Amusement devices: toys – Aerodynamically supported or retarded – Spinning disc
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-16
2001-01-16
Ackun, Jacob K. (Department: 3712)
Amusement devices: toys
Aerodynamically supported or retarded
Spinning disc
C473S588000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06174214
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to recreational flying discs and, more particularly, to a flexible waterproof flying disc for use in wet environments as an aerial projectile during training or informal play and/or as an advertising device. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the flexible waterproof flying disc.
2. Background of the Invention
Flying discs are used in recreational activities, the most common being the game of throw and catch. Conventional flying discs developed for this purpose are generally fabricated from a rigid material such as plastic or a hard rubber material. An inherent disadvantage of plastic or hard rubber flying discs is that, when hurled through the air, the flying disc becomes a rather dangerous missile. Usually no protective equipment is available for the game participants, and it is not infrequent that players will be injured during play due to being hit by the flying disc. For instance, if one of the game participants fails to catch the disc, bodily injury could occur, e.g., as a result of impact to and around the neck and face. Furthermore, since such games are usually played near crowds and in confined areas, an unwary bystander could accidentally be struck in the head or elsewhere because of an errant flight projectory.
Poor weather often forces the game of throw and catch indoors. The risk of property damage in confined indoor areas from flying discs fabricated from a rigid material has largely relegated the participants to other recreational activities. Window breakage, abrasion and scuffing of floors and breakage of light fixtures and other fragile household articles are likely to occur when flying discs fabricated from a rigid material are used indoors.
Moreover, during training of small children in the game of throw and catch, fundamentals are oftentimes not properly learned due to the fear associated with a rigid flying disc. Actual injuries and the fear thereof have a profound impact on the ability of young children to relax and concentrate on the game of throw and catch. In numerous instances, the potential risk of being hit by a thrown rigid flying disc leads many young children to shun the game of throw and catch.
Prior attempts have been made to provide a safe, high performance, durable flying disc. One extremely soft, plastic foam flying disc has been provided. Such a conventional flying disc, however, being formed of open cell foams, is extremely light in weight and has unrealistic dynamic characteristics. In addition, plastic foam discs are rather flimsy and absorbent of moisture and, therefore, inappropriate for use in wet environments, such as in a pool, at the beach or in the rain. Upon contact with water, conventional flying discs of this type tend to become stiff and heavy, which adversely affects the flexibility and usability of the flying disc. Additionally, such conventional flying discs are unable to effectively protect the interior thereof against moisture absorption.
Other attempts to provide safe, high performance, durable recreational flying discs have resulted in flying discs which are readily distortable, easily affected by water and rather easily destructible. Such flying discs also do not have truly aerodynamic characteristics and are, therefore, deficient in flight duration and stability, flight performance and hovering ability.
The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages inherent in conventional flying discs used in wet environments and/or during training or informal play.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible waterproof flying disc which resists the absorption of water and which may be used in wet environments without damaging the disc or adversely affecting the flexibility and usability of the disc and which will retain its shape during prolonged and repeated use.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a flexible waterproof flying disc that is lightweight, durable in strength, rugged in construction, foldable for carrying in a pocket, and which can be stretched out of its original shape.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a durable flexible waterproof flying disc for play and training which is constructed so as to substantially reduce the risk of injury to players and physical damage to property.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a flexible waterproof flying disc which has superior aerodynamic characteristics including flight duration and stability, glide performance and hovering ability.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a flexible waterproof flying disc which is easy and economical to manufacture.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an advertising device comprising a flexible waterproof flying disc having a fabric covering which can be imprinted with selected indicia so that the device can be used as an advertising device.
The foregoing and other objects of the present invention are carried out by a flexible waterproof flying disc comprising a generally disc-shaped body terminating at its periphery in a downwardly extending rim. The body and the rim define a substantially convex upper surface and a substantially concave lower surface. The body has a core formed from a single piece of flexible, non-porous, water-impervious cellular material and at least one binding strip connected to and around a peripheral edge of the core.
Preferably, the single piece of flexible, non-porous, water-impervious material comprises synthetic rubber. Preferably, the synthetic rubber comprises closed-cell neoprene.
The at least one binding strip preferably comprises a first binding strip sewn to and around the peripheral edge of the core along a first stitch line, and a second binding strip sewn to and around the peripheral edge of the core along a second stitch line and overlapping the first binding strip in direct contact therewith.
Preferably, a fabric layer is bonded on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the circular section.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a flying disc comprising the steps of forming a generally circular core from a single piece of flexible, non-porous, water-impervious material, and securing a first binding strip and a second binding strip around a peripheral edge of the core to impart a prestressed curvature to the core to define a substantially convex upper surface and a substantially concave lower surface of the core. Preferably, the single piece of flexible, non-porous, water-impervious material comprises synthetic rubber, such as closed-cell neoprene.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an advertising device comprising a generally disc-shaped core formed from a single piece of flexible, non-porous, water-impervious material and having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A generally disc-shaped fabric layer is disposed on one of the first and second surfaces of the core and contains thereon printed indicia. A first binding strip is sewn to and around the peripheral edge of the core along a first stitch line. A second binding strip is sewn to and around the peripheral edge of the core along a second stitch line and overlaps the first binding strip in direct contact therewith. The first and second stitch lines and the first and second binding strips impart a prestressed curvature to the core to provide the first and second surfaces with generally convex and concave shapes, respectively.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3710505 (1973-01-01), Linenfelser
patent: 4241533 (1980-12-01), Newsome
patent: 4253672 (1981-03-01), Milzoff et al.
patent: 4279097 (1981-07-01), Walker
patent: 4290226 (1981-09-01), Stauffer
patent: 5026054 (1991-06-01), Osher et al.
patent: 5116275 (1992-05-01), Sassak
patent: 5484159 (1996-01-01), Dean et al.
patent: 5540610 (1996-07-01), Sneddon
Ackun Jacob K.
Adams & Wilks
Carlson Jeffrey D.
Coopsort International Ltd.
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