Interlocking Flying Discs with Optional Spacer Ring

Abstract

The present disclosure deals generally with flying discs, often referred to as “Frisbees,” more particularly, interlocking flying discs of various shapes that may be temporarily affixed together along their open bottom cavities to form a portable, substantially waterproof storage container. One or more spacer rings may be interposed between the two flying discs before they are interlocked to provide an expanded volume storage container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application takes benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No. 61/704,470 filed Sep. 22, 2012 which is hereby included in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure deals generally with flying discs known as “Frisbees” more particularly, interlocking flying discs that may be temporarily affixed together along their open bottom cavities to form a portable, substantially waterproof storage container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While gyroscopically stabilized flying disc toys date to at least the late 1930s, the modern “Frisbee” was not patented until 1958. See: U.S. Design Pat. No. D183,626. While ordinarily used for casual park or beach throwing games, competitive games have since been created using the Frisbee as the main element. Games simulating football, soccer, and basketball have all been practiced at one time or another. One of these games is “disc golf.” Created in 1965, the object of the game is to pass a Frisbee through a hole, net, or other shape placed at some distance from the player. Ordinarily the distance is such that one toss of the Frisbee is insufficient to closely approach, much less pass through, the hole. Thus, the game is played much like conventional golf. The player uses the first toss to shorten the distance to the hole, makes his second toss from the location where the first toss landed, and so on, until the player manages to pass the Frisbee through the hole. The number of tosses required to pass the Frisbee through the hole is then recorded and the player advances to the next hole. After all the holes have been played, the winner of the game is the player requiring the fewest tosses to complete all the holes. Early on however, it was determined that conventional Frisbees were somewhat unwieldy for disc golf playing purposes. As a result, smaller diameter flying discs designed specifically for the game were developed. These discs range from about 9 to 10 inches in diameter and are denser than their larger counterparts. Even more recently the “mini-disc” was developed. These are smaller still, some only a few inches in diameter, and are often used as the equivalent of a “ball marker” to mark the location of a thrown disc in competitive disc golf.

No matter what size of flying disc is used, a more than one disc may be used when playing disc golf, each designed for a different purpose at a different point in the play of the hole. For example, a “driver” disc is usually constructed with a relatively sharp leading edge with a significant amount of its mass at the peripheral edge of the disc. This construction allows lengthy, straight flight over relatively long distances. Similarly, “putter” discs, have a more curved edge and are designed to fly more slowly and predictably for a shorter distance. Because of this, it is not uncommon for disc golfers to simultaneously carry at least two or more discs. While professional disc golfers may have caddies, casual players do not, so a common problem for most disc golf players revolves around carrying keys and other small personal items to and from the course and on the course while playing. Some time ago players began snapping two dissimilar, yet compatibly sized discs together to provide storage in the cavity formed between them. The problem with this approach is that there is no mechanism for interlocking these discs, so they are generally either too loose or too tight and can be either very difficult to separate or, alternately, become separated too easily. Aside from these difficulties, the two discs selected invariably were not optimized for use in disc golf applications. What is needed then, are a multiplicity of suitably engineered discs that may be easily and conveniently locked together and taken apart to form a handy storage container for small items needed when traveling to and from the course. Of course, conventional Frisbee and mini-disc enthusiasts might also enjoy the convenience of purchasing a pair of discs that interlock forming a sealed storage cavity. Also, since flying discs made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are substantially waterproof when assembled together, they naturally float on the surface of water. This further protects any personal effects secured inside. This is useful since water hazards are a ubiquitous feature of the public parks and disc golf courses where the game is played.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Most flying discs are similar in shape. Ordinarily, they have a circular body that is generally dished with a cavity on the bottom. While generally adopting this traditional shape, the present invention consists of two different flying discs such that: 1) The first flying disc is molded of a pliable material such that the outer facing aspect of the lower circumferential periphery forming the cavity of the flying disc forms an outwardly protruding continuous locking lip around the periphery; 2) The second flying disc is molded of a pliable material such that the inner facing aspect of the lower circumferential periphery forming the cavity of the flying disc forms an inwardly protruding continuous locking lip around the periphery; and, 3) The outside diameter of the outwardly protruding continuous locking lip of the first flying disc is somewhat larger than the inside diameter of the inwardly protruding continuous locking lip of the second flying disc. Since the continuous locking lips protrude either: 1) Radially away from the lower circumferential periphery forming the cavity of the first flying disc; or, 2) Radially in from the lower circumferential periphery forming the cavity of the second flying disc, a shallow channel is necessarily formed adjacent to each locking lip.

