Application # 2009/0176436. Toy disc and method

United States Patent Application	*20090176436*
Kind Code	A1
Stark; Steve	July 9, 2009

Toy disc and method

Abstract

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. While spinning a disc on one's finger can be difficult, the disc spinning 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 the 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.

Inventors:	Stark; Steve; (Champlin, MN)
Correspondence Address:	Law Offices of John W. Carpenter;John W. Carpenter 12 Metairie Court Metairie LA 70001 US
Serial No.:	283167
Series Code:	12
Filed:	September 10, 2008

Current U.S. Class:	446/46
Class at Publication:	446/46
International Class:	A63H 27/00 20060101 A63H027/00

Claims

1. A toy disc comprising a bottom-flight structure having a central assembly and a thickness, and an upstanding edge integrally coupled to the bottom-flight structure and having a thickness greater than the thickness of the bottom-flight structure.

2. The toy disc of claim 1 wherein said central assembly comprises a first coupling member and a second coupling member, at least one of which has a recess for receiving the tip of a finger.

3. The toy disc of claim 1 wherein said central assembly comprises a body having a pair of spaced end flanges and an intermediate flange.

4. The toy disc of claim 3 wherein at least one of said spaced end flanges has a recess for receiving the tip of a finger.

5. The toy disc of claim 2 wherein said first coupling member comprises a first support member and at least one arcuate wall.

6. The toy disc of claim 2 wherein said second coupling member comprises a second support member and at least one pair of spaced arcuate walls.

7. The toy disc of claim 5 wherein said second coupling member comprises a second support member and at least one pair of spaced arcuate walls, said arcuate wall of said first coupling member mates with said spaced arcuate walls of said second coupling member.

8. A method for spinning a toy disc comprising providing a toy disc comprising a bottom-flight structure having a central assembly which includes at least one recess, and spinning the toy disc on a finger tip.

9. A method for spinning a toy disc comprising providing a toy disc comprising a bottom-flight structure having a central assembly which includes a first recess on one side and a second recess on the other side, disposing a finger in the first and second recess, and spinning the toy disc on both finger tips.

Description

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10/369,099 filed Feb. 15, 2003, and fully incorporated herein by reference thereto as if fully repeated verbatim immediately hereafter. This application is also a continuation-in-part application of co-pending patent application Ser. No. 11/404,222 filed Apr. 15, 2006, and fully incorporated herein by reference thereto as if fully repeated verbatim immediately hereafter. Patent application Ser. No. 11/404,422 is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10/369,099, filed Feb. 15, 2003. Benefit of the Feb. 15, 2003 filing date and the Apr. 15, 2006 filing date is hereby claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002]Embodiments of the present invention are related to a toy. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide an improved toy disc, and a method for spinning toy disc on one's finger tip.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003]The application of flying-disc projectiles has been widely accepted, both as an active leisure pastime and as a recreational sport. Such conventional 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 devices became a dangerous flying implement. For example, if a game participant failed to catch the device, bodily injury could occur from facial impact. Furthermore, an unwary bystander could accidentally be struck in the head or elsewhere because of an errant flight trajectory. Such prior art devices had limited use indoors due to windows, mirrors, table, lamps and other fragile household articles being exposed to damage or breakage.

[0004]Previous attempts to provide resiliently yieldable flying saucers typically resulted in planar discs which did not possess ideal aerodynamic characteristics due to insufficient surface curvature or airfoil design. Consequently, the planar discs were deficient in flight duration and stability, glide performance and hovering ability. Such planar devices did not allow easy spinning on a tip of a finger for amusement purposes.

[0005]Therefore, what is needed and what has been invented is various embodiments of an improved toy disc which does not possess the deficiencies of prior art discs. What is further needed and what has been invented is a soft, pliant and flexible disc adaptable for use as an aerodynamic toy and/or for spinning on a finger tip. The spongy, elastic consistency of the disc structure provides for relatively harmless cushioned impact upon hitting an object or person.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006]Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved toy disc having a bottom structure and an upstanding edge connected to and circumscribing the bottom structure to form a recess. The toy disc additionally includes a central assembly for providing recreational feature, such as allowing the disc to be spun on one or more fingers.

[0007]Embodiments of the present invention further provide a method for spinning a toy disc. The method includes providing a toy disc having an upstanding edge connected to a bottom structure, and a central assembly disposed in the bottom structure; and spinning the toy disc on a finger tip.

