US20080287031A1

US20080287031A1 - Dual flying discs

Info

Publication number: US20080287031A1
Application number: US12/152,244
Authority: US
Inventors: Harvey Brooks
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-05-16
Filing date: 2008-05-13
Publication date: 2008-11-20

Abstract

An apparatus for playing a throwing and catching game. The apparatus comprises a first disc member being formed of a first predetermined material and having each of a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size and a second disc member engageable with the first disc member and being formed of a second predetermined material and having each of a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size, such second predetermined size being smaller than the first predetermined size such that the second disc member nests inside the first disc member so that when the apparatus is thrown the second disc and the first disc separate and are caught as two separate discs.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is closely related to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/938,211 filed May 16, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a flying disc, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a flying disc that is thrown as a single disc but is caught as two discs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Throwing and catching flying discs have been an active entertainment for many people for a considerable period of time. There have even been some dogs that excelled in catching these discs. While there is nothing wrong with throwing and catching a flying disc, after a period of time and practice, skill level increases and the game may seem boring and too easy for some people. In addition, as there is a recognized need for physical activity in order to prevent obesity and to keep the body trim and fit, as well as preventing or reducing the risk of other health problems, new games that promote exercise and interaction are always welcomed.
Thus, it would be advantageous if there were a simple and effective means throwing and catching discs that would stimulate the interest in such physical activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus for playing a throwing and catching game. The apparatus comprises a first disc member being formed of a first predetermined material and having each of a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size and a second disc member engageable with the first disc member and being formed of a second predetermined material and having each of a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size, such second predetermined size being smaller than the first predetermined size such that the second disc member nests inside the first disc member so that when the apparatus is thrown the second disc and the first disc separate and are caught as two separate discs.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a flying disc that would be an exciting improvement over a conventional flying disc.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a flying disc the include two discs that are thrown as one disc but the discs separate and are caught as two separate discs.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a flying disc wherein the second disc fits inside the first disc.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a flying disc that is relatively inexpensive to make.
In addition to the various objects and advantages of the invention which have been described in some specific detail above it should be noted that various other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description, particularly when such description is taken in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the flying disc showing a second disc fitting inside the first disc according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 showing the two separate discs.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus wherein the disc is thrown as one disc but caught as two discs.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus similar ro FIG. 3 wherein the disc is thrown as one disc but is caught as two separate discs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.
In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for playing a throwing and catching game. The apparatus 10 comprises a first disc member 2 being formed of a first predetermined material and having each of a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size and a second disc member 4 engageable with the first disc member 2 and being formed of a second predetermined material and having each of a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size, such second predetermined size being smaller than the first predetermined size such that the second disc member 4 nests inside the first disc member 2 so that when the apparatus 10 is thrown the second disc 4 and the first disc 2 separate and are caught as two separate discs.
The first and second predetermined shape of the first disc member 2 and the second disc member 4 are substantially circular. It is presently preferred that the diameter of the first disc member 2 is at least ⅛ inch greater than the diameter of the second disc member 4. It is also preferred that the diameter of the first disc member 2 is not greater than 1 inch of the second disc member 4. It is preferable that the diameter of the first disc member 2 is closer to being ¼ inch greater than that of the second disc member 4.
It is also preferred that the first predetermined material and the second predetermined material be made of the same material and that the material for forming both discs be plastic.
Thus, the present invention provides an improvement on conventional flying discs such as Frisbies. The invention comprises two separate flying discs that appear as one prior to the throw in which the second disc is nested within the first disc. Each individual disc is constructed similar to conventional flying discs, but one will be sized slightly smaller than the other. The difference in diameter should be at least ⅛ inch but not greater than 1 inch.
Once thrown the discs will separate but arrive at a similar catchable destination, depending on the velocity of the throw, wind speed and wind direction. The separation of the two discs can begin either halfway through the throw or at the point of contact with the recipient, again the point of separation is dependent upon the aforementioned external variables.
The two discs are constructed of similar durable plastic or other similar materials although plastic is presently preferred. Such a dual disc system adds fun to beach outings, trip to the park, cookouts or other outdoor events. It is designed to promote physical activity and family interaction. Such dual discs will increase hand/eye coordination as the recipient must then attempt to catch two discs.
Such dual discs could be utilized for organized flying disc team events, which are popular at many colleges and universities, or integrated into numerous flying disc games, such as disc golf, which are played frequently. It could also be included in a school's gym class curriculum or used at after-school programs and summer camps. Such dual discs could also be useful for sports conditioning or physical therapy.
While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for playing a throwing and catching game, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a first disc member being formed of a first predetermined material and having each of a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size; and

(b) a second disc member engageable with said first disc member and being formed of a second predetermined material and having each of a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size, said second predetermined size being smaller than said first predetermined size such that said second disc member nests inside said first disc member so that when said apparatus is thrown said second disc and said first disc separate and are caught as two separate discs.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first and said second predetermined shape of said first and said second member are substantially circular.

3. The apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein a diameter of said first disc member is at least ⅛ inch greater than a diameter of said second disc member.

4. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said diameter of said first disc is not greater than 1 inch of said second disc member.

5. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined material said second predetermined material are substantially identical.

6. The apparatus, according to claim 6, wherein said first and said second predetermined material are plastic.