Patent ID: 7900617
Filing Date: 2011-03-08
Classification: A63B,F41J

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for launching a flying disc, the apparatus comprising: an elongated handle member; an elongated launching member connected at a proximal end thereof to a distal end of the handle member so as to permit relative angular motion of the launching member and the handle member; a disc gripper connected to the launching member at a distal end of the launching member; and a release mechanism operatively coupled to the disc gripper and arranged so as to (i) enable the disc gripper to hold the flying disc with the launching and handle members forming an angle less than a release angle and (ii) cause the disc gripper to release automatically the held flying disc as the launching and handle members move to the release angle from an angle less than the release angle, wherein: the disc gripper comprises a pair of opposed gripping members arranged for gripping the flying disc positioned between them; at least one of the opposed gripping members is pivotably connected to the launching member so as to enable relative movement of the gripping members away from and toward one another; and the release mechanism is operatively coupled to at least one of the opposed gripping members so as to (i) bias the opposed gripping members toward one another to hold the flying disc between them with the launching and handle members forming an angle less than the release angle and (ii) release automatically the bias on the gripping members to thereby release the held flying disc as the launching and handle members move to the release angle from an angle less than the release angle.