To assemble the two flying discs together to provide a storage cavity between them, the user orients the two cavities so that they face one another and are concentrically aligned. The user next ensures that the outwardly protruding continuous locking lip of the first flying disc is concentrically aligned with the inwardly protruding continuous locking lip of the second flying disc and snaps the outwardly protruding continuous locking lip of the first flying disc into the cavity of the second flying disc through the inwardly continuous locking lip of the second flying disc. This operation insinuates the outwardly protruding continuous locking lip of the first flying disc into the shallow channel that is adjacent to the inwardly continuous locking lip of the second flying disc, and vice versa, forming a sealed container. To disassemble, the user merely unsnaps the first and second flying discs. Once disassembled, the flying discs are used in the normal manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1a and 1b are disassembled and assembled cross-section views of two interlocking flying discs of the present invention.

FIGS. 2a and 2b are a bottom plan and cross-section view, respectively, of a first interlocking flying disc of the present invention.

FIGS. 3a and 3b are a bottom plan and cross-section view, respectively, of a second interlocking flying disc of the present invention.

FIGS. 4a and 4b are disassembled and assembled cross-section views, respectively, of two interlocking flying discs of the present invention with one form of a spacer ring insinuated between them.

FIGS. 5a and 5b are a top plan and cross-section view, respectively, of a second form of a spacer ring for use with the present invention.

FIGS. 6a and 6b are a bottom plan and cross-section view, respectively, of a second form of a spacer ring for use with the present invention.

FIGS. 7a and 7b are cross-section views of third and fourth forms of spacer rings for use with the present invention, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1a through 3b, several views of disc golf driver 100 and disc golf putter 110, in disassembled and assembled forms, are illustrated. Disc golf driver 100 typically has a sharper leading edge 101 allowing it to fly long distances. Like all flying discs, disc golf driver 100 has a cavity 102. In this embodiment, the outer facing aspect of the lower circumferential periphery forming cavity 102 of disc golf driver 100 is equipped with outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 103 around its circumference. As a result, a shallow channel is necessarily formed adjacent to outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 103. Outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 103 is used to allow the user to assemble disc golf driver 100 to other discs, such as disc golf putter 110, or various spacer rings.

Disc golf putter 110 typically has a blunt, more rounded leading edge 111. Rounded leading edge 111 concentrates a significant fraction of the mass of disc golf putter 110 in rounded leading edge 111 thus increasing the gyroscopically stabilizing effect rounded leading edge 111 imparts to disc golf putter 110 as it flies through the air. Rounded leading edge 111 also lowers the flight speed of disc golf putter 110 relative to disc golf driver 100 thus allowing more accurate placement, assuring it can repeatedly fly short distances in a well-controlled line from the user to the target. As before, disc golf putter 110 also has a cavity 112. In this embodiment, the inner facing aspect of the lower circumferential periphery forming cavity 112 of disc golf putter 110 has an inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 113. As a result, a shallow channel is necessarily formed adjacent to inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 113. Inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 113 is used to allow the user to assemble disc golf putter 110 to other discs, such as disc golf driver 100, or various spacer rings. To interlock properly and to ensure a virtually liquid proof seal, the outside diameter of outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 103 is slightly greater than the inside diameter of inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 113.

