U.S. patent application number 10/538800 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for swing.
Invention is credited to Wilhelm Jorg.
Application Number | 20060103227 10/538800 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32403921 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060103227 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jorg; Wilhelm |
May 18, 2006 |
Swing
Abstract
A swing in accordance with the invention has four side elements
(2) and four connecting elements (3). The four side elements (2)
and four connecting elements (3) are components of a frame (4). A
plurality of interwoven band elements (5) is attached to the frame
(4), which band elements form a bearing surface (7) inside the
frame (4). The band elements (5) comprise fastening elements (6) on
their two end sections which fastening elements can be connected to
the side elements (2).
Inventors: |
Jorg; Wilhelm; (Munchen,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALLENSTEIN WAGNER & ROCKEY, LTD.
311 S. WACKER DRIVE
53RD FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606-6630
US
|
Family ID: |
32403921 |
Appl. No.: |
10/538800 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
December 17, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP03/14387 |
371 Date: |
June 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/452.64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/452.64 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/02 20060101
A47C007/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 18, 2002 |
DE |
102 59 377.9 |
Claims
1. A swing (1) with a frame (4) with four side elements (2) and
four connecting elements (3) and a bearing surface (7) with a
plurality of interwoven band elements (5), which band elements (5)
have fastening elements (6) on their two end sections which
fastening elements can be connected to the side elements.
2. The swing (1) according to claim 1, in which the frame (4) is
rectangular.
3. The swing (1) according to claim 1, in which fastening elements
(6) of the band elements (5) are loops for receiving the side
elements.
4. The swing (1) according to claim 3, in which the loops (6) are
woven into the band elements (5).
5. The swing (1) according to claim 1, in which the frame (4) has
eight side elements (2) and eight connecting elements (3).
6. The swing (1) according to claim 5, in which side elements (2)
are tubes and in which at least one tube (2) is curved, forming a
downwardly curved bearing surface (7).
7. The swing (1) according to claims 1, in which the frame (4) of
the swing (1) can be suspended on four fastening devices (8) on
four connecting elements (3).
8. The swing (1) according to claim 1, in which the connecting
elements (3) are bent tube sections consisting of a lower (3b) and
an upper (3a) half shell so that bordering side elements (2), whose
outer diameters correspond to the inner diameters of the connecting
elements (3), can be clamped between the upper (3a) and the lower
(3b) half shell of a connecting element (3).
9. The swing (1) according to claim 8, in which the fastening
devices (8) comprise screw elements that function at the same time
as a clamping device for the lower (3b) and the upper (3a) half
shell of the connecting elements (3).
10. The swing (1) according to claim 1, in which the connecting
elements (3) and side elements (2) are manufactured from light
metal, are weather-resistant and are surrounded with a damping
material as a protection against bumps.
11. The swing (1) according to claim 1, in which the swing (1) is
assembled in that a fourth side element (2) is run through the
loops of the band elements only after the attaching of the band
elements (5) to three of the side elements (2) and the interweaving
of the band elements (5).
12. The swing (1) according to claim 1, in which the connecting
elements are assembled after the attaching of the side elements (2)
to the band elements (5) and after the weaving of the band elements
(5).
13. The swing (1) according to claim 1, in which the swing (1) can
be suspended in the form of a single-point-, two-point or
multi-point suspension.
14. The swing (1) according to claim 1, in which the band elements
(5) are connected by a contact means.
15. The swing (1) according to claim 1, in which the connection
between side elements and connecting elements is positive.
16. The swing (1) according to claim 15, in which the side element
is a tube that is widened out on its ends and the connecting
element has a corresponding recess.
17. A frame (4) with four side elements (2) and four connecting
elements (3) and a bearing surface (7) with a plurality of
interwoven band elements (5), which band elements (5) have
fastening elements (6) on their two end sections which fastening
elements can be connected to the side elements (2).
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a swing and in particular to a
children's swing for being suspended on a carrier beam, and also
relates to a frame.
