FLYING DISC TOY, ACCESSORIES AND GAMES

Abstract

A flying disc toy of a size to be held between a user's bent finger and thumb. Said flying disc toy to be projected through the air when the user rapidly extends the bent finger. The flying disc toy generally has a hollow cavity on the underside between a top wall joined at a joining edge to a descending wall. The flying disc toy may be combined with various accessories such as gloves, targets, and bats to play one or more games.

Description

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional patent application 61/448,588 filed on Mar. 2, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a toy and games, and more particularly, to a flying disc toy and accessories for its use in various games involving one or more players.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary component of the present flying disc toy and game invention is a flying disc. The flying disc is of a size to be held between a bent finger and thumb, and to then be projected through the air by the user rapidly extending the finger. This action and manner of projecting the flying disc through the air is known as “flicking”. The flying disc generally has a hollow cavity on the underside between a top wall joined at a joining edge to a descending wall.

The flying disc may be constructed with particular variations of shape, size, weight, and mass distribution that will affect the disc's flying performance. Depending upon the particular shape, size, weight and mass distribution of the flying disc, when flicked it may be able to travel straight and far, slow or fast, follow a curved path, make sounds as it travels, etc . . . . In a preferred embodiment of the disc, it has a top wall with a top surface and a bottom surface. The top wall is joined at a joining edge with a substantially congruent vertical descending wall which has an outer surface and inner surface. There is a hollow cavity located between said bottom surface and said inner surface.

It is also contemplated that the flying disc may contain a decoration or character on one or more of its surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, for example, the flying disc would be decorated with a representation of a type of bee or wasp.

It is also contemplated that the flying disc may be used with one or more accessories. For example one or more types of catching gloves may be used for the pass and catch game described herein. One or more variations of a flying disc storage apparatus, such as a belt holster or forearm mounted quick release, may be used for holding and dispensing multiple flying discs. A wearable target is contemplated for use in combat games.

In a first preferred embodiment the flying disc game is used in a pass and catch game involving at least two players. In a game of pass and catch, players pass the flying disc back and forth through the air using the aforementioned flicking action. Depending upon the particular configuration of the disc, and the flicking action used by the players, the disc can be made to rise, drop, curve, move faster or slower, etc . . . during flight. It is contemplated that in the game of pass and catch the players may use gloves that are specially designed for use with the flying disc as explained in greater detail below.

In a second preferred embodiment the flying disc game is a test of the targeting skills of the players using one or more stationary or moving targets.

In a third preferred embodiment of a targeting “golf” game there are multiple targets spread across an area, or a “course”, which may be indoors or outdoors. The object of the game is for one or more players to proceed through the course and, starting from a predetermined distance away from each target, hit the target with the flying disc using the least number of flicks.

In a fourth preferred embodiment the flying disc game involves the use of a bat, where a player flicks the flying disc towards another player having a bat who attempts to hit the flying disc with the bat.

In a fifth preferred embodiment the flying disc game is a team-pass game using one or more goal markers to define a goal or end zones, such as in football. There are two teams, with each team having at least two players. The object of the game is for a team to get the flying disc into the opposing team's end zone. This must be done by flicking the flying disk to a team member in the end zone. The game rules may restrict the movement of a player when in possession of the flying disc, and provide for transfer of disc possession to the other side in case of incomplete or out of bound passes of the flying disc.

In a sixth preferred embodiment the flying disc game is a combat game involving at least two players. Each player wears at least one target, preferably in the form of a vest, and the object of the game is for players to knock opposing players out of the game by successfully flicking a flying disc such that it strikes a target on an opposing player.

The characteristics and features of the invention are further described in detail below with the accompanying drawings, which represent one or more exemplary embodiments of the flying disc and associated games. After considering these examples, persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that variations may be made without departing from the basic invention disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is top side perspective view of a flying disc used in the games.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a flying disc used in the games.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a flying disc used in the games.

FIG. 4 is a bottom side perspective view of a flying disc used in the games.

FIG. 5 is top view of a flying disc held in the ready position for flicking.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a stationary target with multiple “hot spots”.

FIG. 7 is a front view of multiple pivoting stationary targets.

FIG. 8 is a front view of collapsible target with a mesh net.

FIG. 9 is a top side perspective view of a bat.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a playing field for a team-pass game.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a free finger style glove with a barrier.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a free finger style glove with a barrier.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a mitt style glove with a pocket to hold an extra disc.

FIG. 14 is a top view of an index finger-thumb only glove.

FIG. 15 is a view of textured finger tips for a free finger style glove.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an across-chest flying disc storage apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a waist belt flying disc storage apparatus.

FIG. 18 is a top view of a quick release disc holder with forearm straps.

FIG. 19 is a front view of a wearable target vest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1 through 5 thereof, a detailed description will be made of a preferred embodiment of a flying disc 10. The flying disc is a small disc to be positioned between a bent finger 20 and a thumb 30 on a person's hand 40, and then ejected or “flicked” when finger 20 moves from a bent position to an extended position. See FIG. 5. Flying disc 10 generally has a top wall 50 which is joined to a descending wall 60 at a joining edge 70. Top wall 50 has a top surface 80 and a bottom surface 90. Descending wall 60 has an outer surface 62 and an inner surface 64. In a preferred embodiment there is a hollow cavity 85 on the underside of flying disc 10 located between bottom surface 90 and inner surface 64. In a preferred embodiment of top wall 50, there is a flat inner central portion 100 and an outer peripheral portion 110. Inner central portion 100 is at a height above joining edge 70 and outer peripheral portion 110 generally slopes down to joining edge 70. Outer peripheral portion 110 may have a convex curvature between inner central portion 100 and joining edge 70, or it may slope down in discrete steps. Top wall 50 can also be completely flat. Top surface 80 may have tactile texture features, such as raised ridges 120 in the form of circular rings on outer peripheral portion 110. Descending wall 60 may also have tactile texture features on outer surface 62 to increase grip-ability, or descending wall 60 can be made with a material that has a higher level of friction when compared to the rest of flying disc 10 for the same reason. Flying disc 10 may be made of plastic, foam or any other material and should be between 0.25-5.0 inches in diameter. There may also be a slight flange or lip on inner surface 64 of descending wall 60 located distal from joining edge 70. This feature has aerodynamic properties but may also serve as a means to connect the disc into a storage apparatus.

Flying disc 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5 is merely an exemplary embodiment. Discs of other forms may include characteristics and features, for example, of being glow in the dark, different colors, lighted up (LED, battery powered), holes in top wall 50 and/or descending wall 60, one that is flat (with no descending wall), one that has a fixed fan blade in place of the center section (to make the disc rise when flicked), one that whistles when flicked, one that expands in flight and contracts upon reaching target, one that makes a sound when it hits something, one that floats in water, various sizes and weights (i.e. smaller diameter for smaller hands, etc.), one disc that is made of multiple materials (i.e. plastic and rubber), and different logos or designs on the disc (i.e. sports teams, corporate logos, characters, etc.).

A first preferred embodiment of using the flying disc in a game is in a pass and catch game. In a game of pass and catch, players may stand opposite one another and flick the flying disc back and forth, taking turns catching and flicking. Players can also use trick shots that make the disc rise, drop, curve, move faster or slower, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 11-15, it is contemplated that in a game of pass and catch players may use gloves that are specially designed to catch the flying disc. Such a glove 130 may, for example, have a barrier 140 between a thumb sleeve 150 and index finger sleeve 160. See FIGS. 11-14. Barrier 140 may be, for example, made of soft mesh webbing. Glove 130 may, for example, be made out of a soft fabric material (like a conventional baseball glove) and the outside of glove 130, such as glove 130 finger tips, could have a textured surface 180 to add grip for easy catching. See FIG. 15. Each finger may have its own sleeve 190 as part of glove 130 and the finger sleeves 190 can be connected to form a “mitt.” See FIG. 13. Gloves can also have individual finger sleeves190 that allow for fingers to move independently. See e.g. FIGS. 11-12. A glove 130 could have a different theme or character printed on it. Glove 130 can come in various different sizes. A surface of glove 130 could have a pocket 170, perhaps made of a flexible stretch material, to store one or more flying discs 10. See FIG. 13. Glove 130 and flying discs 10 may be available for purchase individually as well as in a set. A set could, for example, include two gloves 130 and three flying discs 10.

A second preferred embodiment for using flying disc 10 is in a game that tests the targeting skills of the players using at least one target 200 placed at a distance from a player. A target 200 may be stationary or moving. Two or more players can get together and play a game in which players stand opposite one another and each player has a target 200. Each player, or team of players, takes turns flicking flying disc 10 at the opposing player's or team's target 200. Players may for example each get to flick three (or some other number of) times per turn. A target 200 may consist of several “hot spots” 210 that when hit will flip over or change color. See FIG. 6. The first player or team to hit all of the opposing player's “hot spots” 210 wins the game.

It is contemplated that in one embodiment of the target game set there would be included two targets 200 and six flying discs 10. Flying discs 10 and targets 200 can be glow in the dark and/or electrically lit for night or low light scenarios. There can be built in speakers in a target 200 and there can be customized sound and lighting effects that are triggered during game play. As with all of the flying disc toy games contemplated and set forth as examples herein, the flying discs 10 and any accessories (e.g. gloves 130, targets 200, etc . . . ) can also be glow in the dark and/or electrically illuminated.

It should be noted that there are many different types and variations of potential target practice contemplated. For example, one contemplated embodiment is a set that could include five targets 200 and twenty flying discs 10, with ten flying discs 10 being one color (for example: Black on Yellow) and ten flying discs 10 being another color (for example: Yellow on Black). A target 200 can be different sizes and can have a support member 210 which may be moveable to adjust the height or angle of target 200. Each target 200 could have a point value associated with it. It is up to the user to get creative with setting up the targets 200. A multiplayer game can be played where players each shoot their flying discs 10 into targets 200. The player with the most points wins. The game can also be played individually, with one player flicking various flying discs 10 to accumulate points. Such an individual player could keep practicing to try and improve their skill and score.

Another contemplated version of target practice involves a target strip 220 that has multiple standing targets 200 that are lined up in a row and can pivot down and back when hit with the flying disc 10. See FIG. 7.

In another contemplated version of target practice players use a target launcher that shoots moving targets into the air. The target launcher could be either hand powered or electric. All targets 200, whether stationary or moving, may have lights and sounds that correspond to game play.

In a third preferred target gaming embodiment the flying disc is used in a type of golf where multiple targets 200 are spread across an area, or a “course”, which may be indoors or outdoors. The object of this game is for one or more players to proceed through the course and, starting from a predetermined distance away from each target 200, hit the target 200 with the flying disc 10 using the least number of flicks. Game play would be similar to golf in that the object is to get the disc into the target 200 in the least amount of flicks. A game set may, for example, include nine targets 200 (“holes”), several flying discs 10, scorecards, and pencils. Each target “hole” 200 could be a fold out target with a mesh net 230 to receive a flying disc. See FIG. 8. Such a fold out target 200 can be angled according to the preference of the players. The entire game could be fully portable and it would be up to the players to get creative with setting up each target (“hole”) 200. It can be played both indoors and outdoors. It is contemplated that the flying disc 10 should be properly flicked and not be tossed or lobbed into a target (“hole”) 200. It is further contemplated that game sets can be different colors.

An alternative use for the contemplated target golf set embodiment would be a target practice game in which players can set up the “holes” as targets 200 in a given space, each target 200 could have a different point value assigned to it (closer holes=less points). Players each have a set of several flying discs 10, and each set is a different color. The players all shoot from the same location and flick the flying discs 10 into the various targets (“holes”) 200. The player that gets to a predetermined amount of points, or scores the most points, in the time allotted wins.

In a fourth contemplated embodiment of the flying disc game there is a batting game in which the flying disc 10 is flicked (e.g. “pitched”) to a batter who hits it with a specially designed bat 240. See FIG. 9. The bat 240 could have a flat surface that somewhat resembles a cricket bat but with a foam textured/rubberized surface to improve the ability to hit the flying disc 240. Game play can be similar to baseball but can also have qualities that are unique and not shared with baseball or cricket. The “baseball set” could include a bat 240, two gloves 130, three flying discs 10 and a set of four honeycomb shaped bases. All of these items could be packaged separately or as a set. There is even an option for a catcher's mitt glove 130 that is designed for a catcher. See FIG. 13. Pitchers could have storage apparatus 250 that holds multiple flying discs 10 that have various functions (i.e. curve, fast, slow, small, heavy, light, illuminated, even flying discs 10 that are capable of making buzzing and whistling sounds when flown, etc.) See FIG. 16. These flying discs 10 can all be used within the baseball like game, but can also be provided separately and used within the context of any related flying disc games.

Referring to FIG. 10, in a fifth preferred embodiment a flying disc game is a team-pass game using a defined game area 35 with end zones 36. A packaged team-pass game may come with eight goal markers for marking out two end zones (font, back, left, and right markers for each end zone) and three flying discs. Gloves are suggested but not required. Teams can have, for example, between two and twelve players per side, although there is no limit. In a preferred exemplary embodiment the field of play 35 should be at least twenty feet by ten feet (with four or five foot end zones). See FIG. 10. It is also contemplated that the field may be as large as 150 feet by 50 feet with 25 foot end zones. There is no required specific size for the field.

The object of the team-pass game is to score points by successfully passing the flying disc 10 to a fellow team player in the opposing end zone 36. Under the contemplated rules the flying disc 10 would not be permitted to be carried into the end zone 36, but must be passed. Players could only take two steps while in possession of the flying disc 10 and must pass it to a team member within twenty seconds or else possession of the flying disc is turned over to the opposing team. Any pass that is not caught, dropped on reception or during possession, if the pass is blocked, intercepted or not caught, or if the flying disc 10 is thrown out-of-bounds and does not come back in-bounds, will also result in loss of possession to the other team. Defensive players must remain an arm's length away from an offensive player in possession of the flying disc. The game ends when the clock runs out or when a team reaches a designated score. The team with the most points at the end of the game or the team to reach the designated score wins. The duration and designated score is up to the discretion of the players but must be determined before game play begins.

In a sixth preferred embodiment a flying disc game is a combat game involving at least two players. Each player has at least one wearable target 260 attached to them, preferably in the form of a vest that is worn. See FIG. 18. The object of the game is for players to knock opposing players out of the game by successfully flicking a flying disc 10 such that it strikes a wearable target 260 on an opposing player. A wearable target 260 can have an impact indicator that responds to hits by a flying disc 10 with various lights and sounds. It is contemplated that in a preferred embodiment a combat game would be packaged with safety glasses, at least one wearable target 260 vest, and at least one flying disc 10.

It is also contemplated with the present invention that there can be a wearable storage apparatus 250 for flying discs 10. The wearable storage apparatus has a wearing means 252 with at least one receiving mechanism 256 for holding a flying disc 10. In one contemplated embodiment a wearable storage apparatus 250 is in the form of a holster strap where the wearing means 252 is an over the shoulder and across the chest strap that has multiple flying disc receiving mechanisms 256 for holding many flying discs 10 at once. Wearing means 252 may also be a waist belt configuration. See FIG. 16. The flying disc receiving mechanism 256 in either version holds the disc in place. Flying disc receiving mechanism 256 can, for example, be a small pouch. It can also be a circular disc that is made of a resilient material so that when a user pushes a flying disc 10 onto it, it will contract slightly, allowing hollow cavity 80 of the flying disc 10 to fit over it, after which point the resilient material can expand slightly. This can keep the flying disc 10 in place until it is ready to be removed. This storage apparatus design could allow for more rapid access to a supply of flying discs 10.

It is also contemplated with the present invention that there can be a cartridge-like storage apparatus 280 that can be strapped onto the forearm. See FIG. 17. This storage apparatus 280 can store extra flying discs 10 and can have an eject mechanism incorporated into it that when engaged will allow for the release and ejection of a flying disc 10 from the storage apparatus 280. The storage apparatus 280 can be positioned on the forearm so that when the flying disc 10 is released and ejected, it shoots out directly into the hand of the user. Storage apparatus 280 can also be made to function with one hand only, thereby giving the user an option of using one on each arm. This could allow for rapid and easy access to stored flying discs 10.

It is also contemplated that the flying disc 10 may contain a decoration or character on one or more of its surfaces. In one exemplary embodiment the flying disc 10 may be decorated with a representation of a type of bee or wasp. Such flying discs may be referred to as mini-bees, as they are relatively small and not unlike a bee in that fact. It also flies through the air like bees do. There are many interesting types of bees that can be used as unique ways to expand a product line of the present invention, from an original mini-bee to a whole “swarm” of discs so to speak. For example there could be a mini-bee “hornet” disc with its own hornet character, colors and personality. There is a long list of bees with their own unique character that could make for a greatly expanded product line. To name a few as examples: yellow jacket, carpenter bee, queen bee, wasp, killer bee, and so on. Shapes, sizes and performance can differ as well in relation to the actual differences in shape, sizes and performance of real bees. Each bee would be a unique (cartoon) character essentially and users will be able to choose the bee that is most attractive to them. For example, there could be twelve different mini-bee characters, all slightly different, all with their own unique abilities and appearance. Players could collect them all.

Claims

1. A flying disc toy of a size to be held between a bent finger and a thumb comprising: a top wall with a top surface and a bottom surface; a descending wall with an outer surface and an inner surface; said top wall joined to said descending wall at a joining edge; and a hollow cavity located between said bottom surface and said inner surface.

2. The flying disc toy of claim 1 further comprising said top surface having a tactile texture.

3. The flying disc toy of claim 2 further comprising said tactile texture being at least one raised ridge.

4. The flying disc toy of claim 1 further comprising said top surface having a flat inner central portion at a height above said joining edge; an outer peripheral portion of said top surface surrounding said inner central portion; and said outer peripheral portion sloping downward to join said joining edge.

5. The flying disc toy of claim 4 further comprising said outer peripheral portion having a convex curvature between said inner central portion and said joining edge.

6. The flying disc toy of claim 4 further comprising said outer peripheral portion having at least one discrete stepped edge between said inner central portion and said joining edge.

7. A pass and catch flying disc toy kit comprising: at least one flying disc toy as claimed in claim 1; and at least one glove.

8. The pass and catch flying disc toy kit of claim 7 further comprising said at least one glove having a barrier between a thumb sleeve and an index finger sleeve of said glove.

9. The pass and catch flying disc toy kit of claim 7 further comprising: said at least one glove having at least one flying disc storage pocket.

10. A flying disc toy target kit comprising: at least one flying disc toy as claimed in claim 1; and at least one target.

11. The flying disc toy target kit of claim 10 further comprising said at least one target having a moveable support member.

12. The flying disc toy target kit of claim 10 further comprising said at least one target being collapsible.

13. A flying disc toy batting kit comprising: at least one flying disc toy as claimed in claim 1; and at least one bat.

14. The flying disc toy batting kit of claim 13 further comprising at least one base.

15. A flying disc toy team game kit comprising: at least at least one flying disc toy as claimed in claim 1; and at least one goal marker.

16. A flying disc toy combat game kit comprising: at least at least one flying disc toy as claimed in claim 1; and at least one wearable target.

17. The flying disc toy combat game kit of claim 16 further comprising: said at least one wearable target having an impact indicator.

18. A wearable storage apparatus for the flying disc toy of claim 1 comprising:

a wearing means; and at least one flying disc toy receiving mechanism attached to said wearing means.

19. The storage apparatus for the flying disc toy of claim 18 further comprising a flying disc toy ejection mechanism.

20. The storage apparatus of claim 18 further comprising the wearing means being a belt.