U.S. patent application number 10/928903 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-23 for toddler swing.
This patent application is currently assigned to PlayStar, Inc.. Invention is credited to Matthew T. Bolland, Brian K. Zeilinger.
Application Number | 20060061166 10/928903 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35997731 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060061166 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bolland; Matthew T. ; et
al. |
March 23, 2006 |
Toddler swing
Abstract
A swing includes a swing seat having a front wall portion
containing apertures for receiving the legs of a user, a back wall
portion, side wall portions extending between and integrally
connecting the front and back wall portions, and a bottom wall
portion extending between and integrally connecting the front,
back, and side wall portions. The swing seat is made of plastic
that is injection molded into a final swing seat shape suitable for
receiving a user for swinging. At least a portion of the swing seat
is pliable after being molded into the final swing seat shape.
Inventors: |
Bolland; Matthew T.;
(Stoughton, WI) ; Zeilinger; Brian K.;
(Janesville, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH, LLP
100 E WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Assignee: |
PlayStar, Inc.
Janesville
WI
|
Family ID: |
35997731 |
Appl. No.: |
10/928903 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/281 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/281 |
International
Class: |
A47D 13/10 20060101
A47D013/10 |
Claims
1. A swing comprising: a swing seat having a front wall portion
containing apertures for receiving the legs of a user; a back wall
portion; side wall portions extending between and integrally
connecting the front and back wall portions; and a bottom wall
portion extending between and integrally connecting the front,
back, and side wall portions; wherein the swing seat is made of
plastic that is injection molded into a final swing seat shape
suitable for receiving a user for swinging; and wherein at least a
portion of the swing seat is pliable after being molded into the
final swing seat shape.
2. The swing of claim 1, wherein at least one of the wall portions
is capable of conforming substantially to the shape of a portion of
a user's body.
3. The swing of claim 1, wherein the wall portions of the swing
seat have a substantially uniform thickness.
4. The swing seat of claim 3, wherein the wall portions of the
swing seat have a thickness ranging from about 5 mm to about 9
mm.
5. The swing of claim 1, wherein the front wall portion includes an
upper edge where the plastic is molded into a rolled-over lip to
stiffen the front wall portion.
6. The swing of claim 1, wherein each side wall portion includes an
upper edge where the plastic is molded into a rolled-over lip to
stiffen the side wall portion.
7. The swing of claim 1, wherein each of the front wall portion,
the back wall portion, and the bottom wall portion is free of any
reinforcing inserts made from material different from the
plastic.
8. The swing of claim 1, wherein the side wall portions include
mounting portions with reinforcing inserts molded into the
plastic.
9. The swing of claim 1, wherein the side wall portions include
mounting portions, and wherein the swing further comprises: hanging
elements connected to the mounting portions and configured to be
secured to a support structure such that each of the mounting
portions on the side wall portions lie in a substantially
horizontal plane.
10. The swing of claim 9, wherein the hanging elements are riveted
to the mounting portions.
11. The swing of claim 1, wherein the plastic is thermoplastic
olefin.
12. The swing of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall portion includes
a pair of apertures, and wherein the swing further comprises: a
strap set extending through the apertures, the strap set including
connectors configured to secure the strap set around a user
positioned in the swing seat.
13. The swing of claim 1, wherein the back wall portion is
contoured to conform generally to the contour of a user's lower
back.
14. The swing of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall portion is
contoured to conform generally to the contour of a user's rear and
legs.
15. The swing of claim 1, wherein the side wall portions are spaced
apart by a first generally horizontal distance adjacent the bottom
wall portion and are spaced apart by a second generally horizontal
distance that is greater than the first distance at a point
vertically spaced from the bottom wall portion.
16. The swing of claim 1, wherein the front wall portion and the
back wall portion are spaced apart by a first generally horizontal
distance adjacent the bottom wall portion and are spaced apart by a
second generally horizontal distance that is greater than the first
distance at a point vertically spaced from the bottom wall
portion.
17. The swing of claim 1, wherein the swing seat is molded from a
plastic having a durometer hardness ranging from about 40 to about
42 on the D scale.
18. The swing of claim 1, wherein the final swing seat shape is
achieved without requiring fasteners to secure any portions of the
swing seat together.
19. A swing comprising: a swing seat having a front wall portion
containing apertures for receiving the legs of a user; a back wall
portion contoured to conform generally to the contour of a user's
lower back; side wall portions extending between and integrally
connecting the front and back wall portions; and a bottom wall
portion extending between and integrally connecting the front,
back, and side wall portions, the bottom wall portion being
contoured to conform generally to the contour of a user's rear and
legs; wherein the swing seat is made of plastic that is injection
molded into a final swing seat shape suitable for receiving a user
for swinging; wherein each of the front wall portion, the back wall
portion, and the bottom wall portion is free of any reinforcing
inserts made from material different from the plastic; and wherein
the swing seat is pliable after being molded into the final swing
seat shape such that at least one of the wall portions is capable
of conforming substantially to the shape of a portion of a user's
body.
20. The swing of claim 19, wherein the side wall portions are
spaced apart by a first generally horizontal distance adjacent the
bottom wall portion and are spaced apart by a second generally
horizontal distance that is greater than the first distance at a
point vertically spaced from the bottom wall portion; and wherein
the front wall portion and the back wall portion are spaced apart
by a third generally horizontal distance adjacent the bottom wall
portion and are spaced apart by a fourth generally horizontal
distance that is greater than the third distance at a point
vertically spaced from the bottom wall portion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to children's swings, and more
particularly to swings designed for use by toddlers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are numerous types of swings used by children on swing
sets or playstations. Older children often ride swings that have
the swing seat constructed of a flexible belt connected between two
chains. Other swing seats are more rigid and provide a generally
flat seating surface. These types of swing seats are suitable for
older children who can support their bodies in an upright position
while sitting and swinging. However, younger children (e.g.,
toddlers) typically require a swing seat that offers more support
and that more securely retains the toddlers in the swing seat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Prior art toddler swings have been designed to offer the
additional support needed for toddlers, but are usually
uncomfortable for the toddler. Many prior art toddler swings are
made of hard, rigid plastic. Often, these swings include separate,
rigid plastic retaining bars that form a detachable portion of the
swing for securing the toddler within the swing. Others prior art
toddler swings are made of a more flexible plastic material that is
molded around a metal insert. The metal insert stiffens the
flexible plastic such that the toddler seat is rigid and
uncomfortable.
[0004] The invention provides an improved toddler swing that
provides the support a toddler needs to ride the swing, while
providing a smooth, comfortable ride for the toddler. The toddler
swing is made of a flexible plastic material selected and
ergonomically formed to comfortably match and conform to the
contouring of the toddler's legs, rear, and back. Added stiffening
of the generally flexible toddler swing is accomplished by molding
the plastic resin material of the swing to include integral
stiffening features. No rigid metal inserts are needed to achieve
added stiffening of the swing in selected regions.
[0005] To further improve the support and positioning of the
toddler in the toddler swing, the swing is designed to be hung such
that the swing mounts lie in a generally horizontal plane. With
this configuration, the toddler swing and the toddler riding the
toddler swing are in a reclined position, thereby comfortably
supporting the toddler.
[0006] More specifically, the invention provides a swing including
a swing seat having a front wall portion containing apertures for
receiving the legs of a user, a back wall portion, side wall
portions extending between and integrally connecting the front and
back wall portions, and a bottom wall portion extending between and
integrally connecting the front, back, and side wall portions. The
swing seat is made of plastic that is injection molded into a final
swing seat shape suitable for receiving a user for swinging.
Furthermore, at least a portion of the swing seat is pliable after
being molded into the final swing seat shape.
[0007] In one aspect of the invention, at least one of the wall
portions is capable of conforming substantially to the shape of a
portion of a user's body. In another aspect of the invention, the
wall portions of the swing seat have a substantially uniform
thickness. In yet another aspect of the invention, the side wall
portions are spaced apart by a first generally horizontal distance
adjacent the bottom wall portion and are spaced apart by a second
generally horizontal distance that is greater than the first
distance at a point vertically spaced from the bottom wall portion.
In a further aspect of the invention, the front wall portion and
the back wall portion are spaced apart by a first generally
horizontal distance adjacent the bottom wall portion and are spaced
apart by a second generally horizontal distance that is greater
than the first distance at a point vertically spaced from the
bottom wall portion.
[0008] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following
detailed description, claims, and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toddler swing embodying
the invention connected to a swing set or playstation.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of the toddler swing of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a partial top view of the toddler swing of FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a partial top view similar to FIG. 3, but shown
with portions of the toddler swing conforming generally to the
shape of the user's body.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a section view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial section view of the toddler
swing showing a mounting insert.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a section view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3.
[0016] Before one embodiment of the invention is explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangements
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology
used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting. The use of "including", "having" and
"comprising" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass
the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as
additional items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a toddler swing assembly 10 of the
present invention. With reference to FIG. 1, the toddler swing
assembly 10 is shown connected to a swing set or playstation 14,
but can also be mounted to other suitable support structures. The
playstation 14 includes a generally horizontal support beam 18 from
which hanging elements such as chains 22 depend. Any suitable
mounting methods can be used for connecting the chains 22 to the
support beam 18. Of course, other types of hanging elements (e.g.,
swing hangers, cables, ropes, etc.) can be used in place of the
chains 22.
[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the toddler swing assembly 10
is pre-assembled with a pair of hanging elements in the form of
chain assemblies 26 that interconnect with the chains 22 in order
to quickly, easily, and interchangeably connect the toddler swing
10 to the playstation 14. Alternatively, the chain assemblies 26
can be connected directly to swing hangers (not shown) coupled to
the horizontal support beam 18. More specifically, each chain
assembly 26 includes two chain segments 30 that are coupled
together at one end and that are coupled to the toddler swing 10 at
the other ends, as will be described in detail below. In the
illustrated embodiment, a substantial portion of each chain segment
30 is chain that is coated with a plastic material such that the
chain links are generally fixed with respect to one another and
such that the metal chain is not exposed. Each chain assembly 26
further includes an interconnecting chain segment 34 that is
coupled to the coupled ends of the respective chain segment 30.
Each interconnecting chain segment 34 can be connected to a
respective chain 22 using a quick-link chain connector 38 or via
other suitable connection methods. While various other chain
configurations can be used to mount the toddler swing assembly 10
to the playstation 14, the illustrated configuration provides a
quick and easy system for interchangeably securing the toddler
swing assembly 10 to the playstation 14.
[0019] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the toddler swing
assembly 10 further includes a swing seat 42 having a front wall
portion 46 containing apertures 50 for receiving the legs of a user
54 (see FIG. 5), a back wall portion 58, side wall portions 62, and
a bottom wall portion 66. The swing seat 42 is integrally formed of
plastic that is injection molded into the configuration illustrated
in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, such that the side wall portions 62 extend
between and integrally connect the front wall portion 46 and the
back wall portion 58, and such that the bottom wall portion 66
extends between and integrally connects the front wall portion 46,
the back wall portion 58, and the side wall portions 62. Unlike
some prior art toddler swings, the swing seat 42 can be injection
molded to its final, functional form without requiring additional
forming or fastening together of portions of the swing seat 42. No
fasteners (e.g., rivets) are required to form the swing seat 42
into its final, functioning configuration in which a user 54 can
sit and swing. In addition, no separate restraining bars or similar
structural members are needed to complete the swing seat 42.
[0020] The swing seat 42 is injection molded from a thermoplastic
olefin (TPO) material having a durometer hardness ranging from
about 40 to about 42 on the D scale. In the illustrated embodiment,
the TPO material used has a product designation ADFLEX V109F and is
available from Basell Polyolefins of Elkton, Md. Also in the
illustrated embodiment, the TPO material has a durometer hardness
of about 41 on the D scale. This TPO material results in a pliable
swing seat 42 having portions that are capable of substantially
conforming in shape to the shape of portions of the user's
body.
[0021] For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a partial top view of the
swing seat 42 when no user 54 is present. Notice the shape or
contour of the back wall portion 58. FIG. 4 illustrates the same
view of the swing seat 42 when the swing seat 42 is occupied by a
toddler 54. As seen in FIG. 4, the weight of the toddler 54 causes
at least some of the back wall portion 58 to deform from the shape
illustrated in FIG. 3, and to conform substantially to the shape or
curvature of the toddler's back and shoulder region. As the back
wall portion 58 conforms to the shape of the toddler 54, the side
wall portions 62 may be drawn closer together to further conform
substantially to the torso and hip region of the toddler 54 (see
FIG. 5). Of course, the degree to which portions of the seat
conform to the shape of the user's body will depend on the size and
weight of the user 54. Nonetheless, the ability of the swing seat
42 to conform substantially to the shape of a portion of the user's
body means that the swing seat 42 is more comfortable and secure
than prior art toddler swings made of rigid plastics that will not
readily conform to the contours of a user's body.
[0022] In addition to material selection, the material thickness
also contributes to the pliability of the swing seat 42. With
reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, it can be seen that with the exception
of portions of the side wall portions 62 in the vicinity of where
the chain segments 30 attach to the swing seat 42, the wall
portions 46, 58, 62, and 66 all have a substantially uniform
thickness T.sub.0 ranging from about 5 mm to about 7 mm. In the
illustrated embodiment, the thickness T.sub.0 is about 6.3 mm.
