Aerodynamically gliding ball

Abstract

An aerodynamic flying toy ball apparatus comprised of a plurality of semi-rigid uniformly shaped semicircular fins joined along, and equiangularly arranged radially around a longitudinal axis, balanced for aerodynamic gliding flight to create a stable 3-D ball shaped glider capable of gliding and maneuvering (climbing, turning and looping) as a gliding airplane. The apparatus resembles a ball and can roll on the ground. The apparatus can be made from a variety of lightweight materials.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A light weight throwable winged ball apparatus; the apparatus comprising:
 a spherically-shaped ball-like toy glider comprised of a plurality of semi-circular fins equiangularly spaced and extending radially outward from a longitudinal axis and configured to achieve aerodynamic gliding flight.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of semi-circular fins include a dimensioned fin structure to provide a stable glide path during flight. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the dimensioned fin structure is comprised of a material having a higher density than a density of the semi-circular fins 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of semi-circular fins is configured to be adjusted to provide a trim control. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a length of the longitudinal axis is further defined as a uniform diameter of the plurality of semi-circular fins. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including a center of gravity located between ⅕th and ⅙th of a diameter forward of a midpoint of the axis. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including a weighted front portion to provide a stable gliding path during flight. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of semi-circular fins is further defined as at least three. 
     
     
         9 . A throwable paper-based winged ball apparatus; the apparatus comprising:
 a spherically-shaped toy member including:
 a longitudinal axis extending between a front and a back of the apparatus and configured to releasably secure a plurality uniformly configured semi-circular fins; and 
 a plurality of semi-circular fins having an affixed and dimensioned stability fin. 
   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further including a center a gravity located approximated 0.5-0.6 inches forward of a midpoint of the longitudinal axis which is 3 inches in length. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the apparatus is comprised of a semi-rigid paper material having a uniform thickness between 70-80 grams per square meter. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein each of the plurality of semi-circular fins is configured to be manually curved in a vertical and a horizontal position to provide a trim adjustment. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further including a weighted front portion to provide a stable gliding path during flight. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of semi-circular fins is further defined as at least three. 
     
     
         15 . A throwable paper-based winged ball apparatus; the apparatus comprising:
 a spherically-shaped toy member including:
 a longitudinal axis extending between a front and a back of the apparatus and configured to releasably secure a plurality of outwardly protruding and uniform semi-circular fins; and 
 a plurality of semi-circular fins having an affixed and dimensioned stability fin equiangularly spaced to each other and extending radially outward from a longitudinal axis to achieve aerodynamic gliding flight. 
   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein center a gravity is located between 0.5-0.6 inches forward of a midpoint of the longitudinal axis which is 3 inches in length. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprised of a semi-rigid and resilient material having a uniform thickness between 70-80 grams per square meter. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further including a weighted frontal region to provide a stable gliding path during flight.