Patent Application
20250161776
The present invention relates to a flying ring (for ultimate frisbee, disc golf, etc.) equipped with one or more light emitting diode (LED) strips mounted around the rim of the flying ring.
As is known, the flying ring is an aerodynamic object that is basically in the shape of a circle with a hole in the middle, allowing a player to hold it at one or more surfaces (e.g., edges), such as the inner and/or outer rims of the flying ring. The player may use wrist and arm movements to throw the flying ring into the air. A combination of a player's spin and good throw can send the flying ring far in the air and/or cause it to fly fast through the air.
Flying rings may be used for a variety of purposes ranging from recreational use (e.g., toys) to professional sports use. However, the flying rings are not equipped with lights (e.g., LED lights) needed to make them suitable for use in low-lighting conditions (cloudy or rainy weather, indoors, etc.). For example, the flying rings may have limited use; not being suitable for both use as a toy for entertainment, and at the same time, use in a professional team sport, particularly when used in competitive matches in different weather conditions such as dark, rainy weather.
It is estimated that at least a few million people participate in professional team sports using a frisbee, at various scales from teams playing in schools, clubs, to professional teams (professional or national teams that compete against each other on an international scale). With widespread popularity, it can lead to matches in a variety of settings, for example, playing in the dark or in weather that lacks natural light, playing in or near the stadiums, playing in an area with water like a beach, etc. An improved flying ring suitable for a variety of uses is desired.
Disclosed herein is a flying ring, which reduces or overcomes one or more of the above-mentioned problems. The flying ring may be suitable for use both as a toy for amusement, and at the same time, in professional team sports. The flying ring can automatically light up when flying. In some examples, the flying ring may automatically turn off (e.g., when not flying, when stopped) to save battery life. The battery may be a rechargeable battery, increasing the convenience and time of use. The flying ring may be configured to emit different and/or a plurality of colors, including emitting light using different LEDs. For example, the flying ring may be configured to randomly change the colors of the light emitted by the LEDs to create more excitement when playing with it. Additionally or alternatively, the flying ring may glow in the dark even when the LEDs are not emitting light. The flying ring may have good impact resistance, water resistance, and buoyancy, allowing a player to play comfortably in different environments (e.g., near or in water, dust, sand, hard surfaces, etc.). For example, the flying ring may float in water. Examples of the disclosure include a flying ring having an average density (or gravity) less than the average density (or gravity) of water so that it can float on the water. The flying ring may be safe for all types of players, including children. It may be easy to hold, throw, and/or catch.
It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the purposes mentioned herein, but may also include other purposes, including those which can be recognized by the average person.
In some aspects, the body of the flying ring comprises a circular (outer) rim with a hole in the middle (inner rim surrounding the hole). In some aspects, the hole may not comprise any material. In other aspects, the hole may comprise a material different than the material of the body of the flying ring. When thrown, the body of the flying ring may create a pressure difference between the air streams flowing above and below the flying ring. This pressure difference may create a force that lifts the flying rim, allowing it to fly over long distances. In some aspects, the flying ring may comprise at least one LED strip arranged on the outer rim, inner rim, or both, of the flying ring. For example, the flying ring may comprise at least one LED strip arranged on the outer rim that emits light outward in a radial direction from the center of rotation of the flying ring.
The flying ring may also comprise an LED strip guard that covers and protects the outside of the LED strip. The LED strip guard may be attached to the body of the flying ring. In some aspects, the LED strip guard comprises a material that is at least partially transparent so that light emitted from the LED strip can be transmitted outwards (e.g., radially). The LED strip guard may comprise a soft, elastic, impact-resistant material, creating an easy-to-grip and safe feeling for the player. In some examples, the inner rim of the flying ring comprises a soft and elastic plastic rim for a comfortable and safe grip of the flying ring while playing.
The flying ring may comprise one or more compartments. In some examples, the compartment(s) may be visible from a bottom view of the flying ring. The storage compartments may be configured to contain at least a battery and a controller. Example types of battery may include, but are not limited to, a button cell or a rechargeable battery. The flying ring may include a battery charging port with a watertight cover (e.g., if using a rechargeable battery), and/or a cover with a watertight gasket (e.g., if using a button cell battery), protecting the battery from water.
The controller may comprise an input that allows it to receive power from the battery. The controller may also comprise an output coupled to the LED strip. The LED strip(s) may be configured as both an energy source to light up one or more LED lights and as an electrical coupler that electrically couples the battery to the controller. The LED lights may be arranged evenly around a rim of the flying ring.
The flying ring comprises one or more buttons, switches, and/or knobs. For example, the flying ring may comprise a button configured such to receive an input from a player. The player may can select or change the color, the brightness (increase or decrease the intensity), or the display mode of the LED strip (to enhance entertainment).
As another example, the flying ring may include at least one centrifugal switch that allows automatically turning on the LED lights by creating a closed electrical circuit. Creating the closed circuit creates an electrical coupling between the battery and the LED lights, powering the LEDs when the ring rotates or flies. In some examples, the centrifugal switch may also automatically turn off the power source (including creating an open circuit) when the flying ring is not rotating or flying to save battery life. The centrifugal switch can comprise an accelerometer, gyroscope, metal balls, circuit contacts, or a combination thereof. In instances where the centrifugal switch includes a metal ball, the metal ball may be attracted to move toward a nearby magnet. Under the effect of centrifugal force, the ball moves away from the magnet and comes into contact with two electrodes, where closing the circuit allows current to pass through those two electrodes. In some aspects, the flying ring may include at least two centrifugal switches arranged symmetrically about the center of rotation of the flying disc. When the flying disc is rotated, the two centrifugal switches may simultaneously close the circuit, causing the controller to automatically power the LED lights so that they can emit light.
In another aspect, the flying ring is made so that the density is less than that of water so that it can float on the water surface.
Described herein is a flying ring configured to emit light. The flying ring can be used as an entertainment toy or a sports device. The flying ring may comprise one or more LED lights located on an outside rim (e.g., perimeter) of the flying ring. The LED lights on the flying ring can display monochrome or multiple colors. The flying ring may comprise one or more LED strips. The LED strip may comprise multiple LEDs formed on a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The LED lights can be installed into the flying ring using a molding process and technology for high impact resistance.
In some examples, the flying ring may include a centrifugal switch that controls the on/off state of the LED lights. The LED lights can be automatically switched to the on state (emit light) when the flying ring is thrown, flies through the air, or both. The LED lights can be automatically turned off when not in use (off state) to save battery life. The flying ring can use rechargeable batteries or disposable batteries for providing power to the LED lights and/or one or more circuits.
The flying ring may include one or more buttons, switches, and/or knobs. One example type of knob can be a knob that can be configured to receive an input for adjusting color and/or brightness of the light emitted by the LED lights. Additionally or alternatively, the knob may allow the user to select an LED display mode. One non-limiting example LED display mode includes changing colors or flashing the lights when flying. In some examples, the flying ring may be capable of floating on water. Alternatively or alternatively, the flying ring may be waterproof. This can allow players to comfortably play with the flying ring in water, dust, sand, or other types of environments.
The following description is presented to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use various examples. Descriptions of specific devices, techniques, and applications are provided only as examples. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described examples. It will thus be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the described examples may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. Various modifications in the examples described herein will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the various examples. Thus, the various examples are not intended to be limited to the examples described herein and shown, but are to be accorded the scope consistent with the claims.
Various techniques and process flow steps will be described in detail with reference to examples as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects and/or features described or referenced herein. It will be apparent, however, to a person of ordinary skill in the art, that one or more aspects and/or features described or referenced herein may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not obscure some of the aspects and/or features described or referenced herein.
In the following description of examples, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which it is shown by way of illustration specific examples that can be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples can be used, and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed examples.
The terminology used in the description of the various described examples herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described examples and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combination of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The LED strip 200 may be located along one or more sections of an outer rim of the flying ring. The LED strip 200 may be located such that one or more LED lights can emit light outward in a radial direction from the center of rotation (e.g., near the intersection of F7 and F8 shown in
Referring back to
The LED strip guard 300 may comprise a lightweight, impact-resistant materials such as PP, PE, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, TPE, TPU, or a combination of these materials. In some examples, 80% of the LED strip guard 300 may be made of PP, PE, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, TPE, TPU, or a combination of these materials. In some embodiments, the LED strip guard 300, the inner rim, or both may comprise a soft, elastic material with a hardness of less than 60 Shore A to create a comfortable feeling when holding, throwing, and/or catching the flying ring. In some aspects, the LED strip guard 300 may comprise a luminescence material that allows the flying ring to be illuminated by the light emitted from the LED lights 202 when on, and also allows the flying right to glow in the dark (e.g., to make it easier to find) when the LED lights 202 are off. The LED strip guard 300 material may also allow the flying ring to be safe for use (e.g., when the flying ring is flying and/or makes contact with one or more players).
The inner rim 600 may comprise a soft material. In some aspects, the inner rim 600 may comprise the same material as the LED strip guard 300. The inner rim 600 may be configured with a material that increases the grip comfort and safety when the player's hand touches (e.g., grips) the inner rim 600 of the flying ring.
The bottom right portion of
The circuit cover 501 can be attached the flying ring body 100 by ultrasonic welding, hot plate welding, glue, and/or screw. For example, one or more circuit screws 503 may be used to attach the circuit cover 501 and waterproof gasket 502 to the flight ring body 100, ensuring that the circuit compartment 500 is waterproof and keeps the controller 510 safe when the flight ring is impacted during operation (e.g., while playing). In some aspects, the circuit compartment 500 may also be waterproof.
The structure and location of the battery compartment 400, control circuit compartment 500, and other components of the flying ring may be configured such that the center of inertia coincides with the rotation axis of the flying ring, providing stable flight.
In some aspects, the flying ring comprises at least one centrifugal switch comprises an object whose mass, under the influence of a centrifugal force, moves and either directly touches a switch circuit contact or indirectly applies a force to a switch to change its circuit state. Examples of the disclosure may include different centrifugal switches.
When the flying ring is not rotating/flying or rotating/flying at a slow speed, the magnet 523 may attract the metal ball 521 toward the magnet 523, keeping the metal ball 521 from contacting the pair of contacts 522, thereby keeping the centrifugal switch 520 in an open circuit state.
When the flying ring rotates/flies fast enough, it may create a centrifugal force on the metal ball 521 to move it away from the magnet 523. The metal ball 521 may make conductive contact with the pair of contacts 522, causing the centrifugal switch 520 to close the circuit (closed circuit state). The current passing through the pair of contacts 522 is closed by the metal ball 521, creating a signal for the controller to automatically power on the LED strip. The invention is not limited to the centrifugal switches shown and described in the context of
According to some examples, the flying ring uses an acceleration sensor or gyroscope to detect (determine whether) the rotation/movement of the flying ring, which may then control the LED strip to turn on or off automatically by outputting a signal to the controller to turn on or off the LED lights in the LED strip. The controller may be configured to keep the LED light strip on for a pre-determined amount of time after the ring stops rotating or flying, making it easier for players to locate the ring in the dark.
With the controller 510b of
Although examples of this disclosure have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of examples of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
