# How the Modern Frisbee Design Works

> A 1967 patent describing the specific aerodynamic shape and raised ribs that allow a plastic disc to fly straight and steady.

- **Patent:** US 3359678
- **Original title:** Flying saucer
- **Owner:** Wham O Manufacturing Co
- **Granted:** 1967
- **Status:** Public domain (expired)
- **Times cited:** 137
- **Field:** mechanical, consumer_electronics

## What it does

The patent defines the geometry of a flying disc, specifically focusing on the transition from a flat center to a curved rim. It describes an upper convex surface and a lower concave surface that create lift during flight. A critical feature is the inclusion of 'air flow spoiling means,' which are concentric raised ribs on the top surface. These ribs disrupt the airflow to prevent the disc from stalling or wobbling, ensuring a more stable flight path.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover discs without the specific concentric raised ribs on the top surface.
- Does not cover non-circular aerodynamic toys.
- Does not cover discs that lack the defined downward curvature from the central area to the rim.

## The clever bit

The invention uses 'spoiling'—intentionally disrupting smooth airflow with ribs—to actually improve stability, effectively using turbulence to keep the disc from flipping over.

## Real-world examples

1. Wham-O Frisbee
2. Professional Ultimate Frisbee discs
3. Recreational plastic flying discs

## Why it matters

This patent solidified the design of the modern Frisbee, turning a simple toy into a stable piece of sports equipment. It allowed Wham-O to standardize the manufacturing of the disc, which became a staple of American outdoor recreation and eventually led to organized sports like Ultimate Frisbee.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How the Modern Frisbee Design Works cover?

A 1967 patent describing the specific aerodynamic shape and raised ribs that allow a plastic disc to fly straight and steady.

### Who owns patent US 3359678?

Wham O Manufacturing Co owns this patent, granted in 1967.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.

### What is patent US 3359678 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 137 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This patent solidified the design of the modern Frisbee, turning a simple toy into a stable piece of sports equipment. It allowed Wham-O to standardize the manufacturing of the disc, which became a staple of American outdoor recreation and eventually led to organized sports like Ultimate Frisbee.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover discs without the specific concentric raised ribs on the top surface.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/3359678/frisbee-flying-disc

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US3359678

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._


## Related patents

Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus:

- [How the Wiffle Ball Design Works](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2776139/wiffle-ball-mullany) — A 1954 patent for a lightweight, perforated plastic ball designed to curve easily when thrown, famously known as the Wiffle ball.
- [How the Hula Hoop Works](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/3079728/hula-hoop-wham-o) — A 1963 patent for a lightweight, rigid plastic hoop designed to rotate around a human waist through rhythmic body movements.
- [How the Rogallo Flexible Wing Kite Works](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2546078/rogallo-wing-hang-glider) — A 1948 patent for a kite with a flexible, non-rigid wing that uses air pressure to maintain its shape during flight.
- [How the First Modern Water Slide Was Designed](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/2982547/slip-n-slide-carrier) — A 1960 patent for a water-based amusement structure featuring a sloped surface and a water supply system to create a sliding experience.
- [How the Modern LEGO Brick Design Works](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/3005282/lego-toy-brick) — The 1958 patent that defined the iconic LEGO brick with hollow tubes inside, allowing bricks to lock together firmly.