[0023] While the wall portions 46, 58, 62, and 66 are relatively
pliable to provide a comfortable and somewhat form-fitting swing
seat 42, there are areas of the swing seat 42 that include
integrally molded stiffening features. For example, as best seen in
FIGS. 2 and 5, the front wall portion 46 includes an upper edge 70
where the TPO material is molded into a rolled-over lip 74 that
stiffens the front wall portion 46. The rolled-over lip 74 is sized
and configured to minimize the ability of the side wall portions 62
to move toward one another immediately adjacent the front wall
portion 46. The rolled-over lip 74 further adds to the comfort of
the swing seat 42 by providing a smooth rolled-over surface where a
toddler 54 may rest his arms or hands during swinging.
[0024] Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the side wall portions 62
also include respective upper edges 78 where the TPO material is
molded into a rolled-over lip 82 that stiffens each side wall
portion 62. The rolled-over lips 82 are sized and configured to
minimize the ability of the front wall portion 46 and the back wall
portion 58 to move toward one another immediately adjacent the side
wall portions 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper edges 78
are recessed or concave in the areas of the rolled-over lips 82 to
provide a smooth rolled-over surface where a toddler 54 may rest
his arms, elbows, or hands while swinging.
[0025] The integrally-formed, rolled-over lips 74 and 82 provide
stiffening to select areas of the swing seat 42 without the need
for separate, insert-molded stiffening materials (e.g., metal
plates or metal bands) that are commonly used with other prior art
toddler swings. In fact, the swing seat 42 includes no reinforcing
inserts in any of the front wall portion 46, the back wall portion
58, and the bottom wall portion 66. Rather, the wall portions 46,
58, and 66 are completely and homogeneously formed from only the
TPO material, making the swing seat 42 more comfortable than prior
art toddler swings with stiffening inserts in areas of the swing
that are regularly in contact with the user (e.g., the backrest
area, the rear-end and leg support area, and the waist and leg hole
areas).
[0026] In addition to material selection and material thickness as
contributing factors to the overall comfort provided by the swing
seat 42, other aspects of the swing seat 42 have been ergonomically
designed for the comfort and support of the user 54. With reference
to FIG. 5, the back wall portion 58 includes a curved region 86
designed to conform to the contour and curvature of the user's
lower back region. The bottom wall portion 66 also includes a
curved region 90 designed to conform to the contour and curvature
of the user's rear-end and upper leg region. As best shown in FIGS.
2, 5, and 6, the front wall portion 46 also includes a curved
region 94 between the leg apertures 50 that provides a smooth guide
surface for the user's legs as the user 54 is inserted into the
swing seat 42. The curved region 94 in the front wall portion 46
can also function like the rolled-over lips 74 and 82 to stiffen
the area of the front wall portion 46 between the leg apertures
50.
[0027] Yet another feature of the swing seat 42 that contributes to
the comfort and support of the user 54 is the taper or draft angle
designed into the swing seat 42. This feature also facilitates the
injection molding process and results in the ability of multiple
swing seats 42 to be nested within one another for packaging. FIG.
2 illustrates the taper designed into the swing seat 42 such that
the distance between the side wall portions 62 increases in a
direction from the bottom wall portion 66 toward the upper edge 70
of the front wall portion and toward an upper edge 98 of the back
wall portion 58. Specifically, at a generally horizontal plane
P.sub.1 adjacent the bottom wall portion 66, the side wall portions
62 are spaced apart by a generally horizontal distance D.sub.1 that
is less than a distance D.sub.2 measured at a generally horizontal
plane P.sub.2 that is spaced vertically (upwardly in FIG. 2) from
the bottom wall portion 66 and the plane P.sub.1.
[0028] Likewise, as shown in FIG. 5, the swing seat 42 is designed
with a taper or draft angle such that the distance between the
front wall portion 46 and the back wall portion 58 increases in a
direction from the bottom wall portion 66 toward the upper edge 70
of the front wall portion and toward the upper edge 98 of the back
wall portion 58. Specifically, at a generally horizontal plane
P.sub.3 adjacent the bottom wall portion 66, the front wall portion
46 and the back wall portion 58 are spaced apart by a generally
horizontal distance D.sub.3 that is less than a distance D.sub.4
measured at a generally horizontal plane P.sub.4 that is spaced
vertically (upwardly in FIG. 5) from the bottom wall portion 66 and
the plane P.sub.3.
[0029] The tapering of the swing seat 42 as previously described
enhances the comfort and support of the user by offering a snug fit
for the user's rear-end and legs adjacent the bottom wall portion
66, while providing more room toward the upper edges 70, 98 that
allows the user 54 to shift and move his upper body and arms more
easily. At its widest point in the illustrated embodiment (see FIG.
2), the swing seat 42 has a width W between the side wall portions
62 of about 331 mm. At its deepest point in the illustrated
embodiment (see FIG. 5), the swing seat 42 has a depth D between
the front wall portion 46 and the back wall portion 58 of about 426
mm. At its approximate tallest point in the illustrated embodiment
(see FIG. 5), the swing seat 42 has a height H between the bottom
wall portion 66 and the top of the rivets 26 of about 310 mm. Based
on these dimensions, the swing seat 42 has a ratio of maximum width
to maximum depth of about 1:1.3, a ratio of maximum width to
maximum height of about 1.1:1, and a ratio of maximum height to
maximum depth of about 1:1.4. These exemplary dimensions and ratios
result in the swing seat 42 being sufficiently sized and configured
to fully and properly support a toddler 54 for comfortable
swinging.
[0030] The side wall portions 62 of the swing seat 42 include
mounting portions 102 where the last link of each of the four
respective chain segments 30 is connected to the swing seat 42. As
illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the mounting portions 102 include
reinforcing inserts 106, made of plastic or other suitable
materials, that are insert-molded into the side wall portions 62
during the injection molding of the swing seat 42. The inserts 106
can take any suitable form, and in the illustrated embodiment,
include a body portion 110 defining a bore 114, and leg portions
118 that extend from the body portion 110. Projections 122 extend
from the leg portions 118 and offer additional surface area to
improve the bond between the TPO material and the plastic inserts
106.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 6, the last link of the chain segment 30 is
coupled to the swing seat 42 via a rivet 126 that passes through
the bore 114 of the insert 106. The illustrated rivet 126 is known
as a blind rivet and is available from Cherrymate Fastening Systems
of Stanfield, N.C. as part number BALM-8BP-12. While other suitable
fasteners or fastening systems may be used, the illustrated rivet
126 provides a quality, permanent connection between the chain
segments 30 and the swing seat 42.
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the mounting portions 102 of the
side wall portions 62 have an overall thickness T.sub.1 that is
greater than the thickness T.sub.0 of the remainder of the wall
portions 46, 58, 62, and 66. The thickness T.sub.1 ranges from
about 7 mm to about 9 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the
thickness T.sub.1 is about 8.5 mm. The slightly increased thickness
T.sub.1 accounts for the insert 102 and for the minimum length of
the rivet 126 in order to achieve a tight fit between the riveted
chain link and the mounting portion 102.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the toddler swing assembly 10 is
designed to be connected to the playstation 14 such that all of the
mounting portions 102, and more specifically all of the rivets 126,
lie in a substantially horizontal plane P.sub.h (see FIG. 5) This
is achieved by designing the chain assemblies 26 such that the
chain segments 30 have the appropriate lengths (i.e., the
appropriate numbers of chain links). With the mounting portions 102
lying generally in the horizontal plane P.sub.h, the swing seat 42
hangs and swings in the position illustrated in FIG. 5, wherein the
back wall portion 58 is reclined to an angle ranging from about
twenty-five degrees to about forty-five degrees with respect to a
vertical plane PV passing through the bottom wall portion 66. This
reclined orientation of the back wall portion 58 with respect to
vertical provides good support for even the youngest users 54, who
may not otherwise be able to fully support their heads and upper
bodies in a more upright position while sitting or swinging.
[0034] Additionally, this four-point mounting arrangement provides
stability to the swing seat 42, especially during swinging. The
location of the rivets 126 with respect to the back wall portion 58
and the bottom wall portion 66 has been determined using
anthropometric center-of-gravity data available for users of
typical size and weight ranges.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the swing seat 42 further
includes apertures in the form of slots 130 in the bottom wall
portion 66. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the slots 130 are located
substantially at the lowest portion of the bottom wall portion 66
such that any water accumulating in the swing seat 42 will drain
through the slots 130. The slots 130 can also receive a strap set
134 (see FIG. 3) for securing the user 54 in the swing seat 42. In
the illustrated embodiment, the strap set includes a first strap
138 with a first connector portion 140, and a second strap 142 with
a second connector portion 144. The connector portions 140 and 144
mate in a conventional manner to secure the straps 138 and 142
around the user 54. Other suitable securing devices similar to the
illustrated strap set 134 can also be substituted.
[0036] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *