US20180161638A1 - Recreational device with rotor assembly - Google Patents
Recreational device with rotor assembly Download PDFInfo
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- US20180161638A1 US20180161638A1 US15/640,230 US201715640230A US2018161638A1 US 20180161638 A1 US20180161638 A1 US 20180161638A1 US 201715640230 A US201715640230 A US 201715640230A US 2018161638 A1 US2018161638 A1 US 2018161638A1
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- football
- blades
- shaft
- prolate spheroid
- recreational device
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B43/00—Balls with special arrangements
- A63B43/002—Balls with special arrangements with special configuration, e.g. non-spherical
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B43/00—Balls with special arrangements
- A63B2043/001—Short-distance or low-velocity balls for training, or for playing on a reduced area
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/40—Acceleration
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/01—Special aerodynamic features, e.g. airfoil shapes, wings or air passages
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/50—Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2243/00—Specific ball sports not provided for in A63B2102/00 - A63B2102/38
- A63B2243/0066—Rugby; American football
- A63B2243/007—American football
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- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)
Abstract
Recreational footballs with rotor assemblies are provided herein. An example recreational device includes a shell forming a prolate spheroid frame, a shaft disposed within the prolate spheroid frame and located along a central axis defined by the prolate spheroid frame, and one or more fan assemblies each having a plurality of blades, the one or more fan assemblies rotating around or in conjunction with the shaft, the one or more fan assemblies changing at least one aerodynamic aspect of flight of the recreational device when air passes through the prolate spheroid frame and across the plurality of blades of the one or more fan assemblies as the recreational device spirals during flight.
Description
- The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/487,394, filed on Apr. 13, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/433,136, filed on Dec. 12, 2016, and of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/433,362, filed on Dec. 13, 2016; the present application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/453,102, filed on Feb. 1, 2017, of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/458,677, filed on Feb. 14, 2017, and of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/474,180, filed on Mar. 21, 2017; all of the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes, including all references and appendices cited therein.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to recreational devices, and more particularly, to recreational devices that resemble a football having an approximate prolate spheroid shape. The football can include one or more rotor assemblies that alter aerodynamic attributes of the football during flight.
- According to some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a recreational device, comprising: (a) a shell forming a prolate spheroid frame; (b) a shaft disposed within the prolate spheroid frame and located along a central axis defined by the prolate spheroid frame; and (c) one or more fan assemblies each having a plurality of blades, the one or more fan assemblies rotating around or in conjunction with the shaft, the one or more fan assemblies changing at least one aerodynamic aspect of flight of the recreational device when air passes through the prolate spheroid frame and across the plurality of blades of the one or more fan assemblies as the recreational device spirals during flight.
- According to some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a football, comprising: (a) two or more mid-section rotor assembly sections, each comprising: (i) a frame section that forms a part of an outer surface of the football; and (ii) a plurality of blades that are rotatably supported within the frame section, the plurality of blades rotating to create a lift force when the football is thrown; and (b) end caps coupled with the two or more mid-section rotor assembly sections to form a remainder of the football, each of the end caps having an opening to allow air to enter the football.
- According to some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a recreational device (e.g., football), comprising: (a) two or more mid-section rotor assembly sections, each comprising: (i) a frame section that forms a part of an outer surface of the football; and (ii) a plurality of blades that are rotatably supported within the frame section, the plurality of blades rotating to create a lift force when the football is thrown; and (b) end caps coupled with the two or more mid-section rotor assembly sections to form a remainder of the football, each of the end caps having sealed ends as well as vents, the vents allowing air to enter the football when thrown.
- The accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed disclosure, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.
- The methods and systems disclosed herein have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example recreational device (e.g., a football), constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example recreational device illustrating a plurality of blades of a rotor assembly. -
FIG. 3 is a side elevation, cross-sectional view of an example recreational device comprising a motor assembly. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 collectively illustrate an example motor assembly for use with embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of rotor assemblies having frusto-conical shapes. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pair of rotor assemblies having both a funnel and nozzle. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pair of rotor assemblies having a funnel with a stair-stepped sidewall. -
FIG. 9 is a cross-section of an exemplary football comprising the rotor assemblies ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 10 is a cross-section of an exemplary football comprising the rotor assemblies ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a rotor assembly comprising blades with a curved profile. -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an example football comprising a plurality of sets of fan blades and vibrational dampers. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another example football comprising mid-sections and end caps, where the end caps have open ends. -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the example football ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another example football comprising mid-sections and end caps, where the end caps have closed ends and air vents. -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the example football ofFIG. 15 . - Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to recreational devices, and more particularly but not by way of limitation, to recreational devices that resemble a football having an approximate prolate spheroid shape. While a prolate spheroid shape is contemplated, the recreational devices of the present disclosure can comprise any number of shapes as desired, such as cylindrical, ellipsoidal, and triangular (e.g., diamond shaped)—just to name a few.
- Footballs of the present disclosure include one or more internal rotor assemblies that alter aerodynamic attributes of the football during flight. For example, the rotor assemblies can act as a turbine that increases and/or decreases a distance traveled by the football when thrown compared to a similar football without the one or more rotor assemblies disposed therein.
- In some embodiments, the blades of the rotor assemblies are fixed. Air passes over the blades as the football spirals during flight. The passage of air over the blades will enhance a distance the football travels and spirals.
- In various embodiments, the blades of the rotor assemblies rotate freely rather than being fixed. The rotor assemblies in these embodiments comprise a drum that mounts to one or more frame members that define the shape of the football. A plurality of radially arranged blades are disposed within the drum, similar to the configuration of a turbine. The radially arranged blades freely rotate clockwise or counterclockwise within the drum based on their respective left-handedness or right-handedness.
- The frames of the footballs of the present disclosure comprise open inlet and outlet ends that allow air to pass through the frame and rotate the blades of the one or more internal rotor assemblies. In some embodiments, the open inlet end and open outlet end of the football are defined by an inlet rotor assembly and an outlet rotor assembly. One or more additional rotor assemblies can be disposed between the inlet rotor assembly and the outlet rotor assembly along a length of the frame.
- These and other advantages of recreational devices of the present disclosure are described in greater detail herein with respect to the collective drawings.
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FIG. 1 illustrates an example recreational device (referred to hereinafter as “football 100”). Thefootball 100 comprises a plurality of struts such asstruts prolate spheroid frame 108. Thestruts struts football 100 that include aninlet end 110 and anoutlet end 112. - In some embodiments, the
football 100 comprises a plurality of rotor assemblies such asrotor assemblies inlet rotor assembly 114, defines an opening of theinlet end 110; while the last, oroutlet rotor assembly 122, defines an opening of theoutlet end 112. - Each of the rotor assemblies 114, 116, 118, 120, and 122 comprises a drum such as
drum 124 ofrotor assembly 118. While the rotor assemblies 114, 116, 118, 120, and 122 are generally similar in design to one another, the rotor assemblies 114, 116, 118, 120, and 122 can comprise varying shapes. The varying shapes of the rotor assemblies 114, 116, 118, 120, and 122 correspond to the shape of theprolate spheroid frame 108. - The
drum 124 comprises a cylindrical drum frame orsidewall 126 that mounts to one or more of thestruts blade 128, are disposed in a radial pattern within thedrum 124. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the plurality of blades are fixed within thedrum 124. - In other embodiments, the plurality of blades can freely rotate within the
drum 124. That is, thedrum 124 provides rotatable support for the plurality of blades, allowing the plurality of blades to freely rotate similar to a turbine. In one embodiment, the plurality of blades can be associated with a drum surface, such assurface 130. Thedrum surface 130 can associate with (or be integral with) a race bearing 132 (seeFIG. 2 ) or other similar cylindrical bearing that provides free rotation of the blades within thedrum 124. According to various embodiments, the blades can rotate within thedrum 124 as thefootball 100 spins or spirals while in flight. The spinning or spiraling of thefootball 100 can produce additional forward propulsion in the direction of travel of thefootball 100 as the blades in thefootball 100 rotate. - The blades can have unique geometrical configurations that include variances in cambering, twisting, angle of attack, and cross-sectional size along chord length—just to name a few. The blades each comprise a similar cambering and/or twisting that produce a right-handed effect or a left-handed effect. The radial arrangement of the blades within the
drum 124 cause the blades of the rotor assemblies (such as rotor assembly 118) to rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise during flight, based on their right-handedness or left-handedness. This difference in right-handedness or left-handedness can either increase the distance thefootball 100 travels when thrown or can decrease the distance thefootball 100 travels when thrown. It may be advantageous to have the rotor assemblies increase the distance thefootball 100 travels, for example, when a child is throwing thefootball 100 and may not have sufficient upper body strength. Conversely, it may be advantageous to have the rotor assemblies decrease the distance thefootball 100 travels. For example, it may be desired to have thefootball 100 travel a shorter distance based on rotor assembly movement when a player desires to increase strength. The player will have to throw thefootball 100 harder to achieve the same travel distance when the player throws a similar football without the rotor assemblies. The rotor assemblies effectively increase resistance on thefootball 100 when thrown through the air. - Generally described, the rotor assemblies change at least one aerodynamic aspect of flight of the recreational device (e.g., the football) when air passes through the prolate spheroid frame and rotates (or is rotated by) the plurality of blades of the one or more rotor assemblies.
- The
football 100 ofFIG. 1 can be covered at least partially or entirely with a covering or skin, similarly to the embodiment ofFIG. 3 . - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , an example securement between thedrum 124 and struts 102, 104, and 106 is illustrated. Again, this illustrates one of a possible plurality of drums of the rotor assemblies; for example, drum 124 ofrotor assembly 118 is illustrated. A linkage, such aslinkage 121, extends between each ofstruts drum 124. -
FIG. 3 illustrates anotherexample football 200 that comprises an outer covering orskin 202,rotor assemblies motor assembly 216. Additional or fewer rotor assemblies can be included. Theskin 202 can comprise any suitable material used with recreational footballs or any other suitable material that would be known to one of ordinary skill the art. In one embodiment, theskin 202 comprisesair intake apertures air intake apertures football 200. In another embodiment, theair intake apertures football 200. The air intake apertures can be disposed forward of their respective rotor assemblies. For example,air intake aperture 211 is located forward ofrotor assembly 212,air intake aperture 213 is located forward ofrotor assembly 206, andair intake aperture 215 is located forward ofrotor assembly 214. Theseair intake apertures skin 202, perforated sections in theskin 202, or other means for allowing air into thefootball 200. Additional or fewer air intake apertures can be utilized. In some embodiments, an air intake aperture is provided for each rotor assembly. - The
skin 202 also comprises an air outlet opening 216 at a rear end of thefootball 200 that allows air to exit thefootball 200. That is, air that is received through the air intake apertures (for example,air intake apertures air outlet opening 216. - The
motor assembly 210 is disposed rearwardly/downstream of therotor assembly 208. In more detail,FIGS. 4 and 5 collectively illustrate themotor assembly 210. Themotor assembly 210 comprises amotor 218, ashaft 220 rotatably coupled with themotor 218, and a plurality of propeller blades disposed on the shaft such as blade set 222 and blade set 224. - In one embodiment, the
motor 218 is coupled with a t-shapedsupport 226. Thesupport 226 is coupled to aninner sidewall 228 of theskin 202. A first set ofvibrational dampers 230, such as springs, couples themotor 218 to thesupport 226, while a second set ofvibrational dampers 232 extend between themotor 218 and theinner sidewall 228 of theskin 202. - When in flight, the
motor 218 rotates theshaft 220 to spin the blade set 222 and the blade set 224, producing propulsion in the direction of travel of thefootball 200. Air propelled by themotor assembly 210, aided by therotor assemblies FIG. 3 ), propelling thefootball 200 forward. This configuration effectively reduces the throwing force required from a user. -
FIGS. 6-8 illustrate various embodiments of drums for use in the rotor assemblies of the recreational devices of the present disclosure. For example,FIG. 6 illustrates a recreational device that is identical to the recreational device ofFIG. 3 with the exception that the rotor assemblies shown inFIG. 6 , such asrotor assembly 300 comprise adrum 302 that is substantially frusto-conical (also referred to herein as frustoconical) in shape. When installed in a football of the present disclosure, a largeopen end 304 of therotor assembly 300 functions as an inlet for receiving air. When air is passed through blades 306 of therotor assembly 300, it exits a rear opening of therotor assembly 300 and is directed into aninlet 308 of adownstream rotor assembly 310. Air also flows around an outer periphery of therotor assembly 300 into thedownstream rotor assembly 310 due to respective size differences. For example, thedownstream rotor assembly 310 comprises a diameter that is greater than a diameter of therotor assembly 300. This allows therotor assembly 300 to fit proximate to a front of the football (again, the football has tapered ends because it is a prolate spheroid), while thedownstream rotor assembly 310 is located closer to a middle of the football. - The use of frusto-conical shaped drums increases velocity of air passing through the rotor assemblies.
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FIG. 7 illustrates a recreational device that is identical to the recreational device ofFIG. 3 with the exception that the rotor assemblies shown inFIG. 7 include arotor assembly 400 comprising adrum 402 having afunnel portion 404 and anozzle portion 406. A second,downstream rotor assembly 408 receives air from thenozzle portion 406, as well as air flowing around an outer periphery of thefunnel portion 404. Therotor assembly 400 androtor assembly 408 are configured to be placed in series when disposed within a football. The wide open ends of therotor assemblies rotor assemblies - When installed in a football of the present disclosure, the
funnel portion 404 of therotor assembly 400 functions as an inlet for receiving air. When air is passed through blades of therotor assembly 400, it exits thenozzle portion 406 of therotor assembly 400 and is directed into thefunnel portion 410 of adownstream rotor assembly 408. As illustrated, thedownstream rotor assembly 408 comprises a diameter that is greater than a diameter of therotor assembly 400. This allows therotor assembly 400 to fit proximate to a front of the football (again, the football has tapered ends because it is a prolate spheroid), while thedownstream rotor assembly 408 is located closer to a middle of the football. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a recreational device that is identical to the recreational device ofFIG. 3 with the exception that the rotor assemblies shown inFIG. 8 include another example pair ofrotor assemblies rotor assembly 500 androtor assembly 502 each comprise asidewall 504 that is stairstepped.Rotor assembly 500 terminates with anozzle 506. Therotor assembly 502 is located downstream of therotor assembly 500 and receives air from thenozzle 506. - In some embodiments, the
rotor assemblies support strut 508. In other embodiments, therotor assemblies support strut 508. Thesupport strut 508 can provide more structural support and stability (for example, by minimizing oscillation) within the recreational device, according to various embodiments. -
FIG. 9 is a cross-section of anotherexample football 600 that comprises therotor assemblies FIG. 6 . Additionally, thefootball 600 comprises a skin that includes afirst opening 602 and asecond opening 604. When thefootball 600 is thrown, air enters thefirst opening 602 causing therotor assembly 300 to spin. Due to the shape (e.g., conical shape) of therotor assembly 300, higher velocity air is injected into therotor assembly 308. The combined rotation of therotor assemblies football 600 compared to similar devices with no rotors. -
FIG. 10 is a cross-section of anotherexample football 700 that comprises therotor assemblies FIG. 7 . Additionally, thefootball 700 comprises a skin that includes afirst opening 702 and asecond opening 704. When thefootball 700 is thrown, air enters thefirst opening 702 causing therotor assembly 700 to spin. Due to the shape (e.g., funnel shape) of therotor assembly 400, higher velocity air is injected into therotor assembly 408. The combined rotation of therotor assemblies football 700 compared to similar devices with no rotors. In some embodiments, a nozzle of therotor assembly 400 can nest inside therotor assembly 408. In other embodiments, therotor assemblies -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of anexample rotor assembly 800 that comprises a plurality of blades, such asblade 802. In some embodiments, theblade 802 comprises a curved profile as illustrated in the close-up view ofblade 802. Theblade 802 is curved relative to a reference plane P. In accordance with other embodiments, the blades can be any of cambered, twisted, and/or curved, or any combinations thereof. -
FIG. 12 illustrates anotherexample football 900. Thefootball 900 generally comprises ashell 902 forming aprolate spheroid frame 904. In some embodiments, theprolate spheroid frame 904 can be a continuous member that forms the outer surface of thefootball 900. In other embodiments, theprolate spheroid frame 904 can be created from a plurality of interconnected frame members, as illustrated in the embodiments above. That is, the interconnected frame members can include elongated members that provide structural support and form the basic prolate spheroid shape of thefootball 900. - In some embodiments, the
football 900 comprises adrive assembly 906 that includes a plurality of fan sub-assemblies, such asfan sub-assembly 908. Thedrive assembly 906 can also comprise ashaft 910 that can freely rotate within thefootball 900, and specifically, within a space created by theprolate spheroid frame 904. - In various embodiments, the
shaft 910 is located in alignment with a central axis A defined by theprolate spheroid frame 904. - In some embodiments, the
shaft 910 is held in position within theprolate spheroid frame 904 by use of clamps, such asclamp 912. Theclamp 912 is secured around theshaft 910 in such a way that theshaft 910 can freely rotate. Eachclamp 912 is coupled with theprolate spheroid frame 904 via a spring or other vibration damping member, such asspring 914. A plurality of clamp and spring pairs can be coupled at various points along theshaft 910. The springs can help to damp impact forces when thefootball 900 is in use, for example, when thefootball 900 is caught or when it impacts a surface. - With respect to the
fan sub-assembly 908, each of the fan assemblies comprises a plurality of blades. In some embodiments the fan assemblies rotate around or in conjunction with theshaft 910. For example,fan sub-assembly 908 can includeblades 916 that extend directly from theshaft 910. As with other embodiments, the blades can be any of cambered, twisted, curved, or combinations thereof. - The
drive assembly 906 can comprise any number of fan sub-assemblies as desired. - To be sure, the one or more fan sub-assemblies can change at least one aerodynamic aspect of flight of the recreational device when air passes through the
prolate spheroid frame 904 and across the plurality of blades of the one or more fan sub-assemblies as the recreational device spirals during flight. For example, the fan sub-assemblies produce added lift of thefootball 900. - In some embodiments, the
drive assembly 906 can comprise amotor 918 that is rotatably coupled to the shaft, for example, through a drive belt or gearing. Themotor 918 can be supported using springs or struts, such assupport member 920. Thesupport member 920 couples to theprolate spheroid frame 904. Themotor 918 can be controlled to turn on and off through any of a mechanical switch, an acceleration sensor (in which themotor 918 turns on when acceleration of thefootball 900 is sensed), through remote operation, and the like. For example, themotor 918 can include a wireless communication module that allows for short range wireless control of themotor 918 through Bluetooth or other similar protocol communication. An application installed on a mobile device can be used to control operation of themotor 918 remotely. - In various embodiments, an optional addition can include a
propeller 924 that is coupled to a terminal end of theshaft 910. Thepropeller 924 can also freely rotate relative to theshaft 910. In some embodiments, themotor 918 can be coupled with thepropeller 924 rather than theshaft 910 such that themotor 918 can power thepropeller 924. - In some embodiments,
vibrational dampers 926 and 928 can be incorporated that extend from theshaft 910 to dampingly couple theshaft 910 with theprolate spheroid frame 904. - A
shell 902 is optional, in some embodiments, allowing theprolate spheroid frame 904 to form the outer portion of thefootball 900. In some instances, theshell 902 can comprise a skin or wrapping that covers theprolate spheroid frame 904, such as a typical football material. As with embodiments described infra, theshell 902 can comprise apertures, air vents, or other openings that allow air to enter thefootball 900 when thefootball 900 is thrown. - In some embodiments, the
shell 902 is open on either the first and/or second ends of thefootball 900 to promote additional airflow through thefootball 900 and over the fan sub-assemblies. -
