Patent Publication Number: US-2016228756-A1

Title: Ultimate flying disc game equipment carrier

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the outdoor game commonly referred to as Ultimate and, in particular, to a carrier for conveniently transporting flying disc(s) and other equipment used in playing the sport of Ultimate. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The sport of Ultimate is said to have been invented in 1967 at Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J. Ultimate is played with a flying disc and incorporates elements from a number of other sports. Like soccer, the sport possesses constant motion until one team scores. Like American football, it is possible to score by receiving a pass in one of the two end zones. In 1979, the sanctioning body USA Ultimate was founded and proceeded to formalize the rules of Ultimate. Since that time, participation in Ultimate has grown vastly both in the United States and abroad. This invention aims to provide sports equipment specifically designed for Ultimate. 
     There are many pieces of sports equipment manufactured for Ultimate. The most popular discs are made by Discraft®. The most popular Ultimate jerseys are printed by VCUltimate®. Friction® produces a line of Ultimate gloves. Despite the sport&#39;s recent growth, many aspects of the sport of Ultimate have shortcomings in terms of standardized equipment that can be widely used. One such aspect is the lack of a convenient carrier for transporting a player&#39;s Ultimate game equipment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A carrier for transporting flying disc game equipment comprises:
         (a) a container having an interior volume capable of accommodating game equipment and personal belongings comprising at least one flying disc, key lanyard, cellular phone, playing field boundary markers, athletic footwear, team apparel, and beverage container, the container interior volume having disposed therein:
           (i) a mechanism for securing the at least one flying disc;   (ii) a mechanism for securing a key lanyard;   (iii) a mechanism for securing a cellular phone;   (iv) a mechanism for securing playing field boundary markers, athletic footwear, and team apparel;   (v) a mechanism for securing the at least one beverage container;   
           (b) a lid removably attached to a top surface of the container, the lid when removed providing access to the game equipment held in the container interior.       

     The lid has an integral seat portion for accommodating a game player&#39;s posterior. 
     In one embodiment, the lid is hingedly attached to the container top surface. The seat portion is preferably cushioned and has a water-resistant coating. 
     In another embodiment, the carrier comprises a handle for lifting and carrying the carrier. The handle can be a strap. 
     In another embodiment, the carrier comprises a pocket attached to the container exterior surface. 
     In preferred embodiments, the mechanism for securing one or more flying disc comprises a space on the underside of the carrier lid formed by straps secured to the bottom of the lid. The mechanism for securing a key lanyard preferably comprises a clip secured to an interior surface at the upper half of the container. The mechanism for securing a cellular phone preferably comprises a pocket secured to an interior surface at the upper half of the container. The mechanism for securing playing field boundary markers, athletic footwear, and team apparel preferably comprises the space formed at the base of the container below the straps for securing at least one flying disc, the clip for securing a key lanyard, and the pocket for securing a cell phone. The mechanism for securing beverage containers preferably comprises pockets extending from an exterior surface of the container. 
     The present flying disc game equipment carrier is preferably constructed using a plastic bucket with a circumference wide enough to hold Ultimate discs and a depth suitable to also hold an Ultimate player&#39;s other equipment, including playing field boundary markers, athletic footwear, team apparel, and beverage containers. Various embodiments of the carrier include both how it is transported and the secondary purposes it serves. Various embodiments include a strap or handle affixed to the bucket that serves to simplify transporting the bucket and its contents. In one such embodiment, a nylon strap or metal handle is secured on both sides of the bucket. Other embodiments include one or multiple handles securely fastened in one place on the bucket. Various embodiments of the carrier can also allow it to function as a seat. In one such embodiment, the carrier&#39;s cover is strong enough to serve as a seat when the bucket is placed on the ground. In other embodiments, additional padding is affixed to the vessel&#39;s cover in order to increase the comfort of such a secondary use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top-perspective view of the given embodiment in an open position. 
         FIG. 2  is a front-perspective view of the embodiment in a closed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIGS. 1-2  show a carrier including a bucket ( 1 ) that has a circular opening for holding Ultimate flying discs and/or key lanyard, cellular phone, playing field boundary markers, athletic footwear, team apparel, and beverage containers.  FIGS. 1-2  also display a carrying strap ( 2 ) which is attached to the bucket by pivoting clasps ( 3 ) attached to the strap and clips attached to the bucket ( 4 ), a removable lid ( 5 ) that is covered with a seating cushion ( 6 ) and fits atop the bucket, a clip for securing a key lanyard ( 7 ), pockets for securing a cellular phone ( 8 ) and beverage container ( 9 ), and straps for securing at least one flying disc ( 10 ).  FIG. 1  is a top-perspective open view of a preferred embodiment.  FIG. 2  shows the embodiment in a closed, upright position. The bucket, lid, and key clip can be molded from plastic or some other semi-rigid material. The seating cushion can be formed from a variety of materials and can optionally include a water-resistant coating. The carrying strap, key lanyard pocket, beverage container pocket, and straps for securing at least one flying disc can be formed using nylon or some other non-rigid material. In some embodiments, the carrying strap can be replaced by another type of handle constructed of either rigid or non-rigid materials. 
     While particular elements, embodiments and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood, that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.