 , and a servo  38 . The servo  38  has wires  16  connecting it to the control system  15  components, such as the battery. The servo  38  has a rotating arm  40 , which is connected to a linking assembly  39 . As the arm  40  rotates, the motion of the arm  40  drives the linking assembly  39  up and down in a cyclical manner. The linking assembly  39  is connected to the base  28  of the first spine  24 , and each of the first spines  24  is attached to the adjacent strut  37  by an axle member  41 . As the linking assembly  39  moves up and down in a cyclical oscillation, the linking assembly  39  articulates the base  28  in the same motion, causing the first spine  24  to rotate about the axle member  41 . The resulting cyclical oscillation of the first spine  24  causes the wing  22  to move in a corresponding upstroke and down stroke motion, causing the flapping movement. 
     On one embodiment of the wing actuation assembly  35 , the base  36  and struts  37  are integral members folded to form the necessary structural support for the wing actuation assembly  35 . In this embodiment, and depending on the configuration of the winged body  20 , as the arm  40  rotates the struts  37  are required to move apart to allow ample lateral clearance for the arm  40  in its horizontal position. Flexibility is promoted by a joint assembly  42  at the corners of the base  36 /strut  37  connection point. For example, the joint assembly  42  could be notches  42  that create a thinner cross section of the base  36 /strut  37  material, thereby promoting flexibility of the joint assembly  42  and accommodating lateral movement of the struts  37  relative to the servo  38  and the rotating arm  40 . A hinge-type joint assembly  42  could accomplish the same purpose. The joint assemblies  42  provide additional degrees of freedom to the wing actuation assembly  35 . That is, the combination of the axle members  41  at the top of the struts  37 , and the joint assemblies  42  at the bottom of the struts  37  provide significant lateral flexibility to the wing actuation assembly  35 , and therefore to the body  20 . This flexibility enhances the durability of the hovering toy creature  99  under the impact forces caused by collisions and crash landings. 
     In many embodiments, the movement of the linking assembly  39  creates a jarring force on the first spines  24 . Thus, one embodiment of the linking assembly  39  includes a spring member  43  that is configured to soften the jarring motion of the linking assembly, thereby softening the actuating effect on the first spines  24 . 
     During flight, the lift and control of the hovering toy creature  99  is controlled and driven by the propulsion system  10 . In other words, the aerodynamic forces produced by the wings  22  are not the main forces lifting and maneuvering the hovering toy creature  99 . However, as the wings  22  flap, they produce an uplift force on the hovering toy creature  99 . Thus, during flight the flapping wings  22  cause a “bouncing” effect, making the hovering toy creature  99  appear to be life-like during flight. The bouncing effect becomes more pronounced when there are no wing apertures  23 , or when such apertures  23  are relatively small. The bouncing effect is minimized, or even eliminated, when the area of the apertures  13  approaches that of the overall wing  12  surface. In most embodiments, a pleasant bouncing flight is produced when the apertures  23  are in the range of about 60 percent to about 80 percent of the wing  12  surface. 
     In one embodiment, the wings  22  flap in a substantially vertical direction that is perpendicular or near perpendicular to the ground. However, to further enhance the life-like appearance of the hovering toy creature  99 , in another embodiment the wings  22  pivot about an axis that is inclined at an angle  51  of about 45-degrees from horizontal. See  FIG. 1 . An orientation angle  51  that varies from about 5-degrees to about 75-degrees will produce similarly pleasing results. Depending on the embodiment, angles in the range of about 75-degrees to about 85-degrees produce a bouncing effect that appears more accurate for the particular embodiment, such as for fanciful winged creatures. As an added benefit, a steeper angle  51  also enables a more horizontal orientation to the flapping motion of the wings  22 , thereby providing greater clearance between the wings  22  and the first rotor  56  and second rotor  59  discussed below. In one embodiment, the angle  51  is approximately 90-degrees, producing a flapping motion with a forward stroke and a backward stroke rather than a down stroke and an upstroke. 