Ordinarily a disc golf driver 100 and a disc golf putter 110 are used the same way as other flying discs, i.e. the user grasps the rim of the disc between the thumb and forefinger and by “flicking” the wrist sends the disc rotating and flying in the desired direction. After using the discs, the user first places one or more personal effects in the dished cavity of one of the discs, orients cavities 102 and 112 so that they face one another and are concentrically aligned. Without limitation, personal effects may include such necessaries as car keys, a wallet, a cell phone, a coin purse, food, a drink, and so on. Next, the user ensures that outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 103 of disc golf driver 100 is concentrically aligned with inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 113 of disc golf putter 110 and snaps outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 103 of disc golf driver 100 into cavity 112 of disc golf putter 110 by passing outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 103 though inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 113. This operation insinuates outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 103 of disc golf driver 100 into the shallow channel that is adjacent to inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 113 of disc golf putter 110, and vice versa, thus forming a virtually liquid proof sealed container the internal volume of which comprises the combined internal volumes of cavity 102 and cavity 112. To disassemble, the user merely unsnaps disc golf driver 100 and disc golf putter 110 by pulling them apart. Once disassembled, the user's personal effects may be recovered, and the flying discs may be used in the normal manner.

While disc golf driver 100 and disc golf putter 110, like all flying discs, are ordinarily constructed of polyethylene plastic, this is not considered a limitation. Those having skill in the art will recognize that many other materials, including, without limitation, polypropylene, polystyrene, and biodegradable polyester are equally suitable. Many other substances such as hard rubber, ebonite, neoprene, carbon-reinforced plastics, metals such as aluminum, and so on, are also suitable.

Referring now FIGS. 2a through 4b several views of disc golf driver 100, disc golf putter 110, and spacer ring 120a, in disassembled and assembled forms, are illustrated. As described above, the outer facing aspect of the lower circumferential periphery forming cavity 102 of disc golf driver 100 is equipped with outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 103 around its circumference. As a result, a shallow channel is necessarily formed adjacent to outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 103. Similarly, disc golf putter 110 also has a cavity 112. In this embodiment, the inner facing aspect of the lower circumferential periphery forming cavity 112 of disc golf putter 110 has an inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 113. As above, a shallow channel is necessarily formed adjacent to inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 113. Spacer ring 120a has cavity 121 that is continuous from the top to the bottom of spacer ring 120a. The inner facing aspect of the upper circumferential periphery forming cavity 121 of spacer ring 120a has an inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 122. The outer facing aspect of the lower circumferential periphery forming cavity 121 is equipped with outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 124. As above, a shallow channel is necessarily formed adjacent to outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 124. Also as above, to ensure proper interlocking, the outside diameter of each of outwardly protruding continuous locking lips 103 and 124 is somewhat greater than the inside diameter of each of inwardly protruding locking lips 122 and 113, respectively.

In this embodiment, the user can create a virtually liquid proof sealed container with increased volume by interposing spacer ring 120a between disc golf driver 100 and disc golf putter 110. This is done in the following manner: First, the user places one or more personal effects in the dished cavity of disc golf putter 110, orients cavities 112 and 121 so that they face one another and are concentrically aligned. Without limitation, personal effects may include such necessaries as car keys, a wallet, a cell phone, a coin purse, food, a drink, and so on. Next, the user ensures that outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 124 of spacer ring 120a is concentrically aligned with inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 113 of disc golf putter 110 and snaps outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 124 of spacer ring 120a into cavity 112 of disc golf putter 110 by passing outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 124 of spacer ring 120a though inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 113. Next, the user orients cavities 102 and 121 so that they face one another and are concentrically aligned. Next, the user ensures that outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 103 of disc golf driver 100 is concentrically aligned with inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 122 of spacer ring 120a and snaps outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 103 through inwardly protruding locking lip 122 of spacer ring 120a by passing outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 103 though inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 122 of spacer ring 120a. By doing this, cavities 102, 112, and 121 are combined to form an expanded, virtually liquid proof sealed storage space. To disassemble, the user merely unsnaps disc golf driver 100 and disc golf putter 110 from spacer ring 120a. Once disassembled, the user's personal effects may be recovered, and the flying discs may be used in the normal manner. It will be apparent that the above sequence of steps may be equivalently performed by substituting disc golf driver 100 in lieu of disc golf putter 110 and vice-versa. Also, it will be readily apparent that a multiplicity of spacers 120a may be stacked and snapped together to create storage spaces of great volume.

