Discus toy

[57] ABSTRACT

The disclosure is of a discus toy comprising a hollow disc on the sides of which are carried inflatable members, preferably of hemispherical configuration. Openings in the sides bring the interior of the disc into communication with the interiors of the inflatable members. Air scoops are provided on the periphery of the disc so that when the disc is thrown and spun, the inflatable members will expand into a sphere.

Claims, 3 Drawing Figures

<img file="US3758985A_D0001.tif" />

PATENTED SEP 18 B73

3,758,985

<img file="US3758985A_D0002.tif" />

I8b

FIG.-33,758,985

DISCUS TOY

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years a number of throwing toys in the general configuration of saucers have enjoyed considerable popularity in the market. Such toys are thrown and spun about their axes and may be caused to sail for considerable distances and even to perform various maneuvers. However, the maneuvers that can be imparted to such toys are restricted because of its fixed configuration.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a discus toy which exhibits varying aerodynamic characteristics.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a discus toy which changes progressively in configuration during flight.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a discus toy which is transformed from a disc to a sphere during flight.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the description to follow when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In carrying out this invention, I provide a hollow disc which is of nearly circular configuration, though having diametrically opposite radial protrusions. An opening in each protrusion conditions it to function as an air scoop when the discus is caused to spin in the direction in which the opening faces. A pair of hemispherical inflatable members are carried on the sides of the disc in sealed relationship thereto and openings in the sides of the disc bring the interior of the disc into communication with the inflatable members. When the discus toy is thrown with a spin imparted thereto, air is drawn into the interior through the air scoops to inflate the members. This converts the toy from a disc to a sphere with an orbital ring, changing its aerodynamic characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the discus toy as normally configurated;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the discus toy in its distended configuration; and

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the discus toy.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Now referring to the drawing with greater particularlity the aerodynamic discus toy 10 of this invention comprises a nearly circular hollow disc 12 having a pair of generally convex outer sides 14 and 16. The sides of the disc may be bonded together around their peripheries or otherwise formed as an integral member. Preferably the disc 12 is formed in two or more arcuate sections which are offset from each other so as to form a pair of diametrically opposite radial protrusions 20 and 22. The protrusions have intake openings 24 therein, facing in the same circumferential direction so as to function as air scoops into which air is drawn when a spin in such circumferential direction is imparted to the disc 12.

Central openings 26 and 28 are formed in the sides 14 and 16 so that the rigid portion 12 of the discus toy is actually in the form of a ring. In sealed relationship with each side 14, 16, as by forming it integral therewith or bonding it thereto, is an inflatable member 30, 32, each preferably in the form of a hemisphere. Each member may be scored with a plurality of circular weakening lines 34 parallel to the sides 14 and 16 whereby the inflatable members 30 and 32 are normally collapsed to form a relatively flat disc as shown in FIG. 1. However, they may be distended into spherical configuration when expanded in the nature of a bellows by inflation.

In operation, the discus 10 may be grasped by placing the thumb on top and one or more fingers on the bottom of the disc and hurling the disc in sidearm fashion with a sharp snap of the wrist causing the disc to spin about its axis. With the disc spinning in a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 3 air will enter the scoops at a rapid rate and because the inflatable members 30 and 32 are in communication with the disc ring 12 they are inflated and distended into a spherical configuration, creating a ball with an orbital ring around it, Hence, the aerodynamic characteristics of the discus toy are altered in flight. If the discus toy is then thrown with the ball distended and with the air scoops reversed, i.e. spun in the clockwise direction in FIG. 3, the air scoops will act as aspirators to deflate the ball.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with a preferred embodiment thereof, it is obvious that modifications and changes therein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.