     The orientation and location of the control system  15  components can be adjusted with respect to the propulsion system  10  and winged body  20  so that the creature  99  remains balanced during flight. In other words, the components of the control system  15  can be placed within the body  20  to adjust the center of gravity of the overall hovering toy creature  99 . For example, the battery, one of the heavier components of the hovering toy creature  99 , can be placed in proximity to rearward position within the creature  99 , especially in embodiments when the wing actuation assembly  35  is placed in proximity to a forward position within the creature  99 . The control system  15  can also be oriented to serve as a ballast to counter balance the momentum of the flapping wings  22 . The precise orientation of the control system  15  components will depend on the overall shape and configuration of the hovering toy creature  99 . Likewise, the struts  37  of the wing actuation assembly  35  can be curved or shaped so that the center of gravity of the wing actuation assembly  35  can be adjusted with respect to the other components of the flying toy creature  99 . See  FIGS. 1 &amp; 6 . 
     In one specific embodiment of the hovering toy creature  99 , the wing actuation assembly  35  comprises 2 mm thick corrugated plastic configured in a “U-shape” with the servo  38  mounted centrally. The struts  37  are the arms of the U, and the base  36  is the bottom of the trough. The servo  38  is a CSRC-35, 3-gram servo with the gears modified to spin continuously, and the other electronics other than the motor are removed. The battery is a 3.7 volt, 300 mAh,  20   c  battery that is common in the RC toy industry. The winged body  20  is made of 0.006-inch (0.15 mm) thick Mylar sheet. The quadcopter used for the propulsion system  10  is a WL Toys QR series Ladybird V939 with a 3-axis gyroscope unit for stabilization. As another alternative, the propulsion system  10  could be a UdiRC U816A 2.4 G with a 6-axis gyroscope for improved stability. Both of these propulsion systems  10  poly-copters have a 2.4 Ghz, four-channel radio system. 
     In another embodiment, the propulsion system  10  can be removed, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, the toy creature  99  is not a hovering device. Instead, without the propulsion system  10 , the toy creature  99  is a handheld toy with flapping wings  22 . In this embodiment, the control system  15  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) primarily comprises a battery to power the wing actuation assembly  35 , which remains as described above. In this handheld toy embodiment, the control system  15  can be configured with or without a receiver for receiving a wireless signal, depending on whether a wireless control device  5  is used to control the action of the wings  22 . 
     In one embodiment, the wings  22  and the wing actuation assembly  35  are contained in a single wing assembly unit, without a propulsion system  10 , and without a body  20 . Examples of this self-contained wing assembly unit are represented in  FIGS. 4-6 . In this embodiment, the wing assembly unit is configured for attachment to other action figures as desired. For example, the wing assembly unit could be fitted to an action figure that takes the form of a wingless male human. Attaching the wing assembly unit to such an action figure creates a Batman-like appearance to the action figure. In this manner, the user can create many different permutations of winged toy creatures by combining the wing assembly unit with pre-existing action figures, as desired. 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 8 , the quadcopter or hexacopter units of the propulsion system  10  are removed and replaced with one or more rotors in a coaxial arrangement. For example, in this embodiment the propulsion system  10  comprises a motor drive  55  driving a first rotor  56  via a rotor mast  57 , which is supported by a housing  58 . A second rotor  59  is operatively engaged by the motor drive  55 . The motor drive  55  comprises one or more motors for operating the first rotor  56 , second rotor  59 , and any other rotors, as will be appreciated by a skilled practitioner. Additional rotors or stability bars can be added to the rotor mast  57  as needed or desired. The first rotor  56  and the second rotor  59  can be configured to spin in the same direction or in opposite directions. 
     When the first rotor  56  and the second rotor  59  spin in opposite directions, there is no need for a stabilizer rotor  54 . However, if the propulsion system  10  comprises only a first rotor  56  with no second rotor  59 , or if the first rotor  56  and the second rotor  59  spin in the same direction, then a stabilizer rotor  54  is needed for angular stability of the creature  99 . Alternately, the stabilizer rotor  54  could be located at the front of the hovering toy creature  99 , such as in the nose or neck area of the toy creature  99  (not shown). There are a variety of arrangements of the first rotor  56 , the second rotor  59 , additional rotors, stability bars, stabilizer rotors  54 , and motor drives  55  that are suitable for operation of the hovering toy creature  99 , as will be appreciated by a skilled practitioner. In each of the foregoing embodiments, the motor drive  55  is operatively connected to and controlled by the control system  15 . 
     The housing  58  provides lateral bracing to the rotor mast  57 , which typically is a slender vertical member. The housing  58  aids in preventing buckling, wobbling, or other lateral vibration of the rotor mast  57  during operation. The housing  58  comprises an opening  64 , such as a hollow cylindrical shaft, sized to snugly receive the rotor mast  57  in a manner permitting the rotor mast  57  to spin relatively friction free. 
