Flying Discs Including Structures Extending from Underneath the Discs

The present application is a continuation application of and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/859,728, filed Jul. 7, 2022, entitled “FLYING DISCS INCLUDING STRUCTURES EXTENDING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DISCS”, and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/360,272, filed Sep. 20, 2021, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/360,474, filed Oct. 5, 2021, the entire disclosures of which applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to flying discs including structures extending from underneath the discs.

The application of a flying discs has been widely accepted, both as an active leisure pastime and as in disc golf. It is widely understood that flying discs are designed for the launching of the discs from the side of the flying disc and the use of the exterior rim for gripping of the flying discs. Individuals can have varied results with throwing such discs and are prone to have slight issues with release timing, direction, and spin. Beginners to well-seasoned disc golf professionals can have issues, as it is not like throwing a ball. Thus, such discs would benefit from having news ways of being thrown to improve launch ease and accuracy.

Also, individual launch flying discs from different angles, such as a raised arm, to more accurately launch a flying disc into a straighter line for being received by a catcher or disc golf basket. Also, when one is using a flying disc in the water, a swimming action and body position in general does not allow an individual the normal angles and ability to successfully launch the disc as one would normally do when launching the disc from the side of the flying disc and exterior rim grip.

Giving anyone more controlled accuracy in a desired direction or flight for launching of discs is beneficial for recreation, disc golf beginner, or a disc golf professional. Previous attempts to create flying discs have been primarily focused on improved aerodynamics for distance or side gripping. It has been discovered there is more of a need or desire to create a flying disc that can be easily launched and in a more controllable with respect to launch direction and flight by a recreational player, a beginner disc golf player, or a professional disc golf player. Disc golf flying discs largely resemble each other including the smaller putter flying disc. The putter flying disc can be used when in close proximity of the target. The disc golf putter flying disc should be designed for fairly short distance use and it can provide the most accurate direction of travel to get it into the disc golf basket or target. However, such discs appear to have the relative same physical attributes designed for the same similar launching throwing techniques as the longer flying distance driver or mid-range distance disc golf flying discs. Creating a disc golf flying disc putter one may prefer if the travel of the flying disc was reduced (e.g., reduced aerodynamics) so if one misses the target the flying disc putter does not travel far from the target. Currently one disc golf disc designed for distance closely resembles another designed for short distance (e.g., the disc golf putter).

Described herein are novel technologies that improve various aspects of a flying discs and provide specific solutions to at least overcome the problems mentioned in the background section or other parts of the application as well as other problems not described herein but recognized by those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the technologies described herein provide a flying disc having a bottom structure and an upstanding edge connected to and circumscribing the bottom structure to form a recess. The structure, in some examples described herein, is referred to as a flight plate or a plate. In some embodiments, the flying disc additionally includes inner central areas that form a ring or symmetrical ring like structures protruding from the recessed bottom flight plate (such as included underneath the plate). The ring or the symmetrical ring like structures facilitates the gripping of the flying disc from under the flying disc. In some embodiments, the symmetrical ring like structures include edging, texture, recesses, tabs, posts, curves, ribbing, the like, or any combination thereof to improve grip and assist in easier rotation of the flying disc during launch. The structures can vary greatly in shape and size, e.g., the structures can have different sizes, different thicknesses, heights, and diameters. These different versions can be beneficial for different hand sizes and flying disc sizes.

In some examples, the disc includes, such as being included underneath the plate, rings or ring like symmetrical structures created for improved reduction of flight aerodynamics and improved flying disc stabilization and ease of launch (e.g., the disc can include rings, edging, texture, tabs, posts, curves, ribbing, etc.). In some embodiments, flight stabilizing members are disposed on the bottom flight plate structure (such as underneath the plate). Some embodiments provide different ways for throwing a flying disc. Such examples includes providing a flying disc having an upstanding ring or ring like symmetrical structures located in central areas of the flight plate bottom with extended areas that can resemble ridges or can be ribbed or curved or can include texture, edging, tabs, posts, or the like, or some combination thereof.

Some embodiments provide easy gripping and rotational throwing of the flying disc in a more accurate way. Some embodiments can also include flight stabilizing members disposed on the bottom flight plate structure (such as underneath the plate). In a foam type flying disc embodiment, the disc can incorporate a centered inner durable flying disc device that is centrally located and secures between top and bottom of the plate.

Some embodiments provide additional ways for throwing a flying disc. The ways include a flying disc having an upstanding edge connected to a flight plate bottom structure where it is protruding from the bottom flight plate (such as from underneath the plate) and is a centrally located small inner molded ring rim that one could place a thumb and provide resistance when holding the edge of the flying disc with fingers simultaneously. Such embodiments can be grooved, ribbed, or textured to enhance thumb grip. Such a grip of the flying disc with the molded central location rim thumb ring included to allow gripping and rotation of the flying disc around a thumb. In some examples, manufacturing can create various flying discs to accommodate different skill levels of throwers, such as by modifying the diameter size, thickness, and height. In some examples, using one hand, the resistance from the center of the flying disc from the thumb placement within the molded center rim thumb ring and fingers on the flying disc outer edge creates a typical grip of the flying disc. In such examples and others, the rotation of a flying disc spin comes from the fingers rotating the flying disc upon the thumb recessed within the molded center rim thumb ring with a snap of the wrist and follow through of the thumb in a direction of attempted flying disc travel direction.

These and other important aspects of the invention are described more fully in the detailed description below. The invention is not limited to the particular methods and systems described herein. Other embodiments can be used and changes to the described embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the claims that follow the detailed description.

In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.

In reference to and with respect to at least some of the drawings mentioned in the section of this disclosure titled “Brief Description of the Drawings” and some embodiments of the invention, the description herein includes a flying disc which can be implemented in various ways, but is illustrated as flying discin this disclosure. The flying dischas a bottom flight plate structureand an upstanding edge(e.g., a curved saucer-like contour edge) integrally coupled to the top flight plate structure. In some embodiments, the upstanding edgeis thicker than the flight plate structuresand. The flying disc(e.g., including the upstanding edgeand the bottom and top plate structuresand) can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as a resilient synthetic molded material composite, e.g., including foam, rubber, plastic or plastic like durable molded material, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the bottom flight plate structureand the upstanding edgeform a circular recessconnecting to the bottom flight plate structure, with a centrally disposed grip ring (e.g., or raised structure from plate structure), illustrated as grip ring. In one embodiment, and as shown in, a small grip ring rises from the bottom flight plate structurefor thumb placement on the thumb ringthat is illustrated in. This shows the handgripping of the flying disc from the thumb ringand the fingers grabbing the exterior of the flying disc with pressure (e.g., grabbing the upstanding edge). Launching of the flying disc with forward arm motionand the finger rotating the upstanding edgeof the flying disc and launching the spinning motion of the flying discand the thumb (e.g., release of a flying disc), in, leaving the thumb ringin an intended direction of the flying disc flight target. The flying discand launching the spinning motion of the flying discin the accurate and intended direction of the flying discand target.

In some embodiments, the bottom flight plate structureand the upstanding edgeform a circular recessconnecting to the bottom flight plate structure, with a centrally disposed grip ring (e.g., or raised structure from plate structure), illustrated as grip ring. In one embodiment, and as shown in, grip ringextends from the bottom flight plate structurethat is illustrated in. This shows the hands thumb and fingersgripping of the flying disc under the plate structure. Launching of the flying disc with forward arm motionand the finger or hands rotatingand releasing of the flying disc rotatingand in the intended direction of travel and flight to target.

In some embodiments, and as shown in, the reinforced support for a resilient synthetic molded material composite type flying disc that gives the grip ring added support(which can be foam or rubber). The flying discand launching the spinning motion of the flying disc (e.g., see disc rotating) in the accurate and an intended direction of the flying discand flight path target.

In some embodiments, the flying discis a resilient synthetic molded material composite (e.g., including foam, rubber, or any combination thereof) that includes a centered inner durable flying disc device member, such as the bottom inner durable flying disc device(which can be plastic), illustrated in, and shown is a cross section having various embodiments for improving the thumb placement on the thumb ringand the grip ring. The inner durable flying disc device member comes together from two sections. Top cap retainerand the bottom inner durable flying disc devicefeatures the molded center rim with thumb ringand grip ring. The top cap retaineris female threaded and is attached through a flying disc opening, shown in, sandwiching the flying discwith the bottom inner durable flying disc deviceis illustrated in. The bottom inner durable flying disc devicehas a male threaded center section, illustrated in. The bottom inner durable flying disc device, illustrated in, highlights the angled partof the grip ringof the inner durable flying disc device having open air between it and the plate structurethat allows for better gripping and control.

In some embodiments, the flying discis a plastic material and the grip ringis molded together in one piece. The flying disccan have other material composites added and secured to the grip ringfor an enhanced grip ring, such as shown in, made of plastic or softer, rubber or different grip material of the flying discthat is attached to the grip ringoutside edge by pressure, glue, or other securing methods, illustrated secured in. The outside edge of the enhanced grip ringcan be recessed having open air between the flying disc flight plateto allow better gripping of the enhanced grip ring, such as illustrated in.

In some embodiments, the flying discis a plastic material and the grip ringis molded together in one piece. The flying disccan have other material composites added and secured to the grip ringfor an enhanced grip ring cover, as shown in, made with plastic, or softer, rubber or different grip material of the flying discthat attached to the grip ringby pressure, glue, or other securing methods, such as illustrated as secured in. In some embodiments, the flying discand under the plate structurethe grip ringstructure can also have additional flight reduction structuresor flight stabilization rings or structures, such as shown added and illustrated in. Some embodiments employ a flying disc-shaped toy, for example, a flexible flying disc-shaped toy formed of a resilient synthetic molded material composite (e.g., including foam, rubber, or any combination thereof) which can be molded in an integral, saucer-like configuration. The resilient molded material composite provides a cushioning effect when the flying disc shaped toy is thrown and caught; thus, making it safe and easier to catch. Embodiments of the disc-shaped toy provide an aerial projectile having aerodynamic flight characteristics which makes it suitable for use as an aerial toy, flying disc. An edge of the flying disc possesses a sufficient thickness for providing greater durability and stability in flight, as well as being easier to catch. Methods for throwing a flying disc includes a grip ring molded or inner durable flying disc device located under bottom of a flying disc flight plate for control and handling creating flying disc rotation and accurate direction of disc flight similar to throwing a baseball or football.

Some embodiments of the flying disc can have a skin or fabric covering upon which decorative patterns and other indicia can be imprinted for enabling the flying disc to be used as an advertising novelty. The skin or fabric can be water resistant and possess buoyant characteristics that allow the foam type flying disc to be used in water sports or as a pool toy. The buoyant characteristics of the foam type flying disc are such that when the foam type flying disc is floating in water, a portion of the foam type flying disc extends above the water.

Some embodiments feature utility capabilities for flying discs to be handled and thrown from under the flying disc with symmetrical ring structures under the flight plate. These substantial symmetrical inner grip ring areas supply the ability for anyone to grab, grip and launch the flying disc with a spin in the intended direction and accurately achieve the intended direction as easily as throwing a baseball or football. This is a huge advancement in flying discs to utilize the flying disc with one's hand from below the flying disc for launching of the flying disc flight more accurately in the intended direction to a receiving catcher, or disc golf basket, target. The learning curve to launch a flying disc is reduced and beginner to pro will appreciate the ease of use and enhanced control of the flying disc flight and achieving the intended direction.

Some embodiments of the flying disc or methods thereof utility feature capabilities for flying discs to be handled and thrown from under the flying disc with utility ring structures under the flight plate. These substantial symmetrical inner grip ring areas supply the ability for anyone to grab, grip and launch the flying disc with a spin in the intended direction and accurately achieve the intended direction as easily as throwing a baseball or football. Incorporating these ring structures and additional wind reducing structures will help slow down the flying disc distance for more stable flights and reduction in desired aerodynamics distance for flying discs used as flying disc putters for disc golf.

Reference throughout this specification to “some embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “a specific embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and not necessarily in all its embodiments. Therefore, the respective appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the present invention may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Some embodiments of the flying disc or of methods thereof include a thumb ring centrally located under flying disc flight plate for the placement of a thumb to facilitate the grip resistance from the center of disc and fingers simultaneously with equal pressure on the flying disc edge. This allows one to easily securely and accurately launch the flying disc with finger movement creating spin on the edge of the flying disc and rotation on thumb withing thumb ring. The forward snap of the arm or hand allows accurate throwing of the flying disc in an intended direction and controlled flight.

Additionally, any arrows in the drawings or figures should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein is generally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the foregoing description of the illustrated embodiments of the present invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Therefore, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to the particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of the embodiments of the invention will be employed without the corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the present invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular terms used in claims or to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the future appended claims.