US20110053716A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20110053716A1
Application number: US12/874,535
Authority: US
Inventors: Neal R. Lewis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-09-02
Filing date: 2010-09-02
Publication date: 2011-03-03

Abstract

A golf disc assembly includes a disc configured for flying upon being cast into the air and a sonic finding unit which is attached to the disc and which emits a sonic locating signal after the sonic finding unit conducts a delay of a predetermined amount of time.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a non-provisional application based upon U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/239,258, entitled “SONIC FINDING GOLF DISC”, filed Sep. 2, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to flying objects, and, more particularly, to golf discs.

2. Description of the Related Art

Disc golf is an international recreational and professional sport. The game is similar to the traditional game of golf, except the “ball” is a flying disc thrown by the player and the “hole” is a basket or other predetermined target. Once thrown, a traditional disc must be found visually. Fairways of established disc golf courses must be suitably mowed and maintained to allow for visual finding of discs during play.

Disc golf courses are often located in multi-use parks that invariably have some fairways with closely adjacent rough areas with tall grass, thick leaves, or brush. Discs thrown into these types of roughs are difficult to find and are often lost. A lost golf disc delays the game while the player(s) search, and if not found, the lost disc must be replaced with a new purchase. Many internet web sites exist with pages dedicated to “lost and found” golf discs.

In addition to the annoyance and expense of losing golf discs on established courses, the locations where the traditional golf disc can be played is currently limited to public and private parks having large mowed areas allowing for visual finding of thrown discs. This prevents establishment of courses in otherwise available public natural areas because they do not permit or desire large areas to be mowed for suitable disc golf fairways. Those same currently unavailable natural areas for the game of golf disc are often under-used, with their managers desiring to increase public access.

What is needed in the art is a golf disc which carries a sonic beacon in a suitable manner, the sonic beacon being delay-activated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a golf disc which carries a sonic beacon in a suitable manner, the sonic beacon being delay-activated.

The invention in one form is directed to a golf disc assembly which includes a disc configured for flying upon being cast into the air and a sonic finding unit which is attached to the disc and which emits a sonic locating signal after the sonic finding unit conducts a delay of a predetermined amount of time.

The invention in another form is directed to a method of using a golf disc assembly, the method including the steps of: providing a disc with a sonic finding unit attached thereto; flying the disc upon casting the disc into the air; conducting a delay of a predetermined amount of time by the sonic finding unit; and emitting, by the sonic finding unit, a sonic locating signal after the sonic finding unit conducts the delay.

An advantage of the present invention is that the sonic golf disc makes possible the development of courses in natural areas without detriment to the conservation values the park seeks to promote. For example, in a public park managed for tall grass prairie it would be improbable and extremely frustrating to play traditional disc golf because most throws will result in a visually lost disc. However, within this same natural area, a sonic finding golf disc makes enjoyable play possible along already established hiking trails, with thrown discs easily found in adjacent roughs by way of the sonic beacon.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a golf disc with an attachment device that can be used to attach not only a sonic finding unit but also a variety of other accessories, such as, for example, a light element.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a fully functional sonic finding unit and method for incorporating the sonic finding unit into the structure of a golf disc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the golf disc assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the golf disc assembly ofFIG. 1, but also including a shock-absorbing element and a cover;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the golf disc assembly ofFIG. 2, but omitting the cover;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the golf disc assembly ofFIG. 2 taken along line4-4 ofFIG. 3, the golf disc assembly including the shock-absorbing element and the cover, portions of the disc being broken away;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a sonic finding unit ofFIG. 2, but also including a lighting element;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the sonic finding unit ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the golf disc assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the golf disc assembly ofFIG. 7 with the golf disc assembly in an assembled condition, the cross-section being taken along line8-8 ofFIG. 7, portions of the disc being broken away;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the golf disc assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the golf disc assembly ofFIG. 9 with the golf disc assembly in an assembled condition, the cross-section being taken along line10-10 ofFIG. 9, portions of the disc being broken away;

FIG. 11 is a side view of another embodiment of the golf disc assembly according to the present invention, the disc of golf disc assembly being shown in section, with portions broken away;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of another embodiment of the golf disc assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the sonic finding unit according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the sonic finding unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly toFIGS. 1-4, there is shown agolf disc assembly20 which generally includes adisc22 and asonic finding unit24, sonic finding unit being shown schematically inFIG. 1.Disc22 can be, for example, a golf disc used in the game of disc golf.Disc22 is configured for flying upon being cast into the air, cast being a general term for being thrown or otherwise hurled into the air.Disc22 is a flying disc which glides through the air and is, thus, a disc-shaped glider which includes an outer circumferential portion26 (rim26) shaped as an airfoil,disc22 flying through the air as it rotates. While FRISBEE® is trademark, it is also understood thatdisc22 can be referred to generically as a frisbee.Disc22 can be made of a plastic material (such as urethane) and can be injection molded. Thus, the terms “disc”22 and “golf disc”22 are used herein to describe any circular disc which is generally manufactured from molded plastic and is intended to be thrown for any recreational purpose, including the game of disc golf.