     In one embodiment, the housing  58  is configured in the shape of a rider  70 , which is a riding figure on the hovering toy creature  99 . In an embodiment of the propulsion system  10  comprising only a first rotor  56 , the housing  58  comprises a lower segment  61  located below the first rotor  56  and an upper segment  62  located above the first rotor  56 . The lower segment  61  is attached to the winged body  20  such that the orientation of the lower segment  61  is fixed in relation to the winged body  20 . The shape of the lower segment  61  depends on the placement of the first rotor  56 . For example, if the first rotor  56  is located at or near the location of the waist of the rider  70 , then the lower segment  61  takes the shape of legs attached to the winged body  20 . If the first rotor  56  is attached above the shoulder area of the rider  70 , then the lower segment  61  takes the shape of the torso and legs of the rider  70 . In each embodiment, the upper segment  62  is attached to the rotor mast  57  and spins with the first rotor  56 , with the lower segment  61  being attached to the winged body  20  and remaining fixed with respect to the winged body  20  as the rotor mast  57  spins inside the opening  64 , which is a hollow cylindrical shaft  64  of the lower segment  61 . 
     In an embodiment with a first rotor  56  and a second rotor  59 , the housing  58  further comprises a middle segment  63  located between the first rotor  56  and the second rotor  59 . The middle segment  63  is configured in the shape of the torso of the rider  70 . The middle segment  63  comprises an arm  65  of the rider  70  that holds a spear  66 . A retaining member  67  connects the spear  66  to the winged body  20 , such as a horn on the head of the winged body  20 . In this manner, the retaining member  67  prevents the middle segment  63  from spinning as the rotor mast  57  spins inside the hollow cylindrical shaft  64  of the middle segment  63 . The lower segment  61 , which remains securely attached to the winged body  20 , takes the form of the legs of the riding figure, and the upper segment  62  is as described above. The retaining member  67  is a wire, rod, strap, or other member configured to retain the middle segment  63  from spinning with the rotor mast  57 . 
     In any of the embodiments comprising a first rotor  56  or a second rotor  59 , one embodiment of the wing actuation assembly  35  is as described above. However, the angle  51  is increased to the range of about 50 to about 80 degrees, thereby orienting the wings  22  in a more horizontal flapping direction and emphasizing the horizontal component of flapping motion. In one embodiment, the angle  51  is about 70 degrees. One of the advantages of this increased angle  51  is to promote flapping of the wings  22  in a manner that does not interfere with operation of the first rotor  56  or the second rotor  59 . Depending on the configuration of the wings  22 , the increased angle  51  alters the bouncing effect of the flight by creating a more pronounced horizontal component to the aerodynamic force produced by the flapping wings  22 . 
     To save weight of the hovering toy creature  99 , one embodiment uses a total of only two motors to drive the propulsion system  10  and the wing flapping motion. In this embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 9-10 , the propulsion system comprises a motor drive  55  having a first motor unit  73  for driving a first rotor  56 , a second motor unit  74  for driving a second rotor  59 , and a first drive device  75  placed in operable communication with a second drive device  76 , which is part of the wing actuation assembly  35 . The second drive device  76  drives the wing-flapping motion, and there is no need for a third motor unit to separately actuate the wings  22  in a flapping motion. In alternate embodiments, the first drive device  75  and the second drive device are, respectively: (i) a worm device and a worm wheel; (ii) a first beveled gear and a second beveled gear; (iii) a first helical gear and a second helical gear, the first and second helical gears having crossed gear mesh; or (iv) some other combination of these gear arrangements or other gears. In each of these embodiments, the first drive device  75  is configured to engage the second drive device  76  in a mating arrangement. In the embodiments described below, the first and second drive devices  75 ,  76  could embody any combination of these examples of gear devices. For the sake of clarity and not limitation, however, the following embodiments are discussed in the context of a worm device  75  and a worm wheel  76 . 
     In this embodiment, a pinion  77  placed in operable communication with a drive gear  78 . The pinion  77  is operatively engaged to either the first motor unit  73  or the second motor unit  74  of the motor drive  55 . In one embodiment, a drive shaft  79  links the drive gear  78  with a worm device  75 . For example, in one embodiment, the first motor unit  73  comprises the pinion  77 , which is placed in engagement with the drive gear  78 , which turns the worm device  75  via the drive shaft  79 . In an alternate embodiment, the rotor mast  57  can be combined with the drive shaft  79 . The rotor mast  57  is extended below the location of the first and second motor units  73 ,  74 , and the worm device  75  is attached to the bottom of the rotor mast  57 . The drive gear  78  is attached to the rotor mast  57  at a location above the location of the worm device  75 . 
