Abstract:
The Foldable/Flexible sled is a lightweight circular sled that folds up into itself, with two quick hand motions, for quick and easy transport. Made of soft, flexible material it is also less dangerous in the case of sledding accidents.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of endeavor to which this invention pertains is recreational snow sleds. The purpose of this invention is to provide a sled that is lightweight, compact, and foldable. This invention should solve the problem of sled injuries, caused by heavy sleds hitting children on the sled hill. This invention also solves the issue of transporting heavy sleds to a hill and storing bulky sleds. This sled can by quickly folded and easily carried to a hill. It can be stored in a small space while not being used. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The foldable flexible sled is a lightweight sled that folds up into itself for quick and easy transport. Made of soft and flexible material it is also less dangerous in the case of a collision or other sledding accidents. The object of the invention is to provide a sled that is easy to transport and store. The sled also provides a fast, fun ride down a hill. Additionally, the sled is safer in case of a collision because of the soft nature of the materials used. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  shows the sled in its open form. The sled is circular, made of pliable fabric. One side is smooth to reduce friction. A thin, flexible, circular rod is sewn into the outer edge. 
         FIG. 2  shows the sled as it is starting to be folded. The sled is grasped on both sides, one hand on each side. One hand twists clockwise, the other counterclockwise, to begin the folding process. 
         FIG. 3  shows the complete twist of the sled just before it is folded together. The sled is twisted into a figure eight, as shown in the drawing. The two circles that form the eight are then folded together, one on top of the other. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The circular sled  100  is approximately 32 inches in diameter in its full form as pictured in  FIG. 1 . The material is a thick, durable nylon fabric  102  on one side and a smooth vinyl fabric on the other side  104 . 
     Around the perimeter  106  is a circular, flexible metal or plastic rim  108 . The rim  108  is encased in a hem  110  of the fabric  102  or  104 . The two circles of fabric are sewn together and a hem  110  of approximately ½ inch is sewn to encase the rim  108 . The smooth vinyl side  104  is configured to be placed on the snow, and the nylon side  103  is where the user sits. The user holds onto the sides of the sled (e.g. rim  108 ) as he/she slides down the hill. 
     The foldable/Flexible sled  100  provides a slick, fun ride down a hill. We have tested the sled  100  in a variety of snow conditions and it works as well or better than other sleds currently on the market. 
     The sled  100  folds up easily into a 12 inch circle (1 inch high) for easy transport and storage. The fold process begins with the user placing one hand on each side of the sled. One hand turns the sled  100  in a clockwise direction; the other hand twists the sled  100  in a counterclockwise direction. The sled  100  begins to twist as shown in  FIG. 2 . The user continues to twist the sled  100  into a full figure eight as shown in  FIG. 3 . The figure eight is then folded in half. The folding process can be completed in two quick motions that are easy for a child to do. 
     The sled  100  in its folded position is easy to carry and store. This solves storage space problems. Many homes have inadequate storage space for winter toys. The sled  100  is also easier to stow in a vehicle on the way to a sledding hill, or can be more easily brought to sledding parties. The sled  100  is also easier for a child to carry up a hill (without adult help). There is no other sled available that compacts into a 12 inch circle. 
     The Foldable/Flexible sled  100  also addresses some of the safety issues involved in sledding. Every year many children are injured by heavy sleds that hit them on a hill. Sleds collide &amp; sometimes sleds escape their owners and go down a hill without a rider. These runaway sleds account for many injuries as they hit children at the bottom of the hill. Injuries from these accidents can be as common as bruises and as serious as concussions. The Foldable/Flexible sled  100  is very light and minimizes chances of injury from impact with a sled.