FIGS. 13 and 14 collectively illustrate anotherexample football 1000 comprisingmid-sections end caps rotor assembly 1010. In some embodiments, therotor assembly 1010 comprises aframe section 1012 that forms a part of an outer surface of thefootball 1000. Therotor assembly 1010 comprises a plurality ofblades 1014 that are rotatably supported within theframe section 1012. As with other embodiments, the plurality ofblades 1014 rotating to create a lift force when the football is thrown through the air. The plurality ofblades 1014 are rotatably supported within theframe section 1012 to allow each of the plurality ofblades 1014 to spin when air is passed over theblades 1014. As with other embodiments described infra, theframe section 1012 can function as, or include, a race bearing or other rotatable bearing configuration that allows each of the plurality ofblades 1014 to be held in rotating support, coupled to theframe section 1012. - In some embodiments, the
second mid-section 1004 also comprises a frame section and plurality of blades. Thefootball 1000 can comprise any number of mid-sections as desired. Themid-sections football 1000 to be modular so that the user can insert additional mid-sections or remove mid-sections as desired. - According to some embodiments, the end caps, such as
end cap 1006 have an openterminal end 1016 that can allow air to enter thefootball 1000 when thefootball 1000 is thrown.End cap 1008 is also provided with a similar opening that can allow air to exit thefootball 1000. As with the embodiments ofFIGS. 15 and 16 , the end caps can also comprise air vents that increase the airflow through thefootball 1000. The end caps can be removed and replaced as desired. -
FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate anotherexample football 1100 that is constructed similarly to the embodiment ofFIGS. 13 and 14 with the exception that theend caps end caps openings football 1100. In some embodiments, opening 1106 is disposed forwardly of mid-section 1110 andopening 1108 is disposed rearwardly ofmid-section 1112. Again, in other embodiments, the end caps can also comprise open ends, if desired. - While this technology is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and has been described in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the technology and is not intended to limit the technology to the embodiments illustrated.
- Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not necessarily be limited by such terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.
- The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be necessarily limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “includes” and/or “comprising,” “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
- Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the present disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, the example embodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed as necessarily limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
- Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be formed from a same, structurally continuous piece, such as being unitary, and/or be separately manufactured and/or connected, such as being an assembly and/or modules. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be manufactured via any manufacturing processes, whether additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing and/or other any other types of manufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes include three dimensional (3D) printing, laser cutting, computer numerical control (CNC) routing, milling, pressing, stamping, vacuum forming, hydroforming, injection molding, lithography and/or others.
- Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can include, whether partially and/or fully, a solid, including a metal, a mineral, a ceramic, an amorphous solid, such as glass, a glass ceramic, an organic solid, such as wood and/or a polymer, such as rubber, a composite material, a semiconductor, a nano-material, a biomaterial and/or any combinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can include, whether partially and/or fully, a coating, including an informational coating, such as ink, an adhesive coating, a melt-adhesive coating, such as vacuum seal and/or heat seal, a release coating, such as tape liner, a low surface energy coating, an optical coating, such as for tint, color, hue, saturation, tone, shade, transparency, translucency, non-transparency, luminescence, anti-reflection and/or holographic, a photo-sensitive coating, an electronic and/or thermal property coating, such as for passivity, insulation, resistance or conduction, a magnetic coating, a water-resistant and/or waterproof coating, a scent coating and/or any combinations thereof.
- Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized and/or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
- Furthermore, relative terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Such relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of illustrated technologies in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if a device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, then the elements described as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of the other elements. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. Therefore, the example terms “below” and “lower” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.
- The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the present disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
- While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. The descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the technology to the particular forms set forth herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the above description is illustrative and not restrictive. To the contrary, the present descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the technology as defined by the appended claims and otherwise appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the technology should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
Claims (10)
1. A recreational device, comprising:
a shell forming a prolate spheroid frame;
a shaft disposed within the prolate spheroid frame and located along a central axis defined by the prolate spheroid frame;
vibrational dampers extending from the shaft so as to dampingly couple the shaft with the prolate spheroid frame; and
one or more fan assemblies each having a plurality of blades, the one or more fan assemblies rotating around or in conjunction with the shaft, the one or more fan assemblies changing at least one aerodynamic aspect of flight of the recreational device when air passes through the prolate spheroid frame and across the plurality of blades of the one or more fan assemblies as the recreational device spirals during flight.
2. (canceled)
3. The recreational device according to claim 1 , wherein a portion of the vibrational dampers extend from terminal ends of the shaft.
4. The recreational device according to claim 1 , wherein a portion of the vibrational dampers extend between the prolate spheroid frame and clamps that couple with the shaft.
5. The recreational device according to claim 1 , further comprising a propeller disposed on a terminal end of the shaft.
6. The recreational device according to claim 1 , wherein a first of the one or more fan assemblies is disposed at an open inlet end of the prolate spheroid frame.
7. The recreational device according to claim 6 , wherein at least of the fan assemblies is disposed at an open outlet end of the prolate spheroid frame.
8. The recreational device according to claim 1 , wherein the shell is a skin.
9. The recreational device according to claim 1 , further comprising a motor assembly that comprises a motor, the motor rotating the shaft or a plurality of propeller blades disposed on the shaft.
10-17. (canceled)
Priority Applications (2)
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US15/640,230 US9993694B1 (en) | 2016-12-12 | 2017-06-30 | Recreational device with rotor assembly |
US15/890,281 US20180161639A1 (en) | 2016-12-12 | 2018-02-06 | Recreational Device with Rotor Assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
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US201662433136P | 2016-12-12 | 2016-12-12 | |
US201662433362P | 2016-12-13 | 2016-12-13 | |
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US201762458677P | 2017-02-14 | 2017-02-14 | |
US201762474180P | 2017-03-21 | 2017-03-21 | |
US15/487,394 US10150014B2 (en) | 2016-12-12 | 2017-04-13 | Recreational device with rotor assembly |
US15/640,230 US9993694B1 (en) | 2016-12-12 | 2017-06-30 | Recreational device with rotor assembly |
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US15/487,394 Continuation-In-Part US10150014B2 (en) | 2016-12-12 | 2017-04-13 | Recreational device with rotor assembly |
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US15/890,281 Continuation US20180161639A1 (en) | 2016-12-12 | 2018-02-06 | Recreational Device with Rotor Assembly |
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US20180161638A1 true US20180161638A1 (en) | 2018-06-14 |
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US15/640,230 Active US9993694B1 (en) | 2016-12-12 | 2017-06-30 | Recreational device with rotor assembly |
US15/890,281 Abandoned US20180161639A1 (en) | 2016-12-12 | 2018-02-06 | Recreational Device with Rotor Assembly |
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US15/890,281 Abandoned US20180161639A1 (en) | 2016-12-12 | 2018-02-06 | Recreational Device with Rotor Assembly |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US11712637B1 (en) | 2018-03-23 | 2023-08-01 | Steven M. Hoffberg | Steerable disk or ball |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9993694B1 (en) * | 2016-12-12 | 2018-06-12 | William J. Warren | Recreational device with rotor assembly |
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- 2018-02-06 US US15/890,281 patent/US20180161639A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US11712637B1 (en) | 2018-03-23 | 2023-08-01 | Steven M. Hoffberg | Steerable disk or ball |
Also Published As
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US9993694B1 (en) | 2018-06-12 |
US20180161639A1 (en) | 2018-06-14 |
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