EP1028789A1

EP1028789A1 - Flying apparatus and assembly method

Info

Publication number: EP1028789A1
Application number: EP98957655A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kim Stuffelbeam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-11-07
Filing date: 1998-11-09
Publication date: 2000-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2018-11-09
Also published as: EP1028789A4; WO1999024134A1; EP1028789B1; AU1386099A; ATE366614T1; DE69838068D1

Abstract

The flying apparatus (10) has improved launch and flight characteristics, is compatible either as a flying hoop-type structure or a disc-type structure, and can be readily disassembled for compact storage. The flying apparatus comprises an outer section (11) and a central floatation member (16). The outer section (11) includes an annular ring (24) made of a solid material encased within a cushion-type member (26). The solid material (24) enables firm grasping of the outer section (11) during launch. The cushion-type member (26) encases the annular ring (24) and lessens any force imposed by the annular ring (24) upon impact. By substituting one outer ring structure with a slightly different outer ring structure, the flying apparatus can be readily adapted for any variety of flight patterns.

Description

FLYING APPARATUS AND ASSEMBLY METHOD

FIELD OF USE

The present invention relates generally to a flying apparatus and, more specifically, to a flying having improved and prolonged flight patterns.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of flying disc-shaped toys are commercially available, the Frisbee® being the most popular. The Frisbee® can be thrown over relatively long distances due to the high peripheral mass distribution and rigidity of the structure. However, considerable practice is required before any degree of skill is achieved. Also, the disc is generally thrown with a backhand motion and is difficult to control. Also, the disc is hard and causes damage or injury upon impact.

U.S. Patent No. 4,944,707 discloses another flying apparatus. The annular ring-like structure is readily deformable upon impact and is designed for use indoors. However, having almost no structural rigidity, the toy is of little value outdoors and is hard to launch for flight over longer distances.

What is needed is a structure that combines the launch characteristics of the Frisbee® with the improved impact characteristics of the toy apparatus described in the '707 patent; a rigid outer member that is compatible with both a forehand and a backhand manual launch, and is also compatible with a mechanical launch; a new design that is compatible either as a flying hoop-type structure or a disc-type structure.

What is needed is a flying apparatus with improved flight characteristics; a flying apparatus that is useful in larger designs but can be readily disassembled for compact storage and reassembled for subsequent use at a later time; a flying apparatus that can be readily adapted for any variety of flight patterns by substituting one outer ring structure with a slightly different outer ring structure.

What is needed is a flying hoop or disc structure that enables view of the structure and play at dusk, night, dawn, or daytime by having light elements; that has a built- in power source and light elements that are evenly disposed and balanced so as not to affect flight patterns; the light elements being having on-off switching means; the light elements being circumferentially arranged, radially arranged, or in some other symmetrical pattern.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The flying apparatus of the present invention comprises an outer section .and a central floatation member. The solid material enables firm grasping of the outer section during launch. The cushion-type member encases the annular ring and lessens any force imposed by the annular ring upon impact. The outer section includes an annular ring made of a solid material encased within a cushion-type member.

The central floatation member is affixed and positioned within the outer annular section. The outer annular section in combination with the central floatation section form an airfoil, the airfoil shape enabling prolonged flight patterns. The central floatation member may have either a hollow center section, whereby the flying apparatus is a flying hoop-type structure, or the central floatation member may have a continuous surface disposed within the ring whereby the flying apparatus is a flying disc. In one preferred embodiment, the annular ring has a circular cross-section, while in another preferred embodiment the annular ring has an asymmetrical cross-section. When the cross-section is asymmetrical, a variety of airfoils configurations may be incorporated into the design of the structure, each having differing flight patterns and characteristics.

In one preferred embodiment, the flying apparatus can be readily disassembled and stored in a compact manner for subsequent reassembly and reuse. The annular ring comprises a plurality of interconnecting individual segments and the cushion-type member comprises a plurality of segments. The central floatation member has a plurality of hooks and catches disposed therewithin to enable disassembly of the central floatation member, the interconnecting segments, and the cushion-type member.

The flying apparatus of the present invention can be assembled by preferably connecting each pair of the interconnecting segments together, the individual segments being attachable in a secure manner relative to each other in an axial direction; inserting one pair of interconnected segments into the outer pocket of the sleeve; positioning each pair of the interconnected segments into a cushion-type member within the sleeve; retaining outer extremities of each pair of the interconnecting segments together to form an annular ring structure; spreading the sleeve about the annular ring structure; and joining ends of the sleeve together to form a central floatation member, the central floatation section and the annular ring structure forming an airfoil.

The flying apparatus of the present invention, a disc and a hoop, enables view of the structure and play and play at dusk, night, dawn, or daytime by having light elements disposed about the circumference of the apparatus, radially relative to a flying disc, or about the outermost and innermost diameters of a flying hoop. The apparatus includes a built-in power source and light elements all of which are symmetrically disposed and balanced so as not to affect flight patterns and balance. The light elements are engageable and disengageable by the players as desired. In the flying disc design a push button is disposed in the proximate center of the disc, and wires extend radially from the center to the outer perimeter where the lights are disposed.

For a more complete understanding of the flying apparatus and assembly method of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings in which the presently preferred embodiments of present invention are shown by way of example. As the invention may be embodied in many forms without departing from spirit of essential characteristics thereof, it is expressly understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Throughout the description, like reference numbers refer to the same component throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is an assembly view of one preferred embodiment of a flying hoop apparatus of the present invention comprising a shock cord that forms the inner diameter of a sleeve, an annular ring surrounded by a cushion-type member;

FIGURE 2A is an exploded half-sectional view taken by a plane passing through the axis of the flying hoop apparatus of FIGURE 1 (not to scale);

FIGURE 2B is a full-sectional view taken by a plane passing through the axis of the flying hoop apparatus of FIGURE 1 approximately to scale) ; FIGURE 3A is an elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the interconnecting ring segments and the cushion-type members prior to assembly of FIGURE 1; and FIGURE 3B is an elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the interconnecting ring segments .and the cushion-type members .after assembly of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4A is a top elevational view of the assembled flying apparatus of FIGURE 1; FIGURE 4B is a side sectional view of FIGURE 4A, the cross-section being circular; and FIGURE 4C is a side sectional view of FIGURE 4A showing another embodiment, the cross-section being asymmetrical;

FIGURE 5A is a top elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the flying apparatus device of the present invention in the shape of a disc; FIGURE 5B is a side sectional view a first embodiment of a flying disc taken from FIGURE 5A and having a circular cross-section with a two-layered central floatation member; FIGURE 5C is a side sectional view of a second embodiment the flying disc taken from FIGURE 5A having a circular cross-section and a single layered central floatation member; FIGURE 5D is a side sectional view of a third embodiment of the flying disc taken from FIGURE 5A having an asymmetrical cross-section with a two-layered central floatation member; FIGURE 5E is a side sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the flying disc taken from FIGURE 5A having an asymmetrical cross-section and a single layered central floatation member;

FIGURE 6A is an exploded assembly view of one preferred embodiment of the rod, ferrule, and sleeve prior to assembly; FIGURE 6B is an exploded assembly view of the rod, ferrule, and sleeve configuration of FIGURE 6B after assembly; and FIGURE 6C shows the four rods with the ferrules disposed on each end of FIGURE 6A and 6B; FIGURES 7A, 7B, and 7C are detail views of a preferred embodiment of the sleeve and shock cord assembly of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 8A shows an assembly view of one preferred embodiment of an illuminated version of the flying having light elements disposed about the outer perimeter; and

FIGURE 8B shows an assembly view of another preferred embodiment of an illuminated version of the flying disc of the present invention having light elements disposed about the outer perimeter and a push button battery centrally disposed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The flying apparatus 10 of the present invention is either a hoop-shaped or discshaped configuration. As shown in FIGURES 1A and IB, the hoop-shaped apparatus comprises an outer section 11 and a central floatation member 16. In this first preferred embodiment, the apparatus 10 has the general shape of a flying hoop and the central floatation member 16 is a combination sleeve 16A and shock cord 28. The outer section 11 includes an annular ring 24 made of a solid material encased within a cushion-type tubular member 26. The cushion-type member 26 is preferably a foam plastic or rubber, having a split portion longitudinally positioned to enable the individual segments to be positioned therethrough during assembly.

FIGURES 7A and 7B disclose a preferred embodiment of the sleeve 16A of the present invention. The sleeve 16A has a generally annular shape when the flying apparatus is a flying hoop and has a continuous surface when the apparatus is a flying disc. The sleeve 16A is preferably formed of a light-weight fabric material. The fabric material is stretchable so that when pulled tautly around a core to form the flying apparatus 10, the fabric surface will be smooth and aerodynamically stable. The sleeve material is preferably Lycra® spandex or nylon. The sleeve material has a generally cylindrical shape. The sleeve material is stitched together longitudinally thereby forming an inner pocket 23 and an outer pocket 25. The end portions 19A and 19B of the sleeve 16A include hook-and-loop type fasteners 27 A, thereby enabling the sleeve 16A to be stretched and retained unto itself by the end portions. The outer pocket 25 and inner pocket 23 are concentric around a center 18 and formed of the same material as the sleeve 16A (see FIGURE 7C). Another pair of hook-and-loop type fasteners 27B are also disposed onto the end portions 19A and 19B of the outer pocket 25 to enable secure retention about the cushion-type member 26 once the sleeve 16A is fully assembled.

A half-sectional view of the flying apparatus 10 of the present invention is shown in FIGURE 2A, with the annular ring 24 .and cushion-type member 26 shown enlarged for illustration purposes. The outer pocket 25 has a circular ring 24 disposed therein. The circular ring 24 as shown in FIGURE 1 is not a permanent structure, but rather can be disassembled as hereinafter described. The circular ring 24 is formed of a plurality of interconnecting segments made of a semi-rigid material that can be formed into a circular ring 24. One suitable material for the circular ring 24 is fiberglass-reinforced plastic that returns to its original substantially linear configuration once disassembled.

The cushion-type member 26 is disposed about the circular ring 24 to reduce impact of the flying apparatus 10. The cushion-type member 26 has an outer diameter to fit within outer pocket 25. The cushion-type member 26 is made of a foam plastic or rubber-like material and provides a resilient surface that is easy to grip and throw.

The shock cord 28 is disposed within the inner pocket 23. The shock cord 28 is preferably an elastic or stretchable material. The shock cord 28 is used to provide tension to hold sleeve 16A taut between outer pocket 25 and inner pocket 23. The ends of the shock cord 28 are secured together preferably with a square knot. The sleeve 16A is collapsed for storage and is fully extended once the apparatus is fully assembled. The shock cord 28 is retained within inner pocket 23 which together with the sleeve 16A is easily collapsible for storage.

The circular ring 24 comprises a plurality of interconnecting ring segments 30. In the preferred embodiment, the interconnecting ring segments 30 are formed from fiberglass-reinforced plastic materials. The interconnecting ring segments 30 are tubular and are linear elongated rods and are forced into the circular configuration of the annular ring 24 during assembly. Arcuate ring segments may also be used.

Either two or four cushion-type members 26 are preferred with four interconnecting ring segments 30, two cushion-type members 26 being shown in FIGURE 1. The cushion-type members 26 are formed of a foam rubber or plastic material that is soft to ease any force upon impact. The cushion-type members 26 are pliable and easily stored. A carrying pouch (not shown) is large enough to transport the interconnecting ring segments 30, the sleeve 16A and the cushion-type members 26. The carrying pouch is formed of a durable cloth-like material such as nylon or the like. The carrying pouch has a draw string used to secure the open end to prevent the components of the flying apparatus 10 from being misplaced.

FIGURE 3A is an elevational view of the interconnecting ring segments 30 and the cushion-type members 26 prior to assembly and FIGURE 3B is an elevational view of the interconnecting ring segments and the cushion-type members 26 after assembly. Pressure is applied to the interconnecting ring segments 30 to bend them to form a circular shape by inserting each second end 36 into ferrule 32. The cushion-type members 26 are then placed around the circular ring 24 to form a core 33. The cushion-type members 26 will completely encase ring segments 30. Prior to assembling the interconnecting ring segments 30, a pair of interconnected ring segments 30 and cushion-type member 26 (the core 33) are inserted through the sleeve 16A.

FIGURE 4A discloses one preferred embodiment of hoop-shaped flying apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus comprising a unitary solid annular ring 24 disposed within one cushion-type member and mounted within a central floatation member 16.

Referring now to FIGURE 4B, the cushion-type member 26 is shown as circular when disposed about circular ring 24. The sleeve 16A thus forms an annular ring 42 between outer pocket 25 and inner pocket 23. FIGURE 4C discloses a preferred embodiment of the cushion-type member 26 having an asymmetrical shape to provide a different aerodynamic effect. In FIGURE 4C, the outer pocket 25 extends almost entirely across the annular ring 42 to the inner pocket 23. That is, outer pocket 25 has its thickest dimension at cushion-type member 26 and tapers until it joins outer ring 42. Thus, an airfoil-type shape is formed by outer pocket 25.

A disc-shaped flying apparatus 50 is another embodiment of the present invention and is disclosed in FIGURE 5A. The central floatation member 66 extends between the circular outer section 11 to form a continuous upper and lower surface so as to provide improved aerodynamic properties.

The continuous upper surface of the central floatation member 16 is either a sleeve and similar to the sleeve of the flying hoop apparatus 10 of FIGURE 1, or the upper surface is a solid member forming a disc-shaped apparatus 50 similar to a Frisbee®.

The outer pocket 25 is formed continuously with central floatation member 16 in the embodiment depicted in FIGURE 5B. The spacing between the outer central floatation members is essentially formed of two layers of central floatation member 16. The central floatation member 16 in FIGURE 5C has a single layer between outer pocket 25. The outer pocket 25 may be assembled by sewing. The outer pocket 25 may, for example, be formed of a different color material than that of central floatation member 16 to form patterns that enhance the beauty of the flight pattern of the flying apparatus. Another alternative embodiment of the disc-shaped flying apparatus 50 is shown in FIGURE 5D. The variation shown in FIGURE 5D is similar to that of FIGURE 5B except that the cushion-type member 26 has an asymmetrical and elongated shape. By making the cushion-type member 26 more elongated, the geometry of the airfoil changes, providing a variety of differing lift patterns and flight characteristics. The elongated shape of cushion-type member 26 causes the outer pocket 25 to be slightly longer. The elongated shape of the cushion-type member 26 causes an airfoil type shape to be formed by the outer pocket 25. In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 5E, the cushion-type member 26 has an elongated shape similar to that of FIGURE 5D. The central floatation member 16 has a single layer between the outer pocket 25.

As is generally depicted in FIGURES 6A, 6B, and 6C, the interconnecting ring segments 30 are tubular, having a solid cross-section. One end 34 of each ring segment 30 is securely attached by gluing or other suitable means to a ferrule stop 32A which surrounds the end, leaving a portion of the segment end extending therethrough. The other end 36 of each ring segment 30 is securely embedded by gluing or other suitable means within a ferrule extension 32B, the extension 32B protruding beyond the segment end 36. The external diameter of the ferrule stop 32A and the ferrule extension 32B are the essentially the same. Upon assembly, the segment end 34 with the ferrule stop 32A is fit into the end 36 of the adjoining ring segment 30 with the ferrule extension 32B. As shown in FIGURE 6B, a ferrule sleeve 32C is then slid over the ferrule stop 32A and the ferrule extension 32B to securely retain them in place. To disassemble, the ferrule sleeve 32C is slid off from the ferrule extension 32B and ferrule stop 32A, and segment end 34 is then removed from segment end 36 of the adjoining ring segment.

