WO1999037372A1

WO1999037372A1 - Model airplane

Info

Publication number: WO1999037372A1
Application number: PCT/CA1999/000032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rene Boucher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-01-20
Filing date: 1999-01-19
Publication date: 1999-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2000-07-20
Also published as: CA2284265A1; AU2042699A

Abstract

A model airplane comprises a frame, an engine assembly mounted to the frame, at least one inflatable wing mounted to the frame, a plurality of movable flaps supported by the frame, and a control mounted to the frame to facilitate airplane operation. The various components are readily broken down or assembled together to form an airplane kit that is modular in nature and can be stored in a container and readily and compactly transported to a site for takeoff and landing. The control device can include remote control, and the frame has load carrying capacity for transporting loads or dropping/releasing loads at desired locations.

Description

1

MODEL AIRPLANE Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a model airplane, and in particular, to a model airplane which forms a compact pre- and post- assembly bundle or kit for easy transport to and from a desired launching and subsequent landing site.

Background Art

Various types of model airplanes have been proposed in the prior art. U.S. Patent No. 5,030,156 to Savicki, Sr., discloses a model airplane utilizing remote control. U.S. Patent No. 5,064,145 to Wagener discloses a model airplane having a particular tail assembly construction.

U.S. Patent No. 4,266,366 to Lapierre discloses an airplane model kit comprising one or more wings, integrally formed with temporary frames which are joined to the wings at their periphery. In this patent, the frames are intended to avoid any deformation of the wings and are provided with imprints and lugs for easy and accurate positioning of the wing with respect to the fuselage or the rest of the model.

Prior art model airplanes lack a modular assembly which makes them easily transported in a broken down condition to a destination for take-off and/or landing. This lack of modularity or compactness is further emphasized for by the ever- increasing need to use these types of airplanes for a variety of uses, e.g., carrying loads and the like.

In light of the drawbacks of prior art model airplanes, a need has developed to provide a model airplane which can be broken down into individual components to form an easily transportable package to a desired landing or take-off site. There is also a need to provide such a modular airplane construction which still provides sufficient structural soundness that the model airplane can be used for remote tasks with high reliability.

In response to this need, the present invention provides a model airplane which comprises individual components forming a compact disassembled package. The package can be assembled or disassembled at a take-off and/or landing site. Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the first object of the present invention is a model airplane capable of being broken down for easy transport to a site for landing and/or take-off.

Another object of the present invention is a model airplane kit whereby the model airplane comes in a compact and disassembled state for easy transport in a container.

A further object of the invention is a model airplane capable of carrying loads, releasing loads, and the like.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent as a description thereof proceeds.

In satisfaction of the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention comprises a model airplane having a frame, an engine assembly mounted to the frame, at least one inflatable wing mounted to the frame, a plurality of movable flaps supported by the frame, and an electronics package or control device mounted to the frame to facilitate airplane operation.

The engine assembly includes a fuel tank and at least one propeller. The flaps can be arranged with respect to the frame in various embodiments, one embodiment including arranging a pair of flaps at the rearward and outward ends of the inflatable wing, a second pair at the rearward portion of the frame, and a third flap vertically orientated at the frame rearward portion.

The frame is collapsible into a plurality of frame components for easy storage and transport. The control device includes the necessary electronics to operate the plane, including control flight, navigation, orientation, as well as other special purpose means such as carrying loads for transport or dropping, and the like.

The inflatable wing is made of a thin material capable of being inflated and deflated, inflation causing the wing to be very rigid under pressure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Reference is now made to the drawings depicting the invention wherein: Figure 1 shows a top view of one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of the Figure 1 embodiment; 3

Figure 3 shows a collapsed view of the airplane of Figures 1 and 2 whereby the individual components are broken down and arranged for compact storage; and Figure 4 shows an exemplary control scheme for the airplane.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The model airplane of the invention comprises five main components, flaps, an inflatable wing, a tube-type frame body, an electronics or control device package, and an engine assembly. These components fit together to form a compact pre and post assembly bundle, which is designed for easy transport and storage.

In the preferred embodiment, the plane has five flaps, all identically sized and made of a plastic material. Inside each flap is a servo-mechanical assembly including a small electric motor and reduction gears. These components are sealed from the outside environment with each flap connected to the tube frame using conventional means. The connection with the servomechanic assembly and the frame also serves as a plug connecting the two components electronically. The flaps are designed to clip on to the tube frame as would be known in the art. A locking device can also be provided to disable the flap electronically, such a device internal to the flap construction.

