Robert F Pugh

US Patent:

53642996, Nov 15, 1994

Filed:

Jan 29, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/827259

Inventors:

Peter C. Hill - Anaheim CA
Gary M. Saffer - Rancho Palos Verdes CA
Robert V. Pugh - Newhall CA
Ahmed Asbaghi - Hawthorne CA

Assignee:

Mattel, Inc. - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

A63H 2700

US Classification:

446176

Abstract:

A surface skimming toy defines a generally planar base having a flat under surface. An upwardly extending fin is joined to the upper surface of the base member. In one embodiment, a lightweight aesthetically appealing body portion is supported upon the upper surface. In still further alternate embodiments, a pair of elongated upwardly extending side fins are secured to the upper surface of the planar base. The surface skimming toy is launched in close proximity to a smooth extended surface and assumes a skimming travel in close spacing to the surface while being supported upon an extremely thin layer of air flowing beneath the under surface of the skimming toy. In a further embodiment, the generally planar base defines a slightly convex curved surface and in another, a dual faceted surface forming a transverse crown portion. In a still further embodiment, a weight is supported proximate the leading edge of the body for stability of travel.