Referring now to FGIGURE 8A, an assembly view of one preferred embodiment of the flying hoop apparatus of the present invention is shown having light elements disposed about the outer perimeter thereof. The rigid ring segments are positioned within a pair of cushion type sleeve members as before. The plurality of light elements are disposed about the circumference of the apparatus, or about the innermost and outermost diameters of a flying hoop. The apparatus includes a built-in power source and light elements, all of which are symmetrically disposed and balanced so as not to affect flight patterns or spinning. In one embodiment, a pair of batteries 74 are disposed on the inner portion of the cushion-type member 26 as assembled, opposing each other for balance. An electrical connection 76 extends from each battery 74 to a plurality of LED's 72, five being shown on each cushion- type member 26. The lights 72 are positioned in the outer portion of the cushion- type member 72 as assembled and are evenly spaced thereabout for balance. The wires are preferably embedded in the cushion-type members 26. A foam pad 73 covers each LED 72 to protect the hard plastic cover of the LED 72 and to provide a translucent cover for illumination purposes. The weight of the batteries and the LED's is distributed equally and opposed around the perimeter of the cushion-type members 26 to provide balance when spinning. In another preferred embodiment, a second string of LED's (not shown) are disposed about the shock cord 28 to improve play of the game whereby the players catch the apparatus 10 by positioning their bodies therewithin. The light elements 72 are engageable and disengageable (on and off) by the players as needed.

FIGURE 8B discloses an assembly view of a preferred embodiment of an illuminated version of the flying disc apparatus 50 of the present invention having light elements 72 positioned about the outer perimeter and an on-off push button 78 centrally disposed. The apparatus includes a built-in power source 74 and light elements 72, all of which are symmetrically disposed and balanced so as not to adversely affect flight patterns. A battery is centrally disposed in the geometric center of the disc apparatus 50 and a plurality of wires 76 extend radially therefrom to each LED 72 symmetrically disposed on the perimeter of the cushion-type member 26. The players can turn the light elements 72 on and off as necessary, by use of the push button 78 disposed within the power source 74. The weight of the LED's is distributed equally and opposed around the perimeter of the disk 50 to provide balance when spinning.

To assemble the flying apparatus 10 of the present invention, the carrying pouch 38 is opened and the parts are removed. Initially two of interconnecting ring segments 30 are connected together by means of the ferrules 32 and inserted into one of the two cushion-type members 26. The sleeve 16A is then pulled and slid onto this same cushion-type member 26. The cushion-type member 26 is slid into the smaller part of the sleeve 16A, and portions of the sleeve 16A remain bunched up. At this point, the interconnecting ring segments 30 are inside in the cushion-type member 26 to add stiffness and support while the sleeve 16A is positioned.

One end of this assembly is then anchored against a solid object, like the corner of the wall, the bottom of a bookcase. The other pair of the interconnecting ring segments 30 are then secured together. The ends of the interconnecting ring segments 30 slide and click together inside the ferrule 32. All four interconnecting ring segments 30 must be completely secured within the connecting ferrules 32. The second pair of interconnecting ring segments 30 are slid into the split of the cushion- type member 26.

The assembly is held in both hands level with the ground. An inch or so of the interconnecting ring segment 30 protrudes from the uncut end of the cushion-type member 26. The combination of all four ring segments are now bent in the middle in an arcuate manner to initiate the formation of a circle. Once the interconnecting ring segments 30 form the circle, the tension locks the ferrules 32 together and secure the rods therewithin. The cut cushion-type member 26 is compressed so that it is aligned with the opposing end of the cushion-type member 26. The ends of the strap 54 are fastened to close and retain the cushion-type member 26.

The central floatation member 16 is stretched about the circular ring 24. The fabric is continually pulled and stretched until it becomes smooth and taut. Both ends 20 and 22 may need to be stretched to fully work the central floatation member material around the core.

The opposite ends of the central floatation member 16 first are connected with the hook and eye on the respective first end 20 and second end 22 of the sleeve 16A. The central floatation member 16 is evenly spaced around shock cord 28. The apparatus 10 is now ready for use.

To disassemble, the hooks on the central floatation member 16 are initially disconnected. The central floatation member 16 is then removed from one of the cushion-type members 26. The strap on the cut end of the cushion-type member 26 is released. With the bottom of the circle on the ground, the apparatus is again compressed into a flattened oval until the interconnecting ring segments 30 are parallel with the ground. The interconnecting ring segments 30 are then released and separated from the cushion-type members 26. The central floatation member 16 may remain bunched on the cushion-type member 26. The individual components are then stored into the pouch 38.

Hard, rough surfaces like the street, concrete or asphalt playgrounds may scuff the Lycra® spandex and shorten the life of central floatation member 16. It is recommended that the flying apparatus 10 of the present invention be used for playing on grass or sand to prolong the life of the central floatation member 16. The cushion-type members 26 -and the fiberglass-reinforced interconnecting ring segments 30 are nearly indestructible in normal use. Care must be taken with the fiberglass rods, as the bare fiberglass rod hoop can inflict pain and damage if used without the cushion-type members 26.

Generally, the flight pattern comprises three phases. During the initial acceleration phase, the velocity of the apparatus 10 continues to increase until a maximum speed and altitude have been achieved. The second phase is the hovering phase, whereby the speed of the apparatus 10 begins to decelerate and the apparatus 10 begins its ascent. The landing phase begins when the ascent becomes more pronounced as the apparatus 10 and the speed is further reduced.

The flying hoop apparatus 10 of the present invention is adaptable to other sizes and to airfoils having other shapes. For example, by adding or removing one or more additional interconnecting ring segment the size of the flying apparatus 10 can be changed dramatically. Additional sleeves are needed to change size, since the sleeve is only useful for a toy apparatus 10 of a fixed diameter.

Also, the flight characteristics can be varied either by (1) using a plurality of ring segments having a differing cross-sectional geometry; or (2) using cushion-type members having asymmetrical cross-sections.

The flying apparatus 10 of the present invention preferably has an outer diameter of from between 16 to 36 inches end to end, and more specifically, between 25 and 35 inches. The center opening has a diameter of between 12 and 21 inches, and more specifically, between 14 and 18 inches. The larger diameter for the center opening enables the flying apparatus 10 to be used in a game of catch, whereby the player catches the apparatus 10 when the apparatus 10 is lands about a player. When larger geometries are used, it enables the players to catch the hoop shaped apparatus 10 by positioning a player beneath the toy while the toy is in the hovering stage and enabling the player to stand within the opening of the central floatation member.

It is further noted that while the apparatus 10 of the present invention can be launched like as Frisbee® by imparting a large initial torque, the apparatus 10 is preferably launched by simply propelling the apparatus 10 with a large force forward into the air. This method is preferred since it enables improved control of the apparatus 10 by players involved in a game of catch. Also, such a launch force can be readily imparted by a mechanical spring force, whereby the apparatus 10 is loaded into a launch chamber and released by a trigger type action. One or more of the devices can be so loaded and launched sequentially.

It will be readily seen by those skilled in the art that the principles of the present invention have applications other than games, such as for testing various airfoil geometries and for target practice

While the figures illustrate a flying apparatus 10 that can be readily disassembled and stored, such a toy may also be formed of a permanent structure following the teachings of the present invention as would be evident to those skilled in the art.

It is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations of the flying apparatus 10 and assembly method of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the disclosure herein. It is intended that the metes and bounds of the present invention be determined by the appended claims rather than by the language of the above specification, and that all such alternatives, modifications, and variations which form a conjointly cooperative equivalent are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of these claims.

Claims

1. A flying apparatus comprising:

an outer section having an annular shape, the outer section being made of a solid material that enables firm grasping of the flying apparatus during launch;

a cushion-type member that substantially encases the annular ring, the cushion-type member lessening any force imposed by the annular ring upon impact; and

a central floatation member affixed and positioned within the outer section, the central floatation member having a central opening disposed therewithin, the outer section in combination with the central floatation member forming an airfoil, the airfoil shape enabling prolonged flight patterns.

2. A flying apparatus comprising:

a central floatation member extending across the outer section to form a continuous surface, the central floatation member being affixed and positioned within the outer section, the outer section in combination with the central floatation member forming an airfoil, the airfoil shape enabling prolonged flight patterns.

3. A flying apparatus comprising:

an outer section made of a rigid material that enables firm grasping of the outer section during launch, the outer section having an arcuate cross- section;

a plurality of light elements and a power source symmetrically disposed relative to the flying apparatus; and

4. A flying apparatus comprising:

5. A flying apparatus comprising:

an outer section having an annular ring, the annular ring being made of a solid and substantially rigid material, the annular ring enabling firm grasping of the outer section during launch, the solid material being comprised of a plurality of interconnecting individual segments, each of the segments being retained relative to adjoining segments; and

a central floatation member affixed and positioned within the outer section, the outer section in combination with the central floatation section forming an airfoil, the airfoil shape enabling prolonged flight patterns.

6. A method for assembling a flying apparatus comprising:

providing a sleeve having an outer pocket for retaining a solid member therewithin;

connecting a plurality of interconnecting segments together, the individual segments being attachable in a secure manner relative to each other in an axial direction;

inserting the interconnected segments into the outer pocket of the sleeve;

retaining outer extremities of the interconnecting segments together to form an annular ring;

spreading the sleeve about the annular ring; and

joining ends of the sleeve together to form a central floatation member, the central floatation section and the annular ring combining to form an airfoil.

7. A method of catching a flying hoop, the flying hoop including an outer portion and a central floatation member, the central floatation member including an opening disposed therewithin, the opening being of sufficient size to fit about the body of a participant, the method comprising:

launching the flying hoop into a flight pattern, the flight pattern including an accelerating phase, a hovering phase, and a landing phase;

initially positioning the participant beneath the flying hoop while the flying hoop toy completes the acceleration phase and begins the hovering phase, the central opening being larger than the object-

repositioning the participant beneath the central opening of the flying hoop while the flying hoop completes the hovering phase and begins the landing phase; and

completing the landing phase as the flying hoop descends about the participant , the participant being positioned within the opening of the central floatation member of the flying hoop.

8. An annular structure comprising:

a plurality of interconnecting segments, the interconnecting segments having a stressed condition and a relaxed condition, the individual segments being attachable in a secure manner relative to each other to form an annular ring;, the interconnecting segments being substantially linear whenever in a relaxed condition and

a plurality of retention members, each member being sandwiched between the interconnecting segments.

9. A sleeve apparatus for use with a flying apparatus, the sleeve being of a stretchable material, the sleeve apparatus comprising:

a first pocket for housing therewithin an elastic cord having the general shape of a band, the first pocket having an internal diameter of sufficient size to fit about the body of a participant;

a second pocket for retaining therewithin an annular ring, the annular ring being made of a rigid; material and

means for securing a first sleeve portion to a second sleeve portion, the first sleeve portion being readily attachable to the second sleeve portion and detachable from the second sleeve portion enabling ease of assembly and disassembly;

whereby whenever the annular ring is positioned within the second pocket, a central floatation member is formed upon attachment of the first sleeve portion to the second sleeve portion.

0. An annular structure comprising:

a retention stop disposed about one end of an interconnecting segment, and a retention sleeve positioned about the other end of the interconnecting segment, the retention sleeve extending beyond the end of the interconnecting segment,

whereby the annular structure is formed by stressing and forcing one end of each interconnecting segment with the retention stop onto an opposite end of an adjoining interconnecting segment having an interconnecting sleeve.