U.S. patent application number 10/369099 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-26 for flexible flying disc.
Invention is credited to Stark, Steven Patrick.
Application Number | 20040166764 10/369099 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32868060 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040166764 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stark, Steven Patrick |
August 26, 2004 |
Flexible flying disc
Abstract
A flexible soft flying disc toy that is molded and having a
recessed and/or raised and recessed centrally located region on the
center bottom of the disc to encourage and facilitate the spinning
of the disc on one's finger and give the illusion of being a
professional type player in technique for amusement. The general
nature of the spinning of the disc on one's finger in a flexible
soft flying disc has the potential to wear into the disc material
and having a raised center bottom allows for increased thickness in
the disc in that area to improve firmness and durability with this
function. The flexible soft flying foam material offers the users
more safety features than previous relatively hard plastic flying
disc type products by now allowing the molded material composite to
compress when being hit by the disc or when used for catching of
the disc. The compression allows the disc to conform more to the
hand allowing for the disc to be caught easier and without the fear
of being hurt. The disc is configured with a rim that is much
thicker on the edge of the disc than the flight plate and allows
for the gripping and rotating of the disc from the inside rim edge
with ones finger which is called "paddling" and allows for more
advanced throws and gripping of the disc. The addition of a
stabilizing ring or smaller plastic disc located on the underside
of the flexible soft flying disc would offer advanced flight
stabilizing characteristics and still maintain the advantages of
the cushion aspects of the outer disc. When a smaller plastic
stabilizing type disc is located within the underside of the
flexible soft flying disc it could also have a recessed center
located on the bottom of the stabilizing disc for facilitating the
spinning of the disc on ones finger without the potential of
wearing thru the disc with ones finger. The addition of a coating
to reinforce the bottom center area that is recessed on the
flexible flying disc for which your fingers can easily spin the
disc on will offer a unique barrier and less potential wear to the
flexible flying disc material.
Inventors: |
Stark, Steven Patrick;
(Champlin, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEVEN PATRICK STARK
713 WEST RIVER ROAD
CHAMPLIN
MN
55316
US
|
Family ID: |
32868060 |
Appl. No.: |
10/369099 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/046 |
International
Class: |
A63H 027/00 |
Claims
1. An aerodynamic toy comprising, in combination, a body formed of
a soft, flexible, homogeneous, thermoplastic, resilient, foam
material having a circular peripheral edge and a substantially flat
upper surface and a lower surface, said peripheral edge comprising
a convex surface formed of said foam material defining an
aerodynamic lift surface, said lower surface being recessed
throughout said central region defining a rim of foam material
adjacent said peripheral edge having a body thickness between said
upper and lower surfaces greater than at said central region, and a
recessed area within said lower surface to facilitate the placement
of a finger for purpose of spinning of the disc on ones finger.
2. In an aerodynamic toy as in claim 1 wherein said lower surface
central region is raised to give increased depth for stability and
durability of said recessed area with said lower surface to
facilitate the placement of a finger for the purpose of spinning of
the disc on ones finger.
3. In an aerodynamic toy as in claim 1 wherein said rim of foam
material has a placement of a stabilizing ring for improved
stability for flight.
4. In an aerodynamic toy as in claim 1 wherein said rim of foam
material has a placement of a stabilizing disc for improved
stability for flight.
5. In an aerodynamic toy as in claim 1 and 4 wherein said
stabilizing disc for improved stability for flight has a said
central region, and a recessed area within said lower surface to
facilitate the placement of a finger for purpose of spinning of the
disc on ones finger for increased durability.
6. In an aerodynamic toy as claim 1 and 3 where the stabilizing
ring has a limited flight plate not extending to the center of the
disc.
7. In an aerodynamic toy as claim 1 in addition to a coating of
said device or area of device for improved durability and/or spin
of the disc on the finger type techniques.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to an amusement and novelty device
and especially to a flexible flying disc which can be used as an
aerial toy.