The inflatable wing includes a wing skin and wing supports or ribs. The skin and ribs are made entirely of any thin material that is able to form a vacuum seal and hold gaseous substances. The wing can be made very compact when deflated and very rigid under pressure. The tube frame body can be either hollow or solid. It is preferably made of any material, plastic, metal, aluminum, or otherwise which is able to hold its structure and is light weight. The tube can take any shape.

Any number of braces running the length of the inflatable wing can be used, while two are preferred, one supporting the forward portion of the wing and the second one used for flap connection. These braces also give the wing its structure.

Running 90 degrees from the wing braces is the body or main portion of the frame. A wire or wires run through the tube connecting the flaps, the engine assembly and the electronics/control device. This wire also serves to speed assembly. All components are preferably clipped together. 4

The frame tube connects the engine, electronics package, fuel tank, wind braces and the flaps on the rearward portion of the frame.

The electronics package is a water-type plastic container that clips on to the tube structure of the plane and is located preferably under the center of the wing or just behind it. Enclosed within the plastic container is a processor as well as a number of electronic devices. These devices or chips control flight, navigation, orientation, as well as sensor deployment or the like.

The engine assembly includes an off-the-shelf hobby aircraft engine of any size. The fuel tank is attached to the engine, both the engine and fuel tank attached to the frame. The engine also includes a propeller.

The inventive model airplane has a number of utilities such as carrying loads or cargo for a particular purpose and the like.

The model airplane has a significant number of benefits. First, the airplane can be designed to have a range in excess of 2000 miles. Increasing the size of the plane allows for more wing surface area, thus creating greater lift. Devoting more of the increased lifting power to fuel increases the range.

The airplane can be operated in all weather conditions, including high wind, heavy rain, hail, etc., since all components are water tight.

The portability of the airplane assures it occupies little carrying space when not assembled. The airplane also offers quick assembly, in as little as under one minute. Identical flaps contribute to the quick assembly, all being interchangeable so that the assembler does not have to select a particular flap for a particular airplane location.

The airplane kit is light weight, thereby causing little burden to a person carrying the kit. The overall simplicity of the airplane also insures a reliable product.

The model airplane is also inexpensive since it uses disposable units, materials and an off-the-shelf engine.

With a modified, rotatable propeller unit can be made to hover by standing on its tail, used to await instructions, etc.

The airplane is also rugged in flight because of its large size, for example three feet in length. The aircraft can stably fly in rough weather and has in-flight programmability. 5

The airplane also offers a linear assent feature wherein a locking device is built into the flap that can only be disabled electronically. Upon releasing the aircraft, the flaps are unlocked and at that instance, the electronic devices within the control or electronic package measure the angle and orientation of the plane and then instantly release and adjust one or more flaps so as to continue along the same line until reaching a designated altitude. This can be used for launching from wooded or urban areas in which there are limited launch options.

Referring to Figs. 1-4, one embodiment of the invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10 and includes a frame 1 , an engine assembly 3, an inflatable wing 5, wing flaps 7, rear wing flaps 9, and an electronics/control device package 11.

The engine assembly 3 includes an engine 13, a fuel tank 15, and a propeller 17. The engine 13 and the fuel tank 15 are mounted to the underside of the frame 1. Extending rearwardly of the engine assembly 3 is the electronics package 11 also mounted to the underside of the frame 1.

The inflatable wing 5 is shown in Fig. 1 with two wing supports 21 and 23. Wing support 21 provides support for the forward portion of the wing 5 with the support 23 providing rearward support at a connection to the wing flaps 7.

Preferably, all of the flaps 7 and 9 are identical so that assembly of the airplane is made easy. Two wing flaps 7 are located at rearward portions of the inflatable wing 5 with three flaps 9 at the rearward portion of the frame 1.

As explained above, each flap has an internal servo-mechanical assembly 25 which controls flap movement and can be lockable until receiving a releasing and adjusting signal from the electronics package 11.

Fig. 3 shows the model airplane as a kit 29 wherein the frame 1 is broken down into a plurality of frame components 27. The components 27 are combined with the flaps 7 and 9, the control package 11 , the engine assembly 3 and the inflatable wing 5 in a compact kit which is easily transported. Although not shown, a container can be used to carry the kit 29 to a location for assembly and launching of the airplane 10.

Fig. 4 shows an exemplary control scheme where the electronics package 11 provides control to the flaps 7 and 9 and the engine 13. 6

The components used to internally operate the flaps can be any conventional components capable of rotating the flaps about an axis for flight control. The connection between the flap and tube frame can be any type of removable connection to facilitate the modular storage and assembly of the model airplane.

Similarly, other connections can be utilized between the wing and the tube frame other than the disclosed braces. In a similar manner, the connections between the tube frame and the electronics package and the engine and fuel tank components can vary and include those that would be within the skill of the art.