Sonic findingunit24 is attached todisc22. Sonicfinding unit24 is a unit which emits a sound (a sonic locating signal28) so that disc assembly can be found by way of the emitted sound. Thus,sonic finding unit24 emits sonic locating signal28 (the sound/noise, which can also be referred to as a sonic beacon28) which is loud enough to enable a person with normal hearing abilities to hear the sound from at least 50 feet to 100 feet away fromsonic finding unit24 for average conditions (or at least 120 decibels ten centimeters away from sonic finding unit24); thesound28 should not be so loud that thesound28 is audible at the tee by following disc golfers. Upon hearing sonic locatingsignal28, the person can locatedisc assembly20. Traditional golf discs are often visually lost during play on fairways with adjacent difficult natural or rough areas such as tall grass, heavy leaves, or brush. The present invention solves this problem. Thus, if thedisc22 is equipped withsonic finding unit24, thedisc22 can be easily found through audible ways in those same conditions. Further,sonic finding unit24 emits sonic locatingsignal28 aftersonic finding unit24 conducts a delay of a predetermined amount of time. The delay can be considered a countdown to initiating emission of sonic locatingsignal28.Disc22 is designed to retain and protectsonic finding unit24 from damage during play without significantly affecting the flight capabilities and aerodynamic qualities ofdisc22. Sonic findingunit24 can be small, lightweight, weight balanced and built into a water and shock resistant roundlow profile disc22 or shell/case32 which can optionally be wafer-shaped and plastic.Disc assembly20 can use a lowerend weight discs22. Though the weight ofdisc assembly20 can be very minimal, the reduction on gyroscopic effect from the centered rotational mass can be offset by selecting adisc22 from models that already have the lightest interior centered mass so that the added unit and connector mass is offset by the comparatively increased weight at outer edge (rim26) ofdiscs22. Sonic findingunit24 can be formed so as not to exceed ten grams total weight.

According to one embodiment ofsonic finding unit24,sonic finding unit24 includes a printedcircuit board34, afirst switch36, abattery holder38, abattery40 attached to saidbattery holder38, and a programmable sonic beacon andtimer device42.FIGS. 2-4 show such a sonic finding unit.FIG. 4 shows

components

36,38,40, and42 schematically, it being understood that a non-schematic cross-sectional view inFIG. 4 taken along line4-4 ofFIG. 3 would not showfirst switch36.FIGS. 5 and 6 showsonic finding unit24 ofFIGS. 2-4 but now also includinglight element48.FIG. 5 shows sounder54 andtimer52 of sonic beacon andtimer device42 shematically.FIGS. 7 and 8 show sonic finding unit ofFIGS. 2-4 but now enclosing

components

34,36,38, and40 withincase32.FIG. 8 shows

components

36,38,40, and42 schematically, it being understood that a non-schematic cross-sectional view inFIG. 8 taken along line8-8 ofFIG. 7 would not necessarily show all

components

36,38,40, and42 since half ofcircuit board34 is included inFIG. 8. It is also understood thatcase32 could house additional components ofsonic finding unit24, as discussed below.FIGS. 9 and 10 showsonic finding unit24 ofFIGS. 2-4.FIG. 10 shows

components

36,38,40, and42 shematically, it being understood that a non-schematic cross-sectional view inFIG. 10 taken along line10-10 ofFIG. 9 would not necessarily show all

components

36,38,40, and42 since half ofsonic finding unit24 is included inFIG. 10.FIG. 11 shows a side view ofsonic finding unit24 ofFIGS. 2-4.

First switch

36,battery holder38, and sonic beacon andtimer device42 are mounted to printedcircuit board34. Printedcircuit board34 is a frame or substrate which mechanically supportsfirst switch36,battery holder38, and sonic beacon andtimer device42. Printedcircuit board34 can includeelectrical circuitry44 which electrically powers any of the components ofsonic finding unit24 which are or can be powered by electricity44 (such as any of the components ofsonic finding unit24 shown in the drawings).FIG. 6 shows that peg andsolder attachments46 can be used to attach, for example,first switch36,battery holder38 and/orbattery40, and sonic beacon andtimer device42 to printedcircuit board34. Printedcircuit board34 can include conducting layers of copper foil embedded in an insulating board which is made of laminated woven glass and epoxy resin. The components ofsonic finding unit24 can be electrically connected in series or parallel relative to one another as desired; for instance, in a simple design choice,first switch36,battery40, sonic beacon andtimer device42, and alight element48 can be electrically connected in series.First switch36 is an on/off switch which enables an end-user to turn the power on and off forsonic finding unit24; that is,first switch36 allowsbattery40 to electrically power any of the components ofsonic finding unit24 which are or can be powered by electricity. Thus,first switch36 is configured for selectively activating and deactivating (turning on and off, respectively)sonic finding unit24 and thereby for selectively activating and deactivating (turning on and off, respectively) sonic beacon andtimer device42.First switch36 can be one or more buttons, a dial, a slide, or the like.Battery holder38 is a housing mechanism for holding and thushousing battery40.Battery holder38 can include electrical contacts which are electrically connected tocircuitry44 of printedcircuit board34 and thus also tobattery40 whenbattery40 is installed inbattery holder38.Battery40 can be a size N battery and produce 12 volts, for example. The end-user ofdisc assembly20 can insertbattery40 intobattery holder38, removebattery40 frombattery holder38, and replacebattery40 with anothersimilar battery40 intobattery holder38.FIGS. 5,6, and14 show thatsonic finding unit24 can includelight element48 and associatedelectronic circuitry44.Light element48, however, is optional and may be omitted fromsonic finding unit24, as shown inFIGS. 2-4, for instance.

Sonic beacon andtimer device42 is programmable and thus includes acontroller50. Sonic beacon andtimer device42 is electronic. Sonic beacon andtimer device42 further includes a sounder52 (which can also be referred to as a sonic beacon, a noisemaker) and atimer52. Sonic beacon andtimer device42 can further include ahousing56 which wholly or at least partly encloses sounder52,timer54, and a controller which controls the interrelationship of sounder52 andtimer54. The controller ofdevice42, sounder52, andtimer54 can be electrically powered bybattery40. The controller ofdevice42 can becontroller50 shown inFIG. 14(forexample, whensonic finding unit24 includes other electrical devices) or can be a lower level controller (relative to controller50) which is assigned only to sounder52 andtimer54.Sounder52 is a noisemaker.Timer54 is a timekeeping device—not necessarily in the sense of keeping the time of day but in the sense of tracking at least seconds.Timer54 tracks the delay from initiation of the delay until completion of the delay, sonic locatingsignal28 starting to sound immediately upon completion of the delay. Optionally, timer/sounder device42 can be an off-the-shelf Sunbeam kitchen timer which sounds an alarm upon expiration of time (such a timer can weigh 27 grams, be 5 cm×6 cm in width and length, and be 1 cm thick) and be installed on 179 gram Rocs; a lighter weight timer/sounder device42, however, can be used.

Sonic beacon andtimer device42 is configured for initiating the delay whenfirst switch36 is activated (whenfirst switch36 and thussonic finding unit24 is turned on). Alternatively, sonic beacon andtimer device42 is configured for initiating the delay when asecond switch58 ofsonic finding unit24 is selectively activated followingfirst switch36 being activated, as shown inFIG. 13.Second switch58 can be a button, for example, and can provide input to controller50 (or directly totimer54, depending upon design choice) to activate the delay. Sonic beacon andtimer device42 emits sonic locatingsignal28 after sonic beacon andtimer device42 conducts the delay, the emission of sonic locatingsignal28 lasting untilfirst switch36 is deactivated (or unit battery power completely expires).

According to another embodiment of the present invention,light element48 can emit alight signal60 when sonic locatingsignal28 is actuated, thelight signal60 being a repeating light or a continuous light. Stated another way,light element48 can actuate at the same time as the repeating sonic beacon28 (sonic locating signal28) actuates. Thus, both sound and light can be used by end-user to locatedisc assembly20.Light element48 can optionally be controlled bycontroller50.Light element48 can be a colored light.

Disc

22 includes afirst wall64 and asecond wall66.First wall64 isdisc22 lesssecond wall66.Second wall66 can be formed monolithically withfirst wall64 by way of injection molding, first and

second walls

64,66 being made of the same plastic material (such as urethane); all of retainingcup72 can be made of the same plastic material, such as urethane.First wall64 includes anunderside68 and arim26.Rim26 is the outercircumferential portion26 offirst wall64.Second wall66 depends fromunderside68 and thus extends belowunderside68.Second wall66 includes aninside surface70. First and

second walls

64,66 together at least partly form a retainingcup72. Retainingcup72 is shown in broken lines inFIG. 1. Retainingcup72 is centrally located onunderside68 ofdisc22. That portion offirst wall64 which is within the interior ofsecond wall66 forms a bottom wall of retainingcup72; stated another way, the bottom wall of retainingcup72 is a part offirst wall64.Rim26 defines a substantiallyhorizontal plane74 which is positioned entirely belowsecond wall66 whendisc22 is in an upright position (FIG. 1 showshorizontal plane74, and it is understood thathorizontal plane74 extends perpendicularly to the plane of the page ofFIG. 1). Stated another way, the distal extent ofsecond wall66 is positioned abovehorizontal plane74 when viewingdisc22 in the upright position; the outer transverse edge ofsecond wall66 is the distal extent ofsecond wall66, the transverse edge and thus also the distal extent ofsecond wall66 being the furthest portion ofsecond wall66 fromfirst wall64 relative to wheresecond wall66 connects tofirst wall64.FIG. 1 showsdisc22, and thus alsodisc assembly20, in the upright position. The upright position ofdisc22 generally corresponds to the position ofdisc22 during flight. Alternatively, the distal extent ofsecond wall66 can be formed even withhorizontal plane74. No part ofsecond wall66, despite the design option chosen, extends belowhorizontal plane74; this configuration preventssecond wall66 from entering the drag stream during flight and protects the components ofsonic finding unit24 from underside strikes during play or storage.Second wall66 forms a cylinder which is closed on the end of retainingcup72 facingdisc22 and can be open or closed on the end of retainingcup72 facing away fromdisc22. Thus, retainingcup72 can be open at its distal end (the end ofsecond wall66 which is furthest from first wall64), as shown inFIGS. 3,7,8,9,10. Alternatively, retainingcup72 can include a removableprotective cover76 which attaches tosecond wall66 by way of a snap-fit arrangement or an interference fit. Cover76 (which can be referred to as a lid) is shown as a circular shaped piece which is configured to match the shape of the top of retainingcup72. The snap-fit arrangement (not shown) forcover76 andsecond wall66 can provide thatcover76 has a male friction protrusion around the interior circumference ofcover76 that snaps/catches on a reciprocal female groove onsecond wall66; such a female groove can be defined byinside surface70 ofsecond wall66, in the top/distal edge ofsecond wall66, or on the outer surface ofsecond wall66.Cover76, which is shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, can be positioned so thatcover76 also lies above or even withhorizontal plane74 such that no part ofsecond wall66 or cover76 lies belowhorizontal plane74.Second wall66 can be made of the same material asdisc22 and can be injection molded with disc22 (so as to be formed monolithically with disc22) or otherwise fastened todisc22.Cover76 can be made of the same material asdisc22 as well. Thus, retainingcup72 can include alternatively a removable lid or cover76 that snaps or otherwise fastens oversecond wall66 ofdisc22 to add further protection ofsonic finding unit24 during play and/or storage. Retainingcup72 is shaped to capture sonic finding unit24 (more specifically, printedcircuit board34, or acase32 of sonic finding unit24) and to retainsonic finding unit24 with at least one attachment or

