Disc spinning device
A disc spinning device centrally located/secured to a flexible soft flying disc encouraging/facilitating spinning a disc on one's finger for technique/amusement. Spinning a disc on one's finger is difficult however the device has recessed dimple(s) to place one's finger(s), greatly improving disc spin with less friction than surrounding flexible soft flyer disc material. A fingernail may damage desired flexible soft disc material, utilizing more durable material in disc spinning device reduces wear and improved disc spinning capabilities with less friction. The disc spinning device located around central disc axis area offers more safety features than previous relatively hard plastic flying discs by allowing the softer flexible molded disc preferred material composite to compress when being hit by or catching of disc. The disc spinning device offers faster and easier/unique disc spins giving user more advanced disc spin(s) for technique/easier disc spin play.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an amusement and novelty disc spinning device that is molded or attached to a flexible flying disc which can be used as an aerial toy.
In particular, the disc spinning device molded or attached to a flexible flying disc of this invention concerns a throwing projectile designed for improved spinning of the disc on one's finger offering more durability and easier spin from less friction.
Also in particular, the disc spinning device molded or attached to a flexible flying disc of this invention concerns a throwing projectile designed for cushioned impact.
Also in particular, flexible flying disc allows for the easier spinning of the disc on one's finger for amusement and to experience the technical advanced ability of a pro by having a recessed dimple area centered within the disc axis that a finger (finger tip) can reside in while the disc rotates and spins upon the finger.
Also in particular, the disc spinning device molded or attached to a flexible flying disc allows for the easier spinning of the disc upon one's finger for amusement and to experience the technical advanced ability easily by having a recessed dimple that the finger(s) can reside in while the disc rotates and spins upon the finger(s) located on either side of the disc (top or bottom). The device creates the ability to perform what would seem the most impossible difficult disc spinning techniques (inverted disc) to a much easier spin when the disc spinning device has a recessed dimple located on the top and bottom of the disc axis to facilitate spinning on one finger(s). One can go from spinning the inverted disc upon one's finger to spinning the disc on the other hand in a normal fashion with easy transitioning visa versa.
Also in particular, the disc spinning device molded or attached to a flexible flying disc allows for the easier spinning of the disc upon one's finger(s) for amusement and to experience the technical advanced ability easily by having a recessed dimple that a finger(s) tip can reside in while the disc rotates and spins upon one's finger(s) located on either side of the disc (top or bottom) that when done simultaneously offers the user(s) unique gyroscopic disc effects with the disc. This can also facilitate the easy transitioning of the disc from inverted disc to a normal disc position.
Also this invention improves the potential wear within the disc spinning device as the recessed dimple area extending about said central axis of the disc facilitates the spinning of the disc on your finger can be created to use more durable material for the disc spinning device than the surrounding flexible flying disc material while substantially increasing the desired faster spin capabilities with less friction.
Also in particular the disc spinning device top and bottom surface area can be reduced with an anchoring element located within the soft disc material to help stabilize and secure the disc spinning device within the flexible flying disc material.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The application of saucerlike flying projectiles has been widely accepted both as an active leisure pastime and as a recreational sport.
Prior art devices developed for these purposes were generally fabricated from a rigid material such as plastic. An inherent disadvantage of those devices was that, when hurled through the air, the flying implement became a rather dangerous missile. For instance, if one of the game participants failed to catch the device, some bodily injury could occur, e.g. as a result of impact to and around the sensitive face. Furthermore, an unwary bystander could accidentally be struck in the face or elsewhere because of an errant flight trajectory and improving the impact cushion is desired.
In addition, when the devices of the prior art were used indoors, windows, mirrors, table lamps and other fragile household articles were exposed to possible damage or breakage from the more durable, stronger impacts.
The device of this invention in the preferred embodiment, in contrast, eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a soft, pliant and flexible disc adaptable for use as an aerodynamic toy. The spongy, elastic consistency of the disc structure provides for relatively harmless cushioned impact upon hitting an object or person.
Previous attempts to provide resiliently yieldable flying saucers usually resulted in planar discs. Such devices did not have truly aerodynamic characteristics since there was no surface curvature or airfoil design. Consequently, the planar discs were deficient in flight duration and stability, glide performance and hovering ability.