[0003] In particular, the flexible flying disc of this invention
concerns a throwing projectile designed for cushioned impact.
[0004] Also in particular, the flexible flying disc allows for the
easy spinning of the disc on one's finger for amusement and to
experience the technical ability of a pro by having an area that
the finger can reside in while the disc rotates and spins.
[0005] In addition the novel shape of the disc thickness of
material on the edges of the disc which allows for the ability to
perform advanced throws and catches with increased stability of the
disc and durability from repeated impacts.
[0006] Also this invention improves the potential wear within the
recessed center bottom area of the disc that can facilitate the
spinning of the disc on your finger with the addition of a coating
to reinforce this area on the flexible flying disc material, for
increased durability and spinability.
[0007] The use of a stabilizing ring or internal plastic disc under
the soft foam type material to offer better flight characteristics
than just a soft material will allow.
[0008] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0009] the application of saucerlike flying projectiles has been
widely accepted both as an active leisure pastime and as a
recreational sport.
[0010] Prior art devices developed for these purposes were
generally fabricated from a rigid material such as plastic. An
inherent disadvantage of those devices was that, when hurled
through the air, the flying implement became a rather dangerous
missile. For instance, if one of the game participants failed to
catch the device, bodily injury could occur, e.g. as a result of
impact to and around the face. Furthermore, an unwary bystander
could accidentally be struck in the head or elsewhere because of an
errant flight trajectory.
[0011] In addition, when the devices of the prior art were used
indoors, windows, mirrors, table lamps and other fragile household
articles were exposed to possible damage or breakage. The device of
this invention, in contrast, eliminates the aforementioned
disadvantages by providing a soft, pliant and flexible disc
adaptable for use as an aerodynamic toy. The spongy, elastic
consistency of the disc structure provides for relatively harmless
cushioned impact upon hitting an object or person.
[0012] Previous attempts to provide resiliently yieldable flying
saucers usually resulted in planar discs such as typically
illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,885. Such devices did not have
truly aerodynamic characteristics since there was no surface
curvature or airfoil design. Consequently, the planar discs were
deficient in flight duration and stability, glide performance and
hovering ability.
[0013] This invention improves upon those devices by providing a
more saucerlike configuration and more novel performance based
improvements. The disc consists of spongy material whereas it is
molded with unique improvement to offer users of hard plastic type
discs the performance features they are familiar with yet allowing
for more advanced improvements for technique, safety features and
easier catching of the disc. The disc allows for the easy spinning
of the disc on ones finger with a recessed area located in the
center underside of the disc allowing the finger to rest within the
recessed area while the other hand rotates the disc so it spins on
the finger allowing for beginners to be like just like a more
advanced pro disc freestyler.
[0014] In addition, this invention utilizes a closed cell material
that is water resistant and allows for the disc to float.
[0015] This invention can also utilize a stabilizing ring or
plastic insert that offers advanced stable flight characteristics
in addition to the soft cushioning of the outer material.
[0016] A feature of this invention is that the material when formed
in a mold provides a skin on the disc for receiving selected
indicia through transfer printing or other printing processes. The
visual representations can add desired decorative effects such as
for creating optical illusions or otherwise attracting attention.
This is particularly advantageous when the disc is to be used as an
advertising or promotional item.
[0017] Another advantage of this device over the prior art is that
the disc when formed the skin provides water resistance and the
flexible flying disc itself is buoyant and can be used as a game
projectile for water sports or as a pool toy.
[0018] In view of the foregoing, it should be apparent that the
present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings and offers
more benefits of the prior art devices and provides an improved
throwing projectile that also eliminates many of the hazards of the
prior art rigid structure flying saucer toys.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In compendium, the subject matter of this invention is
directed to a flexible flying disc formed of a resilient synthetic
material such as foam rubber. The resilient material is molded in a
saucerlike curved contour. The thickness of the edge of the disc
allows for increased durability and stability in flight in addition
to being easier to catch.