     In this embodiment of the wing actuation assembly  35 , the assembly  35  has a slotted lever  80  having a rotation point  81  and a free end  82 , the slotted lever  80  having an elongated slot  83  configured to receive a crank pin  84  attached to the worm wheel  76 . This embodiment of the wing actuation assembly  35  further comprises a first wing gear  85  disposed in operable communication with a first wing  22   a  and a second wing gear  86 , the second wing gear  86  disposed in operable communication with a second wing  22   b . The first and second wing gears  85 ,  86  are securely connected to the first and second wings  22   a ,  22   b , respectively, by first spines  24 . A reciprocating member  87  connects the slotted lever  80  to either the first spines  24 . In exemplary embodiments, the reciprocating member  87  could be a rod, pin, connection member, linking member, or the like that connects at one end to the slotted lever  80  and at the other end to the first spine  24 . 
     In the operation of one embodiment, the first motor unit  73  primarily drives the first rotor  56 . The second motor unit  74  has a motor shaft that is connected to the pinion  77 , and the pinion  77  is placed in operable communication with the drive gear  78 . The motor shaft of the second motor unit  74  turns the pinion  77  in a continuous motion so that the pinion  77  turns in one direction, thereby driving the drive gear  78  to turn continuously in the opposite direction. The drive shaft  79  and the worm device  75  therefore turn continuously in the same direction as the rotation of the drive gear  78 . The worm device  75  is in operative communication with the worm wheel  76 , therefore causing the womi wheel  76  to turn in a continuous motion. The crank pin  84 , which is attached to the side of the worm wheel  76 , moves in a circular motion with the worm wheel  76 , thereby causing the slotted lever  80  to be rotated about the rotation end  81  in an oscillatory manner. 
     The oscillatory motion of the slotted lever  80  drives a corresponding oscillatory motion of the first spine  24  via the reciprocating member  87 , and the first spine  24  causes a corresponding oscillatory motion of the first wing  22   a  and the first wing gear  85 . Since the first and second wing gears  85 ,  86  are in operative communication with each other, the oscillatory motion of the first wing gear  85  causes a corresponding oscillatory motion of the second wing gear  86  and its corresponding first spine  24 , and the second wing  22   b . Thus, in this embodiment, the rotation of the first and second rotors  56 ,  59  and the flapping motion of the first and second wings  22   a ,  22   b  are driven by a total of two motor units, the first and second motor units  73 ,  74 . 
     In one embodiment, the movement of the slotted lever  80  is constrained by a guide rod  71  and slider  72 . The guide rod  71  is attached at one end to the body  20 , the motor drive  55  or some other portion of the hovering toy creature  99 , and the opposite end of the guide rod  71  is unsupported. The slotted lever  80  comprises a slider  72  configured to slidably receive the guide rod  71  during the oscillatory motion of the slotted lever  80 . As the slotted lever  80  moves back and forth to create the flapping motion of the wings  22 , the slider  72  slides back and forth along the guide rod  71  to provide a lateral constraint to the motion of the slotted lever  80 . The slider  72  is a hole, loop, slot, or other mechanism or feature connected to the slotted lever  80  and slidably receiving the guide rod  71 . 
     The frequency of the flapping wings  22  is determined by the gear ratio between the worm device  75  and the worm wheel  76 . The first and second rotors  56 ,  59  must rotate at a rate high enough to provide lift to the hovering toy creature  99 . However, in most embodiments it is desirable for the wings  22  to flap at a relatively low rate. Thus, the gear ratio between the worm device  75  and the worm wheel  76  is adjusted accordingly. In most applications, the gear ratio is in the range of about 25:1 to about 35:1. 
