US20040166764A1

US20040166764A1 - Flexible flying disc

Info

Publication number: US20040166764A1
Application number: US10/369,099
Authority: US
Inventors: Steven Stark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-02-15
Filing date: 2003-02-15
Publication date: 2004-08-26

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an amusement and novelty device and especially to a flexible flying disc which can be used as an aerial toy.

In particular, the flexible flying disc of this invention concerns a throwing projectile designed for cushioned impact.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2. Description of the Prior Art

the application of saucerlike flying projectiles has been widely accepted both as an active leisure pastime and as a recreational sport.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In addition, this invention utilizes a closed cell material that is water resistant and allows for the disc to float.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

In addition, decorative patterns and other indicia can be imprinted on the fabric covering, and the device can be used as an advertising novelty.

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.

Another feature of the invention is directed to the integral contour formed arrangement providing a curved airfoil surface.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a more advanced stabilizing device within the flexible material for better flight characteristics.

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.

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.

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.

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

In the accompanying drawings in which are shown the preferred embodiments of this invention, [0034]
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. [0035]
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. [0036]
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. [0037]
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. [0038]
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. [0039]
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. [0040]
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.[0041]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1.[0042] 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.
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. [0043]
As further shown in FIG. 2.[0044] 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.
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.[0045] 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, 3 b, 3 c, 7 f 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.
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.[0046] 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.
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. [0047]
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.[0048] 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”.
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. 6[0049] a. 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.
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. 7[0050] a 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.
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. [0051]

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.