[0020] In addition, the recessed and/or raised and recessed area
located on the underside of the disc center for positioning of ones
finger for spinning of the disc for enjoyment in being able to look
like a pro offers novelty and amusement for an individual.
[0021] The purpose of the flexible flying disc of this invention is
to provide an aerial projectile having aerodynamic flight
characteristics thus making it suitable for use as an aerial
toy.
[0022] In addition, decorative patterns and other indicia can be
imprinted on the fabric covering, and the device can be used as an
advertising novelty.
[0023] The utilization of the resilient material provides a
flexible flying disc that is relatively safe because of its
cushioning effect upon impact and easier to catch.
[0024] Another feature of the invention is directed to the integral
contour formed arrangement providing a curved airfoil surface.
[0025] Having thus summarized the invention, it will be seen that
an object thereof is to provide an advanced flexible flying disc of
the general character described herein which is not subject to the
disadvantages of the prior art.
[0026] Specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide a
flexible flying disc for use as an aerial projectile that is formed
from a resilient material for cushioned impact.
[0027] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
flexible flying disc that is formed in a saucerlike configuration
for improved aerodynamic characteristics.
[0028] A still further object of this invention is to provide a
flexible flying disc, which can offer increased durability, and
allowing for more stable flight characteristics.
[0029] It is a further object of this invention to provide a more
advanced stabilizing device within the flexible material for better
flight characteristics.
[0030] Another object of this invention is to provide a flexible
flying disc formed of a resilient material that is light in weight,
durable in function design and economical to manufacture.
[0031] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
flexible flying disc formed of a resilient material having a water
resistant skin formed on the material for providing buoyant
characteristics.
[0032] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a
flexible flying disc molded of a resilient material having a skin
that can be imprinted with selected indicia so that the device can
be used as an advertising novelty.
[0033] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this
invention will be apparent from the following description of the
preferred embodiment when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] In the accompanying drawings in which are shown the
preferred embodiments of this invention,
[0035] FIG. 1 is a pictorial perspective top view of the flexible
flying disc of this invention with the insignia and showing the
curved saucerlike contour edge configuration for flight
dynamics.
[0036] FIG. 2. Is a pictorial perspective bottom view of the
flexible flying disc of this invention showing the increased
thickness of the edge for improved stability and the recessed rim
while also highlighting the flight plate and recessed center bottom
that can be used for easy spinning of the disc on ones finger.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a pictorial perspective bottom view that
highlights the bottom flight plate and the raised surface to allow
for then a recessed area of the center part of the disc for the
spinning of the disc on ones finger.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a pictorial perspective view of the flexible
flying disc of this invention shown with a stabilizing ring that
has been placed within the disc's bottom for improved flight
dynamics and also highlighting the ring above the disc bottom for
the placement of the ring into the flexible flying disc.
[0039] FIG. 5 shows a cut side view of the foam disc and the
stabilizing plate type disc that fits into the flexible flying disc
and can also have the recessed area designed for the spinning of
the disc on ones finger.
[0040] FIG. 6 shows the stabilizing plate set into the flexible
flying disc and having a flat stabilizing plate and also a bottom
view of the stabilizing plate.
[0041] FIG. 7 is a top view of the stabilizing ring and the cut
section of the flexible flying disc showing additional safety
features with curved edges of the stabilizing ring inserted or
molded within the flexible flying disc.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] Referring now in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1.a shows the
curved edge leading top edge that allows for the smooth airflow
over the top of the disc. FIG. 1.b shows the printing on the disc
for promotional type insignia.
[0043] The underside of disc in FIG. 2 shows the recessed edge of
the disc thus forms a concave air pocket for improved flight
performance when used as an aerial toy.
[0044] As further shown in FIG. 2.a the thickness of the edge
allows for improved flight stability of flexible flying disc and
allows for increased durability. FIG. 2.b shows the bottom flight
plate. FIG. 2.c Shows the recessed rim that allows the flexible
flying disc to perform as well as a hard plastic type disc. FIG.
