Abstract:
An illuminated flying disc device that can be used in low-light conditions to play an organized game similar to golf or croquet. The disc is aerodynamically designed with lights around it that can blink or remain on for effect. Poles that act as golf holes or croquet rings come in contact with the flying disc to effect a score. Scores are kept according to the number of throws necessary for the contestant to contact a lighted pole the lowest score being the winner.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/781,086, filed Mar. 10, 2006, for LIGHTED AIRBORNE DISC GAME, by David Brockes, James C. Helfrich, included by reference herein and for which benefit of the priority date is hereby claimed. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an aerodynamic flying disc device, such as that known as the FRISBEE, for use in throwing games. More particularly, the present invention relates to an illuminated flying disc device that can be used in low-light and competition conditions. Most particularly, the present invention is related to an illuminated flying disc device that is durable, safe, easy to use, and retains it aerodynamic properties while being adjustable in weight for individual performance increasing factors. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Flying disc&#39;s known as Frisbee&#39;s have existed for many years and have been use to play “catch” with. Playing catch leaves open the question who has the best skill and offers opportunities to pass blame for not catching to the other player. It has also required players of similar capabilities, in catching and running, to play. These games have also been limited to daylight activities limiting the time players could embrace the sport to daylight periods. Discs have been injection molded and thus offer some variations in weight and this affects flight control and performance. The end use has had only limited ability to correct any weight variance. Most of these corrections are difficult at best to carry out, not accurate and involve modifications that can adversely affect aerodynamic flight characteristics of the flying disk. No out of the box organized game exists that can involve players of various skills or that could involve the use of a handicap as in the game of Golf or Croquette. Players have been forced to determine for themselves what rules exist, if any, distances, scoring systems and other factors that are typically standard in organized games or sports. 
         [0004]    Illuminated flying disc devices take many forms. Many such devices use chemiluminescent light sources. For instance, Stamos, U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,195, teaches a flying disc illuminated by use of a chemiluminescent container attached to the central portion of the device. Thill, U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,799, also teaches a flying disc illuminated by a chemiluminescent container attached to the central portion of the device. Gould, U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,575, teaches a flying disc that includes a system for chemiluminescent illumination by use of a hoop-shaped holder on the underside of the device. Boatman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,702, teaches a flying disc with a chemiluminescent light source that is attached to the top of the device. Strawick, U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,723, teaches a flying disc adapted to attach a chemiluminescent light source to the underside of the device. 
         [0005]    No prior art, however, teaches or suggests an illuminated flying disc device with a light source an integral part of the annular rim of the flying disc which device is durable, safe, easy to use and retains its aerodynamic properties. The light systems in prior art use a chemical created light and or a heavy battery pack attached to the disc by clips or rings. These can negatively affect aerodynamics, come loose with sudden contact that is normal in a flying disc game. Do not lend themselves to accurate and aerodynamic flying conditions necessary for a competition type flying disk. They do not provide for a means of organizing the sport in other than ideal lighting and weather conditions and without regard for the various “shooting” considerations requiring varying weights of the flying disc consistent to a set of standard rules. 
         [0006]    It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a useful illuminated flying disc device including means for attaching a light source thereto as part of the disc. 
         [0007]    It is another object of the invention to provide a useful illuminated flying disc device of the character described that retains its advantageous aerodynamic properties. 
         [0008]    Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a useful illuminated flying disc device that is durable, safe and easy to use. 
         [0009]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a useful illuminated flying disc device that is relatively cost-efficient to manufacture. 
         [0010]    It is another object of this invention to provide a selection for blinking and non blinking lights on the disk. 
         [0011]    It is another object of this invention to provide different colored lights in each flying disc for individual identification purposes. 
         [0012]    It is another object of this invention to provide a selection for blinking and non blinking lights on the contact poles. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the invention to provide a lighted pole for the disk to contact as means of scoring. 
         [0014]    It is another object of this invention to provide a location light as well as a contact indicating light on each of the target poles. 
         [0015]    It is another object of this invention to provide a means for stabilizing the poles in an upright position on various types of ground surface. 
         [0016]    It is another object of this invention to provide a ring topped pole for making the game more complicated to match higher skill levels. 
         [0017]    It is another object of the invention to provide a means for easily and accurately tuning the weight of the disc. 
         [0018]    It is another object of the invention to provide a lighted T for the purpose of indicating each starting point in low light conditions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an illuminated flying disc device that can be used in low-light conditions to play an organized game similar to golf or croquet. The disc is aerodynamically designed with lights around it that can blink or remain on for effect. Poles that act as golf holes or croquet rings come in contact with the flying disc to effect a score. Weights are available to attach to the disc to change the flying characteristics and a lighted T will indicate the starting location of each throw. Scores are kept according to the number of throws necessary for the contestant to contact a lighted pole the lowest score being the winner. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a top detail view of a folf flying disc showing the aerodynamic groves, battery holder, printed circuit and lights; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a side cut away view of a side cut away view of the folf flying disc showing the shape, battery holder, printed circuit and light positions; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of a view of lighted portion of top of pole and soft ground portion of bottom of pole; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of a ring pole and view of hard surface anchor; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a weight for changing the throwing characteristics; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a top and side view of a lighted t showing the base, battery holder, globe and LED. 
       
    
    
       [0027]    For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a top view of the lighted airborne disc  10  comprises: a circular disc comprising a generally flat circular central portion  9 , having two opposing sides thereto and a rim  8 . Said rim  8  is integrally formed with the central portion, extends outwardly of the plane of the circular portion and has a somewhat greater thickness than the circular central portion of the device. The rim  8  curves downwardly from the central portion and has a configuration such that the device, when viewed in elevation, approximates the shape of an airfoil. The circular portion and rim  8  define a generally convex surface forming the outer side of the disc and a generally concave surface forming the inner side of the disc. As more fully explained below, the flat circular central portion  9  has at least one means for attaching at least one weight to the flat circular central portion  9 . 
         [0029]    The structural details of the circular disc, with the exception of the rim  8 , are similar to conventional airborne disc  10  devices in common use. In the preferred embodiment depicted, the circular disc corresponds to a lower weight than of the standard Frisbee However, devices of other weights  38 , not shown and dimensions are within the full-intended scope of the present invention. 
         [0030]    The circular disc may be molded of polyethylene or any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art. In one preferred embodiment, the material of which the circular disc is made is translucent so that the light emitted from the LED Light  18  source not only appears from the source of the LED Light  18 , but also is emitted from the entire device. In other preferred embodiments, the material of which the circular disc is made is semi-translucent to further enhance the visual appearance of the device. In still further embodiments, the material of which the circular disc is made is opaque, which gives the disc yet another appearance. 
         [0031]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention shown includes at least one light emitting diode LED Light  18  source molded into the body  6  of the disc. However, in other embodiments, any number of light sources may be employed. And in other embodiments multiple color LED Light  18  may be used. And in yet other embodiments flashing LED Light  18  may be employed. 
         [0032]    Light Emitting Diodes, LED Light  18  sources are well known in the art. Briefly, a LED Light  18  source may include one or more diodes positioned in a thin glass tube thus providing a self-contained device. In order to activate the LED a power source, typically DC voltage, is applied to create a reaction resulting in light. The light source produced is generally non-heat generating and very low in power consumption. 
         [0033]    Suitable LED Light  18  sources are commercially available in various sizes, colors and configurations. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  further depicts a preferred embodiment wherein the generally flat circular central portion  9  has on its out edge and upper surface one or more aerodynamic ridges  12  to provide greater aerodynamic lift as on an airfoil. Further in a most preferred embodiment, the aerodynamic ridges  12  will be more than one in number and an iatrical part of the molding process of the airborne disc  10  The aerodynamic ridges  12  are spaced equally apart and in an circular fashion following the contour of the top of the outer edged of the generally flat circular central portion  9 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  further depicts a preferred embodiment wherein the generally flat circular central portion  9  has on its central under portion a power source holder  14  molded into the generally flat circular central portion  9 . The battery holder being such that it is capable of securing a pancake style battery as a power source for the LED Light  18 . The battery holder is affixed to the printed circuit  16  which is also molded directly into the internal portion of the airborne disc  10  connecting the power source, battery, to the LED Light  18 . In the preferred embodiment the printed circuit  16  is connected to more than one LED Light  18  but variations may occur to promote various appearances and effects. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  further depicts a preferred embodiment wherein the generally flat circular central portion  9  has on its central under portion a means by which to attach weight. The outside of the battery holder has at least one means for attaching at least one weight source. The attaching means comprises a groove formed in the perimeter of the battery holder the sidewalls of the groove frictionally engaging the weight source to retain the weight source in the groove. The groove is of such a diameter that the weight source will snap into the groove. Further, in a most preferred embodiment, the weight source is fitted with an external grove to facilitate the addition of additional larger diameter weights  38  securing them in to place frictionally as well. 
         [0037]    In the depicted embodiment, three sets of weights  38  are positioned circularly around each other attached around the outside diameter of the battery holder. 
         [0038]    In a most preferred embodiment, the perimeter of the disc is essentially smooth and the contour thereof substantially matches that of the standard Frisbee when the LED Light  18  source is molded into the body  6 . 
         [0039]    In a most preferred embodiment, the LED Light  18  sources will be spaced triangularly around the center of the airborne disc  10 . However, in other embodiments, fewer or more LED Light  18  sources may be used. 
         [0040]    In a most preferred embodiment, the LED Light  18  source is molded into the body  6  of the airborne disc  10  in a manner that has no substantial effect on the aerodynamic qualities of the device. In addition, the LED Light  18  source is molded to the body  6  in a manner such that the user&#39;s hand will not be scraped or injured when tossing or catching the disc. 
         [0041]    In a most preferred embodiment, the printed circuit  16  is molded into the body  6  of the airborne disc  10  in a manner that has no substantial effect on the aerodynamic qualities of the device. In addition, the printed circuit  16  is molded to the body  6  in a manner such that the user&#39;s hand will not be scraped or injured when tossing or catching the disc. 
         [0042]    In a most preferred embodiment, the battery holder is molded into the body  6  of the airborne disc  10  in a manner that has no substantial effect on the aerodynamic qualities of the device. In addition, the battery holder is molded to the body  6  in a manner such that the user&#39;s hand will not be scraped or injured when tossing or catching the disc. 
         [0043]    In a most preferred embodiment, the weight is secured into the body  6  of the airborne disc  10  in a manner that has no substantial effect on the aerodynamic qualities of the device. In addition, the weight is secured to the body  6  in a manner such that the user&#39;s hand will not be scraped or injured when tossing or catching the disc. 
         [0044]      FIG. 2 , the lighted airborne disc  10  comprises: a circular disc comprising a generally flat circular central portion  9 , having two opposing sides thereto and a rim  8 . Said rim  8  is integrally formed with the central portion, extends outwardly of the plane of the circular portion and has a somewhat greater thickness than the circular central portion of the device. The rim  8  curves downwardly from the central portion and has a configuration such that the device, when viewed in elevation, approximates the shape of an airfoil. The circular portion and rim  8  define a generally convex surface forming the outer side of the disc and a generally concave surface forming the inner side of the disc. As more fully explained below, the flat circular central portion  9  has at least one means for attaching at least one weight to the flat circular central portion  9 . 
         [0045]    The structural details of the circular disc, with the exception of the rim  8 , are similar to conventional airborne disc  10  devices in common use. In the preferred embodiment depicted, the circular disc corresponds to a lower weight than of the standard Frisbee However, devices of other weights  38  and dimensions are within the full-intended scope of the present invention. 
         [0046]    The circular disc may be molded of polyethylene or any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art. In one preferred embodiment, the material of which the circular disc is made is translucent so that the light emitted from the LED Light  18  source not only appears from the source of the LED Light  18 , but also is emitted from the entire device. In other preferred embodiments, the material of which the circular disc is made is semi-translucent to further enhance the visual appearance of the device. In still further embodiments, the material of which the circular disc is made is opaque, which gives the disc yet another appearance. 
         [0047]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention shown includes at least one light emitting diode LED Light  18  source molded into the body  6  of the disc. However, in other embodiments, any number of light sources may be employed. And in other embodiments multiple color LED lights may be used. And in yet other embodiments flashing LED lights may be employed. 
         [0048]    Light Emitting Diodes, LED Light  18  sources are well known in the art. Briefly, a LED Light  18  source may include one or more diodes positioned in a thin glass tube thus providing a self-contained device. In order to activate the Led a power source typically DC voltage is applied to create a reaction resulting in light. The light source produced is generally non-heat generating and very low in power consumption. 
         [0049]    Suitable light sources are commercially available in various sizes, colors and configurations. 
         [0050]      FIG. 2  is a side view of  FIG. 1  and further depicts a preferred embodiment wherein the generally flat circular central portion  9  has on its central under portion a power source holder  14  molded into the generally flat circular central portion  9 . The battery holder being such that it is capable of securing a pancake style batter as a power source for the LED Light  18 . The power source holder  14  is affixed to the printed circuit  16  which is also molded directly into the internal portion of the airborne disc  10  concentrating the power source, battery, to the LED Light  18 . In the preferred embodiment the printed circuit  16  is connected to more than one LED Light  18  but variations may occur to promote various appearances and effects. 
         [0051]      FIG. 2  further depicts a preferred embodiment wherein the generally flat circular central portion  9  has on its central under portion a means by which to attach weight. The outside of the power source holder  14  has at least one means for attaching at least one weight source. The attaching means comprises a groove formed in the perimeter of the power source holder  14  the sidewalls of the groove frictionally engaging the weight source to retain the weight source in the groove. The groove is of such a diameter such that the weight source will snap into the groove. Further, in a most preferred embodiment, the weight source is fitted with an external grove to facilitate the addition of additional larger diameter weights  38  securing them in to place frictionally as well. 
         [0052]    In the depicted embodiment, three sets of weights  38  are positioned circularly around each other attached around the outside diameter of the battery holder. 
         [0053]    In a most preferred embodiment, the perimeter of the disc is essentially smooth and the contour thereof substantially matches that of the standard Frisbee when the LED Light  18  source is molded into the body  6 . 
         [0054]    In a most preferred embodiment, the LED Light  18  sources will be spaced triangularly around the center of the airborne disc  10 . However, in other embodiments, fewer or more LED Light  18  sources may be used. 
         [0055]    In a most preferred embodiment, the LED Light  18  source is molded into the body  6  of the airborne disc  10  in a manner that has no substantial effect on the aerodynamic qualities of the device. In addition, the LED Light  18  source is molded to the body  6  in a manner such that the user&#39;s hand will not be scraped or injured when tossing or catching the disc. 
         [0056]    In a most preferred embodiment, the printed circuit  16  is molded into the body  6  of the airborne disc  10  in a manner that has no substantial effect on the aerodynamic qualities of the device. In addition, the printed circuit  16  is molded to the body  6  in a manner such that the user&#39;s hand will not be scraped or injured when tossing or catching the disc. 
         [0057]    In a most preferred embodiment, the power source holder  14  is molded into the body  6  of the airborne disc  10  in a manner that has no substantial effect on the aerodynamic qualities of the device. In addition, the power source holder  14  is molded to the body  6  in a manner such that the user&#39;s hand will not be scraped or injured when tossing or catching the disc. 
         [0058]    In a most preferred embodiment, the weight is secured into the body  6  of the airborne disc  10  in a manner that has no substantial effect on the aerodynamic qualities of the device. In addition, the weight is secured to the body  6  in a manner such that the user&#39;s hand will not be scraped or injured when tossing or catching the disc. 
         [0059]      FIG. 3  the front elevation view of a view of scoring pole  20  comprising a lighted portion having a location LED light  26  and a contact indication LED light  28 , a battery, a hollow for securing a pole  20  to elevate the device. A soft ground stake  22  comprising a pointed end, a location for placing weight, foot press  24 , and a hollow for inserting a pole  20 . 
         [0060]    Said pole  20  in a preferred embodiment will be composed of a rigid material such as aluminum or fiberglass and may be one piece or multiple pieces for convenience in transporting and storing. The LED location LED light  26  is irremovably affixed to the top of the pole  20  by means of a hollow tubular center under the location LED Light  26 . The contact indication LED light  28  is irremovably affixed to the location LED light  26  at a lower position than the location LED light  26  and is shock activated by contact with the airborne disc  10 . not shown. But variations may occur to promote various appearances and effects. 
         [0061]    a location LED light  26  is composed of a LED, a holder, a power source holder  14  and circuitry to connect the battery to the LED as well as any operational devices such as switches to activate or deactivate the LED. A contact indication LED light  28  are composed of a LED that activates momentarily, a holder, a power source holder  14  and circuitry to connect the battery to the holder as well as any operational devices such as switches to activate or deactivate the LED. In a preferred embodiment one power source holder  14  and will be utilized to power both the location LED light  26  and the contact indication LED light  28 . 
         [0062]    In a preferred embodiment, the contact indication LED light  28  will begin to blink when contact has been made to the pole  20  by the airborne disc  10  and will continue for only a few seconds and then discontinue so it is reset for the next activation indication. 
         [0063]    In a preferred embodiment, the location and contact lights will be protected against harsh environment with a sealed holder. The location and contact lights will provide a smooth out surface to protect players from injury. 
         [0064]    In the preferred embodiment the battery will power both the contact and location lights and be easily assessable and replaceable. 
         [0065]    The soft ground stake  22  is composed of a molded hard plastic compound or cast metal rigid enough to facilitate pressure in entering the ground where it serves as an anchor to facilitate the upright position and stability of the scoring pole  20  and a circular plate securely attached to and above the pointed section to serve as a place for pressing a foot or other heavy device to facilitate the downward movement of the soft ground stake  22  into the ground. A hollow tubular portion above the pointed lower portion for securing the scoring pole  20 . 
         [0066]    In a preferred embodiment of the soft ground stake  22 , casting or molding will occur to lower manufacturing costs and provide a uniform solid one piece soft ground stake  22 . But variations may occur to promote various appearances and effects. 
         [0067]    In a preferred embodiment of the soft ground stake  22  the material will be of low wear characteristics. But variations may occur to promote various appearances and effects. 
         [0068]      FIG. 4  the front elevation view of a view of increased difficulty scoring pole  20 , a ring  30  topped pole  20 , comprising a circular ringed portion having a means for removably securing a pole  20  to elevate the device, a power source holder  14 , and circuitry and at least one LED light  18 . A hard surface anchor comprising a location for placing weight, a fill tube  36  or path for inserting weight into the interior and a cap  34  for securing the path once weight has been added, and a hollow for inserting a pole  20 . 
         [0069]    Said pole  20  in a preferred embodiment is composed of a rigid material such as aluminum or fiberglass and may be one piece or multiple pieces for convenience in transporting and storing. The ring  30  will be circular in form and composed of a rigid material sufficient to withstand contact from the airborne disc  10 , not shown and large enough in diameter to allow the airborne disc  10 , not shown, to pass though the interior of the ring  30 . The ring  30  will be fitted with at least one LED light  18  concented to a DC power source through a printed circuit  16 . But variations may occur to promote various appearances and effects. The hard surface base  32  is composed of a structure capable of holding a sufficient amount of weight to stabilize the ring  30  topped pole  20  or the lighted scoring pole  20  upright in a stable fixed position even when contacted by the airborne disc  10  on a hard surface. 
         [0070]    In a preferred embodiment, the ring  30  will be removable from the pole  20  for purposes of storage or transportation or replacement. It will contain four location LED light  26 , not indicated, to indicate its position relative to the scoring pole  20 . The LED light  18  will be molded into the ring  30 , providing a secure, safe, weather resistant location for the LED light  18 . But variations may occur to promote various appearances and effects. 
         [0071]    In a preferred embodiment, the pole  20  will be rigid and durable sufficient to withstand repeated contacts by the airborne disc  10 . But variations may occur to promote various appearances and effects. 
         [0072]    In the preferred embodiment the hard surface anchor will be removable form the pole  20  for transportation, storage and replacement and be sufficient in weight and volume to permit the addition of sufficient weight to serve as a stable and secure anchor for either the ring  30  topped pole  20  or the lighted scoring pole  20 . But variations may occur to promote various appearances and effects. 
         [0073]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a top view of the weights  38  for changing the throwing characteristics comprised of a circular thin ring  30  with a smaller opening diameter and a larger outer ring  30  diameter made of dense material. Groves on the inside diameter and the outside diameter permit the ring  30  to be irremovably secured to the battery holder first and to successive weights  38  second in a progressive weight increasing manor. 
         [0074]    In a preferred embodiment the rings will be cast or molded of a dense material in various diameters to permit incremental weight adjustments of the airborne disc  10 . 
         [0075]    In the preferred embodiment the weights  38  will be smooth and provide a surface that will not injure the hands of the player throwing the airborne disc  10 . 
         [0076]    In a preferred embodiment the weights  38  will attach to the inside bottom of the body  6  of the airborne flying disc around the battery holder in a manner that does not adversely effect the aerodynamic characteristics of the airborne disc  10 . 
         [0077]    In the preferred embodiment the weights  38  will attach securely and quickly to make it convenient for the player to efficiently change the weight of the airborne disc  10  while not easily detaching from sudden contact of the airborne disc  10  with other objects. 
         [0078]    In the preferred embodiment the weights  38  will have groves sufficient to irremovably attach them selves to the battery holder or other weights  38 . 
         [0079]    It is understood that variations may occur to promote various appearances and effects to the preferred embodiments. 
         [0080]      FIG. 6 , top and side views of the lighted T comprises: a circular disc comprising a generally flat circular portion, having two opposing sides thereto and a rim  8 . Said rim  8  is integrally formed with the central portion, extends outwardly of the plane of the circular portion having a dense configuration. The disc being molded with a T power source holder  48  molded into the lower side and center of the disc and containing printed circuit  16 , not shown, molded into the disc portion to convey electrically power for a battery placed into the battery holder to a LED T light  44  protected by a translucent globe  40 . A globe  40  weatherly resitantly secured to the base  42 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 6 . Further depicts a preferred embodiment wherein the generally flat circular disc has a recessed portion, T power source holder  48 , under its center for placing a power source such as a DC battery. The recession is such that it permits the temporary securing of a power source to power the LED T light  44  for the purpose of indicating starting locations in the game. A translucent globe  40  for protecting the LED from being stepped on or other contact as well as making it weather resistant. 
         [0082]    In a preferred embodiment the globe  40  will be translucent to permit light emission from the Led T light  44 . 
         [0083]    In another preferred embodiment the globe  40  will be a tinted translucent to permit the T light  44  individual identification. 
         [0084]    In another preferred embodiment the globe  40  will be semi-translucent to reduce glare in the eyes of the contestant. 
         [0085]    In another embodiment the globe  40  and LED will be irremovably attached to the base  42  so the user may replace them when damaged or no longer useable. 
         [0086]    In another preferred embodiment the T lights will be made of a molded material to reduce costs. 
         [0087]    It is understood that variations may occur to promote various appearances and effects to 
         [0088]    The preferred embodiments. 
         [0089]    Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
         [0090]    Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.