[0002] Previously, e.g., a multi-child swing of the "bird's nest"
type was known that is marketed by numerous toy manufacturers. This
swing has a robust design and is preferably used in playgrounds in
a stationary manner on a carrier beam. This swing has a round
frame, viewed from above. The swing is suspended on four equally
spaced fastening points to its frame via ropes, chains or rods on
two spaced suspension points of a carrier beam. A plurality of
heavy linking elements that are connected to each other in a
closely meshed manner form a downwardly curved shape on the frame
in which shape children can stand, sit or lie down.
[0003] Publication DE 74 25 876 U shows, e.g., a swing with a
circular frame in which a flexible bottom is suspended by a
rope.
[0004] Furthermore, publication DE 19 750 506 A1 shows a swing seat
composed of elements that can be inserted into each other.
[0005] This invention has the problem of providing an improved
swing that can be readily manufactured, assembled and
disassembled.
[0006] This problem is solved by the combination of the features of
claim 1 of the invention.
[0007] Further developments of the invention are defined in the
dependent claims.
[0008] A swing in accordance with the invention consists, e.g., of
four side elements and four connecting elements. The four side
elements and four connecting elements together form a frame. A
plurality of interwoven band elements is attached to the frame that
form a bearing surface within the frame. The band elements comprise
fastening elements on their two end sections which fastening
elements can be connected to the side elements.
[0009] As a consequence thereof, the swing consists of very few
parts. The interwoven band elements create a pleasant bearing
surface that can carry, as a function of its size, one or several
children in a sitting or lying position. In addition, the swing is
particularly light due to the formation of the bearing surface
consisting of band elements.
[0010] The frame can be designed in a rectangular manner viewed
from above, that is, it can have a quadratic shape or some other
rectangular shape.
[0011] This simplifies the mounting and use of the swing. They can
be performed by anyone.
[0012] In a further development the fastening elements of the band
elements are designed as loops. The side elements can be simply run
through the loops.
[0013] This makes it very simple to attach the band elements to the
side elements, that require no additional fastening means. The
replacement of a damaged band element is possible at any time and
requires only the loosening of the frame, the drawing out of two
side elements and the replacement by a new band element.
[0014] It is especially preferable if the loops are woven into the
band elements.
[0015] This renders this connection particularly wear-resistant and
tear-resistant.
[0016] The frame can consist in a further development of eight side
elements and eight connecting elements.
[0017] This makes possible another attractive shape of the frame
and of the bearing surface.
[0018] Furthermore, the side elements can be designed as tubes and
at least one tube can be curved. This forms, together with the band
elements, a downwardly curved bearing surface.
[0019] The designing of the side elements as tubes creates a frame
that is light yet stable. The curvature of the tubes makes possible
the curved bearing surface, that for the one has an attractive
shape and for the other forms a pleasant and secure bearing surface
adapted to the body for persons, e.g., children. The bearing
surface consisting of the interwoven band elements can be fixed
either loosely or under tension by virtue of the position of the
curved tube or curved tubes.
[0020] In another embodiment the swing can be suspended on four
fastening devices on four connecting elements of the frame.
[0021] This makes possible a stable, weight-balanced suspension on
four points that are spaced almost as far as possible from each
other.
[0022] In a preferred further development the connecting elements
are bent tube sections consisting of a lower and an upper half
shell so that the side elements, whose outer diameters correspond
approximately to the inner diameters of the connecting elements,
can be clamped between the upper and the lower half shell. That is,
an end of a tube is clamped between the upper and the lower half
shell. Two tubes can be clamped to one connecting element.
[0023] This achieves a ready assembly and disassembly with only a
few fastening means. The number of structural components is small
and the space required in the disassembled state is minimal.
[0024] It is especially preferable if the fastening devices consist
of screw elements that function at the same time as a clamping
device for the lower and the upper half shell of the connecting
elements.
[0025] This further reduces the number of necessary components.