     In any of the forgoing embodiments of the control system  15 , the control system  15  can be altered such that it is not controlled by a wireless control device  5 . Instead, the control system  15  comprises a timer device  88  for controlling the propulsion system  10 . This embodiment comprises no wireless control device  5 . The control system  15  is modified to incorporate the timer device  88 . The timer device  88  is configured to operate the propulsion system  10  by controlling either the propeller units  11  or the motor drive  55 , as applicable. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the timer device  88  is an electrical component that enables power to transfer from a power source  89  to the propulsion units  11  or the motor drive  55  of the propulsion system  10 . In this manner, the timer device  88  is configured to activate the propulsion system  10  upon the user&#39;s command, and then deactivate the propulsion system  10  after a predetermined period of time. For example, in many embodiments, the power source  89  is a battery that is part of the control system  15 , and the power is electrical power flowing from the battery to either the propulsion units  11  or the motor drive  55  of the propulsion system  10 , as applicable. Upon the user&#39;s command, the timer device  88  activates the battery  89  to power the propulsion units  11  or the motor drive  55 , thereby activating the propulsion system  10 , and then deactivate the battery  89  connectivity after a predetermined period of time, such as ten seconds, which deactivates the propulsion units  11  or motor drive  55 , and therefore deactivates the propulsion system  10 . 
     In these embodiments, the user activates the timer device  88  to start the propulsion system  10 . The hovering toy creature  99  then takes to flight after a gradual ramping up of the propulsion system  10 . After the predetermined period of time expires, the propulsion system  10  ceases operation, and the hovering toy creature  99  glides softly to the ground to make a landing. The timer device  88  can be configured to abruptly terminate the flow of electricity to the propulsion system  10 , or the timer device  88  could be configured to gradually reduce the flow of electricity to the propulsion system  10  so that the propulsion units  11  or the motor drive  55 , as applicable, are gradually powered down. Since this embodiment does not comprise a wireless control device  5 , the user has no control over the hovering toy creature  99  during flight. 
     There are several embodiments of user activation of the timer device  88 . For example, in one embodiment the timer device  88  is attached to the body  20  of the hovering toy creature  99 . The control system  15  comprises an activation device  90  for activating the timer device  88 . The activation device  90  is a switch, a button, a lever, or other device disposed in communication with the timer device  88  and configured for activating the timer device  88 . In another embodiment, the hovering toy creature  99  comprises a resilient material, such as deformable plastic or rubber, and the activation device  90  is placed below the surface of the hovering toy creature  99 . The user engages the activation device  90  by depressing the resilient material, thereby engaging the activation device  90 . For example, the activation device  90  could be a button placed below a rubber surface on the hovering toy creature  99 . The user engages the activation device  90  by depressing the rubber surface, which starts the timer device  88  and activates the propulsion system  10 . The toy hovering toy creature  99  is then ready to take flight. 
     In one embodiment, the predetermined time periods of timer device  88  activation are adjustable by the user. The predetermined time periods could be five seconds, ten seconds, fifteen seconds, or some other time interval. The predetermined time period could be fixed by the timer device  88 , or it could be selected by the user via a selector device  91 . The selector device  91  is a switch, button, lever, or other device enabling the user to alter the predetermined time period for the timer device  88 . For example, the selector device  91  could be a switch having two different positions corresponding to time periods of ten seconds and fifteen seconds, respectively, or other predetermined time intervals. The selector device  91  could have a third position or more, corresponding to time periods of twenty seconds, twenty-five seconds, or some other time interval. In another embodiment, the selector device  91  is a button that the user depresses once for a five second time period, twice for a ten second time period, three times for a fifteen second time period, and so on. In another embodiment, the selector device  91  is a button, and the user controls the predetermined time period by depressing the button and holding it down. For example, depressing the button for one second, two seconds, and three seconds corresponds to predetermined time periods of five seconds, ten seconds, and fifteen seconds, respectively, or other incrementally increasing or decreasing time periods. 
     In another embodiment, the selector device  91  is combined with the activation device  90  such that the control system  15  comprises three buttons. Depressing a first button  90   a ,  91   a  (shown in  FIG. 14 ) activates the propulsion system  10  for three seconds, depressing a second button  90   b ,  91   b  activates the propulsion system  10  for six seconds, and depressing a third button  90   c ,  91   c  activates the propulsion system  10  for twelve seconds. In another exemplary embodiment, a first button  90   a ,  91   a  is depressed to activate the propulsion system  10  for a first predetermined time period, such as a two second indoor flight time for use inside a building or a residential dwelling. A second button  90   b ,  91   b  is depressed to activate the propulsion system  10  for a second predetermined time period, such as a ten second outdoor flight time for use in the outdoors or in a large indoor area. The foregoing examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the scope of the selector device  91  or the timer device  88 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 11 , one embodiment, the timer device  88  further comprises a control unit  92 , which comprises electronic circuitry or other functionality configured to control the flight pattern of the hovering toy creature  99  such that the hovering toy creature  99  flies in a predetermined flight pattern. The control unit  92  is a circuit, a microprocessor, controller, or another electrical or processing unit configured to control the propulsion system  10 . The predetermined flight pattern could be a figure-eight, a circle, a serpentine pattern, or some other pattern. 
