U.S. patent application number 10/988725 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for recreational swings and toddler attachments for swinging and spinning.
Invention is credited to Pelletier, Michael J..
Application Number | 20050107173 10/988725 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34577112 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050107173 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pelletier, Michael J. |
May 19, 2005 |
Recreational swings and toddler attachments for swinging and
spinning
Abstract
There is provided swings for swinging and spinning and for
simultaneous use by one or more individuals. The swings provide one
or more seating members for one or more individuals to sit and
provide a common point from which the supports of the swing are
suspended for rotational spinning of the swing. The multiple
seating members may be fastened together with a connector or
fastened directly together to define a cross, triangular,
rectangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal pattern. Some swings provide
a center opening through which one or more seated individuals may
place their legs during use of the swing. In addition, toddler
attachments are provided for placement in the center openings of
the various swings. The toddler attachments comprise a frame member
having attachments to connect the toddler attachments to the
supports of the swing it is placed upon. A fabric member
substantially engages the edges of the frame member and the fabric
member defines a recess with leg holes into which a toddler may be
seated.
Inventors: |
Pelletier, Michael J.;
(Gray, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Family ID: |
34577112 |
Appl. No.: |
10/988725 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60523463 |
Nov 19, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
472/118 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 9/12 20130101; A63G
9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
472/118 |
International
Class: |
A63G 009/00 |
Claims
That which is claimed:
1. A swing comprising: a seat defining a top surface, a bottom
surface opposite the top surface, and a concave front surface; and
at least two supports suspended from a common point, wherein each
support is connected to a different location on the seat.
2. A swing according to claim 1 wherein the seat further defines a
convex rear surface, wherein the concave front surface and the
convex rear surface each define a radius and wherein the radius of
the concave front surface is no greater than the radius of the
convex rear surface.
3. A swing according to claim 1 wherein the seat defines two
through holes, and wherein each support passes through a through
hole.
4. A swing according to claim 3 wherein each support is restrained
on the bottom surface of the seat by a knot in the support.
5. A swing according to claim 1 wherein each support comprises a
rope.
6. A swing comprising: a first seat defining a first top surface
and a first bottom surface opposite the first top surface; a second
seat defining a second top surface and a second bottom surface
opposite the second top surface; a connector fastened to the first
seat and to the second seat; and at least four supports suspended
from a common point, wherein each support is connected to a
different location on either the first or second seat.
7. A swing according to claim 6 wherein the first seat defines a
first concave front surface and a first convex rear surface
opposite the first concave front surface and the second seat
defines a second concave front surface and a second convex rear
surface opposite the second concave front surface, and wherein the
first seat and second seat are fastened to the connector such that
the first concave front surface faces the second concave front
surface.
8. A swing according to claim 6 wherein the first seat and the
second seat each define two through holes, and wherein each support
passes through a through hole.
9. A swing according to claim 8 wherein each support is restrained
on the bottom surface of the seat by a knot in the support.
10. A swing according to claim 6 wherein each support comprises a
rope.
11. A swing comprising: a first seating member defining two seats
at opposite ends of the first seating member and a centerpoint
midway between the opposed seats, wherein the first seating member
defines a first top surface and a first bottom surface opposite the
first top surface; a second seating member defining two seats at
opposite ends of the second seating member and a centerpoint midway
between the opposed seats, wherein the second seating member
defines a second top surface and a second bottom surface opposite
the second top surface; at least one fastener joining the first
seating member to the second seating member such that the center
point of the first seating member is substantially above the center
point of the second seating member; and at least four supports
suspended from a common point, wherein each support is connected to
a different location on either the first or second seating
member.
12. A swing according to claim 11 wherein the seating members each
define two through holes, and wherein the each support passes
through a through hole.
13. A swing according to claim 12 wherein each support is
restrained on the bottom surface of the seating member by a knot in
the support.
14. A swing according to claim 11 wherein each support comprises a
rope.
15. A swing according to claim 11 wherein the common point from
which the four supports suspend comprises a snap link.
16. A swing comprising: three seating members that each defines a
top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and
wherein the seating members are fastened in a triangular shape; and
at least three supports suspended from a common point, wherein each
support is connected to a different location on the seating
members.
17. A swing according to claim 16 wherein each seating member
defines a lower lap at one end of the seating member and an upper
lap at an opposite end of the seating member such that the fastened
seating members define a top surface that is generally planar and a
bottom surface that is generally planar.
18. A swing according to claim 16 wherein the common point from
which the three supports suspend comprises a snap link.
19. A swing according to claim 16 wherein the seating members
define through holes and each support passes through a through hole
and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastened seat
members by a knot in the support.
20. A swing according to claim 16 wherein each support comprises a
rope.
21. A swing comprising: four seating members that each defines a
top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and
wherein the seating members are fastened in a rectangular shape;
and at least four supports suspended from a common point, wherein
each support is connected to a different location on the seating
members.
22. A swing according to claim 21 wherein each seating member
defines a lower lap at one end of the seating member and an upper
lap at an opposite end of the seating member such that the fastened
seating members define a top surface that is generally planar and a
bottom surface that is generally planar.
23. A swing according to claim 21 wherein the common point from
which the four supports suspend comprises a snap link.
24. A swing according to claim 21 wherein the seating members
define through holes and each support passes through a through hole
and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastened seat
members by a knot in the support.
25. A swing according to claim 21 wherein each support comprises a
rope.
26. A swing comprising: five seating members that each defines a
top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and
wherein the seating members are fastened in a pentagonal shape; and
at least five supports suspended from a common point, wherein each
support is connected to a different location on the seating
members.
27. A swing according to claim 26 wherein each seating member
defines a lower lap at one end of the seating member and an upper
lap at an opposite end of the seating member such that the fastened
seating members define a top surface that is generally planar and a
bottom surface that is generally planar.
28. A swing according to claim 26 wherein the common point from
which the five supports suspend comprises a snap link.
29. A swing according to claim 26 wherein the seating members
define through holes and each support passes through a through hole
and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastened seat
members by a knot in the support.
30. A swing according to claim 26 wherein each support comprises a
rope.
31. A swing comprising: six seating members that each defines a top
surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and wherein
the seating members are fastened in a hexagonal shape; and at least
six supports suspended from a common point, wherein each support is
connected to a different location on the seating members.
32. A swing according to claim 31 wherein each seating member
defines a lower lap at one end of the seating member and an upper
lap at an opposite end of the seating member such that the fastened
seating members define a top surface that is generally planar and a
bottom surface that is generally planar.
33. A swing according to claim 31 wherein the common point from
which the six supports suspend comprises a snap link.
34. A swing according to claim 31 wherein the seating members
define through holes and each support passes through a through hole
and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastened seat
members by a knot in the support.
35. A swing according to claim 31 wherein each support comprises a
rope.
36. A swing comprising: two seating members that each defines a top
surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and wherein
the seating members are fastened to two connectors that intersect
midway between the seating members; and at least four supports
suspended from a common point, wherein each support is connected to
a different location on the seating members.
37. A swing according to claim 36 wherein each seating member
comprises two upper laps at opposite ends of the seating member and
each connector comprises two lower laps at opposite ends and a lap
in a center of the connector such that the fastened seating members
and connectors define a top surface that is generally planar and a
bottom surface that is generally planar.
38. A swing according to claim 36 wherein the common point from
which the four supports suspend comprises a snap link.
39. A swing according to claim 36 wherein the seating members
define through holes and each support passes through a through hole
and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastened seat
members by a knot in the support.
40. A swing according to claim 36 wherein each support comprises a
rope.
41. A swing comprising: four seating members that each defines a
top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and
wherein each seating member is fastened to two seating members at
generally perpendicular intersections to define a square center
opening, such that the seating members extend beyond the
intersections; and at least four supports suspended from a common
point, wherein each support is connected to a different location on
the seating members.
42. A swing according to claim 41 wherein two seating members
comprise upper laps and two seating members comprise lower laps
such that the fastened seating members define a top surface that is
generally planar and a bottom surface that is generally planar.
43. A swing according to claim 41 wherein the common point from
which the four supports suspend comprises a snap link.
44. A swing according to claim 41 wherein the seating members
define through holes and each support passes through a through hole
and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastened seat
members by a knot in the support.
45. A swing according to claim 41 wherein each support comprises a
rope.
46. A toddler attachment for a swing having at least three
supports, the toddler attachment comprising: a triangular frame
member defining three extremities and three interior edges, wherein
each extremity defines an attachment, and wherein the attachments
are structured for attaching to the supports of the swing; and a
fabric member surrounded by the frame member such that the fabric
member substantially engages the three interior edges of the frame
member and defines a recess having two leg holes.
47. A toddler attachment according to claim 46 wherein the
attachment comprises a loop, hook, clip, or the like.
48. A toddler attachment according to claim 46 wherein fabric
member comprises a material of nylon, canvas, or the like.
49. A toddler attachment according to claim 46 wherein the swing
defines a triangular center opening and the triangular frame of the
toddler attachment is structured for positioning within the
triangular center opening of the swing when the attachments are
attached to the supports of the swing.
50. A toddler attachment for a swing having at least four supports,
the toddler attachment comprising: a rectangular frame member
defining four extremities and four interior edges, wherein each
extremity defines an attachment, and wherein the attachments are
structured for attaching to the supports of the swing; and a fabric
member surrounded by the frame member such that the fabric member
substantially engages the four interior edges of the frame member
and defines a recess having two leg holes.
51. A toddler attachment according to claim 50 wherein the
attachment comprises a loop, hook, clip, or the like.
52. A toddler attachment according to claim 50 wherein fabric
member comprises a material of nylon, canvas, or the like.
53. A toddler attachment according to claim 50 wherein the swing
defines a rectangular center opening and the rectangular frame of
the toddler attachment is structured for positioning within the
rectangular center opening of the swing when the attachments are
attached to the supports of the swing.
54. A toddler attachment for a swing having at least five supports,
the toddler attachment comprising: a pentagonal frame member
defining five extremities and five interior edges, wherein each
extremity defines an attachment, and wherein the attachments are
structured for attaching to the supports of the swing; and a fabric
member surrounded by the frame member such that the fabric member
substantially engages the five interior edges of the frame member
and defines a recess having two leg holes.
55. A toddler attachment according to claim 54 wherein the
attachment comprises a loop, hook, clip, or the like.
56. A toddler attachment according to claim 54 wherein fabric
member comprises a material of nylon, canvas, or the like.
57. A toddler attachment according to claim 54 wherein the swing
defines a pentagonal center opening and the pentagonal frame of the
toddler attachment is structured for positioning within the
pentagonal center opening of the swing when the attachments are
attached to the supports of the swing.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority pursuant to 35
U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/523,463,
filed Nov. 19, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is related to recreational swings, and
more particularly, to swings and toddler attachments for swinging
and rotational spinning, where the swings may be simultaneously
used by multiple people.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Recreational swings are often found on playgrounds, parks,
and residential areas and are commonly used by children and adults
for fun and relaxation. Typically, swings are designed for motion
along one plane, where the motion is forward and backward rotation
about the bar to which the swing is attached with a rope or chain.
Additionally, swings are typically designed to seat one person.
[0006] A "tire swing" is a swing that generally includes a tire
that defines a circular seating surface having a circular hole in
the center and that is suspended by multiple ropes, chains, or
cables that are tied to the tire and attached to a mount or pivot
positioned above the tire. The tire swing not only provides forward
and backward rotation about the mount or pivot but also provides
rotational spinning about a central axis of the tire swing.
However, such tire swings are often too small to accommodate two or
more individuals at the same time. In addition, such tire swings
often degrade so that they become unsafe to swing on and often
collect water that may splash on the people swinging on the tire
swing. Therefore, such tire swings may be unsafe and inconvenient
to use because such tires were not intended for use as swings.
[0007] Conventional swings are limited in their ability to produce
a more long-lasting, yet safe, form of amusement because of their
one plane motion for one person. To illustrate this, children will
often resort to winding, jumping off, or standing on the swings.
These and further actions are often induced by boredom and may lead
to injuries to the children. Additionally, social interaction
between individuals is limited during use of conventional swings
because each swing is occupied by a single individual such that two
or more individuals must take turns swinging or must swing on
independent swings.
[0008] Accordingly, a need exists for a swing that provides more
than one plane of motion, which would increase the individual's
level of enjoyment by allowing for motion in more than one
direction. In addition, a need exists for a swing that conveniently
seats two or more people to increase the social interaction between
the individuals.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention addresses the above needs and achieves other
advantages by providing multiple swings for simultaneous use by
multiple individuals. The swings of the present invention are
suspended by supports from a common point, which provide motion in
a swinging direction and/or a rotational spinning direction. The
supports are preferably a rope material, and the supports are
advantageously tied into knots below a bottom surface of the swing
to support the swing.
[0010] Swings of the present invention comprise a swing defining
curved surfaces for use by a single individual or a swing with two
seats having two curved surfaces joined by a connector for use by
two individuals. A swing for four or more individuals comprises two
seating members that each comprises two seats, wherein the seating
members are joined at a center point. An alternative swing defines
a seesaw swing, wherein the supports are positioned on a pulley to
provide a rocking motion in addition to the swinging and spinning
motions.
[0011] Swings having three, four, five, or six seating members are
also provided by the present invention. The seating members are
fastened at lap joints and define through holes in the lap joints
for the supports to pass through and be retained in a knot to
support the seating members of the swing. A center opening is
defined in each swing through which the individuals seated on the
swing can place their legs.
[0012] In addition, a toddler attachment may be positioned in the
center opening. The toddler attachment comprises a frame member
preferably defining the same number of edges as the number of
seating members of the swing to which it is attached. Attachments
are included on the frame member of the toddler attachments for
attaching the toddler attachment to the supports of the swing. The
frame member is preferably sized to rest upon the seating members
of the swing, though alternative embodiments of the toddler
attachments may be supported entirely by the supports of the swing.
The toddler attachments also comprise a fabric member that
substantially engages the edges of the frame member and that
defines a recess having two leg holes into which a toddler or child
may be seated.
[0013] Accordingly, the swings and toddler attachments of the
present invention provide more than one plane of motion, such as
swinging and spinning, which increases the individual's level of
enjoyment. In addition, the swings and toddler attachments
conveniently seat two or more people to increase the social
interaction between the individuals
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a
first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a
single-seat swing having a seat with a curved profile;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a
second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a two-seat
swing comprising two curved seats similar to FIG. 1 attached by a
connector;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a
third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a swing
that seats up to five people and comprises two seating members
fastened at their respective center points;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a
fourth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a two-seat
seesaw swing that comprises a pulley;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a
fifth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a
three-seat swing defining a triangular configuration;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a
sixth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a four-seat
swing defining a rectangular configuration;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a
seventh embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a
five-seat swing defining a pentagonal configuration;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with
an eighth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a
six-seat swing defining a hexagonal configuration;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a
ninth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a two-seat
swing defining a "bow tie" configuration;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with
a tenth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a swing
that seats four or more people and comprises two overlapping
seating members;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a side planar view of a D-ring used to support
the swings of FIGS. 1-10 wherein each rope is individually attached
to the D-ring;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of overlapping
seating members of a swing illustrating the knot in the rope below
the seating members and the bolt, washer, and locknut used to
fasten the seating members together;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a swing such as
the swing of FIG. 3, illustrating the knots in the rope and the
bolts, washers, and locknut used to fasten the seating members
together;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a toddler attachment in
accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention,
illustrating a triangular toddler attachment defining a fabric
member with a recess for the toddler and holes for the toddler's
legs;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a toddler attachment in
accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention,
illustrating a rectangular toddler attachment defining a fabric
member with a recess for the toddler and holes for the toddler's
legs; and
[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a toddler attachment in
accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention,
illustrating a pentagonal toddler attachment defining a fabric
member with a recess for the toddler and holes for the toddler's
legs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,
the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0032] With reference to FIGS. 1-16, various swing configurations
of the present invention are illustrated. The swing configurations
offer significant advancement in enjoyment, interaction, and ease
of use. The swings of the present invention increase the
individual's level of enjoyment by allowing for motion in more than
one direction. The swings provide angular rotation, also described
as spinning, simultaneously with the forward and backward rotation
about a point from which the swing is suspended, also described as
swinging. Alternatively, the swings may spin independent of
swinging, or swing independently of spinning. Thus, the swings of
the present invention allow for a total of three motions: spinning,
swinging, and simultaneous spinning and swinging.
[0033] The swing configurations of FIGS. 1-16 may provide for
increased spontaneous social interaction between adults and
children or among adults or children. In today's society of
declining family and peer interactions, such interaction is
desirable. The increased interaction provided by the swing
configurations of the present invention is attributable to the
multiperson design, which accommodates multiple individuals
simultaneously. The designs offer variations of seating
arrangements. The swing designs also provide for convenient use of
the swings, which further facilitates increased interaction between
the individuals.
[0034] Referring to the swing of FIG. 1, illustrating the
embodiments of a single person swing of the present invention, the
swing 10 defines a seat having a curved profile. The swing
comprises a seat 12 defining a concave front surface 14 and a
convex rear surface 16 opposite the concave front surface. All the
seats or seating members of the illustrated swings are wood;
however, further embodiments of the present invention may comprise
seats or seating members that comprise metal, polymer, elastomer,
and/or other materials, to list a few non-limiting examples of
alternative materials. The seat 12 of FIG. 1 defines a top surface
20 upon which the individual may sit and a 22 bottom surface
opposite the top surface. The seat 12 defines two through holes 18
extending through the thickness of the seat, where the holes are
located between the front surface 14 and the rear surface 16 and
are on opposite ends of the seat. Two supports 24 are fastened in
the holes and suspend from a common point, which in the illustrated
embodiment is a D-ring 26.
[0035] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the D-ring 26 of FIG. 1;
however alternative ways of suspending the supports 24 from a
common point are included in the present invention. The common
points of this and all further embodiments of the present invention
do not require all the supports to intersect at a single point,
rather the supports must suspend for a feature that allows spinning
of the swing. Each support 24 of FIG. 1 passes through a hole 18
and is restrained on the bottom surface 22 of the seat 12. Further
embodiments of the swings of the present invention may include
alternative retention of the supports other than the through holes
of the illustrated embodiments.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the concave front surface 14 and the
convex rear surface 16 each define a radius, and the radius of the
concave front surface is no greater than the radius of the convex
rear surface in the illustrated recreational swing 10. Alternative
swings of the present invention have curved faces of any relative
curvature. The seat 12 defines a centerline down the middle of the
seat, and the through holes 18 are located at equal distances from
the centerline of the seat. The through holes 18 are advantageously
separated by a distance sufficient to accommodate a seated adult;
however further embodiments of the swing of FIG. 1 or of any other
swing configuration of the present invention may have through holes
spaced at any relative distance. In this regard, the swing of FIG.
1 can be built to accommodate more than one person if made
sufficiently wide.
[0037] Each support 24 is restrained on the bottom surface 22 of
the seat 12 by a knot in the support, similar to the knots of FIGS.
12 and 13. Similarly, the supports of all the swing configurations
of FIGS. 1-10 comprise knots on the bottom surface of the seats to
support the seat. The knots are preferably tied such that they do
not become unintentionally tied, particularly during use of the
swing. The knots may also be undone and retied to adjust the length
of the supports. Alternative methods may be used for attaching the
supports to the seat. For example, fasteners, such as eye-hooks,
can be connected to the seat and attached to the supports. Further,
supports other than ropes are contemplated. The swing 10 of FIG. 1
comprises supports that are ropes; however, further embodiments of
the swing may comprise supports that are cables, chains, or the
like.
[0038] Referring to the swing 30 of FIG. 2, the illustrated swing
comprises two seats of the swing of FIG. 1 that are each fastened
to a connector 32. The first seat 34 and the second seat 36 of FIG.
2 comprise concave front surfaces and convex rear surfaces similar
to the surfaces of the seat 10 of FIG. 1. Alternative embodiments
of the seat 30 of FIG. 2 may comprise a first seat 34 and a second
seat 36 that comprise any size or shape and are not limited to the
curved front and rear surfaces. Each seat 34 and 36 define a top
surface 38 and 40, respectively, and a bottom surface 42 and 44,
respectively, opposite the top surfaces. The top surfaces 38 and 40
are structured to each seat an individual. The seats 34 and 36 also
comprise two through holes 46 each on opposite ends of the seat,
and the connector 32 is fastened to the bottom surfaces 42 and 44
of the seats. The connector 32 is also centered between the through
holes 46 of the seats 34 and 36. The connector 32 of the
illustrated embodiment comprises three fasteners 48 on each seat 34
and 36 of the swing 30.
[0039] The fasteners of FIG. 2, as well as the fasteners
illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5-8, 12, and 13, comprise a bolt 60 that
passes through two or more holes in members of a swing and passes
through a washer 62 and is threaded into a locknut 64.
Advantageously the head of the bolt 60 engages the top surface of
the swing, and is preferably a flat head or counter sunk bolt so
that the individuals sitting on the top surface of the swing do not
feel the bolt head. The illustrated bolt heads are button head
bolts, but any bolt heads may be used in the present invention.
Furthermore, the bolt 60 may be threaded into a portion of the
seats or various other nuts to fasten the members of a seat
together. The washer 62 may be a lock washer or any other washer
design, or no washer may be included. In addition, the locknut 64
may be a nut of any design and does not necessarily require a
locking feature. Alternative embodiments of the swings of the
present invention may be fastened by still further devices, such as
screws, nails, rivets, and adhesives, to list a few non-limiting
examples. Still further alternative embodiments of the invention
may define swing seats that comprise a continuous seat with no
fasteners, such as a seat that is blow molded or thermoformed as a
single unit, to list one non-limiting example.
[0040] Returning to the swing 30 of FIG. 2, the swing 30 is
supported by supports 50 that suspend from a common point, which is
the D-ring 52. The D-ring 52 of FIG. 2 and all the illustrated
D-rings of the present invention are similar to the D-ring 26 of
FIG. 11 and all the illustrated supports of the present invention
are attached to a common point in a similar manner as the support
24 of FIG. 11. Alternative embodiments may comprise a common point
of any configuration, a non-limiting example being a snap link, and
the supports may suspend from the common point in any manner. The
support 24 of FIG. 11 is individually suspended from the D-ring 26,
such that the support is braided to itself to define loop enclosing
the D-ring such that the loop is an integral part of the support.
Advantageously, the individual supports are braided together above
the common point or proximate the common point to connect the
supports to the common point. Braiding the individual supports
together advantageously improves the connection of the supports to
the common point and provides an efficient method of connecting the
supports to the common point. Alternative ways of suspending the
supports from the common point are comprised in further embodiments
of the present invention. The supports of the embodiments
illustrated and discussed herein are advantageously rope material
that may be braided together or braided to itself. However,
alternative supports, such as chains, cables, and the like, may
suspend from the common point in alternative manners.
[0041] The length of the supports, such as supports 24 of FIG. 1 or
supports 50 of FIG. 2 are advantageously a length sufficient to
provide convenient use of the swing without the individual sitting
on the swing accidentally bumping into the common point or without
the individual becoming entangled as the supports converge on the
common point. A length of 6 foot is usually sufficient, though
further embodiments of the present invention may use alternative
lengths. The supports 50 of the illustrated swing are rope, but
alternative supports may be substituted as described above.
[0042] The swing 70 of FIG. 3 is a recreational swing for use by
multiple individuals, preferably by four individuals. The swing 70
comprises a first seating member 72 defining two seats 74 and 76 at
opposite ends of the first seating member and a center point midway
between the opposed seats. The first seating member 72 comprises
two through holes 78 located at equal and opposite distances from
the center point of the first seating member, a non-limiting
example being 9 inches from the center point. The first seating
member 72 defines a top surface 80 upon which one or more
individuals may sit and a bottom surface 82 opposite the top
surface. The swing 70 also comprises a second seating member 84
defining two seats 86 and 88 at opposite ends of the second seating
member and a center point midway between the opposed seats. The
second seating member 84 comprises two through holes 90 located at
equal and opposite distances from the centerpoint of the second
seating member. The second seating member 84 defines a top surface
92 upon which one or more individuals may sit and a bottom surface
opposite 94 the top surface. Each seating member 72 and 84 of the
illustrated embodiment preferably defines a width of 41/4 inches
along a central length of 151/4 inches that extends outward at the
seats to define a surface of 81/2 inches by 11 inches for each
seat.
[0043] The swing 70 comprises at least one fastener 96 joining the
first seating member 72 to the second seating member 84 such that
the center point of the first seating member is substantially above
the center point of the second seating member. The swing 70 of FIG.
3 advantageously comprises four {fraction (1/4)} inch by 11/2 inch
carriage bolts with washers and locknuts similar to the fasteners
discussed in FIG. 12. The fasteners are preferably arranged in a 4
inches by 4 inches square. Further embodiments of the swing 70 may
comprise any number of fasteners in any orientation.
[0044] The swing 70 is supported by four supports 98 suspended from
a common point 100, wherein each support passes through a hole 78
of the first seating member 72 or a hole 90 of the second seating
member 84 and is restrained on the bottom surface of each
respective seating member. A distance between the two through holes
78 of the first seating member 72 is equal to a distance between
the two through holes 90 of the second seating member 84 in the
illustrated embodiment, though further embodiments may have
distances of unequal lengths. The distance between the through
holes 78 and between the through holes 90 of FIG. 3 is
approximately 18 inches though further embodiments of the swing may
comprise different distances. The common point from which the four
supports suspend comprises a D-ring 100, or alternatively a snap
link, similar to the common points of the other swings. The
supports 98 of the illustrated embodiment are advantageously four
1/2 inch by 6 foot braided nylon ropes braided at the top and
attached to the D-ring, snap link, or alternative common point.
Each support 98 is restrained on the bottom surface 82 and 94 of
the seating members 72 and 84, respectively, by a knot in the
support, similar to the knots described above, wherein the knots
allow for adjustment of the swing height. Alternatively, the
supports may be retained in other manners, as described above. The
supports 98 of the swing 70 of FIG. 3 are rope, but may comprise
alternative supports as described above.
[0045] The seating members 72 and 84 of the illustrated embodiment
are fastened together orthogonally to define a cross or "X"
pattern, but further embodiments of the swing 70 may comprise
seating members that are connected at angles greater than or less
than 90 degrees. Furthermore, the swing 70 may comprise more than
two seating members joined at various angles.
[0046] The swing 110 of FIG. 4 is a seesaw swing having a single
seating member 112 supported by supports 114 that contact a pulley
116. The swing 110 provides swinging motion and rotational motion,
as well as rocking motion about the pulley 116. The seating member
112 defines two seats 118 and 120 at opposite ends of the seating
member and a midplane midway between the opposed seats. The seating
member 112 comprises four through holes 122 located in sets of two
at equal and opposite distances from a midplane of the first
seating member. The seating member 112 defines a top surface 124
upon which two or more individuals may sit and a bottom surface 126
opposite the top surface.
[0047] The supports 114 of the swing 110 are restrained on the
bottom surface 126 of the seating member 112 by knots in the
support, similar to the knots described above. The supports 112 of
the swing 110 of FIG. 4 are rope, but may comprise alternative
supports as described above. The supports 112 converge at knots
prior to contacting the pulley 116 such that only a single rope is
positioned on the pulley 116. The pulley 116 is connected to the
common point 128 that can be a D-ring similar to the common point
of FIGS. 1-3 described above. The common point 128 may
alternatively define any support that allows rotational spinning
about the common point.
[0048] The swing 130 of FIG. 5 is a three-seat swing defining a
triangular configuration. The swing 130 defines three seating
members 132, 134, and 136 that preferably measure 355/8 inches by
51/2 inches and are positioned in a triangular shape. Further
embodiments of the swing 130 may comprise alternative dimensions
that are less than or greater than the illustrated embodiment. The
seating members are advantageously fastened with fasteners 138
similar to the fasteners of FIGS. 2, 3, and 12. The fasteners 138
of FIG. 4 comprise 1/4 inch by 11/2 inch carriage bolts that pass
through two overlapping seating members and one or more washers and
are threaded into locknuts to fasten the seating members. The lap
joint of the seating members may also comprise two or more
fasteners. The bolts and nuts are preferably recessed below the
surface of the members for safety purposes. Alternative triangular
swings may be fastened by further devices as described above.
[0049] The swing 130 is suspended by three supports 140, which in
the illustrated embodiment are three 1/2 inch by 6 foot braided
nylon ropes braided at the top and attached to a snap link that
defines a common point 142. Alternative supports 140 and common
points 142 may be used as described above. The supports 140 each
pass through two vertically aligned through holes 144 of the
seating members defining a lap joint 146. The seating members
comprise two through holes 144, one at each end of the opposite
ends of each seating member, that are positioned such that the
through holes vertically align when the overlapping seating members
define the lap joint 146. The lap joint 146 is defined by a lower
lap 148 of one seating member positioned below an upper lap 150 of
an adjacent seating member such that the fastened seating members
define a top surface 152 that is generally planar and a bottom
surface 154 that is generally planar. The top surface 152 defines a
surface upon which one or more individuals may sit during use of
the swing. Each seating member preferably comprises one lower lap
148 and one upper lap 150 to define three lap joints 146 of the
swing 130. Further embodiments of the swing 130 may comprise
alternative joints between the seating members that may or may not
comprise through holes 144. The resulting seating area of each
seating member of FIG. 5 measures 22 inches by 51/2 inches.
However, further embodiments may define seating areas smaller or
larger than the illustrated embodiment.
[0050] The through holes 144 are preferably 2 inches from the
outside edge of the seating members in the preferred embodiment;
however, through holes of further embodiments may be located at
alternative locations. The supports 140 are restrained on the
bottom surface 154 of the swing 130 with a simple knot that allows
for height adjustment, as described above. Alternative supports
that are also described above may be used for the swing 130.
Furthermore, alternative retention of the supports may be
incorporated, as described above. The three-seat swing 130 of FIG.
5 advantageously seats three individuals, with one individual on
each seating member; however, any reasonable number of individuals
may use the swing at one time.
[0051] Similar to the swing 130 of FIG. 5, the swing 160 of FIG. 6
is a four-seat swing defining a rectangular configuration that is
advantageously a square configuration. The swing 160 defines four
seating members 162, 163, 164, and 165 that preferably measure 32
inches by 51/2 inches and are positioned in a square shape. Further
embodiments of the swing 160 may comprise alternative dimensions
that are less than or greater than the illustrated embodiment. The
seating members are advantageously fastened with fasteners 168
similar to the fasteners of FIG. 12. The fasteners 168 of FIG. 6
comprise {fraction (1/4)} inch by 11/2 inch carriage bolts that
pass through two overlapping seating members and one or more
washers and are threaded into locknuts to fasten the seating
members. The lap joint of the seating members may also comprise two
or more fasteners. The bolts and nuts are preferably recessed below
the surface of the members for safety purposes. Alternative
rectangular swings may be fastened by further devices as described
above.
[0052] The swing 160 is suspended by four supports 170, which in
the illustrated embodiment are four 1/2 inch by 6 foot braided
nylon ropes braided at the top and attached to a snap link that
defines a common point 172. Alternative supports 170 and common
points 172 may be used as described above. The supports 170 each
pass through two vertically aligned through holes 174 of the
seating members defining a lap joint 176. The seating members
comprise two through holes 174, one at each end of the opposite
ends of each seating member, that are positioned such that the
through holes vertically align when the overlapping seating members
define the lap joint 176. The lap joint 176 is defined by a lower
lap 178 of one seating member positioned below an upper lap 180 of
an adjacent seating member such that the fastened seating members
define a top surface 182 that is generally planar and a bottom
surface 184 that is generally planar. The top surface 182 defines a
surface upon which one or more individuals may sit during use of
the swing. Each seating member preferably comprises one lower lap
178 and one upper lap 180 to define four lap joints 176 of the
swing 160. Further embodiments of the swing 160 may comprise
alternative joints between the seating members that may or may not
comprise through holes 174. The resulting seating area of each
seating member of FIG. 6 measures 21 inches by 51/2 inches and
defines a center opening of the swing that measures 21 inches by 21
inches. However, further embodiments may define seating areas or
center openings smaller or larger than the illustrated
embodiment.
[0053] The through holes 174 are preferably 11/2 inches from the
outside edge of the seating members in the preferred embodiment;
however, through holes of further embodiments may be located at
alternative locations. The supports 170 are restrained on the
bottom surface 184 of the swing 160 with a simple knot that allows
for height adjustment, as described above. Alternative supports
that are also described above may be used for the swing 160.
Furthermore, alternative retention of the supports may be
incorporated, as described above. The four-seat swing 160 of FIG. 6
advantageously seats four individuals, with one individual on each
seating member; however, any reasonable number of individuals may
use the swing at one time.
[0054] Similar to the swings of FIGS. 5 and 6, the swing 190 of
FIG. 7 is a five-seat swing defining a pentagonal configuration.
The swing 190 defines five seating members 192, 193, 194, 195, and
196 that preferably measure 251/2 inches by 51/2 inches and are
positioned in a pentagon shape. Further embodiments of the swing
190 may comprise alternative dimensions that are less than or
greater than the illustrated embodiment. The seating members are
advantageously fastened with fasteners 198 similar to the fasteners
of FIG. 12. The fasteners 198 of FIG. 7 comprise 1/4 inch by 11/2
inch carriage bolts that pass through two overlapping seating
members and one or more washers and are threaded into locknuts to
fasten the seating members. The lap joint of the seating members
may also comprise two or more fasteners. The bolts and nuts are
preferably recessed below the surface of the members for safety
purposes. Alternative pentagonal swings may be fastened by further
devices as described above.
[0055] The swing 190 is suspended by five supports 200, which in
the illustrated embodiment are five 1/2 inch by 6 foot braided
nylon ropes braided at the top and attached to a snap link that
defines a common point 202. Alternative supports 200 and common
points 202 may be used as described above. The supports 200 each
pass through two vertically aligned through holes 204 of the
seating members defining a lap joint 206. The seating members
comprise two through holes 204, one at each end of the opposite
ends of each seating member, that are positioned such that the
through holes vertically align when the overlapping seating members
define the lap joint 206. The lap joint 206 is defined by a lower
lap 208 of one seating member positioned below an upper lap 210 of
an adjacent seating member such that the fastened seating members
define a top surface 212 that is generally planar and a bottom
surface 214 that is generally planar. The top surface 212 defines a
surface upon which one or more individuals may sit during use of
the swing. Each seating member preferably comprises one lower lap
208 and one upper lap 210 to define five lap joints 206 of the
swing 190. Further embodiments of the swing 190 may comprise
alternative joints between the seating members that may or may not
comprise through holes 204. The resulting seating area of each
seating member of FIG. 7 measures 14 inches by 51/2 inches and
defines a center opening with 14 inches edges. However, further
embodiments may define seating areas or center openings smaller or
larger than the illustrated embodiment.
[0056] The through holes 204 are preferably 21/2 inches from the
outside edge of the seating members in the preferred embodiment;
however, through holes of further embodiments may be located at
alternative locations. The supports 200 are restrained on the
bottom surface 214 of the swing 190 with a simple knot that allows
for height adjustment, as described above. Alternative supports
that are also described above may be used for the swing 190.
Furthermore, alternative retention of the supports may be
incorporated, as described above. The five-seat swing 190 of FIG. 7
advantageously seats five individuals, with one individual on each
seating member; however, any reasonable number of individuals may
use the swing at one time.
[0057] Similar to the swings of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the swing 220 of
FIG. 8 is a six-seat swing defining a hexagonal configuration. The
swing 220 defines six seating members 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, and
227 that preferably measure 251/4 inches by 51/2 inches and are
positioned in a hexagon shape. Further embodiments of the swing 220
may comprise alternative dimensions that are less than or greater
than the illustrated embodiment. The seating members are
advantageously fastened with fasteners 228 similar to the fasteners
of FIG. 12. The fasteners 228 of FIG. 8 comprise {fraction (1/4)}
inch by 11/2 inch carriage bolts that pass through two overlapping
seating members and one or more washers and are threaded into
locknuts to fasten the seating members. The lap joint of the
seating members may also comprise two or more fasteners. The bolts
and nuts are preferably recessed below the surface of the members
for safety purposes. Alternative hexagonal swings may be fastened
by further devices as described above.
[0058] The swing 220 is suspended by six supports 230, which in the
illustrated embodiment are six 1/2 inch by 6 foot braided nylon
ropes braided at the top and attached to a snap link that defines a
common point 232. Alternative supports 230 and common points 232
may be used as described above. The supports 230 each pass through
two vertically aligned through holes 234 of the seating members
defining a lap joint 236. The seating members comprise two through
holes 234, one at each end of the opposite ends of each seating
member, that are positioned such that the through holes vertically
align when the overlapping seating members define the lap joint
236. The lap joint 236 is defined by a lower lap 238 of one seating
member positioned below an upper lap 240 of an adjacent seating
member such that the fastened seating members define a top surface
242 that is generally planar and a bottom surface 244 that is
generally planar. The top surface 242 defines a surface upon which
one or more individuals may sit during use of the swing. Each
seating member preferably comprises one lower lap 238 and one upper
lap 240 to define six lap joints 236 of the swing 220. Further
embodiments of the swing 220 may comprise alternative joints
between the seating members that may or may not comprise through
holes 234. The resulting seating area of each seating member of
FIG. 8 measures 14 inches by 51/2 inches and defines a center
opening with 14 inches edges. However, further embodiments may
define seating areas or center openings smaller or larger than the
illustrated embodiment.
[0059] The through holes 234 are preferably 13/4 inches from the
outside edge of the seating members in the preferred embodiment;
however, through holes of further embodiments may be located at
alternative locations. The supports 230 are restrained on the
bottom surface 244 of the swing 220 with a simple knot that allows
for height adjustment, as described above. Alternative supports
that are also described above may be used for the swing 220.
Furthermore, alternative retention of the supports may be
incorporated, as described above. The six-seat swing 220 of FIG. 8
advantageously seats six individuals, with one individual on each
seating member; however, any reasonable number of individuals may
use the swing at one time.
[0060] The swing 250 of FIG. 9 is a two or three seat swing
defining a "bow tie" configuration having seating members 251 and
252 and supports 253 suspending from a common point 254 similar to
the previously discussed embodiments of the present invention. The
seating members 251 and 252 are joined by two connectors 255 and
256 that intersect midway between the seating members. The
intersection 257 may define a third seating surface such that a
third individual may sit upon the intersection if desired. The
supports 253 may be passed into through holes 258 and knots tied in
the supports, similar to the other embodiments, or the supports may
be joined to the seating members by alternative devices such as
clamps, fasteners, adhesives, or the like. In addition the seating
members are joined to the connectors with fasteners 259, as
described above, and the seating members and/or connectors may
include laps to define lap joints such that a top surface and a
bottom surface are generally planar, as described above. In the
illustrated embodiment of swing 250, each seating member 251 and
252 comprises two upper laps at opposite ends of the seating member
and each connector comprises two lower laps at opposite ends and a
lap in a center of the connector such that the fastened seating
members and connectors define a top surface that is generally
planar and a bottom surface that is generally planar. The swing 250
preferably defines two triangular openings between the seating
members 251 and 252 and the intersection 257, wherein a seated
individual may place their legs in a triangular opening. The swing
250 advantageously defines dimensions similar to the alternative
swings described above.
[0061] FIG. 10 illustrates a swing 260 that seats four or more
people and comprises four seating members 261, 262, 263, and 264
configured to define four intersections. The intersections are
generally perpendicular such that the swing 260 defines a square
center opening. The seating members of the illustrated embodiment
extend outward beyond the intersections to define outer surfaces
that a seated individual may use during swinging and/or rotating.
Advantageously, the individuals may sit between the intersections
of the seating members. Four supports 266 suspend from the common
point 268 and pass through the through holes 270 and are tied into
knots, as described above, or the supports may be joined to the
seating members by alternative devices such as clamps, fasteners,
adhesives, or the like. The seating members may be fastened
together with fasteners 272, as described above, at generally
perpendicular intersections to define a square center opening, such
that the seating members extend beyond the intersections. Two
seating members 262 and 263 advantageously comprise two upper laps
and two seating members 261 and 264 advantageously comprise two
lower laps such that the fastened seating members define a top
surface that is generally planar and a bottom surface that is
generally planar, as described above. The swing 260 preferably
defines the center opening such that the seated individuals may
place their legs in the center opening while swinging and/or
rotating, as described above. The swing 260 advantageously defines
dimensions similar to the alternative swings described above.
[0062] Toddler attachments may also be provided with the swings of
the present invention. In particular, the toddler attachment 280 of
FIG. 14 comprises a triangular toddler attachment for a swing
having three supports and a triangular center opening, such as the
swing 130 of FIG. 5 or further swing embodiments. The toddler
attachment 280 comprises a triangular frame member 282 defining
three extremities 284 and three interior edges 286. Each extremity
284 advantageously defines an attachment 288 that comprises a loop,
hook, clip, or the like. The attachments 288 are structure for
attaching to the supports of the swing, such as the supports 140 of
FIG. 5 or further swing embodiments. The toddler attachment 280 of
FIG. 14 comprises a fabric member 290 surrounded by the interior
edges 286 of the frame member 282 such that the fabric member
substantially engages the three interior edges of the frame member.
The fabric member 290 of the illustrated embodiment defines a
recess 292 having two leg holes 294 for seating a toddler or child.
Advantageously, the fabric member 290 defines no holes other than
the recess, such that children will be prevented from falling
through the toddler attachment. The frame member 282 is also
advantageously configured to fit the center opening of the swing to
which it is attached to prevent toddlers or children from falling
through the center opening. The toddler attachment 280 is
preferably structured for convenient assembly onto a swing and for
safe operation by toddlers and other individuals sharing the
swing.
[0063] An alternative toddler attachment 300 of FIG. 15 comprises a
rectangular toddler attachment for a swing having four supports and
a rectangular center opening, such as the swing 160 of FIG. 6 or
further swing embodiments. The toddler attachment 300 comprises a
rectangular frame member 302 defining four extremities 304 and four
interior edges 306. Each extremity 304 advantageously defines an
attachment 308 that comprises a loop, hook, clip, or the like. The
attachments 308 are structure for attaching to the supports of the
swing, such as the supports 170 of FIG. 6 or further swing
embodiments. The toddler attachment 300 of FIG. 15 comprises a
fabric member 310 surrounded by the interior edges 306 of the frame
member 302 such that the fabric member substantially engages the
four interior edges of the frame member. The fabric member 310 of
the illustrated embodiment defines a recess 312 having two leg
holes 314 for seating a toddler or child. Advantageously, the
fabric member 310 defines no holes other than the recess, such that
children will be prevented from falling through the toddler
attachment. The frame member 302 is also advantageously configured
to fit the center opening of the swing to which it is attached to
prevent toddlers or children from falling through the center
opening. The toddler attachment 300 is preferably structured for
convenient assembly onto a swing and for safe operation by toddlers
and other individuals sharing the swing.
[0064] The toddler attachment 320 of FIG. 16 comprises a pentagonal
toddler attachment for a swing having five supports and a
pentagonal center opening, such as the swing 190 of FIG. 7 or
further swing embodiments. The toddler attachment 320 comprises a
pentagonal frame member 322 defining five extremities 324 and five
interior edges 326. Each extremity 324 advantageously defines an
attachment 288 that comprises a loop, hook, clip, or the like. The
attachments 328 are structure for attaching to the supports of the
swing, such as the supports 200 of FIG. 7 or further swing
embodiments. The toddler attachment 320 of FIG. 16 comprises a
fabric member 330 surrounded by the interior edges 326 of the frame
member 322 such that the fabric member substantially engages the
five interior edges of the frame member. The fabric member 330 of
the illustrated embodiment defines a recess 332 having two leg
holes 334 for seating a toddler or child. Advantageously, the
fabric member 330 defines no holes other than the recess, such that
children will be prevented from falling through the toddler
attachment. The frame member 322 is also advantageously configured
to fit the center opening of the swing to which it is attached to
prevent toddlers or children from falling through the center
opening. The toddler attachment 320 is preferably structured for
convenient assembly onto a swing and for safe operation by toddlers
and other individuals sharing the swing.
[0065] The fabric member of all three toddler attachments
preferably comprises mesh double stitched nylon or canvas, though
further embodiments of the present invention may comprise any
fabric sufficiently strong to support a child during use of the
swings and toddler attachments of the present invention. The
toddler attachments and the swings of the present invention provide
a recreational activity that provides swinging and spinning
motions. In addition, multiple individuals may simultaneously use
the swings, with or without the toddler attachments, which
increases their social interaction and level of enjoyment.
[0066] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *