Illuminated flying disc

Abstract

A recreational or competitive flying disc includes an illumination system employing an array of flexible optical fibers to distribute the light of a single light emitting diode (LED) from the rotational center of the disc to its outside periphery. A small water-resistant compartment centered on the underside of the disc houses the LED, battery, and the illumination control. The leads of the LED also serve as the contacts of the battery. One end of each of the optical fibers is embedded in the LED, and the other end extends radially from the central housing on the underside surface of the disc to the rim of the disc. The flying disc is illuminated without altering the aerodynamic properties of the disc.

1 - 40 . (canceled)  
   
   
       41 . A method of illuminating a flying disc, said method comprising: 
 providing a flying disc having an electronics chamber and a light emitting diode (LED) within said electronics chamber, said LED including a semiconductor chip embedded in a dielectric and a first electrical lead and a second electrical lead attached to said semiconductor chip;    placing a battery assembly in said electronics chamber so that a first conducting portion of said battery assembly directly contacts said first electrical lead; and    directly contacting a second portion of said battery assembly with said second electrical lead.    
   
   
       42 . A method as in  claim 41  wherein said battery assembly comprises a single battery.  
   
   
       43 . A method as in  claim 41  wherein said battery assembly comprises a dual battery assembly.  
   
   
       44 . A switchable light source for a flying disc including a first surface and a second surface comprising: 
 a base member including a plurality of base elements;    a cap that covers said base elements;    a battery assembly having a first terminal and a second terminal located between said base elements and said cap; and    a light emitting diode (LED) having a first lead located to directly contact said first terminal and a second lead located substantially adjacent to one of said base elements,    wherein rotating said cap forces said one of said base elements towards said second terminal and causes said second lead to directly contact said second terminal.    
   
   
       45 . A switchable light source for a flying disc as in  claim 44  wherein 
 said cap is rotatable between a first position and a second position.    
   
   
       46 . A switchable light source for a flying disc as in  claim 45  wherein 
 said cap includes a cam that does not engage said one of said base elements when said cap is in said first position and engages said one of said base elements when said cap is in said second position.    
   
   
       47 . A switchable light source for a flying disc as in  claim 46  wherein said one of said base elements is abbreviated to form an opening and wherein said cam is located substantially in said opening when said cap is in said first position.  
   
   
       48 . A switchable light source for a flying disc as in  claim 45  and further including a detent engageable by said cap to hold said cap in said second position.  
   
   
       49 - 54 . (canceled)  
   
   
       55 . A switchable light source for a flying disc comprising: 
 an electronics housing including a plurality of non-conductive flexible base elements and a cap covering said base elements; and    a switch mechanism comprising: a cam located on said cap; one of said base elements, and a conductive switch element in contact with said one base element; said cam, one base element, and conductive switch element located so that when said cap is rotated, said cam moves said base element to activate said switch.    
   
   
       56 . A switchable light source for a flying disc as in  claim 55  further including a battery located between said one of said base elements and said cap.  
   
   
       57 . A switchable light source for a flying disc as in  claim 56  wherein said battery includes a pair of terminals, said flying disc further including a light emitting diode (LED) having a first lead located in contact with one of said terminals and a second lead located substantially adjacent to one of said base elements.  
   
   
       58 . A switchable light source for a flying disc as in  claim 55  further including a detent located adjacent said cap to provide a stop mechanism for said rotation of said cap.  
   
   
       59 . A method of illuminating a flying disc, said method comprising: 
 providing a flying disc having an electronics housing, an electronics housing cap, and a light source;    placing a battery in said electronics housing;    securing said battery in said electronics housing by placing said cap on said electronics housing without turning on said light source; and    rotating said cap to turn on said light source.    
   
   
       60 . A method as in  claim 59  wherein said electronics housing includes a plurality of flexible base elements and wherein said securing comprises said cap bending said flexible base elements to grip said battery.  
   
   
       61 . A method as in  claim 59  wherein said placing comprises placing a dual battery assembly in said electronics housing.  
   
   
       62 . A method for switching a light source for a flying disc including a base structure including a plurality of flexible non-conducting base elements, a cap that covers said base elements, a battery assembly having a first terminal and a second terminal located between said base elements and said cap; and a light emitting diode (LED) having a first lead located in contact with said first terminal and a second lead located substantially adjacent to a one of said base elements, said method comprising: 
 rotating said cap and thereby pinching said one of said base elements towards said second terminal; and contacting said second lead with said second terminal.    
   
   
       63 - 64 . (canceled)  
   
   
       65 . A switchable light source comprising: 
 a base member including a plurality of base elements;    a cap that covers said base elements;    a battery assembly having a first terminal and a second terminal located between said base elements and said cap; and    a light emitting diode (LED) having a first lead located in direct contact with said first terminal and a second lead located substantially adjacent to one of said base elements;    wherein rotating said cap forces said one of said base elements towards said second terminal and said second lead into direct contact with said second terminal.