[0008]These provisions, together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the following description proceeds, are attained by the methods and assemblies of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of the toy disc with insignia and showing a curved saucer-like contour edge configuration for flight dynamics.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of the toy disc illustrating a circular recess having a bottom-flight structure with a centrally disposed recess, and an upstanding circular edge which is integrally coupled to the bottom-flight structure and forms a perimeter around the recess.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a partial vertical sectional view of an embodiment of the recess in the bottom-flight structure with the recess having an opening where a plane across the opening is generally flush with the surface of the bottom-flight structure.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of the toy disc illustrating the bottom-flight structure including a generally circular recess surrounded by an upstanding, protruding, elevated structure having a generally tapering outer surface.

[0013]FIG. 5 is a partial vertical sectional view of the generally circular recess of FIG. 4 illustrating the generally circular recess surrounded by an upstanding, protruding, elevated structure having a generally tapering outer surface.

[0014]FIG. 6 is a pictorial segmented perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible flying toy disc shown with a stabilizing ring that is to be placed upon the disc's bottom (the bottom-flight structure) for improved flight dynamics and also highlighting in a dashed-line representation the position of the stabilizing ring on the disc's bottom.

[0015]FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of an embodiment of the stabilizing member having an upstanding edge being thicker than a (bottom) planar member (flight plate), and illustrating the planar member having a centrally disposed recess designed for facilitating the spinning of the flexible flying disc on one's finger.

[0016]FIG. 8 is a segmented view of an embodiment of the toy disc showing the stabilizing member of FIG. 7, designed for covering the face of the bottom-flight structure which has an upstanding circular edge integrally coupled thereto and thicker than the bottom-flight structure.

[0017]FIG. 9 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of another embodiment of the stabilizing member having an upstanding edge being thicker than a (bottom) planar member (flight plate), and illustrating the planar member integrally secured to the upstanding edge.

[0018]FIG. 10 is a segmented view of another embodiment of the toy disc showing a top plan view of the stabilizing member of FIG. 9 designed for covering the bottom-flight structure which generally has an upstanding circular edge integrally coupled thereto and thicker than the bottom-flight structure.

[0019]FIG. 11 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of another embodiment of the stabilizing member having an upstanding edge which may, or may not, be thicker than a (bottom) planar member (flight plate), and illustrating the planar member as having secured thereto at least one depending safety member, preferably a continuous ring shaped safety member, which in an embodiment of the invention has an arcuate or curved edge terminating in a straight edge to form a safety member having in vertical cross section the general appearance of a rudder of a boat.

[0020]FIG. 12 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of another embodiment of the stabilizing member represented as a stabilizing ring including a circular base bound to an upstanding edge which may, or may not, be thicker than the circular base, and illustrating the circular base as having secured thereto at least one depending safety member, preferably a continuous ring shaped safety member, which in an embodiment of the invention has an arcuate or curved edge terminating in a straight edge to form a safety member having in vertical cross section the general appearance of a rudder of a boat.

[0021]FIG. 13 is a segmented view of another embodiment of the toy disc showing a top plan view of the stabilizing member of FIG. 12 designed for circumscribing the perimeter of the bottom-flight structure, which generally has an upstanding circular edge integrally coupled to the bottom-flight structure, and the edge having a circular recess where the stabilizing member lodges.

[0022]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention highlighting spin and gyroscopic disc transitioning when a finger from each hand is used.

[0023]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0024]FIG. 16 is an alternate embodiment perspective view of central assembly.

[0025]FIG. 17 is the central assembly of FIG. 16 disposed in the flight structure.

[0026]FIG. 18 is an alternate embodiment perspective view of the central assembly.

[0027]FIG. 19 is the central assembly of FIG. 18 disposed in the flight structure.

[0028]FIG. 20 is an alternate embodiment cross-sectional view of the central assembly.

[0029]FIG. 21 is the central assembly of FIG. 20 disposed in the flight structure.

[0030]FIG. 22 is an alternate embodiment cross-sectional view of the central assembly.

[0031]FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the central assembly disposed in the flight structure.

[0032]FIG. 24 is an alternate embodiment cross-sectional view of the central assembly.

[0033]FIGS. 25-29 are various embodiments of the central assembly disposed in the flight structure.

[0034]FIG. 30 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the central assembly.

[0035]FIG. 31 is an alternate embodiment cross-sectional view of the central assembly disposed in the flight structure.

[0036]FIG. 32 is an alternate embodiment cross-sectional view of the central assembly.

[0037]FIG. 33 is an alternate embodiment cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0038]FIG. 34 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0039]FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the invention.

[0040]FIG. 36 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

[0041]FIG. 37 is a vertical sectional view of yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0042]FIG. 38 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the central assembly.

[0043]FIG. 39 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the central assembly.

[0044]FIG. 40 is a bottom plan view of a section of the coupling assembly.

[0045]FIG. 41 is a bottom plan view of a section of the coupling assembly.

[0046]FIG. 42 is a top plan view of one section of the coupling assembly.

[0047]FIG. 43 is a top plan view of the coupling assembly of FIG. 41.

[0048]FIG. 44 is a segmented view of the two sections of the coupling assembly spaced from each other and the flight structure.

[0049]FIG. 45 is a vertical sectional view of the two sections mating with each other while lodging with in an opening of the flight structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0050]In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/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, and/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.

[0051]Referring in detail now to the drawings wherein similar parts of various embodiments of the invention are represented by like reference numbers, there are seen various embodiments a toy disc, generally illustrated as 10. The toy disc 10 has a bottom-flight structure 14 and an upstanding edge 18 (a curved saucer-like contour edge) integrally coupled to the bottom-flight structure 14. For various embodiments of the invention, the upstanding edge 18 is generally thicker than the bottom-flight structure 14. In FIG. 1, toy disc 10 has an insignia 16. The toy disc 10 (i.e., the upstanding edge 18 and the bottom-flight structure 14) may be manufactured from any suitable material, preferably a resilient synthetic molded material composite (e.g., foam rubber).

[0052]For various embodiments of the invention, the bottom-flight structure 14 and the upstanding edge 18 form a circular recess 20 having the bottom-flight structure 14 with a centrally disposed opening [or recess], generally illustrated as 22. In one embodiment and as best shown in FIG. 3, a plane across the top of the opening 22 is generally flush with the planar surface of the bottom-flight structure 14. In other embodiments of the invention and as best shown in FIG. 5, the opening 22 in the bottom-flight structure 14 is circumscribed by an upstanding, protruding, elevated structure 26 having a generally tapering outer surface 30.

[0053]In various embodiments of the invention, the toy disc 10 includes a stabilizing member, generally illustrated as 38 having various embodiments for improving the flight dynamics of the toy disc 10. The stabilizing member 38 may be made from any suitable material, such as a resilient synthetic molded material composite.

[0054]In FIGS. 6, 12 and 13 the stabilizing member 38 comprises a ring 42 which includes a generally circular base 46 having coupled thereto an upstanding edge 48 which may or may not be thinker that the circular base 46. As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, at least one depending safety member 50 is secured to the circular base 46. Preferably, the depending safety member 50 comprises a continuous ring shaped safety member 54, which in an embodiment of the invention has an arcuate or curved edge 58 terminating in a straight perpendicular edge 62 which in vertical cross section has the general appearance of a rudder of a boat (see FIG. 12). In FIG. 13 there is seen the ring 46 of FIG. 12 circumscribing the perimeter of the bottom-flight structure 14 with the upstanding (circular) edge 18 and the bottom-flight structure 14 respectively having (circular) recesses 66 and 70 wherein the ring 46 lodges.

[0055]In various other embodiments of the invention and as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 and 11, the stabilizing member 38 comprises a planar base member 76 having the upstanding edge 48 integrally bound thereto. The planar base member 76 is typically designed to cover the face of the bottom-flight structure 14. In FIG. 7, there is seen the planar base member 76 having a centrally disposed recess 86 designed for facilitating the spinning of the flexible flying toy disc 10 on one's finger. The safety member 50 may be secured to the planar base member 76 as best shown in FIG. 11.

[0056]Practice of various embodiments of the present invention employs a disc-shaped toy, preferably a flexible flying disc-shaped toy formed of a resilient synthetic molded material composite (e.g., foam rubber) which may be molded in an integral, saucer-like configuration. The resilient molded material composite provides a cushioning effect when the 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. An edge of the disc-shaped toy possesses a sufficient thickness for providing greater durability and stability in flight, as well as being easier to catch.

[0057]Practice of additional embodiments of the disc-shaped toy employs a recessed and/or raised and recessed area concentrically positioned on its associated concave bottom to provide a central location for receiving a finger upon which the toy disc may be spun for enjoyment and amusement by any person. The toy disc may have a skin or fabric covering upon which decorative patterns and other indicia may be imprinted for enabling the toy disc to be used as an advertising novelty. The skin or fabric may be water resistant and possess buoyant characteristics that allow the toy disc to be used in water sports or as a pool toy. The buoyant characteristics of the toy disc are such that when the toy disc is floating in water, a portion of the toy disc extends above the water. The stabilizing ring, or smaller plastic inner disc, enclosed on the underside of the toy disc offers advanced flight stabilizing characteristics and maintains the cushion aspects of the outer disc.

[0058]Referring now in detail to FIGS. 14-45 for additional embodiments of the invention, there is seen in FIGS. 14 and 15 the toy disc 10 having the flight bottom structure 14 defining a central assembly 100 which is integral with the flight bottom structure 14. For this embodiment of the invention the flight bottom structure 14 comprises a recess 104 whose opening generally registers with a planar surface of the flight bottom structure 14, and a recess 108 disposed within an elevated (generally circular) structure 112. Recesses 104 and 108 generally register and are opposed to each other when cross-sectioned. The bottom structure 14 further includes a circular perimetrical edge 114 skewed, turned and integrally extending away from the flight bottom structure 14 while embedded in an upstanding structure 116 which has a planar structure 120 extending away there from and terminating in the elevated structure 112. The central assembly 100 for this embodiment of the invention may be disposed such as to be capable of rotating on a finger. A finger tip is placed within one of the recesses 104 or 108 of the central assembly 100 (i.e., disc spinning device). The flexible disc material 140 of the planar structure 120 is not exposed to wear and damage from a finger tip. The central assembly 100 is more durable than the flexible disc material 140 and offers more advanced spin capabilities with less friction.

[0059]As shown in FIG. 15 there is illustrated gyroscopic disc transitioning when a finger from each hand is used in finger placement within recesses 104 and 108. This offers the user control of the disc 10 with gyroscopic effects when the disc 10 is spinning and allows for easy disc transition and disc placement. The flexible disc edge 116 offers protective barrier from the more durable material of the central assembly 100 and is easier to grip when throwing or catching of the disc 10 as seen in the inner grip handle 124.

[0060]It is to be understood that for all embodiments of the invention the material (plastic or metal) selected for the central assembly 100 can be of elastic consistency while simultaneously providing the necessary rigidity and firmness for shape retention and improved durability over softer flexible disc material 142. As previously indicated, the material 142 may be any suitable material which serves the purposes of the present invention.

[0061]Referring now to FIGS. 16-19, there are seen central assemblies 100 having a body 128 which terminates at each end in flanges 132 and 136. The central assembly 100 in FIG. 18 includes an intermediate flange 142 connected to the body 128 and has a diameter larger than the diameters of flanges 132 and 136 which are essentially identical. Flanges 132 and 136, and intermediate flange 142 engage the flexible disc material 140. The flexible material 140 may be molded around the central assemblies 100. As previously indicated FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the central assembly 100 (as seen in FIG. 16) attached to the flexible disc material 140. As also previously indicated FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the central assembly 100 (as seen in FIG. 18) attached to the flexible disc material 140.

[0062]Referring now to FIGS. 20-23 there are seen other embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 20 there is seen a cross-sectional view of the central assembly 100 that comes together from two separate ring sections 150 and 154 and secures together by means of threaded screw type male/female means of each section. Top ring section 150 and bottom ring section 154 of the central assembly 100 threadably mate and are sufficiently tighten to retain the central assembly 100 within center of flexible toy disc 10. Female screw threads of the top section 150 secure to the male screw threads of bottom section 154 to provide a secure connection between the two sections 150 and 154 of the central assembly 100. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of central assembly 100 of FIG. 20 coupled together to hold and be retained within the disc material 140 which surrounds the edges of the central assembly 100.

[0063]FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the central assembly 100 having a top ring section 160 and a bottom ring section 164 snapped together with a clip type method. A top female clip retaining area 168 is positioned to accept and secure a bottom male clip retaining area 172.

[0064]Referring now to FIG. 23 there is seen an embodiment of the central assembly 100 within the flexible disc material 140. Dotted lines represent the recessed dimple areas within the central assembly 100 located within disc axis 180 and functions for receiving finger tips. Top recessed flexible disc material 140a for placement of the central assembly 100 and bottom recessed flexible disc material 140b for placement of central assembly 100 helps also in preferred embodiment to give the central assembly 100 a recessed surface appear [lower than the respective edges of the recessed flexible disc material 140a and 140b]. A tapering center extension 184 of the central assembly 100 is disposed within the flexible disc material 140 to provide internal stability and less friction within the flexible disc material 140 and/or the central assembly 100.

[0065]Referring now to FIGS. 24-29 for various other embodiments of the central assembly 100, there is seen in FIG. 24 a side elevational view of an embodiment of the circular central assembly 100 having a pair of opposed flanges 188 and 192 and a plurality of superimposed intermediate flanges 196 having different diameters such as to taper outwardly or away. FIG. 25 is the central assembly 100 of FIG. 24 embedded in material 140 and illustrating dimpled or recessed sections 200 and 204 for receiving a finger tip. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the central assembly 100 having opposed flanges 208 and 212, a plurality of intermediate flanges 216, and recessed finger-tip receiving openings 220 and 224.

[0066]FIGS. 27-29 discloses various embodiments of the central assembly 100 having a flanged end 230 (a circular plate member) and an end structure defining a recess finger-tip receiving opening 234 with a lip end 238. End 230 is seen as embedded in FIG. 27 and exposed in FIGS. 28 and 29. In FIG. 28 the central assembly 100 is formed with an intermediate stabilizing flange 240.

[0067]FIGS. 30-32 illustrate further embodiments of the central assembly 100. FIG. 30 is an end/top plate 250 having a female opening 254 where a male tip 258 of an end/bottom plate 260 enters. Female opening 254 has a bottom lip 255 and graphic indicia 268 are shown. FIG. 31 illustrates the male tip 258 disposed in the female opening 254. The bottom plate 260 has a finger-tip receiving dimple/recess 272 bordered by lip flange 274. FIG. 32 illustrates the recess structure having secured thereto radially disposed flight plates 276 or stabilizing ridges.

[0068]There is seen another embodiment of the invention in FIGS. 33-36. FIG. 33 is a bottom view of the central assembly 100 located within the center of the toy disc 10. In this embodiment of the invention, the central assembly 100 comprises a lower surface supporting structure 300 having a recessed dimple area 304, and an upper surface supporting structure 308 having recessed dimple area 312. The perimeter is defined as a generally circular border (rim) member 316 having an inner ring support member 320 embedded therein. A flexible circular flight plate 324 is bound to the circular border member 316. The flight plate 324 along with the border member 316 is covered with a suitable covering 328, which may be water proof or the like. As shown in FIG. 34, the structures 308 and 300 sandwich centrally the covering 328 and a central portion of the flight plate 324. Further illustrated in FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the central assembly 100 attached to the covering 328 which is supported by the flight plate 324 and surrounds the border 316. As previously indicated FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the central assembly 100 illustrating how the upper and lower structures 308 and 300 may be coupled to and supported by the flexible flight plate 324. FIG. 37 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the covering 328 disposed over the central assembly 100 which is secured to or integral with the flight plate 324.

[0069]FIGS. 38-45 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. For this embodiment the central assembly 100, there is seen a pair of coupling members 380 and 390, each respectively having coupling supports 330 and 310 which comprise recess or dimple sections 342 and 322 for receiving one's finger tip, respectively. Coupling support 380 supports a pair of arcuate male walls 338-338. Coupling support 390 supports two pairs arcuate female walls 395-395, each generally equally spaced from each other to generally define arcuate female receptacles for respectively mating with an arcuate male wall 338, as illustrated in FIG. 45.

[0070]It should also be noted that the disc spinning device/central assembly 100 of this invention can be applicable for purposes other than those described herein. The above cited embodiments are exemplary; and while embodiments have described the invention with specific implementation thereof, other modifications and changes might be made in the embodiments 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.

[0071]Practice of various embodiments of the invention provide the central assembly 100 molded or attached to a flexible flying disc and concerns a throwing projectile designed for improved spinning of the central assembly 100 on one's finger offering an easier spin because of less friction and is designed for cushioned impact. The device creates the ability to easily perform difficult disc spinning techniques: (1) spinning the inverted disc upon one's finger to spinning the disc on the other hand in a normal fashion with easy transitioning; (2) implementing unique gyroscopic disc effects with the disc; and (3) transitioning of the disc from inverted disc to a normal disc position.

[0072]Practice of further embodiments provide the central assembly 100 wherein the top and bottom surface area can be reduced with an anchoring element located within the soft disc material to help stabilize and secure the central assembly 100 within the flexible flying disc material. In compendium, the subject matter of this invention is directed to a central assembly 100 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. The resilient flexible flying disc material in the preferred embodiment is molded in a saucer-like 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 central assembly 100.

[0073]Reference throughout this specification to "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.

[0074]Additionally, any arrows in the drawings/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.

[0075]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.

[0076]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.

[0077]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 following claims and/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 appended claims.

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