[0026] In an especially preferred embodiment the connecting
elements and side elements are manufactured from light metal, e.g.,
aluminum, are weather-resistant and surrounded with a suitable
damping material, e.g., foam, rubber or the like as a protection
against bumps.
[0027] This makes possible at the same time a corrosion-protected,
reliable and light swing.
[0028] The swing can be assembled in that the band elements are
attached to three side elements and that the band elements are
interwoven and only then the last side element is run through the
remaining loops of the band elements. For example, a part of the
band elements is first fastened to two opposite side elements, that
is, run through the loops, then the other part of the band elements
is woven transversely to the one part of the band elements through
these band elements and then the remaining two side elements are
pushed successively through associated loops. The sequence could
also be different; however, in this instance a fourth side element
must always be assembled as the last one.
[0029] The connecting elements are preferably assembled only after
the attaching of the band elements to the side elements and after
the weaving of the band elements.
[0030] This facilitates the assembly and in particular makes
possible a tension-free weaving of the band elements.
[0031] This makes it possible to disassemble the swing rapidly in
order to store it, e.g., as a function of the time of year or to
transport it and reassemble it. As a consequence thereof, the swing
can also be marketed in an especially compact form and as a
kit.
[0032] Furthermore, the swing can be suspended in the form of a
single-point-, two-point or other multi-point suspension.
[0033] As a result, various possibilities of use are possible for
the swing.
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective overall view of an
exemplary embodiment of the swing.
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a side
element.
[0036] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a connecting
element.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a band
element.
[0038] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a fastening
element.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a schematic, perspective overall view of a
swing 1 obliquely from above. Swing 1 consists of four tubes 2 bent
slightly downward in the middle (see also FIG. 2), that function as
side elements. Tubes 2 are arranged in a rectangular form in a top
view. Opposite tubes 2 are designed in the same shape. Tubes 2 on
the longer side of the rectangle are designated below as
longitudinal tubes. Tubes 2 on the shorter side of the rectangular
are designated below as transverse tubes. Tubes 2 are connected on
the ends to corner connectors 3 functioning as connecting elements.
Corner connectors 3 are almost right-angle tube sections. The ends
of tubes 2 are pushed into corner connectors 3. Bearing surface 7
is formed from bands 5 woven to each other in a chessboard pattern
that function as band elements. Bands 5 are fastened on the ends to
tubes 2. Bands 5 parallel to the longitudinal tubes are designated
below as longitudinal bands and bands 5 parallel to the transverse
tubes are designated below as transverse bands.
[0040] According to FIG. 4 bands 5 are provided on their end
sections with woven loops 6 that can be readily manufactured and
function as fastening devices. Bands 5 are designed in one piece
and have a woven-in loop 6 on their end sections, that is, the band
consisting of one layer is divided at the beginning of loop 6 into
two superposed layers and becomes one layer again at the end of the
loop. A woven area between loop 6 and the band end projects. The
band ends (the woven area) are coated with adhesive in order to
provide an additional protection against bumps.
[0041] According to FIG. 3 corner connectors 3 consists of upper
half shell 3a and lower half shell 3b. That is, corner connectors 3
are divided approximately in the middle in the plane of the right
angle. This facilitates the assembly of swing 1 and tubes 2 can be
connected to each other by a simple clamping connection by screwing
the two half shells together.
[0042] Frame 4 of swing is suspended on its four corner connectors
3. Eyebolt 8 forms a clamping device. Eyebolts 8 consist of an
eyelet and a threaded pin. Eyebolts 8 are screwed into corner
connectors 3 at their corner (middle). At the same time the two
half shells 3a, 3b are screwed to one another by the threaded pin
of eyebolt 8. Either a threading is present in lower half shell 3a
into which threading eyebolt 8 is screwed or a self-locking nut is
present. Eyebolt 8 is screwed in in such a manner that the eyelet
faces upward. The screwing in is readily possible with a simple
tool. A swing suspension, that is, a rope, cable, chain or the like
is fastened to the eyelet.
[0043] Swing 1 is assembled in that loops 6 of transverse bands
(longitudinal bands) are pushed onto a longitudinal tube
(transverse tube). Bands 5 contact each other thereby in order to
form a closely meshed net 7 later that serves as bearing surface.
Next, the opposite tube is pushed through loops 6 on the other ends
of the transverse bands (longitudinal bands). Each longitudinal
band (transverse band) could also be first pushed successively onto
the one tube then onto the other tube. Next, loops 6 of one end of
longitudinal bands (transverse bands) are pushed onto a transverse
tube (longitudinal tube). Again, even the longitudinal bands
(transverse bands) contact each other. Then, the longitudinal bands
(transverse bands) are successively woven vertically to the
transverse bands (longitudinal bands into the transverse bands
(longitudinal bands). That is to say that, e.g., the first
transverse band (longitudinal band) is run over the first
longitudinal band (transverse band), then under the second
longitudinal band (transverse band), then again over the third
longitudinal band (transverse band) and so forth. The second
transverse band (longitudinal band is then run, e.g., under the
first longitudinal band (transverse band), then over the second
longitudinal band (transverse band), then again under the third
longitudinal band (transverse band) and so forth. The same
procedure is used with all transverse bands (longitudinal bands).
After the interweaving has been completed, the other ends of the
longitudinal bands (transverse bands) with loops 6 project on the
opposite side of the one transverse tube (longitudinal tube). The
other transverse tube (longitudinal tube) is pushed through these
loops 6. Then, corner connectors 3 are assembled in that the two
tube ends are positioned in a half shell 3b of corner connector 3
on a corner of the bearing surface and then the other half shell 3a
is placed thereupon. Then eyebolt 8 is screwed into corner
connector 3 and tubes 2 clamped with corner connector 3 by screwing
in and tightening eyebolt 8. The same procedure is used with all
four corner connectors 3.
[0044] Tubes 2 consist in this exemplary embodiment of aluminum and
have a circular cross section. Tubes 2 are jacketed with a soft and
gummed damping layer, e.g., rubber. Corner connectors 3 are also
jacketed. This ensures the required bump protection in accordance
with toy regulations.
[0045] The suspension of the swing on a carrier beam (not shown)
can take place either on two points or on one point. For example, a
rope is first knotted on eyebolt 8. The rope is then looped through
a swing ring and run back again until it ends at approximately
half-way at a Stellacht-Variohaken [This appears to be a trademark
name for a device that translates as "Eight-Position Variohook"].
The fastening on the other four eyebolts 8 also takes place in the
same manner. Depending on the type, the suspension has two swing
rings (two-point suspension) or one swing ring (one-point
suspension). The swing can then be adapted to the carrier beam to
the desired height and counterbalanced horizontally when being hung
by adjusting the Eight-Position Variohook.
[0046] The stability of the swing is given. Tubes 2 are connected
with corner connectors 3 in a simple but effecting clamping
connection. When net 7 is loaded, the forces produced are
transferred via loops 6 onto tubes 2, that are pressed as a
consequence into corner connectors 3 so that the frame is
additionally stiffened as a result. The same also applies to the
suspension, especially for one-point or two-point suspensions, in
which the occurring forces always press tubes 2 and corner
connectors 3 against each other and thus prevent a loosening of
frame 4.
[0047] The swing can also have a quadratic shape or be assembled in
any other desired even-numbered polygonal shape. In the quadratic
shape the longitudinal tubes and the transverse tubes as well as
the longitudinal bands and the transverse bands are identical. As a
result thereof, the number of required different parts is reduced.
For achieving a simple assembly, a swing with six or eight sides or
corners should also be emphasized at this point.
[0048] The band elements could also be woven with each other in a
different manner so that different weaving patterns are formed. The
band elements could also be spaced laterally from each other.
