super-bright flyback

Abstract

This document discloses a frisbee and its operating method. The frisbee may include an LED light strip mounted around its edge and a controller for automatically controlling the operation of the LED light strip. A centrifugal switch can be used to control the LED light strip based on the frisbee being thrown, spinning in the air, and / or flying. Players can adjust the color, intensity, and / or display mode of the LED light strip to enhance its appeal during play. This frisbee is suitable for both recreational use and sports activities. The frisbee is designed for good impact resistance and water resistance, allowing it to float on water, is easy to hold, and is safe for the player. The LED light strip may include multiple LEDs, including but not limited to three LEDs, to achieve, for example, an attractive flight lighting effect, or may include 3000 or more LEDs to achieve, for example, ultra-high brightness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fly ring (for ultimate frisbee, disc golf, etc.) equipped with one or more light-emitting diode (LED) light strips mounted around the edge of the fly ring. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, a throwing ring is an aerodynamic object, essentially a circular shape with a hole in the center. This allows the player to hold the ring on one or more surfaces, such as the inner and / or outer edges. The player can throw the ring into the air using wrist and arm movements. The player's rotation combined with a good throwing motion can make the ring fly far and / or fast in the air.

[0003] Flying rings can be used for a variety of purposes, from recreational use (such as toys) to professional sports use. However, flying rings are not equipped with the lighting devices (such as LED lights) required to make them suitable for low-light conditions (cloudy or rainy days, indoors, etc.). For example, flying rings may have limited uses; they are not suitable for use both as recreational toys and in professional team sports, especially when used in competitive matches in different weather conditions such as darkness or rain.

[0004] It is estimated that at least several million people participate in professional team sports using frisbees, ranging in size from school and club teams to professional teams (professional or national teams competing against each other internationally). Due to its widespread popularity, matches can take place in a variety of environments, such as in darkness or in weather lacking natural light, inside or near stadiums, or in water-rich areas like beaches. Therefore, there is a need for an improved frisbee suitable for multiple uses. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This document discloses a flying ring that reduces or overcomes one or more of the aforementioned problems. The flying ring can be used both as a recreational toy and in professional team sports. The flying ring automatically lights up while in flight. In some examples, the flying ring can automatically turn off (e.g., when not flying, when stationary) to conserve battery power. The battery can be a rechargeable battery, thereby improving ease of use and usage time. The flying ring can be configured to emit different colors of light and / or multiple colors of light, including emitting light through different LEDs. For example, the flying ring can be configured to randomly change the color of the light emitted by the LEDs to enhance the fun of playing. Additionally or alternatively, the flying ring can glow in the dark even when the LEDs are not emitting light. The flying ring can have good impact resistance, water resistance, and buoyancy, allowing players to play comfortably in various environments (e.g., near or in water, in dust, in sand, on hard surfaces, etc.). For example, the flying ring can float in water. Examples of this disclosure include a flying ring whose average density (or gravity) is less than the average density (or gravity) of water, thus allowing it to float on water. The flying ring is safe for all types of players, including children. It is easy to hold, throw, and / or catch.

[0006] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the uses described herein, but may also include other uses, including those that can be identified by those skilled in the art.

[0007] In some aspects, the ring body includes a circular (outer) edge and a hole in the center (surrounding the inner edge of the hole). In some aspects, the hole may be empty. In other aspects, the hole may contain a material different from that of the ring body. When thrown, the ring body can create a pressure difference between the airflow flowing above and below the ring. This pressure difference can generate a force that lifts the ring, allowing it to fly a long distance. In some aspects, the ring may include at least one LED strip, which is arranged on the outer edge, inner edge, or both of the ring. For example, the ring may include at least one LED strip arranged on the outer edge, the LED strip emitting light outward in a radial direction from the center of rotation of the ring.

[0008] The fly ring may also include an LED strip guard that covers and protects the outer side of the LED strip. The LED strip guard may be attached to the fly ring body. In some aspects, the LED strip guard comprises at least partially transparent material, allowing light emitted from the LED strip to propagate outwards (e.g., radially). The LED strip guard may include soft, flexible, and impact-resistant materials, providing a comfortable and secure grip for the player. In some examples, the inner edge of the fly ring includes a soft, flexible plastic edge for a comfortable and secure grip during play.