This invention improves upon those devices by providing a more saucerlike configuration and more novel performance based improvements. The preferred embodiment of the disc material consists of spongy material whereas it can be molded with features that are more familiar to users of hard plastic type discs. These aerodynamic performance features allow for more advanced improvements for technique, and easier catching of the disc.
This invention improves upon prior flexible flying discs such as the simple attempt of spinning the disc on one's finger (finger tip) can distort the disc shape or minimize the spinning of the disc with more material friction than seen in a rigid plastic type disc. The disc spinning device allows for much easier and improved spinning of the disc upon ones finger (finger tip) with less friction and less distortion of the flexible flying disc material. The disc spinning device recessed dimple area extending about said central axis is centrally located within the disc allowing a finger tip to rest within the recessed dimple area while the other hand rotates the disc so the disc can easily spin upon one's finger allowing for beginners to be like just like a more advanced pro disc freestyler. This capability also makes it easer to catch a disc upon the finger tip and keeping it spinning on the finger tip within the recessed dimple area by not having ones finger tip undesirably sliding around under the disc. The position of the recessed dimple area extending about said central axis is also the balanced central area, and the disc can stop spinning and remain easily balanced upon one's finger.
In addition, this invention improves upon prior discs such as the disc spinning device recessed dimple area extending about said central axis is centrally located within the disc allowing the finger (finger tip) to rest within the recessed dimple area located on the top or bottom of the disc, allowing the spinning disc to transfer from one hands finger on a side of the disc to the other hand on other side of the disc.
In addition, this invention improves upon prior discs such as the disc spinning device recessed dimple area extending about said central axis is centrally located within the disc allowing the finger (finger tip) to rest within the recessed dimple area located on the top and bottom of the disc which can be done at the same time offering users advanced gyroscopic spinning disc effects. One can transfer the spinning disc to another person easily with this gyroscopic disc effect. The disc while spinning can create a gyroscopic disc effect when a finger tip is placed on each side of the disc at the same time that gives user(s) unique complete control over the disc position and transition.
In addition, this invention in the preferred embodiment utilizes a closed cell material that is water resistant and allows for the disc and the disc spinning device to float.
A feature of this invention over prior art allows a version of the disc spinning device to be assembled after the flexible flying disc has been created by use of glue or attaching together two sides of the disc spinning device together sandwiching the flexible flying disc material between the outer surface of disc spinning device.
A feature of this invention is that the material of the disc spinning device when formed in a mold or after allows the disc spinning device to receive selected indicia through transfer printing or other printing processes or as those skilled in the art would have impressions or raised surface to give instruction or design. The visual representations can add desired decorative effects such as for creating optical illusions or otherwise attracting attention. This is particularly advantageous when the disc is to be used as an advertising or promotional item.
In view of the foregoing, it should be apparent that the present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings from rigid and flexible flying discs offering more benefits of the prior art devices and provides an improved throwing projectile that greatly improves the ability to spin the disc upon a finger.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn compendium, the subject matter of this invention is directed to a disc spinning device that in the preferred embodiment is attached, molded or as those skilled in the art secured at or near the disc axis of a flexible flying disc. The flexible flying disc material in the preferred embodiment is formed of a resilient synthetic material such as foam rubber. Whereas the resilient flexible flying disc material in the preferred embodiment is molded in a saucerlike curved contour having flight characteristics. The thickness of the outer edge of the flexible flying disc allows for increased durability and increased cushion impact benefits protecting the user from the denser material used in the disc spinning device.
In addition, the disc spinning device has a recessed dimple area extending about said central axis of the disc for positioning of ones finger tip for easy and improved spinning of the disc that offers novelty and amusement for an individual including durability and improved spin rotation capabilities with less friction.
Another unique feature of the disc spinning device which has a recessed central dimple area extending about said central axis of the disc for positioning of ones finger tip for easy and improved spinning of the disc is that it can be located on the top and bottom of the disc offering more unique disc spin capabilities such as spinning the disc in a normal position or in an inverted disc position. This offers novelty and amusement for an individual including the capability of producing gyroscopic disc effects when a finger tip is placed on each side of the disc when the disc is spinning. This offers much unique control over the disc positioning, placement and transitioning capabilities.