2.d shows the recessed center bottom of the disc to facilitate the
placement of ones finger for the easy spinning of the disc on ones
finger.
[0045] As further shown in FIG. 3 the flexible flying disc having
the same embodiments at FIG. 2 except the center bottom raises up
from the bottom flight plate as seen in FIG. 3.a. FIG. 3.b shows
the contoured edge of the raising from the bottom flight plate to
offer more thickness in the disc which allows for the curved
recessed center for finger placement as seen in FIG. 3.c. FIG. 3a,
3b, 3c, 7f is the approximate area where the addition of a coating
to reinforce this area on the flexible flying disc material, for
increased durability and spinablity. The flexible flying disc when
entirely coated with a protecting type material to improve
durability is also desired.
[0046] As seen in FIG. 4 It has been found that the use of a
stability ring within the flexible flying disc improves the flight
dynamics in addition to offering the cushioning effect from the
material used in the flexible flying disc. FIG. 4.b shows the ring
above the flexible flying disc and FIG. 4.c shows the movement of
the stability ring into the flexible flying disc. FIG. 4.a Shows
the ring in place within the flexible flying disc where it can be
molded around the stability ring or placed within the flexible
flying disc.
[0047] It should be further apparent in all FIGS provided that the
molded material selected is a soft, spongy and elastic consistency
yet provides the necessary rigidity and firmness for shape
retention so that the flexible flying disc can be used as an aerial
game projectile. The flexible nature of the resilient material,
however, functions to absorb shock upon impact and thus provides an
inherent safety factor.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a cut view of the flexible flying disc and the cut
view of the stabilizing disc for placement within the flexible
flying disc. FIG. 5.a Shows the recessed area for placement or
molding around the stabilizing disc that will facilitate the
holding of the stabilizing disc in place. FIG. 5.f Shows the top of
the flexible flying disc and the curved angle edge to give the disc
lift during flight. FIG. 5b. Shows the round edge of the
stabilizing disc for increased safety and to contour the molded
material as to not cut into the molded material from repeated use.
FIG. 5c. Shows the center-recessed area of the stabilizing disc for
the placement of a finger for facilitating the spinning of the disc
on the finger. FIG. 5d. Shows the flat plate of the stabilizing
disc. FIG. 5e. Shows the stabilizing disc rim-recessed edge that
can also facilitate and protect the flexible flying disc rim from
wear when "paddling".
[0049] FIG. 6 Is the flexible flying disc cut view and the
stabilizing disc in place within the flexible flying disc in
addition to the bottom view of the stabilizing disc. FIG. 6a. Shows
the bottom view of the stabilizing disc. FIG. 6b. Shows the use of
a flat flight plate of the stabilizing disc. FIG. 6c. Shows the
curved edge of the flexible flying disc.
[0050] FIG. 7 Is the bottom view of the stabilizing ring that has
limited flight plate in addition to the cut view of the stabilizing
ring positioned within the flexible flying disc. FIG. 7a Is the
stabilizing ring outside edge that is placed within the flexible
flying disc or molded around. FIG. 7b Is the hollow area of the
stabilizing ring showing. FIG. 7e Shows the continued element of
the stabilizing ring in a cut view placed within the flexible
flying disc. FIG. 7d Shows the continued element of the flexible
flying disc in a cut view. FIG. 7c Shows the inside edge of the
stabilizing ring that has a limited flight plate highlighting the
curved edge and recessed within the flexible flying disc for more
support and safety.
[0051] It should also be noted that the flexible flying disc of
this invention can be applicable for purposes other than those
described herein. The above cited embodiment is intended as
exemplary; and while it has described the invention with specific
implementation thereof, other modifications and changes might be
made in this embodiment as set forth and will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. Furthermore, it should be understood that all
material shown and described in the accompanying drawings is to be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense, and the
invention should be considered as comprehensive of all of the same
which come within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *