Stabilized flying disc toy

Abstract

A stabilized flying disc toy may include an orthogonal tail portion operatively connected to a disc such that the disc may rotate independently of the tail portion. The tail portion may be removably coupled to the disc by a hub assembly.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A hand-thrown toy including
 a disc portion having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface; and   a substantially planar tail portion operatively connected to the disc portion at a central hub such that the disc portion is rotatable independent of the tail portion, the tail portion having an upper portion on the side of the first major surface and a lower portion on the side of the second major surface;   wherein the tail portion is configured to remain generally in a trailing position orthogonal to the disc portion when the disc portion is thrown through the air.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the central hub comprises a hub assembly removably disposed in an aperture in the disc portion. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the aperture comprises a cylindrical wall. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the cylindrical wall has a convex inner surface. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the circular wall of the aperture depends from the second major surface of the disc portion. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the hub assembly comprises a first cylindrical portion having a hollow center and at least one lateral aperture, and a second portion configured to matingly engage the first portion and having at least one lateral tab biased outward to fit into the at least one lateral aperture of the first portion. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the hub assembly comprises manually separable hub portions. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion and lower portion of the tail portion are joined such that the tail portion forms a mouth passing around the disc portion. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tail portion has a mass, and wherein less than approximately 60% of the mass lies above a plane defined by the disc portion. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the mass of the tail portion is substantially balanced above and below the plane defined by the disc portion. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tail portion is configured to display a shape and an image of a stylized animal.