Abstract:
A launcher has programmable keys that activate a programming device to communicate with a flying toy to set up any one of multiple different motions of the toy. This is affected when the flying object and the launcher are connected together. Different combinations of program keys include changing of speed and landing procedures. The flying toy includes a receiver that operates a motor, and the flying object is clipped on the launcher and ejected after a user triggers the release button on the launcher.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   This disclosure relates to a flying system. In particular, it relates to a flyable object that can be preprogrammed with a separate device. 
   Many programmable toys are known. None however has the characteristics of the present disclosure, which relates to programming a flyable object with a separable programmable unit. This construction and configuration has unique characteristics to provide a toy for interesting use. 
   SUMMARY 
   A flying system comprises a flyable object and a launcher. The launcher includes a programming device with programmable keys which can activate a flying object such as a flyable toy to set up any one of multiple different motions of the toy. 
   The device can be a toy, such as a plane, or a flying object such as helicopter, UFO, or other movable object for movement in the air, for instance a powered rocket, blimp or air balloon. To program the toy, different combination of program buttons are keyed in to include changing of speed levels and intercept landing procedure. 
   Players can design different flying patterns through keys in different combinations of action keys. The flying toy is clipped on the launcher and ejected out after a player triggers the release button. Before ejecting, a player can key in the programming key to obtain an ideal flying pattern. 
   Other objects and features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 

   
     DRAWINGS 
     The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the launch device for the flying object as viewed from the rear. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the launch device for the flying object. 
       FIG. 3  is a partial sectional side view of the launch device for the flying object. 
       FIG. 4  is a rear view of the launch device for the flying object. 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of the launch device for the flying object. 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of the launch device for the flying object. 
       FIG. 7  is an under view of the launch device for the flying object. 
       FIG. 8  is a partial top view partly in section of the plane being the flying object. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view partly in section of the plane. 
       FIG. 10  is an under view of the plane. 
       FIG. 11  is a front view of the plane. 
       FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the plane. 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram of the launcher for the flying object. 
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram for the circuit for the plane. 
       FIG. 15  is a configuration illustrating the concept of the plane associated with the launcher. 
       FIG. 16  is the flow diagram associated with the game flow for launching the programmed plane. 
   

   DESCRIPTION 
   The device is now described with reference to an example, which is not to be considered as limiting. This is purely an illustration of the device. 
   A programmable flying system comprising a body and elements with the body to permit flight. The elements include a rotating element to permit propulsion of the object. 
   There is a launch device for receiving the flyable object prior to flight, and on release from the launch pad of the launch device, the flyable object takes flight. 
   The launch device includes a programming device or unit to permit the programming unit to connect with a communication circuit and transmit programming information or data to the flyable object. The flyable object includes a receiver for receiving the programmed information, and the receiver interacting with a motor in the flyable object. The motor operates at least one element of the flyable object thereby to permit the flyable object to operate according to the program regulating the motor action. 
   The motor in the flyable object controls at least one of a rudder, propeller or elevator associated with a plane. The programmable device on the launch device is operable through at least one of a keypad, voice command, joystick, light or infrared input. The programmable device is separable from the input device to the programmable device and the output device in the flyable object. The programming device includes an integral input device and output device for communicating to the flyable object. 
   The system includes a rechargeable battery inside the flyable object. The launch device includes a compartment for receiving batteries, the batteries being for permitting charging to disseminate from the launching device to the rechargeable batteries in the flyable object. 
   The flying system includes hardwires between the launch device and the flyable object. These wires transmit both data communication between the programming device to the receiver on the plane, and also power to the rechargeable batteries on the flyable object. 
   The launching device is a unit with a base permitting standing on a foundation and being balanced to prevent tipping when the flyable object is located on the launching ramp to prevent tipping when the flyable object is removed from the launching ramp. The launching device includes the base, an upstanding pedestal and the launch ramp. The base and the launch ramp are directed substantially in line and forwardly in the same direction as the base. The launch device includes a trigger to facilitate release of the flyable object from the launch pad on manual operation of the trigger. 
   A toy plane which is the flyable object in the exemplary embodiment can be programmed and activated by a device which is a pistol-shape launcher, so that the plane can perform different flying patterns in the sky. 
     FIG. 1  shows a pistol-shaped launcher which includes a base  20 , a pedestal  21 , and a launch pad or ramp  22 . The base  20  is forwardly directed in the same direction as the launch pad  22 . The base  20  includes a battery compartment  23  for locating batteries  24 . The outside surface  25  of the pedestal is for hand-gripping as the case may be by a user of the toy. A molded indented reception area  26  is provided at the top of the pedestal adjacent to the underneath of the ramp for receiving an index finger of the user, as may be necessary. 
   At the rear of the pedestal, there is a programming device  27  with a keypad  28 . The keypad includes different keys  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32  and  33  for use as necessary to effect programming of a programmable unit which is part of the launcher. An LED  34  is also mounted in the keypad to indicate different functions of the programmable device. The programmable device is hardwired through a series of wires  35  which are directed from a power distribution center  36  mounted in the pedestal  21 . The distribution center  36  can include a transformer or other converter as may be necessary two wires  37   a  and  37   b  are directed from one side of the battery terminal  38  and two wires  39   a  and  39   b  are directed from the terminal  40  of the battery  24 . 
   As such, the wires  37   a  and  39   a  are directed to power the flyable object and as such the wires are directed up the pedestal  21  and into the launch pad area  22  as indicated. The wires  37   b  and  39   b  are directed to the distributor  36  and in turn, they are bundled into different wires  35  which operate the electronic programming device  27  in different fashions. Different voltages and powers are provided to the programmer so that the programmer can perform different functions as necessary. 
   Between the pedestal  21  and the launch pad  22  in the front at the intersection near the reception area  26  there is a trigger  41  which is operable by the finger of the user as necessary. The operation of the trigger  41  by pulling rearwardly is indicated by arrow  42  towards the pedestal  21 . This causes hook members  43  at the forward area of the launch pad  22  to be released and permit the launching of the flyable object as required. The hooks  43  can be spring loaded through coil spring  44  and a slider  45  so that the spring extends between a hole  46  and a second hole  47  in front of the body of the flying vehicle which is to be launched. 
   The two hooks  43  are to either side of the ramp  48   c  on the top of the launch pad or slider  22 . The wires  37   a  and  39   a  protrude to make respective contact with two metal contacts or rails  48   a  and  48   b  respectively. These contacts engage mating contacts on the flyable object as will be described when the flyable object is located in the hooked position on the slider ramp  48   c.    
   The trigger  41  is pivoted about a mounting  49  to permit the rotatable movement of the trigger as indicated by the arrow  42 . Manual resetting of the trigger can be effected as necessary after its release by manually returning the trigger to the pre-released stage. Alternatively, this resetting can be done automatically on return of the trigger. 
   The flying object illustrated in the disclosure is a plane  59  which has a propeller  51 , two wings  52  and  53 , a body  54 , tail wings  55  and  56 , a tail or fin  57 . There is a rudder  58  mounted at the rear of the tail. Elevators  59 ,  60 ,  61  and  62  can be also provided to the plane. Inside the plane, there is a rechargeable battery pack  63  which is connected to a motor  64 . The motor operates the propeller  51  and the rudder and elevators as necessary through suitable mechanical connections and/or gearing. 
   There is also a receiver circuit  65  mounted on a board  66 . A start/stop button or switch  67  is mounted under the body of the plane. There are two contacts  68  and  69  on the under belly of the plane which engage with the contacts  48   a  and  48   b  when the plane is on the launch ramp  48   c . The inside of the body of the plane is wired from the programmable receiver to permit activation of the rudder  58  and one or more of the elevators  59 ,  60 ,  61  and  62  to permit appropriate movement according to the programmed condition of the plane. 
   The block diagram illustrating the program for the programming device located with the launcher to permit programming is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . There is a microprocessor  70  which can respond to closing and opening of circuits and switches as effected by the different keys  29 ,  30 ,  31 ,  32  and  33 . These keys are those that appear on the keypad  27 . As can be seen in  FIG. 13 , there are keys which represent the fast, medium and slow speeds, the ability to indicate landing, and a key to verify entry of a programmed process. 
   There is also a speaker  71  associated and operated by the microprocessor  70 , and the microprocessor  70  operates the LED driver  72 . Further, the microprocessor  70  indicates the detection of the battery and regulates the charging control unit as indicated by block  73 . In turn, this regulates the charging and communication through the two wires  37   a  and  39   a.    
   Thus, the two wires communicate the charging current from the battery  24  as indicated. These wires also direct programmed data from the programming device  27 , which is redistributed to the distributor  36  and in turn returned along wires  37   a  and  39   a . Thus, there are two wires which do both the charging the communication of the flying object. 
   On the plane, there is the receiver unit which includes a microprocessor  74  which receives power from the contacts  68  and  69  which have made contact with the contacts  48   a  and  48   b  on top of the launcher. Through this 2-wire contact the microprocessor  74  receives the programmed information from the programmable unit  27  and also ensures that power is directed to the rechargeable battery  63  when the plane is on the launch pad. This power in the rechargeable battery  63  is for operating the motor control unit  75  to operate the motor  64 . This motor  64  is connected to operate the propeller  51  and provide motor power. The motor  64  can also operate the rudder and elevators through appropriate connectors. 
   The start/stop switch  67  is connected to the microprocessor  74  as indicated, and the microprocessor itself is connected through line  76  with the motor control unit and lines  77  are also connected to the motor control unit and the rechargeable battery. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the launcher includes a handle pedestal  21  with a launch slider. The trigger  41  is between the forward part of the handle pedestal  21  and the underside of the slide launcher. 
   The programmable elements permit for different speeds of the plane and landing. An enter button permits for different programs to be communicated to the plane when the plane is located on the launching device. 
   The plane itself includes the motor  64  for operating the propeller  51 . Operation of the propeller  51  at different speeds regulates the speed of the plane, the take-off and landing. The take-off is permitted on release of the hooks  43  when the propeller  51  is rotating to cause a forward propulsion. The plane in turn would land as the propeller  51  slows down. The elevators and rudders are appropriately programmed and regulated to permit landing. The start/stop switch  67  is also on the plane. When the switch  67  is in the start position, communication is possible and the plane can operate. When it is in the stop position, the communication can be cut off and the plane cannot operate. 
   As seen in  FIG. 16 , the operation of the plane as a game or as a toy is illustrated in one format. When the plane and launcher are connected namely when the plane is on the launch pad the first feature is to ensure that the plane is mounted and that the inter-engagement with the hooks  43  is effected. This is achieved by pulling back the slider to restore the power for plane ejection from the slider. The plane is then put onto the slider and power charging is effected. 
   The first action is that the charger LED  34  goes off after 15 seconds. When the plane is on the slider, different programs can be inputted into the program according to different input commands. The plane receives instructions from the launcher according to those programs. As the different combinations for the program are established, the program can be renewed as indicated. When the program commands are effectively stored this cycles back to the programmer as indicated. When the program has been communicated to the plane, the propeller  51  is started and is kept spinning at an appropriate speed. The trigger  41  is fully pulled back and the plane is launched. 
   When the plane is launched, the program which has been received by the plane regulates the plane action. As the plane flies in the sky, there can be a performance of the plane according to the preprogrammed instructions in the microprocessor  74  in the plane. In different situations, there can be a demonstration flight where a preprogrammed flight situation is programmed into the plane through a program which can be preset from the programming device  27 . 
   When the plane is programmed to perform a particular flight path or pattern, the action of the motor  64  on the propeller  51 , rudder, and elevators causes the plane to operate. The pushing of the start/stop button  67  on the plane can permit the plane to be charged and/or prepare the plane for flight or in operation. It is possible for the program previously in the plane to be erased and a new program inserted as required. After effective programming the plane can be in a state for operation as required. 
   The system is described with additional details as follows. 
   Launching Device 
   Inside the Launcher, there is a microprocessor  70  which includes: 
   a. RAM to memorize up to 40 programmable steps; 
   b. a timer for constant time charging of the rechargeable battery pack  63  inside the plane; 
   c. a sound generator to generate sound effects while pressing any key; 
   d. keypad interface; 
   e. Ready-Takeoff function—While half-pressing the trigger  41 , the motor  64  runs and the propeller  51  turns in full speed. The advantage is that the plane can get enough up-thrust power against gravity during launching. 
   Slider, hook and trigger are the mechanisms designed to load, hold and eject the plane respectively. 
   By pressing keys on the keypad  28 , users can input some programmable actions such as Fast Speed, Medium Speed, Slow Speed and Landing. After pressing Enter button, all data is transferred from microprocessor  70  on the launcher device  21  to the microprocessor  74  inside plane through the 2-wire metal contact. Another function of this 2-wire metal contact is for charging the rechargeable battery pack inside the plane. 
   Built-in charger function for refilling the electricity inside the plane. 
   The LED  34  shows the status of charging and data transfer processing as well. 
   Plane 
   Inside the plane, there is the microprocessor  74  which can: 
   a. retain all programmable steps from the latest data package that were sent from the launcher  21 , until the battery is flat; 
   b. implement the programmable steps by controlling the motor  64 , and hence propeller speed and time duration; 
   c. implement the instant start/stop propeller function by pressing the start/stop switch or key  67 ; 
   d. communicate with the microprocessor  70  in the launcher  21  through the 2-wire metal contact. With the battery detector circuitry on the launcher  21 , it can detect if the plane is on hook or hooks  43 . 
   By adjusting the rudder manually before launching, the flight direction of the plane can be controlled. 
   The plane body is made of EPP material for durable and inexpensive purpose. 
   The following is a further description of the keys and movable parts. 
   1) Speed 01—slow speed 
   2) Speed 02—medium speed 
   3) Speed 03—fast speed 
   4) Landing—deceleration and then propeller stop 
   5) Enter—program sends and overwrites the previous version 
   6) LED
         light is on when battery is being charged   light is off when charging has finished or the plane does not connect   light blinks when data is being transmitted       

   7) Trigger
         when pushed half-way, propeller is activated for flying   when pushed all the way, the plane is released       

   8) Launcher
         stores power for launching the plane   key panel for inputting commands       

   9) Start/Stop button
         program is stopped if button is pushed during flight programming   when program is stopped, it recycles to a demo flight if the button has been pushed   propeller will stop again if the button pushed once again       

   Operation of the Device 
   The operation of the programmable plane could be divided into following steps: 
   1) Load the Hooks 
   Pull back hooks to “Lock” position. 
   2) Insert the Plane 
   The plane is mounted with the hooks, to ensure the plane is in contract with the charger port. When the LED lights are on, the charging procedure starts. The LED light operates for approximately 80 seconds until the unit has been completely charged. 
   3) Input Commands 
   The commands to create a flight pattern are keyed in, and the commands are stored. There is a maximum memory of up to 40 steps. To save the commands into the plane, push “Enter” button. 
   4) Activate Propeller Movement 
   Pulling the trigger half-way causes the propeller to spin at a constant speed, at which point the plane is ready for launch. 
   5) Launch the Plane: 
   Pulling the trigger all the way effects release of the plane, propelling the plane into the air. 
   6) Actions While Plane is Mid-Flight: 
   The plane follows the commands programmed into the microprocessor of the plane to perform the programmed actions. 
   7) Retrieve the Plane: 
   The plane is stopped when the plane has completed all commands, or becomes trapped, or runs out of power. The plane is retrieved for the next flight. 
   8) Instant Start/Stop: 
   The start/stop button  67  at the bottom of the plane allows the player to enable or disable the action of the propeller  51  at any time, when even the plane is performing actions. Pushing the button once stops the spinning propeller, and pushing the button once more starts the propeller spinning again. 
   General Features of the Device 
   The device can store up to 40 commands. 
   The memory in the plane retained by stored power inside the plane. 
   Pulling the trigger half way causes the propeller to spin at the first level of speed. Pulling the trigger completely causes the holder to release the plane and the received program in the plane begins execution. 
   The plane takes actions following the stored commands in the receiver microprocessor  74 . 
   The commands cannot be completed if there is a power outage during the middle of the process of execution. 
   While the device, apparatus and method has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. 
   In some cases, instead of batteries  24  in the base, the launcher may be connected to an electric power source. In other cases, instead of a plane which flies, there be other vehicles which can be launched by the launch pad. For instance, there may be a ski boat or other vehicle such as a stunt car. In some cases, a different number of commands, more or less than 40, can be stored in the microprocessor, if the microprocessor permits more storage. Less than 40 commands is possible by entering less commands. A preprogrammed demonstration program can be used as well as other preprogrammed programs if preferred. 
   The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes any and all embodiments of the following claims.