Similarly, while the preferred embodiment of spacer ring 120a is preferably constructed of polyethylene plastic, this is also not considered a limitation. Those having skill in the art will recognize that many other materials, including, without limitation, polypropylene, polystyrene, and biodegradable polyester are equally suitable. Many other substances such as hard rubber, ebonite, neoprene, carbon-reinforced plastics, metals such as aluminum, and so on, are also suitable.

Similarly, it will be obvious that alternative spacers in any form may be created. For example, FIGS. 5a through 6b show a second form of a spacer ring 120b featuring substantially flat sides in contrast with a first form spacer ring 120a featuring convex sides.

Similarly, it is to be recognized that spacer rings 120a and 120b need not be rigid or even semi-rigid and as such many other forms and other materials may be employed. For example, alternative spacer rings may be cylindrical in form, made of flexible canvas or nylon fabric, and equipped with suitable locking rings at both ends allowing the user to attach mating flying discs at each end to create a closed, flexible tube-like structure with nearly unlimited internal storage capacity. Such a spacer ring may be equipped with straps, pockets, and/or mounting rings for attaching various accessories. Obviously, the aforementioned locking rings need not be at the ends of the spacer ring, nor need there be only two locking rings. For example, an alternative spacer ring may comprise a multiplicity of locking rings each for attaching a particular kind of flying disc and each opening to an individual storage compartment.

Similarly, while disc golf driver 100, disc golf putter 110, and spacer rings 120a and 120b have been described as having compatible diameters such that disc golf driver 100 and disc golf putter 110 may be assembled together or assembled with spacer ring 120a or 120b interposed between them, this is not considered to be a limitation. For example, a particular disc golf driver may be diametrically incompatible with a particular disc golf putter. In this case an alternative spacer capable of accepting the disc golf driver at one end and the disc golf putter at the other end may be used to form a closed container. In such a case, this alternative spacer may be said to “adapt” these diametrically incompatible discs to one another.

Similarly, while spacer rings 120a and 120b have previously been described as having an inwardly protruding continuous locking lip 122 and an outwardly protruding continuous locking lip 124 such that it is compatible with disc golf driver 100 and disc golf putter 110, respectively, this is not considered a limitation. For example, as show in FIG. 7a it will be readily apparent that an alternative embodiment of spacer ring 120c may be equipped with two inwardly protruding continuous locking lips 122 thus allowing the interconnection of two golf drivers. Similarly, as show in FIG. 7b it will be readily apparent that an alternative embodiment of spacer ring 120d may be equipped with two outwardly protruding continuous locking lips 124 thus allowing the interconnection of two golf putters.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention comprehends assembling at least two compatible flying discs to form a closed storage container, this too is not considered a limitation. For example, a single flying disc of the present invention may be used with a closed storage vessel equipped with a suitable locking ring as a removable lid.

Further, while the invention has been described in conjunction with what are considered to the most useful and practical embodiments, a cursory examination of the specification will suggest a virtually limitless number of alternative embodiments. More specifically, it will be apparent that many equivalent means of attaching two flying discs together to form a sealed storage space are available. For example, mating interlocking tabs and recesses molded into the lower circumferential periphery of each flying disc may serve the same purpose. Similarly, molded “hook and ball” fastening strips applied along the lower aspect of the lower circumferential periphery of each flying disc will also serve the same purpose. It is to be understood that all such alternative embodiments are included in the scope and spirit of the present application. Similarly, the multiplicity of “continuous locking lips” referred to in the specification may be rendered each as a multiplicity of adjacent locking lips molded or otherwise formed in the appropriate peripheral edge. Finally, while the multiplicity of “continuous locking lips” are shown as semi-ellipsoidal in cross section, this is not considered a limitation. Indeed each may be rendered in a variety of cross sections, including but not limited to, semi-circular, square, and triangular.

Claims

1. Interlocking flying discs with an optional spacer ring comprising:

a) a first interlocking flying disc comprising a circular body with a generally dished shape wherein the outward facing aspect of the lower circumferential periphery of said first interlocking flying disc has an outwardly protruding continuous locking lip;

b) a second interlocking flying disc comprising a circular body with a generally dished shape wherein the inward facing aspect of the lower circumferential periphery of said second interlocking flying disc has an inwardly protruding continuous locking lip;

c) wherein said first interlocking flying disc and said second interlocking flying disc are configured such that said locking lip of said first interlocking flying disc may be inserted through said locking lip of said second interlocking flying disc thus securing said first interlocking flying disc and said second interlocking flying disc together and forming a closed storage space between them.

2. Interlocking flying discs with an optional spacer ring of claim 1 such that when said first interlocking flying disc and said second interlocking flying disc are locked together to form a closed storage space said first interlocking flying disc and said second interlocking flying disc may be separated by pulling them apart.

3. Interlocking flying discs with an optional spacer ring of claim 2 further comprising:

a) a spacer ring generally cylindrical in shape with an open top and bottom wherein: i. the inward facing aspect of the upper circumferential periphery of the spacer ring further comprises an inwardly protruding continuous locking lip; and ii. the outward facing aspect of the lower circumferential periphery of the spacer ring further comprises an outwardly protruding continuous locking lip;

b) wherein said outwardly protruding concentric continuous locking lip of said first interlocking flying disc may be inserted through said inwardly protruding continuous locking lip of said spacer ring thus securing said first interlocking flying disc and said spacer ring together and forming a partially closed storage space; and,

c) wherein said outwardly protruding concentric continuous locking lip of said spacer ring may be inserted through said inwardly protruding continuous locking lip of said second interlocking flying disc thus securing said spacer ring to said second interlocking flying disc and forming a closed storage space.

4. Interlocking flying discs with an optional spacer ring of claim 3 such that said spacer ring is rigid.

5. Interlocking flying discs with an optional spacer ring of claim 3 such that said spacer ring is collapsible.

6. Interlocking flying discs with an optional spacer ring of claim 5 such that said spacer ring is constructed of fabric.

7. Interlocking flying discs with an optional spacer ring of claim 6 such that said spacer ring is constructed of nylon.

8. A method of using interlocking flying discs with an optional spacer ring to store and retrieve personal effects comprising the steps of:

a) placing personal effects in the cavity of said second interlocking flying disc;

b) inserting said outwardly protruding continuous locking lip of said first interlocking flying disc through said inwardly protruding locking lip of said second interlocking flying disc thus locking them together and forming a closed storage space containing said personal effects;

c) subsequently pulling said first interlocking flying disc and said second interlocking flying disc apart to unlock and separate them and allowing the retrieval of said personal effects.

9. A method of using interlocking flying discs and with an optional spacer ring to store and retrieve personal effects comprising the steps of:

a) placing personal effects in the cavity of said second interlocking flying disc;

b) inserting the said outwardly protruding continuous locking lip of said spacer ring through said inwardly protruding continuous locking lip of said second interlocking flying disc thus securing said spacer ring to said second interlocking flying disc and forming a partially closed storage space containing said personal effects;

c) inserting said outwardly protruding continuous locking lip of said first interlocking flying disc through said inwardly protruding continuous locking lip of said spacer ring thus securing said first interlocking flying disc and said spacer ring and forming a closed storage space containing said personal effects;

d) subsequently pulling said first interlocking flying disc and said spacer ring apart to unlock and separate them and allowing the retrieval of said personal effects.