Although the flaps are disclosed as being identical, different sizes could be utilized if so desired. For example, flaps 4 and 5 could be of one size with flaps 1 , 2, 3 of another size, providing the different sizes still contribute to the modular and compact design of the plane, particularly when in storage.

When stored, the plane can be enclosed by any type of a container, either rigid or non-rigid, and can include various types of container openings, e.g., zippers, snaps or the like.

Contained in the electronics package are well known components for the described uses and require no further description for understanding of the invention. Likewise, the locking device built into the flap which is disabled electronically upon aircraft release can be any type. For example, a pin which would prevent the flap from rotating until the pin is withdrawn, withdrawal caused by a motor, drive or the like.

Although the connection device between the components and the tube frame is described, in one embodiment, as combining both a mechanical and an electronic connection, separate connections could be used, if so desired.

Various components of the inventive model airplane could be used in combination with other conventional model airplane components. That is, the flaps containing their own drive mechanism could be combined with a conventional model airplane fuselage and wing assembly, this assembly including the necessary electronics to drive the flaps. In another embodiment, the wing and wing flaps could be made as one piece design and combined with the frame and self-contained rear- mounted flaps. Other combinations of the various components as would be within the skill of the artisan could also be made. 7

The invention, in one embodiment, comprises a modular airplane construction having a frame, a plurality of flaps, at least one inflatable or rigid wing, an engine assembly and an electronics package whereby the components can be stored in a compact bundle and are mechanically and electronically assembled together for flight. The flaps are controlled by the electronics package and can have their own drive components, either located internally or externally of the flap structure. The frame can be modular in nature, made up a plurality of interconnecting sections for easy and compact storage. The flaps, although preferably made of plastic, can be made of any material compatible with model airplane flight. The inflatable wing can be pressurized by any means, compressed gas from an external source or a source associated with the wing or unassembled airplane, inflation by one who assembles the airplane or the like. Materials of other components of the invention can be altered as would be within the skill of the art.

Accordingly, an invention has been disclosed in terms of preferred embodiments thereof which fulfill each and every one of the objects of the present invention as set forth above and provides a new and improved model airplane.

Various changes, modifications and alterations from the teachings of the present invention may be contemplated by those skilled in the art without departing from the intended spirit and scope thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention only be limited by the terms of the appended claims.

Claims

The invention claimed is:

1) A model airplane comprising: a) a frame; b) an engine assembly mounted to the frame; c) at least one inflatable wing mounted to the frame; d) a plurality of movable flaps supported by the frame; and e) a control device mounted to the frame to facilitate airplane operation.

2) The airplane of claim holder 1 , wherein the engine assembly includes a fuel tank and at least one propeller.

3) The airplane of claim 1 , wherein a pair of the plurality of flaps are arranged at rearward and outward ends of the at least one inflatable wing.

4) The airplane of claim 1 , wherein the frame is elongated and the at least one inflatable wing is mounted at a forward portion of the frame and a plurality of the flaps are mounted to a rearward portion of the frame.

5) The airplane of claim 4, wherein the plurality of flaps at the rearward portion comprise a pair of generally horizontal flaps mounted on either side of the rearward portion of the frame and one generally vertical flap mounted at the rearward portion of the frame.

6) The airplane of claim 5, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of frame components.

7) The airplane of claim 1 , wherein each of the at least one inflatable wing, the engine assembly, the control device, and the plurality of flaps are removable from the frame.

8) The airplane of claim 5, wherein a pair of the plurality of flaps are arranged at rearward and outward ends of the at least one inflatable wing..

9) The airplane of claim 1 , wherein the at least one inflatable wing comprises an inflatable skin material, the material sized to form the at least one inflatable wing when inflated. 9

10) The airplane of claim 1 , wherein the control device has remote control capability.

11) The airplane of claim 1 , wherein the frame has load carrying capability.

12) The airplane of claim 5, wherein the frame has load carrying capability.

13) A model airplane kit comprising: a) a plurality of disassembled frame components; b) an engine assembly mountable to at least one of the frame components; c) at least one uninflated inflatable wing mountable to at least one of the frame components; d) a plurality of flaps, at least one of which mountable to at least one of the frame components or the inflatable wing; e) a control device mountable to at least one of the frame components; and f) a container sized to hold items (a)-(e) for transport to a desired site.

14) The kit of claim 13, wherein the engine assembly includes a fuel tank and at least one propeller.

15) The kit of claim 13, wherein the control device has one of remote control, and load carrying capacity.

16) The kit of claim 13, wherein each flap is identical in shape so that any flap can be installed in any location on the frame.

17) The kit of claim 13, wherein the inflatable wing comprises a flexible and inflatable skin and a plurality of wing supports mountable to the frame.