[0009] The fly ring may include one or more compartments. In some examples, the compartments are visible from a bottom view of the fly ring. The housing compartments are configured to house at least a battery and a controller. Example battery types include, but are not limited to, coin cell batteries or rechargeable batteries. The fly ring may include a battery charging port with a waterproof cover (e.g., when using rechargeable batteries) and / or a cover with a waterproof gasket (e.g., when using coin cell batteries) to protect the battery from water immersion.

[0010] The controller may include an input for receiving battery power. The controller may also include an output connected to an LED strip. The LED strip can be configured to serve both as a power source to illuminate one or more LEDs and as an electrical connector to electrically connect the battery to the controller. The LEDs can be evenly arranged around the edge of the flyring.

[0011] The fly ring includes one or more buttons, switches, and / or knobs. For example, the fly ring may include buttons configured to receive player input. Players can select or change the color, brightness (increase or decrease light intensity), or display mode of the LED light strip (to enhance entertainment).

[0012] As another example, the flying ring may include at least one centrifugal switch that allows the LED to be automatically turned on by creating a closed circuit. The creation of the closed circuit establishes an electrical connection between the battery and the LED, thereby powering the LED as the flying ring rotates or flies. In some examples, the centrifugal switch may also automatically cut off power (including creating an open circuit) when the flying ring is not rotating or flying to conserve battery power. The centrifugal switch may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a metal ball, circuit contacts, or a combination thereof. In the case where the centrifugal switch includes a metal ball, the metal ball can be attracted and moved towards a nearby magnet. Under centrifugal force, the metal ball moves away from the magnet and contacts two electrodes, thereby closing the circuit, which allows current to flow through the 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 ring. When the flying ring rotates, the two centrifugal switches can simultaneously close the circuit, causing the controller to automatically power the LED so that they can emit light.

[0013] On the other hand, the density of the flying ring is set to be less than that of water, so that it can float on the water surface. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 A top perspective view of an exemplary flying ring according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 A bottom view of an exemplary flying ring according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary flying ring according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary flying ring according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 A bottom-view perspective view of an exemplary flying ring according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 6 A top perspective view showing a partial cross-section of an exemplary fly ring according to an example of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 7 Detailed bottom perspective view of a partially cutaway exemplary fly ring according to an example of the present disclosure, and enlarged view of an exemplary battery and circuit compartment are shown.

[0021] Figure 8 A bottom perspective view of an exemplary fly ring component according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 9 A perspective view showing the structure of an exemplary LED circuit according to an example of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 10 A simplified diagram of an exemplary central circuit board according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 11 A simplified diagram of an exemplary central circuit board according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 12 A block diagram of a controller for a flying ring according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 13 A block diagram of a controller for a flying ring according to an example of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This document describes a flying ring configured to emit light. The flying ring can be used as a recreational toy or sports equipment. The flying ring may include one or more LEDs located at the outer edge (e.g., the outer perimeter) of the flying ring. The LEDs on the flying ring may display a single color or multiple colors. The flying ring may include one or more LED strips. The LED strips may include multiple LEDs formed on a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The LEDs can be mounted within the flying ring using molding processes and techniques to withstand high impacts.

[0028] In some examples, the flying ring may include a centrifugal switch for controlling the on / off state of the LED light. When the flying ring is thrown, in flight, or both, the LED light automatically switches to the on state (emitting light). When not in use, the LED light automatically turns off (off state) to conserve battery power. The flying ring can use rechargeable or disposable batteries to power the LED light and / or one or more circuits.

[0029] The ring may include one or more buttons, switches, and / or knobs. An exemplary knob is one configurable to receive input to adjust the color and / or brightness of the light emitted by LEDs. Additionally or alternatively, the knob may allow the user to select an LED display mode. A non-limiting exemplary LED display mode includes color-changing or light flashing during flight. In some examples, the ring may float on water. Alternatively or additionally, the ring may be waterproof. This allows the user to comfortably use the ring in water, dust, sand, or other types of environments.

[0030] The following description is intended to enable those skilled in the art to make and use various examples. Specific descriptions of apparatuses, techniques, and applications are provided by way of example only. These examples are provided merely to supplement background and aid in understanding. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the examples can be implemented without some or all of the specific details. Other applications exist, and therefore the following examples should not be considered limiting. Various modifications to the examples described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other examples and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the various examples. Therefore, the various examples are not intended to be limited to the examples described and shown herein, but should be given a scope of protection consistent with the claims.

[0031] The various technical and process steps will be described in detail with reference to the examples shown in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of one or more aspects and / or features described or referenced herein. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that one or more aspects and / or features described or referenced herein can be implemented without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known process steps and / or structures have not been described in detail so as not to obscure certain aspects and / or features described or referenced herein.

[0032] In the following illustrative examples, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the description and illustrate specific implementable examples. It should be understood that other examples may be used and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed examples.

[0033] The terminology used in the description of the various examples herein is for the purpose of describing the particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various 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 should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should also be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0034] Figures 1 to 6 Different views of an exemplary flyring according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown. The flyring includes a flyring body 100, an LED strip 200, an LED strip guard 300, an inner edge 600, a battery compartment 400, and a circuit compartment 500. The flyring body 100 may comprise a lightweight, impact-resistant material such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), foam, or combinations thereof. In some examples, 80% of the flyring body comprises PP, PE, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, TPE, or combinations thereof.

[0035] The LED light strip 200 can be arranged along one or more sections of the outer edge of the flyring. The LED light strip 200 can be arranged such that one or more LEDs are arranged along the center of rotation of the flyring (e.g., from the center of rotation of the flyring). Figure 2 The LED light strip 200 emits light outward in a radial direction (near the intersection of F7 and F8 shown). The LED light strip 200 may include LED lamps 202. LED lamps 202 may include LED blocks or clusters, individual LEDs, and / or LED microcircuits. The LED light strip may include any number of LED lamps 202, ranging from 3 to 3000. In some examples, the LED light strip 200 is formed by mounting the LED lamps 202 on a flexible circuit board 201, such as... Figure 7 As shown. The flexible circuit board 201 may be circular. In some aspects, the flexible circuit board 201 may be arranged along the outer edge and / or inner edge of the flyring. The flexible circuit board 201 may be made of a flexible material with conductive paths on its surface. The LED lamp 202 may be mounted on the flexible circuit board 201 using surface mount technology (SMT) or chip-on-board (COB) technology.

[0036] Return to reference Figures 1 to 6A protective ring 300 (also referred to as an LED strip protector) may cover the outer side of the LED strip 200. In some examples, the LED strip protector 300 may be attached to the flyring body 100. The LED strip protector 300 may include a material that allows visible light to pass through. For example, the LED strip protector 300 may allow light emitted from the LED strip 200 to be transmitted outward. The LED strip 200 and the LED strip protector 300 may be configured to allow light to be emitted at least partially along the edge of the flyring in a radial direction from the center of rotation of the flyring at one or more locations on the LED strip 200.

[0037] The LED strip protector 300 may comprise a lightweight, impact-resistant material such as PP, PE, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, TPE, TPU, or a combination thereof. In some examples, 80% of the LED strip protector 300 may be made of PP, PE, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, TPE, TPU, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the LED strip protector 300, its inner edge, or both may comprise a soft, resilient material with a hardness of less than 60 Shore A to provide a comfortable feel when holding, throwing, and / or catching the hoop. In some aspects, the LED strip protector 300 may include a luminescent material that allows the hoop to be illuminated by the light emitted by the LED 202 when it is lit, and also allows the hoop to glow in the dark when the LED 202 is off (e.g., to make it easier to spot). The material of the LED strip protector 300 may also allow for safe use of the hoop (e.g., when the hoop is in flight and / or comes into contact with one or more players).

[0038] The inner edge 600 may include a soft material. In some aspects, the inner edge 600 may include the same material as the LED strip protector 300. The inner edge 600 may be configured with a material that enhances grip comfort and safety when the player's hand contacts (e.g., holds) the ring.

[0039] Figure 7 A bottom perspective view of a partially cutaway exemplary flying ring according to an example of this disclosure. Figure 7 The lower left portion shows an enlarged view of the battery compartment 400. The battery compartment 400 accommodates a battery 404, which is secured within the battery compartment 400 by a battery cover 401 and one or more battery screws 403. The battery 404 can connect to one or more contacts 405 (…). Figure 8 (as shown) connected to the controller 510 via wires on the flexible circuit board 201. Figure 8 and Figure 9 (As shown) provides input power. The flyring may include a waterproof gasket 402 configured to prevent water from entering the battery compartment 400. The battery compartment 400 may also be waterproof.

[0040] Figure 7 The lower right portion shows an enlarged view of the circuit compartment 500. The circuit compartment 500 houses the controller 510 and a centrifugal switch (e.g., Figures 10 to 13 The centrifugal switch 520 shown. The controller 510 may include at least one input for receiving power from the battery compartment 400 and for electrical connection to the LED strip 200 (e.g., via...). Figure 10 and Figure 11 At least one output terminal of the solder joint 512 shown. The controller 510 may be attached to the flyring body 100 and covered by the circuit cover 501, as shown. Figure 8 A detailed 3D view is shown.

[0041] The circuit cover 501 can be attached to the fly ring body 100 by ultrasonic welding, hot plate welding, glue, and / or screws. For example, one or more circuit screws 503 can be used to attach the circuit cover 501 and the waterproof gasket 502 to the fly ring body 100, thereby ensuring that the circuit compartment 500 is waterproof and protecting the controller 510 from impact during fly ring use (e.g., while playing). In some aspects, the circuit compartment 500 may also be waterproof.

[0042] The battery compartment 400, the control circuit compartment 500, and other components of the flight ring are configured in such a way that the center of inertia coincides with the rotation axis of the flight ring, thereby achieving stable flight.

[0043] In some aspects, the flyring includes at least one centrifugal switch comprising an object whose mass moves under centrifugal force and directly contacts switch circuit contacts or indirectly applies a force to the switch to change its circuit state. Examples of this disclosure may include various centrifugal switches.

[0044] Figure 10 and Figure 11 A simplified diagram of an exemplary central circuit board according to an example of this disclosure is shown. As shown, a centrifugal switch 520 may be attached to a controller 510a or 510b. The centrifugal switch 520 includes two contacts 522, a metal ball 521 having a conductive surface, a magnet 523, and a switch hole 524. The switch hole 524 may be a hole formed by cutting a portion of the printed circuit board 511a or 511b. In some examples, the switch hole 524 is formed such that a small gap exists around the metal ball 521, thereby allowing the metal ball 521 to move when subjected to a force in an appropriate direction.

[0045] When the fly ring is not rotating / not flying or is rotating / flying at low speed, the magnet 523 can attract the metal ball 521 to the magnet 523, so that the metal ball 521 does not contact the pair of contacts 522, thereby keeping the centrifugal switch 520 in the open circuit state.

[0046] When the flying ring rotates / flies at a sufficiently high speed, it generates centrifugal force on the metal ball 521, causing it to move away from the magnet 523. The metal ball 521 can form conductive contact with a pair of contacts 522, closing the circuit (closed-circuit state) of the centrifugal switch 520. Current flowing through the pair of contacts 522 is conducted through the metal ball 521, thereby generating a signal for the controller to automatically illuminate the LED strip. This invention is not limited to... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The centrifugal switch shown and described herein includes other exemplary centrifugal switches.

[0047] In some examples, the flying ring uses an accelerometer or gyroscope to detect (determine) its rotation / motion. This can then automatically control the LED strip's illumination by sending a signal to the controller to turn the LEDs on or off. The controller can be configured to keep the LED strip lit for a predetermined duration after the flying ring stops rotating or flying, making it easier for players to locate the flying ring in the dark.

[0048] Figure 12 and Figure 13 A block diagram of an exemplary controller according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. In some examples, Figure 12 LED strip light control circuit system is comparable to Figure 13 The system shown is simpler. For ease of viewing, dashed arrows in the attached diagram indicate the path of signals (such as control or communication signals), while solid arrows indicate the path of electrical energy. Figure 12 The controller 510a shown can be used with Figure 10 The controller shown is similar to the 510a. Figure 13 The controller 510b shown can be used with Figure 11 The controller shown is similar to the 510b.

[0049] Figure 12 A controller 510a is shown, which includes an input powered by a disposable battery 404 and an output coupled to an LED strip 200. The controller 510a may include an LED driver 514 configured to receive an input signal indicating the state of a centrifugal switch 520 to power or de-power the LED strip 200.

[0050] for Figure 13The controller 510b may use a rechargeable battery 404, which can be charged via a charging port 551 mounted on the controller board. The charging port 551 can receive charge from an adapter 553, which can be used to power a battery management circuit 555. The controller 510b may include an input powered by the battery 404 and an output coupled to the LED strip 200. The controller 510b may include a microcontroller 515 configured to receive signals from a centrifugal switch 520 and a button 513. In some respects, the button 513 may be a key. Signals from the button 513 (e.g., indicating user input) may be used alone or in conjunction with a program stored in memory to provide control data to the LED driver 514. For example, the LED driver 514 can control one or more properties of the LED strip 200, including but not limited to: automatically lighting up when the ring is spinning or flying, automatically turning off when the ring is not spinning or flying, changing the color of the LED, changing the brightness of the LED, randomly changing the color of the LED after each throw, or making the LED emit light according to a pattern (such as a preset pattern), thereby providing players with a more attractive and fun ring toy.

[0051] Although examples of this disclosure have been fully described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of the examples of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flying ring, comprising: The fly ring body includes a circular outer edge and an inner edge surrounding a hole located in the middle of the fly ring; At least one LED light strip, the at least one LED light strip being arranged on the outer edge and configured to emit light outward in a radial direction from the rotation center of the flying ring; as well as At least one compartment is attached to the fly ring, the at least one compartment housing a battery or controller. The controller includes an input terminal powered by the battery and an output terminal connected to the at least one LED light strip.

2. The flying ring according to claim 1, further comprising: LED strip protective component, which covers the at least one LED strip, wherein the LED strip protective component contains a material capable of transmitting visible light so that the light emitted by the at least one LED strip can propagate outward.

3. The flying ring according to claim 2, wherein, The material of the LED light strip protective component includes a soft material with a hardness of less than 60 Shore A.

4. The flying ring according to claim 2, wherein, The material of the LED light strip protective component includes a luminescent material that allows the fly ring to glow in the dark.

5. The flying ring according to claim 1, wherein, The material of the LED light strip protective component comprises 80% PP, PE, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, TPE or a combination thereof.

6. The flying ring according to claim 1, wherein, The inner edge comprises a soft material with a hardness of less than 60 Shore A.

7. The flying ring according to claim 1, wherein, The main body of the fly ring comprises 80% PP, PE, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, TPE or a combination thereof.

8. The flying ring according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one centrifugal switch is configured to create a closed circuit when the flying ring rotates or flies, wherein the creation of the closed circuit causes the at least one LED light strip to light up.

9. The flying ring according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one centrifugal switch is configured to create an open circuit when the flying ring is not rotating or not flying, the creation of the open circuit causing the at least one LED light strip to turn off.

10. The flying ring according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one centrifugal switch, the at least one centrifugal switch comprising a magnet and a metal ball configured to be attracted by the magnet.

11. The flying ring according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one acceleration sensor, said at least one acceleration sensor being configured to: Determine whether the flying ring is rotating or flying; as well as Based on the determination that the flying ring is rotating or flying, a signal is output to the controller to light up at least one LED light strip.

12. The flying ring according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one gyroscope sensor, said at least one gyroscope sensor being configured as follows: Determine whether the flying ring is rotating or flying; as well as Based on the determination that the flying ring is rotating or flying, a signal is output to the controller to light up at least one LED light strip.

13. The flying ring according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one compartment includes a waterproof cover and a waterproof gasket.

14. The flying ring according to claim 1, wherein, The average density or weight of the flying ring is less than that of water, so that the flying ring can float on the water surface.

15. The flying ring according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one LED light strip comprises 3 to 3000 LEDs.

16. The flying ring according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one LED light strip includes LEDs capable of emitting multiple colors of light.

17. The flying ring according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one button, switch, or knob, configured to receive player input to change or select the color, brightness, or display mode of the LED lights in the at least one LED strip.

18. The flying ring according to claim 1, further comprising: At least two centrifugal switches are arranged symmetrically about the rotation center of the fly ring, wherein when the fly ring rotates, the at least two centrifugal switches create a closed circuit that illuminates the at least one LED strip.

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