Flying discs having improved gripping surfaces and flight performance

• US 6,887,119 B2
• Filed: 07/10/2001
• Issued: 05/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/10/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hyper Flight, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Hyperflite Incorporated
• Inventors: Perry, Jeffrey K., Bloeme, Peter R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ackun, Jacob K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Francis, Faye
• Application Number:
  US09/902,037
• Publication Number:
  US 20030013373A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,393 Days
• Field of Search: 446/46, 446/47, 446/48, 244/153.R, 244/153.A, 473/588, 473/589
• US Class Current: 446/46
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/18 Throwing or slinging toys, e.g. flying disc toys discs used in athletics A63B65/10as part of a game A63F9/02; sling weapons F41B3/00; spring toy guns F41B7/08

Abstract

A flying disc has a smaller diameter and lower profile which allow it to be more easily caught by dogs, children, and other less experienced players. The disc has an increased thickness and weight at the rim enabling the disc to travel greater distances. The disc has an increased thickness along a flight plate and along a transition area which helps deter puncture and other breakage due to aggressive canine catches. The disc has gripping surfaces positioned along an upper surface and on the underside of the disc which help a person retain better control of the disc while it is being thrown or caught. The gripping surfaces are segmented, staggered, uni-directional, and present a low profile. These gripping surfaces help prevent the accumulation of foreign matter that can render it difficult to grip or catch the disc and which can harm a dog'"'"'s teeth when catching the disc.

Claims

1. A flying disc adapted to be thrown by humans and caught by dogs, the disc including:

a. a rim;

b. a flight plate;

c. a transition area located between the flight plate and the rim;

d. a top side;

e. a bottom side;

f. a first gripping surface formed in the transition area on the top side of the disc;

g. the first gripping surface including a pattern of low-profile, staggered, noncontinuous segments which do not form a plurality of continuous annular ridges and grooves;

h. whereby the first gripping surface pattern comprises a plurality of vortex generators when the disc is in flight, and said pattern substantially fails to trap dirt and particulate matter.

2. A flying disc according to claim 1 further comprising a second gripping surface formed in the transition area on the bottom side of the disc, the second gripping surface including a pattern of low-profile, staggered, noncontinuous segments which do not form a plurality of continuous annular ridges and grooves;

whereby the second gripping surface pattern substantially fails to trap dirt and particulate matter.

3. A flying disc adapted to be thrown by humans and caught by dogs, the disc including

a. a rim;

b. a flight plate;

c. a transition area located between the (light plate and the rim;

d. a top side;

e. a bottom side;

f. a first gripping surface formed in the transition area on the top side of the disc;

g. a second gripping surface formed in the transition area on the bottom side of the disc and opposed to the first gripping surface;

h. the first and second gripping surfaces each including a pattern of low-profile, staggered, noncontinuous segments which do not form a plurality of continuous annular ridges and grooves;

i. whereby the first gripping surface pattern comprises a plurality of vortex generators when the disc is in flight, and said pattern substantially fails to trap dirt and particulate matter; and

j. whereby the second gripping surface pattern substantially fails to trap dirt and particulate matter.