WO2014124119A1 - Disc amusement device - Google Patents
Disc amusement device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2014124119A1 WO2014124119A1 PCT/US2014/015073 US2014015073W WO2014124119A1 WO 2014124119 A1 WO2014124119 A1 WO 2014124119A1 US 2014015073 W US2014015073 W US 2014015073W WO 2014124119 A1 WO2014124119 A1 WO 2014124119A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- flying disc
- doughnut
- disc
- flying
- thermoplastic
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/18—Throwing or slinging toys, e.g. flying disc toys
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a flying disc capable of bouncing to a substantial degree, and rolling on its circumferential edge.
- Frisbee* discs There are many commercial flying discs, e.g. so called Frisbee* discs, and a substantial number of these can be seen online at the 13 page website to be found at
- the flying disc or Frisbee* -like amusement device of the present invention combines the capabilities of flying, bouncing and rolling, particularly good for playing Frisbee golf as well as other flying disc games.
- the flying disc of the present invention can bounce 25-30 feet and then roll on its outer circumferential edge a considerable distance farther, the distance of course depending partly on the surface on which the flying disc lands.
- the flying disc of the present invention has a hol low inflated doughnut-shaped outer ring (approximately a torus shape) and desirably a closed, substantially flat or planar surface interior.
- the outer doughnut-shaped ring desirably merges with the interior flat or planar surface in an approximate concavity, i.e. a concave shape reaching the flat internal planar surface.
- the flat internal planar surface has a diameter of about 9.5 cm, the o verall diameter of the device is about 21 cm, and the horizontal di ameter of the roughly annular doughnut-shaped ring is about 6 cm with a height of about 4.5 cm.
- These dimensions can be changed, but the relative dimension proportions are desirably maintained approximately the same as the aforementioned example for maximum ability to carry out ail three functions at the same time of fly, bounce and roll.
- the width-to-height ratio of the annular ring should not exceed 2: 1.
- the material is a thermoplastic polyurethane
- the maximum weight is approximately 200 gms, preferably 198 gms
- the wall thickness of the thermoplastic polyurethane wall of the flying disc is 0.08 “ (80 mils; 2 mm), preferably 0.0728 “ (72.8 mils) to 0.10 " (100 mils: 2.54 mm)
- the diameter of the planar surface interior is no less than about 4.5 cm.
- the hollow doughnut ring portion of the device is infl ated to a pressure of 0.9 to
- the doughnut ring portion is permanently inflated, but is not inflatable, i.e. after initial inflation, the inflation opening is permanently closed so that the selected internal pressure is maintained.
- the inflation gas is desirably air, but can otherwise be an inert or inactive gas, such as helium or nitrogen.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a disk amusement device in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of a variation thereof
- Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof
- Fig. 3 is a sectional view along line 3—3 of Fig. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3;
- Figs, 4A and 4B show variations of the transition between the central portion within the doughnut ring.
- the disc amusement device of the present invention comprises a flying disc 10 which, due to its method of manufacture and its physical properties, is capable, after its flight has ended, of bouncing to a substantial degree and then rolling on its edge 12.
- a flying disc 10 which, due to its method of manufacture and its physical properties, is capable, after its flight has ended, of bouncing to a substantial degree and then rolling on its edge 12.
- Features which contribute to the aforementioned characteristics include the thermoplastic nature of the polymer from which the walls 14 of the flying disc 10 are made, the overall shape of the device including the preferred shape of the merger 18 between the doughnut shaped ring portion 16 and the flat portion 20, the thickness of t he walls 14, and the pressure of inflation of the doughnut-shaped ring 16. It is also desirable that the doughnut- shaped ring 16 be somewhat flattened, i.e. that its height be less than the distance between its outer edge 12 and its merged portion 18 with the flat central portion 20.
- the overall weight of flying disc 10 should not exceed approximately 200 gms.
- FIG. 1 A The embodiment shown in Figs. 1-4, and particularly as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, is symmetrical, top and bottom, but such symmetry is only preferred, but is not essential.
- the central portion 20' may be bowed to a slight convex configuration of as little as two degrees, making the central portion 20' almost flat, or the convexity may be as great as 20°.
- the slightly bowed surface of the central portion 20 ' assists in the flight of the flying disc.
- the disadvantage is that the flying disc of Fig. 1A flies more poorly if thrown in an upside-down position.
- the central portion 20, 20' may be embossed or debossed.
- the material from which the flying disc 10 is formed is important for two reasons.
- the plastic material from which it is formed should be a thermoplastic plastomer or a
- thermoplastic elastomer because of the desired bounceability of the flying disc 10, the material from which its wails are formed needs to be relatively soft and flexible.
- the preferred material is a thermoplastic elastomer, and most desirable is a thermoplastic polyureth ne.
- Other materials, although less satisfactory, can be selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, softer polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthaiate (PET).
- the preferred thermoplastic polyurethane is formed of polyol, diphenylmethane diisocyanate and toluene diisocyanate.
- Fig. 4 A shows a less preferred variation where the transition area 18' is curved in only one direction. This variation is desirably coupled with the variation of Fig. 1 A.
- Fig. 4B shows another variation wherein the flat central portion is connected to the doughnut-shaped ring without any curvature whatsoever.
- This variation has the disadvantage that, although it is symmetrical and flies equally regardless of its up-or-down orientation, it does not fly as well as the preferred structure of Figs. 3 and 4,
- the flying disc 10 not only flies well, but also bounces and rolls, unlike any other known flying disc. Depending on the surface on which the disc lands after flight, it can bounce as much as 25-30 feet. If it lands on its edge, it can also roll an additional distance.
Abstract
A flying disc has an outer annular doughnut-shaped hollow ring surrounding a generally planar central portion. The annular ring is permanently inflated to a high pressure. The flying disc is formed of a thermoplastic plastomer or elastomer and is capable of bouncing 20-25 feet after landing, and rolling an additional distance if it lands on its outer edge.
Description
DI T DEV ICE
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a flying disc capable of bouncing to a substantial degree, and rolling on its circumferential edge.
[0002] There are many commercial flying discs, e.g. so called Frisbee* discs, and a substantial number of these can be seen online at the 13 page website to be found at
alibaba.com''showroom/'shapes/Frisbee.htmi. Among these are some flying discs identified as being "inflatable" including one on the first page of such website on the right hand side entitled "Inflatable Frisbee" and another on page 2 of such document entitled "PVC Inflatable Frisbee" and another with the same title on page 3. Such inflatable discs appear to be generally tire- shaped or doughnut-shaped, but of an mflatable beach-ball character of relatively thin walls. U.S. Patents 4,135,325 and 4,466,212 in the name Lehman also show inflatable flying saucer toys.
[0003] It appears from the aforementioned website that most or all of the prior doughnut shaped flying discs shown therein are made of PVC or of silicone plastic or rubber. None of the descriptions are seen to mention any unusual ability of the noted flying discs to bounce. Insofar as is known, none of these prior flying discs are designed for or capable of bouncing from the ground or a hard surface to any substantial degree, or of rolling.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] The flying disc or Frisbee* -like amusement device of the present invention combines the capabilities of flying, bouncing and rolling, particularly good for playing Frisbee golf as well as other flying disc games. Used in Frisbee* golf, for example, the flying disc of the present invention can bounce 25-30 feet and then roll on its outer circumferential edge a
considerable distance farther, the distance of course depending partly on the surface on which the flying disc lands.
[0005] Structurally, the flying disc of the present invention has a hol low inflated doughnut-shaped outer ring (approximately a torus shape) and desirably a closed, substantially flat or planar surface interior. To enhance flight, the outer doughnut-shaped ring desirably merges with the interior flat or planar surface in an approximate concavity, i.e. a concave shape reaching the flat internal planar surface.
[0006] In one embodiment, the flat internal planar surface has a diameter of about 9.5 cm, the o verall diameter of the device is about 21 cm, and the horizontal di ameter of the roughly annular doughnut-shaped ring is about 6 cm with a height of about 4.5 cm. These dimensions can be changed, but the relative dimension proportions are desirably maintained approximately the same as the aforementioned example for maximum ability to carry out ail three functions at the same time of fly, bounce and roll. The width-to-height ratio of the annular ring should not exceed 2: 1.
[0007] Other factors of importance are (1) the wall thickness of the material from which the flying disc is formed, (2) the plastomeric or elastomeric material from which the flying disc is made, (3) the overall weight of the flying disc relative to its dimensions, (4) the high pressure of inflation of the annular ring, and (5) the formation of the flyi g disc by injection molding. Thus, for a flying disc of the size indicated in the example above, the material is a thermoplastic polyurethane, the maximum weight is approximately 200 gms, preferably 198 gms, the wall thickness of the thermoplastic polyurethane wall of the flying disc is 0.08 " (80 mils; 2 mm), preferably 0.0728 " (72.8 mils) to 0.10 " (100 mils: 2.54 mm), and the diameter of the planar surface interior is no less than about 4.5 cm.
[0008] The hollow doughnut ring portion of the device is infl ated to a pressure of 0.9 to
1.5 kg/cm"', preferably 1.2 to 1.3 kg/cm ' (117.6 to 127.5 kpa). The doughnut ring portion is permanently inflated, but is not inflatable, i.e. after initial inflation, the inflation opening is permanently closed so that the selected internal pressure is maintained. From a cost standpoint,
the inflation gas is desirably air, but can otherwise be an inert or inactive gas, such as helium or nitrogen.
[0009] The foregoing and various other features of the invention will appear in the course of the description which is rendered below with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein the same reference numerals depict the identical element or part.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a disk amusement device in accordance with the present invention;
[0011] Fig. 1 A is a perspective view of a variation thereof;
[0012] Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof;
[0013] Fig. 3 is a sectional view along line 3—3 of Fig. 2; and
[0014] Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3;
[0015] Figs, 4A and 4B show variations of the transition between the central portion within the doughnut ring.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0016] As shown in the attached drawing, Figs. 1-4, the disc amusement device of the present invention comprises a flying disc 10 which, due to its method of manufacture and its physical properties, is capable, after its flight has ended, of bouncing to a substantial degree and then rolling on its edge 12. Features which contribute to the aforementioned characteristics include the thermoplastic nature of the polymer from which the walls 14 of the flying disc 10 are made, the overall shape of the device including the preferred shape of the merger 18 between the doughnut shaped ring portion 16 and the flat portion 20, the thickness of t he walls 14, and the pressure of inflation of the doughnut-shaped ring 16. It is also desirable that the doughnut-
shaped ring 16 be somewhat flattened, i.e. that its height be less than the distance between its outer edge 12 and its merged portion 18 with the flat central portion 20. The overall weight of flying disc 10 should not exceed approximately 200 gms.
[0017] The embodiment shown in Figs. 1-4, and particularly as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, is symmetrical, top and bottom, but such symmetry is only preferred, but is not essential. Thus, as shown in Fig. 1 A, the central portion 20' may be bowed to a slight convex configuration of as little as two degrees, making the central portion 20' almost flat, or the convexity may be as great as 20°. The slightly bowed surface of the central portion 20 ' assists in the flight of the flying disc. However, the disadvantage is that the flying disc of Fig. 1A flies more poorly if thrown in an upside-down position. The central portion 20, 20' may be embossed or debossed.
[0018] Substantially the same effect of the bo wed central portion 20' is achieved in the preferred embodiment of Figs. 1-4 by the transition area 18 which constitutes a curved area providing the beginning of a concave shape.
[0019] The material from which the flying disc 10 is formed is important for two reasons.
First, it is highly desirable to form the flying disc 10 by injection molding, and this means that the plastic material from which it is formed should be a thermoplastic plastomer or a
thermoplastic elastomer. Second, because of the desired bounceability of the flying disc 10, the material from which its wails are formed needs to be relatively soft and flexible. The preferred material is a thermoplastic elastomer, and most desirable is a thermoplastic polyureth ne. Other materials, although less satisfactory, can be selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, softer polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthaiate (PET). The preferred thermoplastic polyurethane is formed of polyol, diphenylmethane diisocyanate and toluene diisocyanate.
[0020] Fig. 4 A shows a less preferred variation where the transition area 18' is curved in only one direction. This variation is desirably coupled with the variation of Fig. 1 A.
[0021] Fig. 4B shows another variation wherein the flat central portion is connected to the doughnut-shaped ring without any curvature whatsoever. This variation has the disadvantage
that, although it is symmetrical and flies equally regardless of its up-or-down orientation, it does not fly as well as the preferred structure of Figs. 3 and 4,
[0022] The flying disc 10 not only flies well, but also bounces and rolls, unlike any other known flying disc. Depending on the surface on which the disc lands after flight, it can bounce as much as 25-30 feet. If it lands on its edge, it can also roll an additional distance.
[0023] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will, so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without undue experimentation and without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and
modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. The means, materials, and steps for carrying out various disclosed functions may take a variety of alternative forms without departing from the invention.
[0024] Thus the expressions "means to..." and "means for...", or any method step language, as may be found in the specification above and/or in the claims below, followed by a functional statement, are intended to define and cover whatever structural, physical, chemical or electrical element or structure, or whatever method step, which may now or in the future exist which carries out the recited function, whether or not precisely equivalent to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed in the specification above, i.e., other means or steps for carrying out the same functions can be used; and it is intended that such expressions be given their broadest interpretation.
Claims
1 . A game or amusement device in the form of a flying disc, comprising:
a flattened peripheral doughnut-shaped hollow ring surrounding a generally planar central portion,
the hollow flattened ring being permanently inflated to a pressure of at least 0.9 kg/cm3, the flying disc having a wall thickness of at least 72.8 mils, and
the flying disc being injection molded of a flexible thermoplastic plastomer or elastomer.
2. The flying disc of claim 1 , comprising a curved transition area between the planar surface interior and the doughnut-shaped ring, the curved area providing the beginning of a concave shape.
3. The flying disc of claim 2 which is symmetrical, both top and bottom.
4. The flying disc according to claim 1 wherein said thermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, silicone and poiyvinylchloride.
5. The flying disc of claim 4 wherein the thermoplastic material is a thermoplastic polyurethane.
6. The flying disc of claim 1 , wherein the flattened, doughnut-shaped hol low portion has a height-to-width ratio of about 4.5 to 6
7. The flying disc of claim 1 inflated to a pressure of at least 1.2 kg cm.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CN201480017660.9A CN105102082A (en) | 2013-02-07 | 2014-02-06 | Disc amusement device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/762,142 | 2013-02-07 | ||
US13/762,142 US20140220849A1 (en) | 2013-02-07 | 2013-02-07 | Disc amusement device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2014124119A1 true WO2014124119A1 (en) | 2014-08-14 |
Family
ID=51259585
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2014/015073 WO2014124119A1 (en) | 2013-02-07 | 2014-02-06 | Disc amusement device |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140220849A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN105102082A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014124119A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10118696B1 (en) | 2016-03-31 | 2018-11-06 | Steven M. Hoffberg | Steerable rotating projectile |
US11712637B1 (en) | 2018-03-23 | 2023-08-01 | Steven M. Hoffberg | Steerable disk or ball |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US5893790A (en) * | 1998-01-05 | 1999-04-13 | Montgomery; Jeffrey Lewis | Aerodynamic, helium filled, perimeter weighted, neutral buoyant, mylar toy |
US7096826B2 (en) * | 2002-11-05 | 2006-08-29 | Markham Joseph P | Pet toys incorporating multiple hardness sections |
US7335085B2 (en) * | 1999-10-13 | 2008-02-26 | Lyman Daniel F | Entertainment and stress relief disk |
US20110256797A1 (en) * | 2010-04-14 | 2011-10-20 | Chernick Mark J | Liquid Filled Rolling Novelty Toy Having Transparent Polyurethane-Based Shell |
Family Cites Families (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1392533A (en) * | 1921-10-04 | Necticut | ||
US2864201A (en) * | 1956-01-16 | 1958-12-16 | Ralph G Leise | Inflated discus |
US3021536A (en) * | 1959-12-03 | 1962-02-20 | James D Haggerty | Floating support |
US3335045A (en) * | 1964-06-15 | 1967-08-08 | Post Louis | Method for making an inflatable article |
US3336613A (en) * | 1965-05-13 | 1967-08-22 | The Detroit Bank And T Company | Life preserver |
US3939509A (en) * | 1970-03-30 | 1976-02-24 | Moore Alvin E | Light-weight buoy |
US3653084A (en) * | 1970-04-02 | 1972-04-04 | Michael G Hartman | Inflatable structure |
US4157631A (en) * | 1977-04-18 | 1979-06-12 | Kifferstein Harry P | Toy flying saucer |
US5033498A (en) * | 1990-06-08 | 1991-07-23 | The Schlueter Company | Valve for inflated article |
USD357948S (en) * | 1992-09-23 | 1995-05-02 | Morten Noldus-Nilsen | Inflatable throwing toy |
US5813066A (en) * | 1996-07-15 | 1998-09-29 | Gebhard; Albert W. | Baby rest |
TWM297771U (en) * | 2006-04-04 | 2006-09-21 | Chang-You Lin | Structure of annular-shaped gym ball |
CN201239502Y (en) * | 2008-08-12 | 2009-05-20 | 洪纪明 | Flying disc body-building equipment for children |
CN202237286U (en) * | 2011-10-08 | 2012-05-30 | 陈进义 | Flying disc beat structure |
-
2013
- 2013-02-07 US US13/762,142 patent/US20140220849A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2014
- 2014-02-06 CN CN201480017660.9A patent/CN105102082A/en active Pending
- 2014-02-06 WO PCT/US2014/015073 patent/WO2014124119A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5893790A (en) * | 1998-01-05 | 1999-04-13 | Montgomery; Jeffrey Lewis | Aerodynamic, helium filled, perimeter weighted, neutral buoyant, mylar toy |
US7335085B2 (en) * | 1999-10-13 | 2008-02-26 | Lyman Daniel F | Entertainment and stress relief disk |
US7096826B2 (en) * | 2002-11-05 | 2006-08-29 | Markham Joseph P | Pet toys incorporating multiple hardness sections |
US20110256797A1 (en) * | 2010-04-14 | 2011-10-20 | Chernick Mark J | Liquid Filled Rolling Novelty Toy Having Transparent Polyurethane-Based Shell |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN105102082A (en) | 2015-11-25 |
US20140220849A1 (en) | 2014-08-07 |
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