Product Code Database
An Aerobie is a flying ring used in a manner similar to a flying disc (Frisbee), for recreational catches between two or more individuals. Its ring shape of only about thickness "The Science of Aerobie Sport Toys", #1 , accessed June 26, 2008 makes the Aerobie lighter and more stable in flight than a disc.Schuurmans, Mace "Flight of the Frisbee", New Scientist, accessed June 26, 2008 It can be bent to tune it for straighter flight. "Aerobie Pro and Sprint ring FAQs", #2 , accessed June 26, 2008 Since it has very low drag and good stability, it can be thrown much further than a flying disc. The Aerobie was used to set two former world records for thrown objects.
Designed in 1984 by Stanford engineering lecturer Alan Adler, the Aerobie has a polycarbonate core with soft rubber bumpers molded onto the inner and outer rims. The outer rim has a spoiler designed for stability. aerobie.com image , accessed June 26, 2008
In the 1970s, Alan Adler began attempting to improve the flying disc, considering its design characteristics. He tried streamlining the shape to reduce drag, but this resulted in a disc that was more unstable in flight. This led to the development of the predecessor of the Aerobie, which was called the "Skyro". About a million of this model were sold. In 1980, it was used to set a Guinness World Record throw of . It lacked the spoiler rim of the Aerobie. It had low drag, but was stable at only a certain speed. The later introduction of the spoiler, which balanced the lift, made the ring stable "over a wide range of speeds".Adler, Alan "The Evolution & Aerodynamics of the Aerobie Flying Ring" , accessed June 26, 2008 After testing several models, the ideal shape was found, and the Aerobie was produced. Adler founded Superflight, Inc. (later known as Aerobie, Inc.) in 1984.
In 2017, the rights to the Aerobie flying ring and other Aerobie assets were sold to Swimways, a subsidiary of Spin Master, and the company was renamed to AeroPress, Inc.
When lost near the coast, the rings constitute a hazard for marine life, especially young Pinniped, who may poke their heads through them, where they become stuck and cause wounds. Several councils in England and Wales have banned their use on beaches, and some British retailers have voluntarily stopped selling them.
Previous to the 1986 record, the Aerobie held the world record at . It does not appear that this was recorded by Guinness. On June 7, 1988, the Aerobie became the first object to be thrown across Niagara Falls with a throw by Scott Zimmerman. In April 1987, Zimmerman threw a silver dollar taped to an Aerobie across the Potomac River.
Since the introduction of the Aerobie, Superflight has offered reward money for various landmark throws. While details of the earlier rewards are unclear, the current reward is $1,000 to anyone who sets the Guinness World Distance Record.
|
|
