Abstract:
A recreational or competitive flying disc includes an illumination system employing an array of flexible optical fibers to distribute the light of a single light emitting diode (LED) from the rotational center of the disc to its outside periphery. A small water-resistant compartment centered on the underside of the disc houses the LED, battery, and the illumination control. The leads of the LED also serve as the contacts of the battery. One end of each of the optical fibers is embedded in the LED, and the other end extends radially from the central housing on the underside surface of the disc to the rim of the disc. The flying disc is illuminated without altering the aerodynamic properties of the disc.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/392,824 filed 28 Jun. 2002. The entirety of this provisional application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The invention in general relates to an illuminated aerodynamic toy/athletic device, and, more particularly, to illuminated flying discs.  
         [0004]     2. Statement of the Problem  
         [0005]     The FRISBEE™ and similar flying discs are well-known devices used as toys and in sports activities. Numerous attempts have been made to improve these flying discs by adding lighting systems to allow effective use of the flying disc in darkness or low light conditions. See, for example: U.S. Pat. No. 3,720,018 issued Mar. 13, 1973 to Peterson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,786,246 issued Jan. 15, 1974 to Johnson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,812,614 issued May 28, 1974 to Richard H. Harrington; U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,523 issued Apr. 6, 1976 to Henry G. Michael; U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,723 issued May 2, 1978 to Raymond L. Strawick; U.S. Pat. No. 4,132,031 issued Jan. 2, 1979 to Louis G. Psyras; U.S. Pat. No. 4,135,324 issued Jan. 23, 1979 to Miller et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,145,839 issued Mar. 27, 1979 to Joseph M. Sampietro; U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,702 issued Jun. 17, 1980 to Boatman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,010 issued Feb. 3, 1981 to Daniel W. Fox; U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,575 issued Mar. 10, 1981 to Arnold S. Gould; U.S. Design Pat. No. 260,786 issued Sep. 15, 1981 to Stanley C. Chaklos; U.S. Pat. No. 4,301,616 issued Nov. 24, 1981 to Terry J. Gudgel; U.S. Pat. No. 4,307,538 issued Dec. 29, 1981 to Keith S. Moffitt; U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,196 issued Feb. 14, 1984 to Mark R. Kutnyak; U.S. Pat. No. 4,435,917 issued Mar. 13, 1984 to William B. Lee; U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,570 issued May 7, 1985 to Edward R. Beltran; U.S. Pat. No. 4,563,160 issued Jan. 7, 1986 to William B. Lee; U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,850 issued Aug. 26, 1986 to Henry M. O&#39;Riley; U.S. Design Pat. No. 286,657 issued Nov. 11, 1986 to Tom Fields; U.S. Pat. No. 4,778,428 issued Oct. 18, 1988 to Paul J. Wield; U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,749 issued Jul. 11, 1989 to Charles J. Petko; U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,098 issued Jul. 16, 1991 to Balogh et al.; U.S. Design Pat. No. 337,134 issued Jul. 6, 1993 to Scruggs et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,184 issued Mar. 1, 1994 to Balogh et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,531 issued Jun. 7, 1994 to Mark R. Kutnyak; U.S. Design Pat. No. 350,783 issued Sep. 20, 1994 to Jerry R. Bacon; U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,195 issued Jul. 16, 1996 to Bryan W. Stamos; U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,720 issued Mar. 18, 1997 to John Vandermaas; U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,166 issued May 11, 1999 to Charles L. R. Robb; U.S. Design Pat. No. 386,221 issued Nov. 11, 1997 to Steven R. Ybanez; U.S. Design Pat. No. 390,282 issued Feb. 3, 1998 to Brett Burdick; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,716 issued Aug. 3, 1999 to Hopkins et al. These attempts can be categorized into three basic approaches as follows.  
         [0006]     One of the earliest systems was to use “glow-in-the-dark” materials integrated into the structure of the disc or added by means of special coating materials. Although the disc produces a glow at night, the phosphorescent material is ineffective during the twilight hours due to high ambient light level. In addition, the glow is not long lasting and such discs require frequent and inconvenient “recharging” by exposure to a strong light source.  
         [0007]     Other systems employ chemilucent liquids as a light source, but these require bulky compartments to house the liquid and the liquid itself is heavy. In addition, once the chemical reaction is initiated, the usable light output only lasts a few hours and the chemilucent material must be discarded and replenished after each use.  
         [0008]     More recent illumination systems employ multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs). However, even with complex dimming, pulsing, or other energy conserving circuitry, the use of multiple LEDs creates a relatively large drain on any battery and requires substantially larger batteries and/or their frequent replacement. The additional mass and volume required to house multiple LEDs, metallic wiring, complex control circuitry, and bulky disposable batteries severely degrades the flight characteristics of the disc. In addition, the complex circuitry is susceptible to damage resulting in low durability and a short lifetime for the device. Further, the complexity of these systems significantly increases the cost of the flying disc.  
         [0009]     In addition to the bulky wiring configurations, some of these illumination systems employ screw-type caps that function as a switch by pressing the LED leads against the wiring connected to battery terminals as the cap is screwed down. Many times these screw-type caps are over-tightened, which flatten the electrical contacts and leads and cause deteriorating electrical connections. Further, these screw-type caps have battery compartments that are shaped to hold a battery, but not grip the battery tight, which allows the battery to slightly move from side to side inside its compartment. This movement further deteriorates the electrical contacts and leads inside the battery compartment. Furthermore, the switch could be accidentally activated when the user is closing the battery compartment.  
         [0010]     Despite the numerous attempts to provide an illuminated flying disc, there does not yet exist an illuminated disc that combines low power consumption, volume, and weight, with high durability, normal flying disc flight characteristics and relatively low cost. None of these provide for bright, long-lasting illumination of the entire disc without adding weight or bulk, which unduly affects the flight characteristics of the flying disc. Further, those designs that provide the most effective illumination suffer from low durability and high cost. Thus, there is needed a flying disc having an illumination system that combines low power consumption, volume, and weight, with high durability, normal flying disc flight characteristics and relatively low cost.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     The invention solves the above problem by providing an illuminated flying disc with a simple, compact lighting system. In the preferred embodiment, the illuminated flying disc has no protrusions on the flat disc and therefore performs like the best unlighted flying discs. One inventive feature is that the illuminated flying disc includes optical fiber material that has one end embedded in the LED casing to provide distribution of light throughout the disc without requiring the use of multiple LEDs. Preferably, the optical fiber material is contained in a translucent rib, and more preferably in a channel formed in the rib. Preferably, the channel does not go to the edge of the flying disc but abuts the inside of the translucent annular rim. A further inventive feature is that the leads of the LED chip contact the battery terminals directly, thereby providing substantially less wiring than the prior art and also affording solderless connections.  
         [0012]     The invention provides a flying disc comprising: a disc-shaped body member having a first surface and a second surface and terminating at its periphery in an annular rim; the first surface being essentially flat; the rim extending in a direction substantially away from the plane of the first surface and together with the second surface defining a semi-enclosed space; an electronics housing centrally located on the second surface, located entirely within the semi-enclosed space with no portion thereof protruding from the first surface, and having a maximum external housing radius of one-fourth or less of the radius of the annular rim; an electronic source of light located entirely within the electronics housing; and an optical fiber located to receive light from the light source. More preferably, the maximum external radius of the electronics housing is one-fifth or less of the radius of the annular rim. Most preferably, the maximum external radius of the electronics housing is one-seventh or less of the radius of the annular rim. Preferably, the electronics housing is circular. Preferably, the external radius of the circular electronics housing ranges from 0.75 inches to 1.5 inches. Preferably, the electronic source of light comprises an LED and a battery. Preferably, the flying disc further includes a dual battery adapter and there are two of the batteries located in the adapter. Preferably, the flying disc further includes a rib attached to the second surface and the optical fiber is located within the rib. Preferably, the electronic source of light includes a light switch.  
         [0013]     The invention also provides an aerodynamic toy/athletic device comprising: a gliding body terminating at its periphery in an annular rim; a light source attached to the gliding body, the light source including only one light emitting diode (LED), the LED comprising a semiconductor chip embedded in a dielectric casing; and a plurality of optical fibers attached to the gliding body, each optical fiber having one end embedded in the dielectric casing. Preferably, the LED is substantially centrally located on the gliding body. Preferably, the light source further includes a battery, the LED further includes a pair of electrical leads, and the electrical leads directly contact the battery. Preferably, the gliding body comprises a disc-shaped body member having a first surface and a second surface and terminating at its periphery in an annular rim; the rim extending in a direction substantially away from the plane of the first surface and together with the second surface defining a semi-enclosed space. Preferably, the aerodynamic toy/athletic device further includes a plurality of ribs attached to the second surface, and one of the optical fibers is located in each of the ribs. Preferably, each of the ribs further includes a channel formed in the rib and the optical fiber associated with the rib is located in the channel. Preferably, the channels do not penetrate the inside edge of the rim. Preferably, the disc-shaped body, the rim, and the channels are translucent. Preferably, the ribs further include an opening formed in the ribs wherein the opening has a smaller diameter than the channel.  
         [0014]     In another aspect, the invention provides an aerodynamic toy/athletic device comprising: a gliding body terminating at its periphery in an annular rim; and a light source attached to the gliding body, the light source comprising: a light emitting diode (LED), the LED comprising a semiconductor chip embedded in a dielectric casing; a pair of electrical leads attached to the semiconductor chip; and a battery source; wherein the electrical leads directly contact the battery source. Preferably, the gliding body further includes an optical fiber material attached to the gliding body and located to receive light from the light source. Preferably, the gliding body comprises a disc-shaped body member having a first surface and a second surface and terminating at its periphery in an annular rim; the rim extending in a direction substantially away from the plane of the disc and together with the second surface defining a semi-enclosed space. Preferably, the aerodynamic toy/athletic device further includes a plurality of ribs attached to the second surface, and wherein one of the optical fiber material is located in each of the ribs. Preferably, the channels abut but do not penetrate the inside edge of the rim. Preferably, the battery source comprises a dual battery assembly including a dual battery adapter and a first battery and a second battery located in the adapter; and the first lead contacts the first battery and the second lead contacts the second battery.  
         [0015]     In a further aspect, the invention provides a flying disc comprising: a disc-shaped body member having a first surface and a second surface and terminating at its periphery in an annular rim; the first surface being essentially flat; the rim extending in a direction substantially away from the plane of the disc and together with the second surface defining a semi-enclosed space; an electronics housing centrally located on the second surface; an electronic source of light located entirely within the electronics housing; a plurality of ribs attached to the second surface and extending radially from the electronics housing; and a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber located in one of the ribs. Preferably, each of the ribs further includes a channel formed in the rib and the optical fiber associated with the rib is located in the channel. Preferably, the channels abut but do not penetrate the inside edge of the rim. Preferably, the channels include a lip for retaining the optical fibers. Preferably, the electronics housing includes a base member, a battery, and a cap, wherein the battery is located between the base member and the cap.  
         [0016]     In yet another aspect, the invention also provides a method of making an illuminated flying disc, the method comprising: providing a gliding body having a disc-shaped member and an annular rim integrally formed with the disc-shaped member, the annular rim extending in a direction substantially away from the plane of the disc-shaped member; the inner surface of the rim and the lower surface of the disc-shaped member defining a semi-enclosed space; the gliding body including an aerodynamic surface including the upper surface of the disc-shaped member and the outer surface of the annular rim; and integrating an electronic illumination system into the flying disc without altering the aerodynamic properties of the aerodynamic surface. Preferably, the method further includes forming aerodynamic ridges in the aerodynamic surface.  
         [0017]     In still a further aspect, the invention provides a method of illuminating a flying disc, the method comprising: providing a flying disc having an electronics chamber and an LED within the electronics chamber, the LED including a semiconductor chip embedded in a dielectric and a first electrical lead and a second electrical lead attached to the semiconductor chip; placing a battery assembly in the electronics chamber so that a first conducting portion of the battery assembly directly contacts the first electrical lead; and directly contacting a second portion of the battery assembly with the second electrical lead. Preferably, the battery assembly comprises a single battery. Preferably, the battery assembly comprises a dual battery assembly.  
         [0018]     In still another aspect, the invention provides a switchable light source for a flying disc including a first surface and a second surface comprising: a base member including a plurality of base elements; a cap that covers the base elements; a battery assembly having a first terminal and a second terminal located between the base elements and the cap; and a light emitting diode (LED) having a first lead located in contact with the first terminal and a second lead located substantially adjacent to one of the base elements; wherein rotating the cap forces the one of the base elements towards the second terminal and the second lead into contact with the second terminal. Preferably, the cap is rotatable between a first position and a second position. Preferably, the cap includes a cam that doesn&#39;t engage the one of the base elements when the cap is in the first position and engages the one of the base elements when the cap is in the second position. Preferably, the one of the base elements is abbreviated to form an opening and wherein the cam is located substantially in the opening when the cap is in the first position. Preferably, the switchable light source further includes a detent engageable by the cap to hold the cap in the second position.  
         [0019]     In yet another aspect, the invention provides a flying disc comprising: a disc-shaped body member having a first surface and a second surface and terminating at its periphery in an annular rim; the first surface being essentially flat; the rim extending in a direction substantially away from the plane of the disc and together with the second surface defining a semi-enclosed space; an electronics housing located on the second surface; the electronics housing comprising: a base member including a plurality of flexible base elements; a cap that covers the base elements; a battery support creating an electronics recess between the battery and the second surface; and disc-illuminating electronics in the electronics recess; wherein the base members cap and battery support are located and adapted such that when the cap is placed on the base elements, the base elements and cap grip the battery forming a rigid electronic housing structure that protects the disc illuminating electronics. Preferably, the base elements extend substantially perpendicular from the second surface. Preferably, the base elements further include an outwardly extending ridge substantially parallel to the second surface, and the cap further includes an inner perimeter groove for engaging the ridges. Preferably, the battery support comprises a plurality of posts. Preferably, the cap includes a beveled surface located to contact the battery. Preferably, the electronics includes a light emitting diode (LED).  
         [0020]     The invention further provides a switchable light source for a flying disc comprising: an electronics housing including a plurality of non-conductive flexible base elements and a cap covering the base elements; and a switch mechanism comprising: a cam located on the cap; one of the base elements, and a conductive switch element in contact with the one base element; the cam, the one base element and conductive switch element located so that when the cap is rotated, the cam moves the base element to activate the switch. Preferably, the switchable light source further includes a battery located between the one of the base elements and the cap. Preferably, the battery includes a pair of terminals, the flying disc further including a light emitting diode (LED) having a first lead located in contact with one of the terminals and a second lead located substantially adjacent to one of the base elements.  
         [0021]     The invention also provides a method of illuminating a flying disc, the method comprising: providing a flying disc having an electronics housing, an electronics housing cap, and a light source; placing a battery in the electronics housing; securing the battery in the electronics housing by placing the cap on the electronics housing without turning on the light source; and rotating the cap to turn on the light source. Preferably, the electronics housing includes a plurality of flexible base elements wherein the securing comprises the cap bending the flexible base elements to grip the battery. Preferably, the placing comprises placing a dual battery assembly in the electronics housing.  
         [0022]     In another aspect, the invention provides a method for switching a light source for a flying disc including a base structure including a plurality of flexible non-conducting base elements, a cap that covers the base elements, a battery assembly having a first terminal and a second terminal located between the base elements and the cap; and a light emitting diode (LED) having a first lead located in contact with the first terminal and a second lead located substantially adjacent to one of the base elements, the method comprising: rotating the cap and thereby: pinching the one of the base elements towards the second terminal; and contacting the second lead with the second terminal.  
         [0023]     The invention also provides a flying disc comprising: a disc-shaped body member having a first surface and a second surface and terminating at its periphery in an annular rim; the rim extending in a direction substantially away from the plane of the first surface and together with the second surface defining a semi-enclosed space; a light source for illuminating the flying disc; a photovoltaic cell located on the first surface; and a rechargeable battery connectable to the photovoltaic cell and the light source.  
         [0024]     In another aspect, the invention provides a dual battery adapter comprising: a battery holding member having a first slot adapted to hold a first disc-shaped battery and a second slot for holding a second disc-shaped battery; the battery holding member sized and shaped to fit snugly into a battery chamber designed for a third disc-shaped battery that is larger than the first and second battery. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0025]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an illuminated flying disc according to the invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  shows a top plan view of the illuminated flying disc of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  shows a bottom plan view of the illuminated flying disc of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  shows a cross-section view of the preferred embodiment of an illuminated flying disc according to the invention taken through line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is a plan view illustration of the electronics housing and related components of the illuminated flying disc of  FIG. 1  with the battery and cap removed;  
         [0030]      FIG. 6A  shows a perspective view of a single battery according to the invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 6B  shows a perspective view of a dual battery and accompanying adapter according to the invention;  
         [0032]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are perspective views of the electronics compartment and related components of  FIG. 5  with the optical fibers removed to better illustrate the switch mechanism of the preferred embodiment of an illuminated flying disc according to the invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 7C  is a partial plan view of a portion of the electronics housing and related components of  FIG. 5  with the switch in the OFF position;  
         [0034]      FIG. 7D  is the view of  FIG. 5  with the switch in the ON position;  
         [0035]      FIG. 8  shows a plan view of the top of the cap of the illuminated flying disc of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-section of the cap taken through line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective bottom view of the cap of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 11  is a cross-section view of a rib and optical fiber material taken through line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 12  is a cross-section of the LED and optical fiber materials of the illuminated fly disc taken through a plane parallel to the paper in  FIG. 5 ; and  
         [0040]      FIG. 13  shows a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of an illuminated flying disc according to the invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0041]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a flying disc  100  according to the invention. Flying disc  100  preferably includes flying disc body  103  including a disc-shaped body member  101 , an annular rim  112 , and a curved connecting body portion  106  connecting disc  101  and rim  112 . Disc-shaped body member  101  has a first surface  102 , and rim  112  extends in a direction substantially away from the plane of the first surface  102 . Here, a direction substantially away from the plane of the first surface means that the direction is not along the plane of the first surface but makes a substantial angle with the plane of the first surface. Preferably, this angle is substantially 90 degrees, but may vary from about 30 degrees to 150 degrees.  
         [0042]     In addition to first surface  102 , which is the outer surface of the disc-shaped portion of body  103 , it is useful to consider an aerodynamic surface  40 , which is defined to include surface  102 , the outer surface of connecting portion  105 , and the outer portion of rim  112 . Preferably, ridges  104  are formed in aerodynamic surface  40 , preferably in connecting  105  region near disc  101 .  FIG. 3  is a bottom view of flying disc  100  showing a second or bottom surface  106 , which is the surface extending on the opposite side of disc  101  from surface  102  and the bottom side of connecting portion  106 , a plurality of ribs  108 , a plurality of optical fibers  118 , and electronics housing  114  including electronics housing cap  134 . Preferably, each optical fiber  118  is enclosed in one of ribs  108 , and each rib  108  contains an optical fiber  118 . Each rib  108  is adhesively affixed or welded to second surface  106 , and each optical fiber  118  is frictionally retained in a rib  108  as will be described in detail below in connection with  FIG. 11 . Electronics housing  114  ( FIG. 4 ) including cap  134  are preferably located centrally on second surface  106 , and ribs  108  and optical fibers  118  preferably extend radially from electronics housing  114  along second surface  106  of flying disc  100 . Output end  107  of each optical fiber  118  preferably does not penetrate annular rim  112  of flying disc  100 , but terminates without penetrating inside edge  39  of annular rim  112 . Annular rim  112  ends at edge  110  of flying disc  100 . A top view of flying disc  100  is shown in  FIG. 2  illustrating the preferred relative locations of ribs  108 , electronics housing  114 , ridges  104 , and rim  112 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 4  is a cross-section view of flying disc  100  taken through line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . Flying disc  100  includes a semi-enclosed space  146  defined by annular rim  112 , edge  110 , and second surface  106 .  FIG. 4  also shows an exploded view of electronics housing  114 , which includes a battery assembly which can consist of a single battery  142 , a pair of batteries, a pair of batteries in an adapter  144  ( FIG. 6B ), or any other battery combination. Electronics housing  114  also includes an LED  116 , a switch  129  (shown in  FIGS. 7A-7D ), a cap  134 , and a base structure  141 . Preferably, electronics housing  114  does not protrude through the plane of first surface  102 . Cap  134  snaps on top of base structure  141  via tabs and grooves which are described below.  
         [0044]      FIG. 5  is a plan view illustration of base structure  141  with battery  142  and cap  134  removed. Base structure  141  preferably includes a plurality of base elements  115  and a base lever element  123 , which are perhaps better understood seen in perspective in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , post supports  138  to support battery  142  above LED  116 , light source supports  124 , and light source bracket  119 . Base elements  115  and base lever element  123  are arranged in a substantially circular arrangement and are attached to second surface  106 . Preferably, each base element  115  includes a base member flange  121  and a base element ridge  117 , which ridge engages cap groove  148  (shown in  FIG. 9 ). Base lever element  123  includes a notch  55 . LED  116  is attached to optical fibers  118  and is attached to second surface  106  of flying disc  100  via light source mounts  124  and light source bracket  119 . Input end  111  of each optical fiber material  118  terminates near, or, preferably, is embedded in, the radiant end of LED  116 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , light source mounts  124  are shown facing each other and defining a channel  51  between the two through which optical fibers  118  pass prior to their connection with LED  116 . LED  116  is gripped by light source mount  124  and bracket  119 . Optical fibers  118  preferably are attached to second surface  106  of flying disc  100  by ribs  108 . Preferably, the optical fibers extend from LED  116  between light source mounts  124 , then each optical fiber  118  passes between two base elements  115  which hold optical fiber  118  in place, and then is retained in rib  108 .  
         [0045]     LED  116  includes a first lead  120  and a second lead  122 . Preferably, first lead  120  extends from LED  116  and is routed on top of light source mount  124 . Second lead  122  extends from LED  116  and is routed past light source bracket  119  and through notch  55  in lever base element  123 , then it is routed around the external portion of lever base element  123  and back inside adjacent base element  53  of base structure  141  where end  57  is held between element  53  and post  60 . Preferably, lever base element  123  does not include a base member flange  121  like that found on other base elements  115 . Second lead  122  preferably includes a slight crimp  59  where it bends around post  60 . Preferably, flying disc  100  further includes a pin  126  to engage detent tab  135  (shown in  FIGS. 7C, 7D , and  10 ) of cap  134 . Battery  142  is illustrated in more detail in  FIG. 6A .  
         [0046]      FIG. 6A  is an illustration of battery  142 . Battery  142  is preferably a button cell or coin cell battery and includes a first terminal  143  and a second terminal  145  having a second terminal side  147 . Preferably, first terminal  143  contacts first lead  120  continuously and second terminal side  147  contacts second lead contact area  137  ( FIG. 7B ) when switch  129  is in the ON position. Switch  129  includes cap  134 , pin  126 , cam  128  (shown in  FIG. 10 ), detent tab  135 , and lever base element  123 . Lever base element  123  is illustrated in more detail in  FIGS. 7A and 7B .  
         [0047]      FIG. 6B  illustrates an optional dual battery assembly  151  including top battery  152 , bottom battery  156 , and battery adapter  144 . Battery assembly  151  matches battery  142  in size and is therefore interchangeable with it. Top battery  152  and bottom battery  156  are preferably button cell or coin cell batteries and fit in corresponding circular recesses  161  in battery adapter  144  with first terminal  155  of top battery  152  in contact with second terminal  157  of bottom battery  156  through an opening  159  in battery adapter  144 . Battery adapter  144  includes two symmetrical notches  160  in its edge. When batteries  152  and  156  are installed in adapter  144 , the crescent-shaped sliver of top battery  156  extends beyond the notch on the left and a crescent-shaped sliver of bottom battery  156  extends beyond the notch on the right in the figure. When dual battery assembly  151  is installed in base structure  141 , first terminal  155  of bottom or first battery  156  contacts first lead  120  continuously and second terminal side  154  of top or second battery  152  extending beyond corresponding notch  160  contacts second lead contact area  137  when the switch  129  is in the ON position. Dual battery assembly  151  permits the battery voltage to be doubled. The symmetrical structure of battery adapter  144  enables the adapter to be used with the batteries in either the positive poles up position or the positive poles down position. This makes it easier to insert the batteries in the battery compartment. It allows the user to first concentrate on placing both batteries properly in the adapter, and then concentrate on placing the combination of adapter and batteries properly in the battery compartment.  
         [0048]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a part of switch  129 , lever base element  123 , of flying disc  100 . Lever base element  123  preferably is located between two base elements  115 . The view in  FIG. 7A  is looking from edge  110  toward the central portion of base member  141 . Preferably, lever base element  123  is narrower than base elements  115  to form a cam opening  125  where cam actuator  63  ( FIG. 7C ) is located when switch  129  is in the OFF position.  
         [0049]      FIG. 7B  illustrates the other side of lever base element  123  as viewed from the central portion of base member  141  toward edge  110 . Second lead  122  is shown located between light source bracket  119  and lever base element  123 . Lead  122  contact portion  137  is further shown located inward of lever base element  123  prior to lead  122  being routed over notch  55  of lever base element  123  and around the exterior portion of lever base element  123 . Preferably, second lead contact area  137  contacts battery  142  when the cap is in the ON position.  
         [0050]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of cap  134 ,  FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-section of cap  134  through line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 , and  FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view showing the inside of cap  134 . Cap  134  includes a cap handle  72 , a cap body  136 , a cam  128 , a bevel  140 , a cap groove  148  located substantially around the inside perimeter of cap body  136 , a first stop  130 , a second stop  132 , and a detent tab  135 . Handle  72  includes ridges  73  that make it easier to grasp the cap. Cap groove  148  engages base element ridge  117  of the plurality of base elements  115  to provide a fastener mechanism for cap  134  to be attached to base member  141 . Beveled portion  140  is located on the inside of the cap that extends slightly toward second surface  106  when in position on base member  141 . Bevel  140  presses against battery  142  ( FIG. 4 ) to force the battery into contact with first lead  120  ( FIG. 5 ). Cam  128  is preferably located on the inside perimeter of cap body  136 . Cam  128  includes a ramp  61  and an actuator portion  63 . A ramp notch  75  is formed in cap body  136  adjacent ramp  61 , and an actuator notch  76  is formed in cap body  136  adjacent actuator  63 . Cap body  136  is substantially circular and fits snuggly over the plurality of base elements  115 . First stop  130  is located to contact pin  126  to provide a stop for the OFF position, and second stop  132  is located to contact pin  126  and provide a stop for the ON position. Detent tab  135  secures switch  129  in the ON position.  
         [0051]      FIG. 7C  illustrates switch  129  in the OFF position. In this position, activator portion  63  of cam  128  is located in cam opening  125  and second stop  132  is in contact with pin  126 .  FIG. 7D  illustrates switch  129  in the ON position. In this position, cam  128  is located in contact with lever base element  123 . Detent  135  and first stop  130  are in contact with pin  126 . Cap body  136  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) rotates between these two positions.  
         [0052]      FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-section of a rib  108  and an optical fiber  118  located within rib  108  adjacent to second surface  106 . Rib  108  can be one piece or several pieces and forms a channel  109  into which optical fiber  118  fits. Rib  108  further includes a rib opening  113  that is narrower than channel  109  to form a lip  133  that mechanically or frictionally retains optical fiber material  118  in rib  108 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 12  illustrates a plurality of input ends  111  of optical fiber material  118  embedded in a dielectric casing  127  of LED  116 . LED  116  further includes a semiconductor chip  131  and leads  120  and  122 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 13  illustrates another embodiment of flying disc  200  with a plurality of photovoltaic cells  150  located on top of first surface  102 .  
         [0055]     A novel feature of flying disc  100  is that base structure  141  is not a continuous member or rim, but a plurality of base elements  115  having a degree of flexibility that permits the elements to cooperate independently with battery  142  and cap  134 . The independent and flexible nature of base elements  115  enables a tight fit between base structure  141  and cap  134 . Base member flanges  121  assist further with holding the battery in place. Specifically, as cap  134  is placed over the plurality of base elements  115 , base member flanges  121  come in contact with the battery first and cause base elements  115  to resist being bent farther inward. This adds to the tight fit of cap  134 , base structure  141 , and battery  142 . When cap  134  is snapped on top of base member  141 , base elements  115  bend slightly and exert pressure back against cap  134 , thereby creating a firm enclosure. Also, because base elements  115  are independent, they grip the battery better and keep it centered, so that the battery can&#39;t slide around, which makes the entire electronics housing  114  a more rigid structure. That is, battery  142  is a structural component of electronic housing  114 , thereby adding additional strength to electronics housing  114 . In addition, as cap  134  is being placed over the plurality of base elements  115 , cap groove  148  engages base element ridge  117  of each individual base element  115  to create a tight secure fastening mechanism. When cap  134  is placed on base elements  115 , the base elements and cap grip the battery forming a rigid electronic housing structure that protects the disc-illuminating electronics.  
         [0056]     Another novel feature of flying disc  100  is the operation and compactness of switch  129  and electronics housing  114 . Cam  128  of switch  129  slides from a non-engaged first position as shown in  FIG. 7C  to an engaged position as shown in  FIG. 7D . In the first position, cam  128  rests in the recess of cam notch  125 , thereby applying minimum or no pressure on lever base element  123 . This minimum pressure is insufficient to force lever base element  123  and second lead  122  to make contact with the side of battery  142 . In the second position, lever base element  123  rides up cam ramp  61  and actuator portion  63  slides adjacent to lever base element  123  and thereby forces lever base element  123  and second lead  122  to make contact with the side of battery  142 . The tight stationary grip exerted on battery  142  by the plurality of base elements  115  and base member flanges  121 , coupled with the inward force created by cam  128  being rotated to the ON position, creates a binding effect on second lead  122  and second terminal side  147 .  
         [0057]     Cap  134  further adds to the rigidity of the electronics housing  114  structure. Cap  134  preferably includes a protruded or beveled portion  140  that extends toward battery  142  when cap  134  is snapped to base member  141 . Preferably, beveled portion  140  is centered on battery  142  to hold the battery in place against post supports  138  and lead  120  without hindering the rotatable nature of switch  129 .  
         [0058]     In addition to the cam  128  mechanism described above, pin  126  provides stops for first stop  130  and second stop  132  to rotate therebetween. Furthermore, detent tab  135  and first stop  130  create a secure and stable position for switch  129  when in the ON position to prevent switch  129  from moving inadvertently during use.  
         [0059]     Another novel feature of flying disc  100  is the battery  142  placement within electronics housing  114 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , coin cell battery  142  is preferably placed in a horizontal parallel position with respect to second surface  106  of flying disc  100 . Post supports  138  extend outward from second surface  106  just beyond LED  116  and light source mount  124  to create a support for battery  142  to rest in a substantially horizontal position. While in this horizontal supported position, first terminal  143  of battery  142  rests against first lead  120  of LED  116 . Post supports  138  provide support for the battery and create a recess for LED  116 , light source mount  124 , and first lead  120 . In another aspect of the present invention, post supports  138  may be a shelf molded around the inside perimeter of base member  141  or an inwardly extending tab on each of base elements  115 .  
         [0060]     Flying disc  100  may include one or more light source mounts  124 . Light source mounts  124  preferably tightly grip LED  116  or other light source used in flying disc  100 . In addition, the light source mounts preferably provide a guide for optical fiber material  118  to LED  116 . Furthermore, light source bracket  119  adds further placement rigidity for LED  116 . Light source bracket  119  also allows second lead  122  to extend from LED  116  and route up, over, and around lever base element  123 .  
         [0061]     Ribs  108  may be one single piece, or several pieces. Herein, the term “rib” means the structure enclosing channel  109 , such structure affixed to and extending above or below the plane of second surface  106  of flying disc  100 . Preferably, ribs  108  extend from base member  141  to annular rim  112  of flying disc  100 . Ribs  108  generally have a rib opening  113  that allows placement of optical fiber material  118  inside of ribs  108 . In addition, rib opening  113  has a slightly narrower width than channel  109  of ribs  108  to facilitate the retention of optical fiber material  118  in channel  109 . Preferably, optical fiber material  118  is located between base elements  115  just after exiting the inward end of ribs  108 . In another aspect of flying disc  100 , optical fiber material  118  could be routed through small holes drilled in the base elements as well.  
         [0062]     Input end  111  of each of optical fibers  118  is embedded in LED  116  to provide excellent light transmitting properties through optical fiber material  118 . Input end  111  of optical fibers  118  is preferably located inside dielectric casing  127 . Preferably, an opening is drilled, molded, or formed in the center of dielectric casing  127 . Next, a bundle of optical fibers  118  is directed toward the opening in dielectric casing  127  as shown in  FIG. 12 . Preferably, a suitable adhesive (preferably a transparent polymeric adhesive such as epoxy) is used to bond optical fiber material  118  to LED  116  as well as to increase the efficiency of the transmission of light from LED  116 . One or more optical fibers  118  may be used with flying disc  100 . Output end  107  of optical fibers  118  extends outwardly toward annular rim  112  of flying disc  100 , preferably terminating adjacent to curved annular rim  112 , thereby illuminating through the flying disc and providing illuminating light around annular rim  112  of flying disc  100 . The fact that the end of the optical fiber does not pass through the rim prevents shocks to the rim from being transmitted to the fiber. While the preferred optical fibers  118  is a conventional optical fiber product from an outside supplier, the term “optical fiber” includes an embodiment in which an optical fiber material is: fabricated with ribs  108 ; formed by making a channel in ribs  108 , inserting optical fiber material in the channel, and then heating to form an optical path; or partially or fully embedded within flying disc body  103 .  
         [0063]     Although flying disc  100  has been described as basically a disc-shaped body member, another aspect of the present invention includes other gliding or flying bodies of differing shapes.  
         [0064]     Preferably, the upper portion optionally includes at least one ridge  104  to spoil the airflow over flying disc  100  to allow for greater flight distances and stability. Ridge  104  may be on first surface  102 , connecting portion  105 , or both. Electronics housing  114  is adaptable to either a standard version flying disc or one including these ridges  104 . The material of disc-shaped body member  101  may be a solid, translucent, clear, or phosphorescent plastic, rubber, polyolefin, or plexiglass.  
         [0065]     The optical fiber may be of transmission or scintillating type, clear or colored, clad or unclad with materials being methacrylate, polyethylene, polyurethane or other suitable combinations or polymers, an example of which is Lumileen™ optical fiber by Poly-Optical Products, Inc.  
         [0066]     LEDs may be single or multiple colored with clear or colored dielectric casing and integral connecting leads, an example of which is a “Precision Optical Performance AlInGaP LED Lamp” by Agilent, Inc.  
         [0067]     Electronics housing  114  preferably extends no greater than 0.75 inches outward from second surface  106  and is preferably no greater in diameter than 2 inches. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of rim  112  is substantially 10.5 inches, the diameter of cap  134  is substantially 1.5 inches, and the diameter of base structure  141  is substantially 1 inch. Preferably, the radius of electronics housing  114  is one-fourth or less of the radius of rim  112 , and more preferably, one-fifth or less of the radius of rim  112 . Most preferably, the radius of electronics housing  114  is one-seventh or less of the radius of rim  112 . Electronics housing  114  can be made of similar materials described above for disc-shaped body member  101 .  
         [0068]     Switch  129  controlling LED  116  is activated by rotating cap  134  on base member  141 . When LED  116  is lit, flying disc  100  is illuminated in many areas. First, the plurality of optical fibers  118  conducts light from the electronic light source to annular rim  112  of flying disc  100  and, when flying disc  100  rotates, these intense points of light form an apparent continuous band of light around the perimeter of flying disc  100 . Second, the individual optical fiber materials  118  also glow along their length illuminating the lower surface of the disc in a radial pattern. Third, electronics housing  114  is translucent and “overflow” light from LED  116  makes the sides of electronics housing  114  and first surface  102  of flying disc  100  glow.  
         [0069]     LED  116  may be replaced by any light source that will fit into the electronics housing of flying disc  100 . Preferably, the electronic light source of flying disc  100  is LED  116 , but can include other light sources such as Lasers, fluorescent lamps, incandescent lamps, and other electronic light sources commonly known in the art.  
         [0070]     Replacement of battery  142  occurs by means of pulling straight up on cap  134  to expose battery  142 . In another aspect of flying disc  100 , many batteries may be employed to increase the power output to expand the types of electronic light sources that may be used in flying disc  100 . For example, LEDs vary in color and power requirements, so increasing the number of button cell or coin cell batteries correspondingly increases the selection of colored LEDs that can be used in flying disc  100 . In addition, rechargeable batteries can be used with embodiment  200 , which includes a thin film of photovoltaic cells  150  to recharge the batteries during day use. In addition, battery(ies)  142  and  144  may be replaced by a small electric generator operated by the spinning motion of the flying disc, direct chemical to light energy sources, or other energy sources.  
         [0071]     A tactile switch  129  is described in the preferred embodiment; however, other embodiments of the switch could include a centrifugal switch and/or a light sensor with associated circuitry in lieu of the tactile switch to provide for automatic activation of LED  116  when flying disc  100  is thrown in conditions of low light.  
         [0072]     Ribs  108  may be adhesively attached to second surface  106  or molded as part of disc-shaped flying body  101 . In addition, ribs  108  could be welded to disc-shaped flying body  101 . Ribs  108  consist of one piece or several pieces that together form channel  109  to receive optical fiber material  118 .  
         [0073]     Another feature of the invention is that LED leads  120 ,  122  directly contact the battery. Herein, the term “LED leads” is limited only to the conductors imbedded in dielectric  127  and do not mean other conductors that may be connected to these conductors. Herein, the term “directly contact” means that the LED leads physically touch the battery, and does not include situations where significant other conductors are placed between the LED leads and the battery.  
         [0074]     The invention has been described in language more or less specific as to methodical features. The invention is not, however, limited to the specific features described, since the device and methods herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.  
         [0075]     There has been described a novel flying disc  100  for use in athletics and recreation, a novel method of lighting the flying disc, and methods of switching the electronic light source on a flying disc  100 . While the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it should be understood that the particular embodiments shown in the drawings and described within this specification are for purposes of example and should not be construed to limit the invention which will be described in the claims below. Further, it is evident that those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses and modifications of the specific embodiments described, without departing from the inventive concepts. For example, now that the advantage of utilizing the leads of the electronic light source with a coin cell battery and a compact tactile switch has been described, other component arrangements than those described can be substituted. It is also evident that equivalent structures and processes may be substituted for the various structures and processes described. Consequently, the invention is to be construed as embracing each and every novel feature and novel combination of features present in and/or possessed by the flying disc described.