The purpose of the disc spinning device of this invention is to improve disc spinning capabilities in the preferred embodiment of a flexible flying disc that provides an aerial projectile having aerodynamic flight characteristics thus making it suitable for use as an aerial toy. In addition, decorative patterns and other indicia as those skilled in the art can be imprinted on the covering of the disc and or disc spinning device, and the disc spinning device can be used as an advertising novelty.
The utilization of durable and more resilient material in the disc spinning device improves longevity from fingernails and general wear and offers a much improved spin capability upon ones finger tip with less friction than the surrounding flexible flying disc material. In the preferred embodiment using softer material in the flexible flying disc that is secured around the disc spinning device offers more cushioning effect upon impact after flight and thus easier to catch without fear of catching something harder.
Having thus summarized the invention, it will be seen that an object thereof is to provide an advanced flexible flying disc with advanced disc spinning capabilities of the general character described herein which is not subject to the disadvantages of the prior art.
Specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide a flexible flying disc for use as an aerial projectile that is formed from a resilient material for cushioned impact and improved disc spinning capabilities with the disc spinning device.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a flexible flying disc that is formed in a saucerlike configuration for improved aerodynamic characteristics and improved disc spinning capabilities with the disc spinning device.
A still further object of this invention is to provide a flexible flying disc, which can offer increased durability from wear during the spinning of the disc on one's finger tip, and allowing for more stable spin and improved disc spinning capabilities with the disc spinning device.
Another object of this invention is to provide a flexible flying disc formed of a resilient material that is light in weight, durable in function design and economical to manufacture with improved disc spinning capabilities with the disc spinning device.
Still another object of this invention in preferred embodiment is to provide a disc spinning device utilized within a flexible flying disc formed of a more resilient material having a water resistant skin formed on the material for providing buoyant characteristics.
Another object of this invention is to provide a disc spinning device utilized within a flexible flying disc that facilitates the spinning of the disc on ones finger(s) from the top of the disc (inverted) or the bottom of the disc or both at the same time.
Another object of this invention is provide a disc spinning device utilized within a flexible flying disc that offers the faster spinning of the disc on ones finger tips simultaneously from the top and bottom allowing more control over a discs spin that can offer the user gyroscopic disc effects.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a flexible flying disc molded of a resilient material having a skin that can be imprinted with selected indicia so that the disc and disc spinning device can be used as an advertising novelty.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings in which are shown the preferred embodiments of this invention,
LIST OF ELEMENTS
- 1 flexible disc
- 2 disc rotation
- 3 hand and finger
- 4 finger placement for top of disc spinning device
- 5 flexible disc edge
- 6 top extension of disc spinning device
- 7 inner grip handle
- 8 finger placement for bottom of disc spinning device
- 9 inverted disc spinning
- 10 recessed tip of top extension of disc spinning device within flexible disc edging
- 11 material of disc spinning device
- 12 bottom of disc with flexible disc material residing under the disc
- 13 top extension of disc spinning device reaching the edge of flexible disc
- 14 flexible disc leading top edge
- 15 the bottom of disc spinning device extruding from flexible disc material for finger placement with it's center recessed central dimple area extending about said central axis of the disc for positioning of ones finger tip
- 16 bottom disc plate
- 17 flexible disc edge rim material
- 18 disc spinning device extension reaches the flexible disc material
- 19 durable disc spinning device material
- 20 flexible disc material forming a bottom rim
- 21 top retention ring extension to hold disc spinning device within flexible disc
- 22 bottom retention ring extension to hold disc spinning device within flexible disc
- 23 flexible disc material on top of disc
- 24 finger tip placement for top of disc spinning device
- 25 finger tip placement for bottom of disc spinning device
- 26 recessed top dimple area for finger placement
- 27 center axis of disc
- 28 top placement of disc spinning device within flexible disc
- 29 leading edge of flexible disc material
- 30 flexible disc material
- 31 recessed bottom dimple area for finger placement
- 32 center axis of disc spinning device and flexible disc bottom perspective view
- 33 bottom placement of disc spinning device within flexible disc
- 34 center extension ring of disc spinning device
- 35 center extension of disc spinning device within flexible disc material
- 36 top ring extension of disc spinning device that holds pressure to retain device within center of flexible disc
- 37 female screw threads for top section of the disc spinning device
- 38 bottom of ring extension of disc spinning device that holds pressure to retain device within center of flexible disc
- 39 male screw threads for bottom section of the disc spinning device
- 42 top and bottom of disc spinning device screwed together to place pressure hold on flexible disc material
- 43 top recessed flexible disc material for placement of disc spinning device
- 44 dotted lines showing the recessed dimple areas within the disc spinning device located within disc axis
- 46 bottom recessed flexible disc material for placement of disc spinning device
- 48 top female clip retaining area of disc spinning device
- 49 bottom male clip retaining area of disc spinning device
- 50 top support edges of middle ring extension
- 51 middle ring extension leading edges assist in holding disc spinning device in place within flexible disc material
- 53 bottom support edges of middle ring extension
- 57 disc spinning device that is internally secured in place within flexible disc by the top extension of disc spinning device located within flexible disc material
- 58 traditional flat
- 61 internal extended ring extensions for retention of disc spinning device within flexible disc
- 61 disc spinning device extension is flat
- 67 top of disc spinning device where the bottom disc spinning device clip mechanism enters
- 68 tip of disc spinning device retention plates hold and secures the bottom of disc spinning device
- 69 font placement for top of disc spinning device
- 70 graphic placement for top of disc spinning device
- 71 bottom of disc spinning device clip mechanism
- 75 raised flexible disc material protective edge for disc spinning device extension
- 77 extended ring extension
- 78 stabilization ridge(s)
- 79 flight plate
- 80 body
- 81 peripheral edge generally circular outer perimeter defining a disc
- 82 recessed lower surface creating a rim
- 85 lower surface supporting structure for recessed dimple area extending about said central axis
- 86 peripheral edge defining a rim
- 87 central lower region
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It should be further apparent in all FIGS provided that the material selected for the disc spinning device can be of elastic consistency yet provides the necessary rigidity and firmness for shape retention and improved durability than of the softer flexible disc material. Those skilled in the art, the disc spinning device can be made of a more solid material, such as plastic or metal for a few examples. The durable disc spinning device material (19) is shown in
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It should also be noted that the disc spinning device of this invention can be applicable for purposes other than those described herein. The above cited embodiment is intended as exemplary; and while it has described the invention with specific implementation thereof, other modifications and changes might be made in this embodiment as set forth and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, it should be understood that all material shown and described in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense, and the invention should be considered as comprehensive of all of the same which come within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. An aerodynamic toy for throwing and device to assist in spinning of the disc on a finger tip comprising, in combination, a body molded of a soft, flexible, homogeneous, thermoplastic, resilient, foam material having a peripheral edge generally circular outer perimeter defining a disc; and
- a recessed lower surface creating a rim throughout said central lower region adjacent said peripheral edge defining a rim; and
- the disc spinning device centrally located containing a bottom or top recessed dimple area extending about said central axis to facilitate faster spinning of disc and improved durability.
2. In an aerodynamic toy as in claim 1 wherein said disc spinning device centrally located containing both a bottom and top recessed dimple area extending about said central axis to facilitate simultaneous spinning of disc to obtain gyroscopic disc effects when both finger tip placements are done simultaneously.
3. An aerodynamic toy for throwing and device to assist in spinning of the disc on a finger tip comprising, in combination, a body molded of plastic, resilient, material having a peripheral edge generally circular outer perimeter defining a disc; and a recessed lower surface creating a rim throughout said central lower region adjacent said peripheral edge defining a rim; and centrally located bottom and top recessed dimple area extending about said central axis to facilitate simultaneous spinning of disc to obtain gyroscopic disc effects when both finger tip placements are done simultaneously.
4. In an aerodynamic toy as in claim 3 wherein said aerodynamic toy has a peripheral edge of softer flexible disc material for better cushion impact while catching.
5. In an aerodynamic toy as in claim 3 wherein said aerodynamic toy has a softer flexible disc material on bottom surface area of disc for improved cushion impact while tipping/tapping of the disc.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 15, 2006
Publication Date: Aug 24, 2006
Inventor: Steven Stark (Champlin, MN)
Application Number: 11/404,222
International Classification: A63H 27/00 (20060101);