[0049] The band elements could also comprise different fastening
elements such as, e.g., sewn-on loops or eyelets.
[0050] Furthermore, the connection between side element and
connection element can also be a positive the connection. The
connecting elements do not have to absolutely consist of two half
shells but rather could also be designed in one piece. In addition,
the side elements could also be pushed as tubes over the corner
connectors and not into the corner connectors. The tubes could have
a round, oval or angular cross section in which case the corner
connectors would have to be appropriately designed. The corner
connectors could also be designed not in a rectangular manner such
as, e.g., in a hexagonal or octagonal frame.
[0051] All side elements could also be designed to be straight.
Alternatively, only one or more side elements could be curved, so
that different curvatures of the bearing surface can be formed. The
curvature of the tubes can be the same or different.
[0052] The side elements can also be manufactured from plastic or
wood or some other material. Moreover, even the corner connectors
can be produced from different materials. Furthermore, even the
band elements can be formed from other or different materials.
[0053] The swing can be made in many sizes.
[0054] The components of the swing could be made in any colors of
differently colored bands. Thus, many patterns of the bearing
surface can be formed by using differently colored bands.
[0055] The swing could also be suspended on more than four
connecting elements or fastening devices. In addition, the swing
can also be suspended on only two connecting elements. Furthermore,
the suspension can be made on two or more side elements.
[0056] The swing can be used in the private sector, in
kindergartens, on playgrounds or in physiotherapy.
[0057] Moreover, the frame of the swing can be arranged in such a
manner that several polygons such as, e.g., rectangles, border each
other and in this manner several bearing surfaces that border each
other can be formed. In this instance side elements bordering each
other form common side elements and corner connectors bordering
each other form common corner connectors. In this instance
corresponding corner connectors are used that can connect more than
two side elements to each other.
[0058] Furthermore, the band elements woven to the bearing surface
can be irreversibly connected to each other by a contact means
before or after assembly of the side elements. The contact means is
sprayed or painted onto one or both sides of the bearing surface.
Alternatively, the bearing surface can be immersed into the contact
means. After hardening of the contact means, during which, e.g., a
chemical connection between contact means and band elements takes
place, a one-piece, closed bearing surface is obtained in this
manner.
[0059] The side elements can be connected to the connecting
elements not only frictionally but also positively or frictionally
and positively. In this case the side elements can consist of tubes
that are widened out on the ends over a certain length. The
connecting elements can consist of two half shells for receiving
and engaging the tube ends. The half shells can have a recess or
circumferential groove whose diameter corresponds to the outside
diameter of the widened-out tube section. The widened-out tube end
engages positively into this recess. A positive connection is then
present between tube and connecting element when the half shells
are brought together, that are, e.g., screwed together, with the
received tube end. In this instance and in the connected state a
radial movement of the tube (in the circumferential direction of
the tube) is possible whereas an axial movement of the tube (in the
direction of the longitudinal axis of the tube) is limited or not
possible at all as a function of the width of the recess and of the
length of the widened-out section of the tube.
[0060] The frame cannot only be designed as a swing in the narrow
sense but also as a seat that can be suspended or as a suspended
chair with four side elements, which side elements of the seat can
be curved in such a manner that a seating surface as well as a
backrest are simultaneously formed.
[0061] Furthermore, the frame can be designed as a seat or
suspended chair in such a manner that four side elements and four
corner connectors form a rectangular backrest and a rectangular
seating surface that border one another. In this instance a common
side edge of seating surface and of backrest, that is, the edge of
the seating surface and of the backrest bordering one another, are
formed by a common side element and the two corresponding,
bordering corner connectors are also formed by common corner
connectors.
[0062] Two seats designed in this manner adjacent to another with
correspondingly common side element and corner connector can form a
two-seater. A multi-seater with more than two seats is also
possible.
[0063] Moreover, two or more adjacent rectangular frames of side
elements and corner connector with bearing surfaces or woven bands
can form a lying surface such as, e.g., a bed.
* * * * *