     In one embodiment, the control unit  92  is configured to control power delivered to each propulsion unit  11 , motor unit  56 ,  59 , or stabilizer rotor  54  to control the predetermined flight pattern. The variable power allocation controls the thrust output of each unit of the propulsion system  10 . 
     The timer device  88  and the control unit  92  could be separate components or integrated into the same component within the control system  15 . For example, the timer device  88  could be an electrical gate that permits electricity to flow from a power source  89 , such as a battery, to the electrical propulsion system  10 . The gate opens to enable operation of the propulsion system  10 , and the gate closes to cut off the flow of electricity to the propulsion system  10 , thereby terminating its operation. 
     For example, in one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 12 , the timer device  88  comprises a board supporting circuitry for the electrical components described herein. The timer device  88  comprises a transistor  93 , such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (“MOSFET”), and a capacitor  94 . Transistors  93  other than a MOSFET could be suitable for the purpose as well. The activation device  90  signals the MOSFET  93  to open the gate, thereby permitting electricity to reach the capacitor  94  and fill it. After the activation device  90  is released, the capacitor  94  provides enough electricity to keep the gate open, thereby enabling the flow of electricity from the power source  89  to the propulsion system  10 . Once the capacitor  94  has exhausted its electricity storage, the gate closes, electricity ceases flowing to the propulsion system  10 , and the propulsion system  10  cease operation. The hovering toy creature  99  then glides or floats downward to a landing as described above. 
     In one embodiment, the timer device  88  further comprises a resistor  95 , which slows down the discharge of electricity from the capacitor  94 . The gate in the MOSFET  93  therefore stays open for a longer period of time, enabling operation of the propulsion system  10  for a longer time period. A resistor  95  providing greater resistance prolongs energy dissipation from the capacitor  94 , thereby enabling a longer operational time of the propulsion system  10 . Correspondingly, a resistor  95  providing lower resistance will comparatively lessen the operational time of the propulsion system  10 . The timer device  88  can further comprise an optional circuit overload diode  96 . 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 13 , the timer device  88  comprises an integrated circuit  97  pre-programmed with timing functionality, and two potentiometers (“pots”), a first pot  101  and a second pot  102 . The integrated circuit  97  is programmed to read the values from the two pots  101 ,  102 . The signals from the first and second pots  101 ,  102  are converted to a time values and thrust values, respectively. The activation device  90  signals the integrated circuit  97  to turn on the propulsion system  10  for the predetermined period of time designated by the signal from the first pot  101  at the thrust level determined by the signal from the second pot  102 . Then the predetermined period of time expires, the integrated circuit  97  signals the propulsion system  10  to cease operation, and the hovering toy creature  99  descends to a landing. 
     An alternate embodiment of the timer device  88  and control system  15  is shown in  FIG. 14 . In this embodiment, three activation devices  90   a ,  90   b ,  90   c  are combined with three selector devices  91   a ,  91   b ,  91   c . The control unit  92  is configured or programmed such that depressing the first activation/selector device  90   a ,  91   a  activates the propulsion system  10  for a first predetermined time period, depressing the second activation/selector device  90   b ,  91   b  activates the propulsion system  10  for a second predetermined time period, and depressing the third activation/selector device  90   c ,  91   c  activates the propulsion system  10  for a third predetermined time period. In this embodiment, the timer device  88  and control system  15  further comprise a transistor  93 , capacitor  94 , one or more resistors  95 , and a diode  96  as shown in  FIG. 14 . Configurations of these components other than the configuration shown in  FIG. 14  could also be suitable for controlling the hovering toy creature  99  flight for predetermined time periods, as will be appreciated by an ordinary practitioner. 
     The foregoing embodiments are merely representative of the hovering toy creature and not meant for limitation of the invention. For example, one having ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are several embodiments and configurations of wing members, propulsion systems, or wing actuation assemblies that will not substantially alter the nature of the hovering toy creature. Consequently, it is understood that equivalents and substitutions for certain elements and components set forth above are part of the invention described herein, and the true scope of the invention is set forth in the claims below.