Buoys – rafts – and aquatic devices – Miscellaneous
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-14
2001-06-05
Basinger, Sherman (Department: 3617)
Buoys, rafts, and aquatic devices
Miscellaneous
C446S046000, C473S588000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241570
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to throwing discs for recreational use, and more specifically to a hydrodynamic throwing disc for use in a swimming pool, lake, or the ocean.
2. Description of Related Art
There are many toys and recreational devices on the market for use in and around swimming pools and other bodies of water. One such toy is a tire inner tube that is inflated and used as a flotation device. Another is a floating ball, which is waterproof so it will not sink when used in water, such as a pool, lake, or the ocean. Such balls include the type used in water polo, for example. Still other toys or devices include the type that sink to the bottom of a pool and are retrieved by the user diving into the pool. Such toys and recreational objects are used to teach swimming and water safety to young persons, and can even be used to teach SCUBA divers the skill of underwater diving.
A well-known toy or recreational device used out of water is the flying saucer device. These are tossed from one user to another, using the aerodynamic aspects of the device to enable it to glide in the air from the thrower to the catcher. However, such flying saucer devices are difficult, if not impossible, to use under water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gliding disc toy or device designed for use under water, such as in a pool or the ocean. The invention is a hydrodynamic disc which, in one embodiment, includes a central circular core of a solid construction with a predetermined diameter and height which tapers to an outer edge. The core includes a material to impart a predetermined buoyancy to the disc when used within several feet below the surface of the water. The circular core includes a softer flexible material along the edge and radially inward a short distance along the top and bottom surfaces to provide a gripping surface and safety protection to disc users. The disc may have either a neutral, a positive, or a negative buoyancy.
An alternate embodiment includes a central circular core of a hollow construction with a predetermined diameter and height having first and second surfaces which taper to the outer edge. The hollow core is partially or completely filled with water to control the buoyancy. Still another embodiment of the disc includes identical first and second sides each having a circular member with an inner section of a first diameter and an outer section extending from the first diameter to a second diameter. The inner section has a height much less than the second diameter of the outer section. The outer section includes radial tabs emanating radially outward. The inside surfaces of the first and second sides are positioned against each other to form a symmetrical body. Each side of the disc includes a material of a first stiffness and a second material formed over the radial tabs so that the second material extends beyond the peripheral edges of the first and second sides in a taper to a rounded peripheral edge of the disc.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2223091 (1940-11-01), Bresnahan et al.
patent: 2640699 (1953-06-01), Garbo
patent: 3544113 (1970-12-01), Hand
patent: 5014990 (1991-05-01), Kaser
patent: 5092608 (1992-03-01), Snipes
Aquatoy, Inc.
Basinger Sherman
Carr & Ferrell LLP
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