Abstract:
An amusement device of a projectile nature that can be thrown or flung or propelled through the air by a launcher includes the characteristic that it can be induced through electo-mechanical means, to change it&#39;s trajectory in mid-flight in response to a signal generated from a remote control device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    This invention relates generally to amusement devices and, in particular, to a new and improved toy in the form of a ball that can be induced to change its trajectory in mid-flight in response to a signal from a remote controlled device.  
           [0003]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0004]    Toys that are remotely controlled have been known heretofore in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,101,569 to Giardina and U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,921 to Wilkinson represent the closest prior art to the subject matter of the instant invention of which the applicant is aware.  
           [0005]    The patent to Giardina discloses a remote control toy vehicle comprising a remote wheeled vehicle having a body configured in the shape of an airplane steering wheel for controlling movement of the remote toy airplane across a supporting surface. The rear wheels of the vehicle are driven by a reversible electric motor while the front wheels are normally free spinning. Steering of the vehicle is accomplished by applying friction to one or the other of the front wheels to prevent rotation thereof. Friction is applied to the wheels by respective solenoid assemblies that are independently actuable. The drive motor and solenoids are controlled by switches on the hand controller. More specifically, forward and rearward movement, i.e., energizing of the drive motor, is controlled by independent push buttons on the hand controller. Actuation of the solenoids is controlled by a tilt switch mounted in the hand controller and comprising a rolling ball mounted inside a housing having internal contacts. Turning of the hand controller effects rolling of the ball and closure of the respective contacts for energizing the corresponding solenoid. Accordingly, rotation of the simulated steering wheel in a vertical plane effects turning of the toy airplane.  
           [0006]    The patent to Wilkinson discloses a remote controlled movable ball amusement device that includes a hollow sphere having two propulsion mechanisms within the sphere, with each mechanism driven on a separate track. The drive unit causes the sphere to move when actuated by the receiver. A remote transmitter sends signals to the receiver for causing the actuation of the drive unit.  
           [0007]    While the above-described remote controlled toy devices are effective for their intended purpose, there is nevertheless a continuing need, and a consumer desire, for remote controlled devices having improved movement effects and configurations to enhance the play value of such toys.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    Accordingly, pursuant to the features of the present invention, an improved toy is disclosed in the form of a ball that can be thrown like an ordinary ball, except that the trajectory of the ball can be changed in mid-flight by a signal from a remote device. A ball launcher with an integrated remote control is included to provide propulsion to the ball, if desired.  
           [0009]    This and other features and advantages of the invention are described in or apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    The foregoing and other features of the instant invention will be apparent and easily understood from a further reading of the specification, claims and by reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements and wherein:  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a ball of the present invention showing external aerodynamic features used to control the trajectory of the ball;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of the ball of FIG. 1 showing the internal inertial structure that controls the trajectory of the ball;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a remote controller for the balls of FIGS. 1 and 2.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a ball launcher with an integrated remote controller. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]    While the present invention will be described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
         [0016]    For a general understanding of the features of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to identify identical elements. FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically depict plan views illustrating a ball incorporating the features of the present invention therein. It will become evident from the following discussion that the steerable ball of the present invention may be employed in a wide variety of amusement activities and is not specifically limited in its application to the particular system and method specifically mentioned herein.  
         [0017]    Referring now to FIG. 1-4, various views are shown illustrating a remotely controlled steerable ball that is used in accordance with the present invention for amusement purposes. The primary mechanism for affecting the trajectory of the ball is through the same mechanism that produces a curveball. A ball is thrown with a significant amount of spin. The vortex that surrounds the ball as it spins through the air creates a pressure differential. The pressure differential exerts a force on the spinning ball, which accelerates the ball in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. There are two primary methods for generating spin in a flying ball. These are (1) internal-inertial and (2) external aerodynamic.  
         [0018]    In FIG. 1, a schematic representation of a remotely controlled steerable ball  10  is shown that employs the external-aerodynamic method for generating spin of ball  10 . Ball  10  comprises a cover  11 , inside of which are supports  12  and  13  that support articulatable members  14 ,  16 ,  18 , and  20  on ends thereof. The articulatable members  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20  are biased in a predetermined direction by springs  22 ,  24 ,  26  and  28  that are connected to one end thereof. Solenoids  30 ,  32 ,  34  and  36  powered by battery  40  are connected through their plungers to the other end of the members such that actuation of the solenoids will cause the plungers to pivot the members about their connection to supports  12  and  13 . Alternative linear actuators, such as, motors with appropriate gearing or shape memory alloy wires could also be used instead of the solenoids. A control circuit for the ball is shown at  45 . In action, the shape changing features of members  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20  are deployed that enhances both the spin and the strength of the vortex. These features are deployed by means of the electromechanical actuators or solenoids  30 ,  32 ,  34  and  36  that either raise members  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20  or openings in the surface of ball  10  that provide the desired effect. Other appropriate actuating means, such as, shape-memory-alloy wires, motor-screw drive mechanisms, linear motors, linear actuators or rotary actuators with cams could be used, if desired.  
         [0019]    An internal-inertial method and apparatus for curving a thrown ball  10  is shown in FIG. 2 where an apparatus inside the ball causes the ball to spin without changing the ball&#39;s exterior shape. The apparatus inside the ball comprises a pair of shaft mounted motors  60  and  62  that are adapted to move balance weights or masses  66  and  68 , respectively, along shafts  70  and  72 . Care should be taken to ensure that the rotor of each motor has a higher inertia than the ball shell  11 . This will ensure that the ball surface will spin. A control circuit  75  is included for providing signals to the motors. Actuation of motors  60  and  62  will cause masses  66  and  68  to rotate resulting in rotation of the ball in flight.  
         [0020]    A remote controller  80  is shown in FIG. 3 is adapted to control the mechanisms in ball  10  and includes a control panel  83  connected to a handle  85  that has an ON/OFF switch mechanism  87  mounted thereon. When switch  87  is in the ON position, manipulation of directional buttons on the control panel through control circuits in the ball signals the motors and solenoids in ball  10  to actuate members that affect curvature of the ball in accordance with the arrows shown on the control panel.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 shows a ball launcher with an integrated remote controller. This is an extension to the basic idea, which provides several additional features. The launcher can effectively impart higher velocity to the ball, which will result in a longer distance and greater travel time than what can typically be achieved by a simple throwing action. This greater travel time will provide for greater enjoyment of the remote control steering feature. Additionally, the launcher can provide an initial orientation of the ball, which will improve the performance of the electronic steering system.  
         [0022]    A ball launcher with integrated remote controller  90  is shown in FIG. 4. The ball is placed between the alignment rails  91  that along with ball fins  14  fix the ball&#39;s initial orientation. A power spring  93  is compressed by means of retraction lever  92 , which provides the motive force to launch the ball  10 . The retraction lever  92  is latched by the lever release  94  which remains in place until the trigger  96  is pulled, which provides sufficient tension into the release cable  94  to slide the lever release  95  free and allow the retraction lever  92  to move, releasing the power spring  93  and launching the ball  10 . The integrated remote control  80 , which serves as a handle during the launch phase, is then used to steer the ball  10 , once it is airborne.  
         [0023]    It should now be understood that a simple, low cost, remote controlled ball has been disclosed that can be thrown like an ordinary ball, except that the trajectory of the ball can be changed in mid-flight by a signal from a remote device. The ball can be simply thrown or launched by means of a ball launcher.  
         [0024]    While the invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined herein.