retention feature

78,80 of retainingcup72. Retainingcup72 easily accepts, securely retains, and protects electronics ofsonic finding unit24 from damage during play.

Retainingcup72 defines aninterior space82 and includes a

retention feature

78,80 which retainssonic finding unit24 entirely withininterior space82. As shown inFIGS. 2,4,7,8,9,10,second wall66 is formed as a cylinder extending fromfirst wall64.

Second wall

66 ofdisc22 protects the electronics ofsonic finding unit24 from underside strikes with ground objects during landing and elevated objects during flight. Objects or protrusions positioned onunderside68 ofdisc assembly20 that are above (asdisc assembly20 is oriented inFIG. 1)horizontal plane74 of disc rim26 are wind friction neutral or drag neutral during flight. Therefore, the extension ofsecond wall66 onunderside68 ofdisc22 is provided at or above (asdisc assembly20 is oriented inFIG. 1)horizontal plane74 of disc rim26 to avoid added wind resistance or drag during flight. The weight ofsonic finding unit24, retainingcup72, and/or retention features78,80 are provided to be as low as practical, but still allowing for asonic finding unit24 that is capable of reliably powering a suitablyloud beacon52 for extended use while minimizing weight located in the center ofdisc assembly20.

According to one alternative of retention feature,

retention feature

78,80 includes a rampedprojection78 projecting inwardly frominside surface70 intointerior space82. Rampedprojection78 is essentially a triangular structure including a ramped section and a bottom section which is generally parallel withfirst wall64. The ramped section slopes radially inwardly fromsecond wall66 intointerior space82 in a direction running from the distal end ofsecond wall66 toward the proximal end of second wall66 (the proximal end being that portion ofsecond wall66 which is attached to first wall64), rampedprojection78 thereby providing that retainingcup72 can easily receive at least a portion ofsonic finding unit24. WhileFIGS. 2 and 3 show rampedprojections78 each forming a point at their respective distal ends (the free ends), the distal end of each rampedprojection78 could alternatively form a line which is as wide as the width of the base of ramped projection at the proximal end of rampedprojection78. Rampedprojection78 thus receives and retainssonic finding unit24 withininterior space82.FIGS. 2,4, and5 show one embodiment of rampedprojection78, andFIGS. 7 and 8 show another embodiment of rampedprojection78.FIGS. 2 and 3 show that retainingcup72 includes four rampedprojections78 spaced evenly around insidesurface70 ofsecond wall66, each rampedprojection78 positioned nearerfirst wall64 than the distal extent ofsecond wall66. The four rampedprojections78 together form afriction lip78 extending around insidesurface70 of retainingcup72. Assonic finding unit24 is inserted into retainingcup72, the edge of printedcircuit board34 can compress or press back rampedprojections78. Once printedcircuit board34 passes bottom section of rampedprojections78, printedcircuit board34 enters acapture groove84, and rampedprojection78 snaps back (or expands back) over the top of printedcircuit board34 to securely retainsonic finding unit24 in place. Printedcircuit board34 can thus snap-fit over rampedprojections78. Rampedprojections78,second wall66, andfirst wall64 together definecapture groove84 which captures printedcircuit board34.

Capture groove

84 can be sized to provide space between printedcircuit board34 andfirst wall64, that space being sized to hold a shock-absorbing element86 (which can also be referred to as a shock-absorbing pad86). Thus,disc assembly20 can further include shock-absorbingelement86 positioned withininterior space82 between sonic findingunit24 andfirst wall64.FIG. 4 shows shock-absorbingelement86 positioned between printedcircuit board34 andunderside68.Shock absorbing pad86 can be formed by an adhesive caulk, such as the super-elastomeric adhesive caulk referred to as Lexel. As a further example,shock absorbing pad86 can be formed by silicone. The interior dimensions of retainingcup72 and rampedprojections78 should securely capturesonic finding unit24 but allow sufficient clearance to preventsonic finding unit24 from being too rigidly seated in retainingcup72 and to allow flex between sonic findingunit24 anddisc22 during hard rim strikes. This clearance is also used to accommodateshock absorbing pad86 of pliable/flexible/elastic material between sonic findingunit24 andfirst wall64 which allows controlled flex between sonic findingunit24 andfirst wall64 during hard rim strikes. Thus, shock-absorbingpad86 forms a shock-absorber betweendisc22 andsonic finding unit24 which reduces the potential for impact damage from rim strikes with fixed objects during play. That is, space between printedcircuit board34

first wall

64 of retainingcup72 is substantially filled by shock-absorbingpad86. The lateral clearance between the circumferential edge of printedcircuit board34 and insidesurface70 ofsecond wall66 of retainingcup72, in one embodiment of the present invention, is not filled either; in other words, a space as shown inFIG. 4 remains between printedcircuit board34 andsecond wall66 when printedcircuit board34 is centered in retainingcup72 relative toinside surface70 ofsecond wall66. The lateral clearance or space can remain open (providing for outer impact clearances) so that there is room for controlled movement ofsonic finding unit24 independent ofdisc22. If the outer/lateral clearance/space is completely filled, then sonic finding unit would be too rigidly seated in retainingcup72 and not have the ability for controlled movement within retainingcup72 on impact. The clearance around the edge ofsonic finding unit24 is designed to allow for that movement. Thus, the clearance allows the impact shock to pass throughdisc22 and to be directed around, instead of through,sonic finding unit24. A suitable amount of adhesive flexible material forming theshock absorbing pad86 can be located in the retainingcup72 betweendisc22 andsonic finding unit24. This design including the clearance and shock-absorbingpad86 reduces the potential for impact damage from hard strikes with fixed objects during play. It is understood that shock-absorbingelement86 can also be used with the embodiments of the present invention shown inFIGS. 7,8,9,10, and12.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show that retainingcup72 alternatively includes a single rampedprojection78 aboutinside surface70 of the distal end ofsecond wall66. This version of rampedprojection78 provides for alarger capture groove84 defined by rampedprojection78,second wall66, andfirst wall64. Asonic finding unit24 including acase32 for holding the remaining components ofsonic finding unit24 wholly or at least partially withincase32 is shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 as being used with rampedprojection78.Case32 can be waterproof (at least to dew and light rain).Case32 can be made of urethane.Case32 can optionally be a small wafer having a substantially flat top and bottom (but for any switches, displays, or control devices thereon).Case32 can be formed so as not to exceed one centimeter in depth, not to exceed four centimeters in diameter, be sufficiently durable to allowcase32 and its contents to be mechanically pressed into retainingcup72, be capable of withstanding regular insult from impact, and be reasonably transparent so thatlight element48 can shine through case32 (top and bottom sides of case, for instance, can be transparent). Top of case32 (the side on whichdisplay62 and any other devices as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14 can be positioned) can have, for example, a diameter of forty millimeters, the opposing bottom side having a diameter of thirty-eight millimeters (the two millimeter difference providing a slightly inverted sonic finding unit edge to enhance the ability to presssonic finding unit24 into a molded plastic retaining cup72).Display62 and any other devices shown inFIGS. 13 and 14 on top ofcase32, as well as any battery hatch allowing access tobattery40 via case32 (the battery hatch can be located on the top side as well), can be set back from the edge at least five millimeters. A clearance between sonic findingunit24 andfirst wall64 can be provided, which can optionally be filled with shock-absorbingelement86; a lateral clearance can also be provided between sonic findingunit24 andsecond wall66. Thus,sonic finding unit24 can optionally includecase32, which can be waterproof and which encloses, for example, printedcircuit board34,first switch36,battery holder38,battery40, and sonic beacon andtimer device42. A button associated withfirst switch36 can be provided such that it extends from but is otherwise still enclosed bycase32 so as to be able to actuatesonic finding unit24 insidecase32. Rampedprojection78 shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 functions similarly to rampedprojections78 shown inFIGS. 2-4 so as to capturecase32 and thussonic finding unit24. Rampedprojections78 can also be referred to as friction lips.

According to another alternative of

retention feature

78,80 as shown inFIG. 8,

retention feature

78,80 of retainingcup72 includes aprojection80 projecting inwardly fromunderside68 offirst wall64 intointerior space82.Projection80 can include ahead88 and astem90,head88,stem90, andfirst wall64 definingcapture groove84 which captures printedcircuit board34.Head88 can be sloped generally hemispherically.Projection80 can also be referred to as a friction stud and can be positioned in the center of retainingcup72. Printedcircuit board34 defines a through-hole92 which receivesprojection80 and thereby attachessonic finding unit24 todisc22, through-hole92 being a mating friction receiver.Head88 ofprojection80 can extend all the way through through-hole92 and then snap-fit over printedcircuit board34. Assonic finding unit24 is inserted into retainingcup72, printedcircuit board34 forming through-hole92 can compresshead88. Once printedcircuit board34 passes the lower edge ofhead88, printedcircuit board34 enterscapture groove84, and the lower portion ofhead88 snaps back (or expands back) over the top of printedcircuit board34 to securely retainsonic finding unit24 in place. Thus,disc22 can be modified to retain and protectsonic finding unit24 by employing one ormore projections80 ondisc22 that fit into corresponding through-holes92 onsonic finding unit24. Conversely, one ormore projections80 can be provided on sonic finding unit24 (i.e., on the bottom of printed circuit board34), and corresponding holes (blind or through-holes) can be provided ondisc22 itself to capture these projections80 (this embodiment of the present invention is not shown). A clearance between sonic findingunit24 andfirst wall64 can be provided, which can optionally be filled with shock-absorbingelement86; a lateral clearance can also be provided between sonic findingunit24 andsecond wall66. Other attachment ways can be used to attachsonic finding unit24 to retainingcup72; the essential criteria is thatsonic finding unit24 and retainingcup72 be reciprocally shaped for easy capture and reliable retention ofsonic finding unit24 within retainingcup72.

components

36,38,42 can be adhered todisc22 within the correspondingsockets96, as discussed relative to the embodiment shown inFIG. 11. Battery holder38 (to whichbattery40 can be removably connected),switch36, and sonic beacon andtimer device42 can be connected to one another by wiring/circuitry44 positioned around the inside periphery of thedisc rim26.

As shown inFIGS. 13 and 14,sonic finding unit24 can optionally include adevice98 configured for selectively setting the predetermined amount of time and thereby for selectively setting the delay until activation of sonic locatingsignal28. An end-user can use this device98 (such as a switch) to set the delay time (the silent countdown) for a preferred length of time. Thisdevice98 can be connected to printedcircuit board34, tocontroller50, totimer54, and/or to other structure and include a button(s), dial, slide, or the like for an end-user to set the delay time. The delay options could be fixed options, such as thirty seconds, one minute, one and one-half minutes, and two minutes, for example. The first thrower in a group of disc golf players could set his/her time delay for the longest time delay option, while the last thrower in the group could set his/her time delay for the shortest time delay option (the group of players proceeding from the tee area after the last player throws his/her disc assembly). On the other hand,sonic finding unit24 can omit thisdevice98, and the delay time can be set by the manufacturer.FIG. 13 shows that end-user can set the delay time to, for example, 180 seconds.

As shown inFIG. 14,sonic finding unit24 can optionally include adevice100 configured for selectively setting a type of sound of said sonic locatingsignal28. An end-user can use this device200 (such as a switch) to set the type of sound. Any sound can be provided as options for the sound to be selected, such as beeps, whistles, sirens, bird noises, dog barks, cat meows, etc. Thisdevice100 can be connected to printedcircuit board34, tocontroller50, to sounder52, and/or to other structure and include a button(s), dial, slide, or the like for an end-user to set the type of sound. On the other hand,sonic finding unit24 can omit thisdevice100, and the type of sound can be set by the manufacturer.

As shown inFIG. 14,sonic finding unit24 can optionally include adevice102 configured for selectively setting a rate of sounding of said sonic locatingsignal28. An end-user can use this device102 (such as a switch) to set the rate of sounding desired by the end-user, the rate of sounding being, for example, periodic and continuous; if the periodic option is desired, the rate of sounding may be pulsations of sound which occur every five seconds, every ten seconds, or at other intervals. Thisdevice102 can be connected to printedcircuit board34, tocontroller50, to sounder52, and/or to other structure and include a button(s), dial, slide, or the like for an end-user to set the rate of sounding. On the other hand,sonic finding unit24 can omit this device, and the rate of sounding can be set by the manufacturer.

As shown inFIGS. 13 and 14,sonic finding unit24 can optionally include adevice104 configured for selectively setting a volume of thesonic locating signal28. An end-user can use this device104 (such as a switch) to set the volume of thesonic locating signal28 to a constant level (whenever sonic locatingsignal28 is emitted, the sound is at the same volume) and to a level which increases over time (for example, the first few pulses of thesonic locating signal28 can be at the same decibel level, but subsequent pulses of thesonic locating signal28 can be at a higher volume). For instance, in conjunction withtimer54, sounder52 could emit a sound28 at an elevated volume after a second programmed delay to assist in findinggolf discs20 thrown into the most difficult or blind locations. Thisdevice104 can be connected to printedcircuit board34, tocontroller50, to sounder52, and/or to other structure and include a button(s), dial, slide, or the like for end-user to set the volume of sonic locating signal28 (the same volume control could also be used to set the volume of the initialsonic signal30A). The volume setting options can optionally be fixed options, such as low, medium, or high. On the other hand,sonic finding unit24 can omit thisdevice104, and the volume of sonic locating signal28 (and, optionally, initialsonic signal30A as well) can be set by the manufacturer.FIG. 13 shows that end-user can set the volume,display62 showing volume being set to a point that is closer to high than low.

Sonic findingunit24, as shown byFIG. 13 (and also inFIG. 14), can optionally include adisplay62 configured for displaying a volume level of sonic locating signal28 (which can be shown on a graduated scale between low and high volume, as shown inFIG. 13), a delay time countdown (displayed, for example, in seconds) to sonic locatingsignal28 actuation, and/or a battery power strength (which can be shown on a graduated scale between weak and good), or other settings as well. These settings can be controlled by devices such as buttons, dials, slides, switches, controls, or the like;FIG. 13 shows adevice36 for turning sonic finding unit on and off, adevice98 for setting the amount of time delay to the predetermined time, adevice104 for setting the volume level, and adevice58 for activating the time delay countdown. In other words, the end-user can view information on thisdisplay62 that informs the end-user of the status ofsonic finding unit24 and the status of these settings or other settings which are sent to display62.Display62 can be connected to printedcircuit board34, tocontroller50, and/or to an outer casing32 (which can be waterproof) which houses the other components ofsonic finding unit24.Display62 can be a digital device.Display62 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) device or a like device that communicates the status ofsonic finding unit24 and settings.FIG. 13 shows thatsonic finding unit24 includesfirst switch36,device98 for setting time delay,device104 for setting volume, anddevice58 for activating the countdown (the time delay),LCD display62 showing the volume level, the time delay, and the strength of battery.

FIG. 14 shows one embodiment of a control system formed bysonic finding unit24. Sonic findingunit24 can include each of these features or only some of these features.FIG. 14 shows thatsonic finding unit24 includes aprogrammable controller50.Controller50 can receive inputs from the following devices:first switch36; a voltage and/orcurrent sensor106;device98 for setting delay time oftimer54;device100 for setting a type of sound;device102 for setting the rate of sound emitted by sounder52;device104 for setting volume of sounder52; and device58 (second switch58) for activating the countdown (the delay time), as well astimer54.Controller50 can send outputs to the following devices:timer54; sounder52;light element48; anddisplay62. As an additional precaution, any of the user-activated

devices

36,58,98,100,102,104 anddisplay62 ofsonic control unit24 can be slightly inset to avoid unintended activation.

According to another embodiment of the present invention,sonic finding unit24 can be provided that when activated emits any variety of sonic signals of various durations to indicate thatsonic finding unit24 is on and has sufficient battery strength.

According to another embodiment of the present invention,sonic finding unit24 can be provided that has timing and sounding components that are entirely mechanical and driven by a wind-up spring and timing gears. This embodiment is not shown.

In use according to one embodiment of the present invention,sonic finding unit24 of thegolf disc assembly20 is activated by way of on-offfirst switch36 prior to throwingdisc assembly20. Upon activation offirst switch36,sonic finding unit24 can be programmed (for example, programmed by the manufacturer) to emit one audible initialsonic signal30A of one second duration to indicate thatsonic finding unit24 is on and has sufficient battery strength. Uponfirst switch36 being activated or after initialsonic signal30A sounds,sonic finding unit24 can be programmed (for example, programmed by the manufacturer) to automatically begin the timed silent countdown (which is the predetermined time delay) to allow undisturbed throws by multiple disc golf players; the timed silent countdown has a predetermined duration, which can be, for example, sixty seconds. Afterdisc assembly20 has been thrown and the silent countdown expires,sonic finding unit24 can be programmed (for example, by the manufacturer) to begin emitting a one second sonic beacon28 (i.e., a noise)—sonic locatingsignal28—which repeats every five seconds to allow the player to locatedisc assembly20 audibly. Thus, the repeating sonic locatingsignal28 is delay-actuated, and can be so delay-actuated through use of a programmedelectronic timer54 operating within sonic finding unit24 (specifically, within sonic beacon and timer device42). Once the time delay expires, sounder52 of sonic beacon andtimer device42 is electronically actuated and programmed to continue repeating sonic locatingsignal28 until the end-user audibly locatesdisc assembly22 and deactivatessonic finding unit24. That is,sonic finding unit24 continues emitting the repeating sonic beacon28 (sonic locating signal28) until the player findsgolf disc assembly20 and deactivatessonic finding unit24 by returningfirst switch36 to the “off” position.

The present invention further provides a method of using agolf disc assembly20. The method includes the steps of: providing adisc22 with asonic finding unit24 attached thereto; flying thedisc22 upon casting the disc into the air; conducting a delay of a predetermined amount of time bysonic finding unit24; and emitting, bysonic finding unit24, asonic locating signal28 aftersonic finding unit24 conducts the delay. Sonic findingunit24 can include printedcircuit board34,first switch36,battery holder38,battery40 attached tobattery holder38, and programmable sonic beacon andtimer device42,first switch36,battery holder38, and sonic beacon andtimer device42 being mounted to printedcircuit board34. The method can further include (a) selectively activating and deactivating, usingfirst switch36,sonic finding unit24 and thereby selectively activating and deactivating sonic beacon andtimer device42, (b) emitting, bysonic finding unit24, at least oneinitial signal28 whenfirst switch36 is activated and thereby indicating a power level ofbattery40, and (c) initiating the delay using sonic beacon andtimer device42 whenfirst switch42 is activated or when asecond switch58 ofsonic finding unit24 is selectively activated followingfirst switch36 being activated, and (d) emitting, by sonic beacon andtimer device42, sonic locatingsignal28 after sonic beacon andtimer device42 conducts delay and untilswitch36 is deactivated.

The embodiments of the present invention provide for a simple manufacturing process to attach electrical-mechanical components intogolf disc22. Instead of a complex process of molding components into disc, the present invention provides easily achieved modifications to agolf disc22 for reliable and simple ways of attachment as part of afinal assembly20. In addition, the design of retainingcup72 and related systems provide the highest level of protection of the components ofsonic finding unit24 from direct and indirect impact during play. The methods, structures, and/or ways disclosed herein for attaching an electrical-mechanical accessory to agolf disc22 describe systems that are uniquely advantageous to the manufacturing process, uniquely advantageous to the survivability of the accessory components, and uniquely advantageous to the ability to add such components to adisc22 with minimal or no loss of flight integrity. Therefore, the described ways for attaching accessories and their components togolf discs22 are intended to cover not only attachment of thesonic finding device24 described herein, but use of those ways for attaching any other accessory built into arecreational disc22, including, but not limited to, other possible accessories for use with golf discs such as IR locating chips, remotely activated finding devices, and lighting units. While several particular embodiments of the present invention have been described, numerous modifications could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the type of battery, volume and pattern of sonic beacon, length of silent countdown (the predetermined time delay), various controls, status indicators of the components ofsonic finding unit24, shape ofsonic finding unit24, type of frame or case and shape thereof which hold the components ofsonic finding unit24, shape of retainingcup82, shape of

projections

78,80 within retainingcup72 and printedcircuit board34 can all be modified without significantly altering the overall structures described herein. The present invention is intended to cover all such changes and modifications. The ways of attachment described herein are for the purpose of retaining and protecting any type of electrical and/or mechanical device within adisc22, including lights, noisemakers, or other types of finding systems. The present invention also applies not just todiscs22 used in the game of disc golf but also to any other recreational throwing disc.

While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf disc assembly, comprising:

a disc configured for flying upon being cast into the air; and

a sonic finding unit which is attached to said disc and which emits a sonic locating signal after said sonic finding unit conducts a delay of a predetermined amount of time.

2. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 1, wherein said sonic finding unit includes a printed circuit board, a first switch, a battery holder, a battery attached to said battery holder, and a programmable sonic beacon and timer device, said first switch, said battery holder, and said sonic beacon and timer device being mounted to said printed circuit board.

3. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 2, wherein said first switch is configured for selectively activating and deactivating said sonic finding unit and thereby for selectively activating and deactivating said sonic beacon and timer device, said sonic finding unit configured for emitting at least one initial signal when said first switch is activated and thereby for indicating a power level of said battery, said sonic beacon and timer device configured for initiating said delay one of when said first switch is activated and when a second switch of said sonic finding unit is selectively activated following said first switch being activated, said sonic beacon and timer device emitting said sonic locating signal after said sonic beacon and timer device conducts said delay and until said first switch is deactivated.

4. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 3, wherein at least one of:

(a) said sonic beacon and timer device is configured for emitting at least one sonic signal as at least one said initial signal, and

(b) said sonic finding unit includes a light element which is mounted to said printed circuit board and is configured for emitting a light signal as at least one said initial signal.

5. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 3, wherein said disc includes a first wall and a second wall, said first wall including an underside and a rim, said second wall depending from said underside, said first and second walls together at least partly forming a retaining cup, said retaining cup defining an interior space and including a retention feature which retains said sonic finding unit entirely within said interior space, said rim defining a substantially horizontal plane which is positioned entirely below said second wall when said disc is in an upright position.

6. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 5, further including a shock-absorbing element positioned within said interior space between said sonic finding unit and said first wall.

7. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 5, wherein said second wall includes an inside surface, said retention feature of said retaining cup including a ramped projection projecting inwardly from said inside surface into said interior space and retaining said sonic finding unit within said interior space.

8. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 5, wherein said retention feature of said retaining cup includes a projection projecting inwardly from said underside of said first wall into said interior space, said printed circuit board defining a through-hole which receives said projection and thereby attaches said sonic finding unit to said disc.

9. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 3, wherein said sonic finding unit includes a waterproof case which encloses said printed circuit board, said first switch, said battery holder, said battery, and said sonic beacon and timer device.

10. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 3, wherein said sonic finding unit is attached to said disc not by way of a retaining cup but by way of one of (a) a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners, (b) a friction tape, and (c) an adhesive.

11. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 1, wherein said disc includes a circumferential portion, said sonic finding unit including a first switch, a battery holder, a battery attached to said battery holder, and a programmable sonic beacon and timer device, said first switch, said battery holder, and said sonic beacon and timer device being distributed about and attached to said circumferential portion, said first switch, said battery, and said sonic beacon and timer device being electrically coupled with one another, said first switch configured for selectively activating and deactivating said sonic finding unit and thereby for selectively activating and deactivating said sonic beacon and timer device, said sonic beacon and timer device configured for emitting at least one initial sonic signal when said first switch is activated and thereby for indicating a power level of said battery, said sonic beacon and timer device emitting said sonic locating signal immediately after said sonic beacon and timer device conducts said delay and until said first switch is deactivated.

12. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 1, wherein said sonic finding unit includes a light element which emits a light signal when said sonic locating signal is actuated, said light signal being one of a repeating light and a continuous light.

13. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 1, wherein said sonic finding unit includes a device configured for selectively setting said predetermined amount of time and thereby for selectively setting said delay.

14. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 1, wherein said sonic finding unit includes a device configured for selectively setting a type of sound of said sonic locating signal.

15. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 1, wherein said sonic finding unit includes a device configured for selectively setting a rate of sounding of said sonic locating signal.

16. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 1, wherein said sonic finding unit includes a device configured for selectively setting a volume of said sonic locating signal one of to a constant level and to a level which increases over time.

17. The golf disc assembly according toclaim 1, wherein said sonic finding unit includes a display configured for displaying at least one of a volume level of said sonic locating signal, a delay time countdown, and a battery power strength.

18. A method of using a golf disc assembly, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a disc with a sonic finding unit attached thereto;

flying said disc upon casting said disc into the air;

conducting a delay of a predetermined amount of time by said sonic finding unit; and

emitting, by said sonic finding unit, a sonic locating signal after said sonic finding unit conducts said delay.

19. The method according toclaim 18, wherein said sonic finding unit includes a printed circuit board, a first switch, a battery holder, a battery attached to said battery holder, and a programmable sonic beacon and timer device, said first switch, said battery holder, and said sonic beacon and timer device being mounted to said printed circuit board.

20. The method according toclaim 19, further including (a) selectively activating and deactivating, using said first switch, said sonic finding unit and thereby selectively activating and deactivating said sonic beacon and timer device, (b) emitting, by said sonic finding unit, at least one initial signal when said first switch is activated and thereby indicating a power level of said battery, and (c) initiating said delay using said sonic beacon and timer device one of when said first switch is activated and when a second switch of said sonic finding unit is selectively activated following said first switch being activated, and (d) emitting, by said sonic beacon and timer device, said sonic locating signal after said sonic beacon and timer device conducts said delay and until said switch is deactivated.