U.S. patent application number 11/363793 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-30 for apparatus for providing a continuous swinging motion.
Invention is credited to Robert Douglas Hathaway.
Application Number | 20070200406 11/363793 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38443285 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070200406 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hathaway; Robert Douglas |
August 30, 2007 |
Apparatus for providing a continuous swinging motion
Abstract
The present invention is an automatic continuous swinging motion
device that attaches easily to any existing swing, rocking chair,
or hammock providing an operator variable control over speed and
displacement, while also providing a rigid connection that
eliminates overswing. To enable such a configuration, the automatic
continuous swinging motion device of the present invention
comprises a driving unit, an actuating unit, and a power unit. The
driving unit provides the pushing pulling force for enabling the
appropriate swing for the article that is attached to the present
invention. The actuating unit is an adjustable rotating arm
initiates and terminates the swinging process as desired by the
operator. The power unit supplies power to the assembly, and the
control unit provides variable adjustment means for the swinging
speed of the adjustable rotating arm. The device is attached to an
apparatus via a rigid pole that prevents overswing. Swing speed can
be controlled by either adjusting the rotating arm length or
turning the speed control knob of the control unit. Swing
displacement is controlled by adjusting the rotating arm
length.
Inventors: |
Hathaway; Robert Douglas;
(Pylesville, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WHITE-WELKER & WELKER, LLC
P.O. BOX 199
CLEAR SPRING
MD
21722-0199
US
|
Family ID: |
38443285 |
Appl. No.: |
11/363793 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/344.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 21/006
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/344.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 1/00 20060101
A47C001/00 |
Claims
1. An automatic continuous swinging motion device comprising: a
case; a power unit with on/off switch; an electric motor; said
electric motor attached to a fixed rate pulley; said electric motor
and attached fixed rate pulley supported by a moveable shaft said
moveable shaft connected to a variable speed control module; a
variable rate pulley permanently affixed to an axle that is
mounted: on a first interior side of said case and rotates on a
bearing, and wherein said axle protrudes through a second internal
side of the case 1 where said axle rests on a second bearing and
said axle extends outside through the wall of said case and is
permanently affixed to a adjustable rotating arm; and said fixed
rate pulley is connected to said variable rate pulley via a
belt.
2. The automatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 1
wherein the power unit consists of a 12-volt rechargeable
battery.
3. The automatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 1
wherein when said variable speed control module is controlled by a
rotating knob: rotating said knob in a clockwise, direction acts to
raise the electric motor and fixed rate pulley with respect to the
variable speed pulley; thereby increasing the tension on the belt
around the variable rate pulley thus forcing the belt deeper into
the variable rate pulley, creating a reduction of the rotational
ratio of the fixed rate pulley and the variable rate pulley,
resulting in an increased rotational speed of the variable rate
pulley, axle, and adjustable rotating arm.
4. The automatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 1
wherein when said variable speed control module is controlled by a
rotating knob: rotating said knob a counter-clockwise, direction
acts to lower the electric motor and fixed rate pulley with respect
to the variable speed pulley; thereby decreasing the tension on the
belt around the variable rate pulley allowing the belt to recede in
the variable rate pulley, creating a increase in the rotational
ratio of the fixed rate pulley and the variable rate pulley,
resulting in a decreased rotational speed of the variable rate
pulley, axle, and adjustable rotating arm.
5. The automatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 1
wherein said adjustable rotating arm is permanently affixed to the
axle, which is further comprised of: a fixed axle end portion; and
a slotted arm; said slotted arm is connected to the fixed axle end
portion by two adjusting bolts; by loosening the adjusting bolts,
the slotted arm may be moved to increase or decrease the stroke of
the rotating arm and the corresponding displacement of any attached
apparatus or to increase or decrease the swing speed.
6. The automatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 5
wherein the outer end portion of the slotted arm is further
comprised of attachment means for securing a fixed rigid pole for
connecting the device of the present invention to an apparatus via
the fixed rigid pole.
7. The automatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 5
wherein; on a first end, the fixed rigid pole is comprised of rod
end, which provides an attachment means to the slotted arm; said
rod end is secured to the slotted arm by the use of a cotter pin;
on a second opposite end, the fixed rigid pole further comprises a
clamp used to secure the device to an apparatus.
Description
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0001] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0002] Not Applicable
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0003] Not Applicable
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates generally to automatic
swinging device. More specifically the present invention relates to
a portable, battery-operated device for providing a continuous
swinging motion in a hammock, recliner, or rocking chair.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The relaxation generated from swinging on a porch swing,
rocking chair, or hammock is enjoyed by numerous people every day.
Some people may prefer a slow, gentle motion with little
displacement of the chair while others prefer a much faster motion
with a much greater displacement, while still others may prefer a
different combination of displacement and swing.
[0006] Most swings, rocking chairs, or hammocks are put into motion
by either the occupants or an outside force, often, another person.
When a swing, rocking chair, or hammock is put into motion by its
occupant, the occupant must bend and extend the knees to force
displacement of the body's center of gravity in time with the
pendular cycle of the swing, rocking chair, or hammock. The very
young, the elderly, and the physically handicapped are often
incapable of this movement.
[0007] Several U.S. Patents have been granted on automatic swinging
devices, but all have shortcomings with respect to speed control,
displacement control, and overswing. U.S. Pat. No. 4,456,244 issued
to Lawson, et al. on Mar. 26, 2002 teaches an automatic swinging
device that is designed and configured to be coupled to any desired
apparatus that can be sat on and in which the user wishes to be
swung automatically, if desired. The Lawson apparatus an be
attached to any device so as to provide for a final product that
provides an automatic swinging motion and may include an attachment
element that claims to eliminate wobbling during the swing motion,
a feature generally associated with conventional swings. The Lawson
devices, while addressing the wobble issue, fails to provide a
solid connection means or any means for dealing with an overswing
condition.
[0008] Another device known in the prior art is commonly know as
the "Attic Ghost", which is a hardwired device that must be
professionally installed into the ceiling of a porch. The "Attic
Ghost" is a fixed device that has a limited application, to that of
a porch swing, but is inferior in that the device is not portable
and requires overhead mounting to be effective.
[0009] Thus, there is a need for a unique and useful automatic
continuous swinging motion device that can be attached or
retrofitted to existing furniture, such as benches, chairs,
hammocks or the like, that are desired to be swung. This automatic
continuous swinging motion device should be simple in design and
structure so as to efficiently enable swinging to commence when
desired and to control the speed and displacement while also
offering an occupant the desire to adjust both independently. The
automatic continuous swinging motion device should be designed so
as to accommodate any size of furniture, regardless of size. The
swinging motion should be such that the passenger can maintain the
natural rhythm of the swinging motion without the feel of any
forced motion or any effort.
[0010] As discussed, none of these previous efforts provide the
benefits intended with the present invention or method, by
providing for automatic continuous swinging motion device that can
be attached to any item that is desired to be swung.
[0011] The present invention provides a product that is directly
marketable to the consumer. Additionally, prior techniques do not
suggest the present inventive combination of component elements as
disclosed and claimed herein.
[0012] As discussed, the present invention achieves its intended
purposes, objectives and advantages by accomplishing the needs as
identified above, through a new, useful and unobvious combination
of component elements, which is simple to use, with the utilization
of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to
manufacture, assemble, test and by employing readily available
material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is an automatic continuous swinging
motion device that attaches easily to any existing swing, rocking
chair, or hammock providing an operator variable control over speed
and displacement, while also providing a rigid connection that
eliminates overswing. To enable such a configuration, the automatic
continuous swinging motion device of the present invention
comprises a driving unit, an actuating unit, and a power unit. The
driving unit provides the pushing pulling force for enabling the
appropriate swing for the article that is attached to the present
invention. The actuating unit is an adjustable rotating arm
initiates and terminates the swinging process as desired by the
operator. The power unit supplies power to the assembly, and the
control unit provides variable adjustment means for the swinging
speed of the adjustable rotating arm. The device is attached to the
desired apparatus via a rigid pole that prevents overswing. Swing
speed can be controlled by either adjusting the rotating arm length
or turning the speed control knob of the control unit. Swing
displacement is controlled by adjusting the rotating arm
length.
[0014] In light of the aforementioned problems associated with the
prior devices, it is an object of the present invention to teach an
automatic continuous swinging motion device that is portable and
provides variable adjustment for swing speed and displacement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention
and, together with the description, further serve to explain the
principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the
pertinent art to make and use the invention.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the swinging apparatus of
the present invention as it may be applied to a hammock
illustrating a preferred embodiment of attachment means used;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates internal components of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exterior control
components of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rotating arm assembly of
the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the attachment rod and
attachment means of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] In the following detailed description of the invention of
exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements),
which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of
illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention
may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient
detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the
invention, but other embodiments may be utilized and logical,
mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention. The following
detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting
sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by
the appended claims.
[0022] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.
However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
structures and techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art
have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the
invention.
[0023] Referring to the figures, it is possible to see the various
major elements constituting the apparatus of the present invention.
Now referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the major internal components of
the automatic continuous swinging motion device are illustrated.
The automatic continuous swinging motion device consists of and
rectangular case 1 made from weather resistant material such as
azek that be can painted or designed to meet customer requirements,
which encloses a power unit 2 consisting of a 12-volt rechargeable
battery, which supplies power to an electric motor 3 controlled by
an on/off switch 4.
[0024] The electric motor 3 is comprised of a fixed rate pulley 5
and variable speed control module 7. The electric motor 3 and fixed
rate pulley 5 are both supported by a moveable shaft 6 that is
connected to a variable speed control module 7. The fixed rate
pulley 5 is connected to a variable rate pulley 8 via a belt 9. The
variable rate pulley 8 is permanently affixed to an axle 10 that is
mounted on a first interior side 11 of the rectangular case 1 and
rotates on a bearing 12. The axle 10 protrudes through a second
internal side 13 of the rectangular case 1, where it rests on a
second bearing 15 and extends outside of the rectangular case 1 and
is permanently affixed to the adjustable rotating arm 14.
[0025] When in use, the power unit 2 provides power to the electric
motor 3, which in turn rotates the fixed rate pulley 5, and
variable rate pulley 8 and axle 10 via the belt 9. Speed adjustment
is accomplished by rotating the variable pitch knob 16, which, when
rotated, acts to raise or lower the electric motor 3 and fixed rate
pulley 5 with respect to the variable speed pulley 8. When the
fixed rate pulley 5 and electric motor 3 are raised the tension on
the belt 9 around the variable rate pulley 8 is increased and the
belt is forced into deeper into the variable rate pulley 8, thus
reducing the rotation ratio of the fixed rate pulley 5 and the
variable rate pulley 8, resulting in an increased rotational speed
of the variable rate pulley 8, axle, 10, and adjustable rotating
arm 14.
[0026] Conversely, rotating the rotating the variable pitch knob 16
to lower the fixed rate pulley 5 and electric motor 3, the tension
on the belt 9 around the variable rate pulley 8 is decreased and
the belt relaxes into shallower position within the variable rate
pulley 8, thus increasing the rotational ratio of the fixed rate
pulley 5 and the variable rate pulley 8, resulting in a decreased
rotational speed of the variable rate pulley 8, axle, 10, and
adjustable rotating arm 14.
[0027] Now referring to FIG. 4, the adjustable rotating arm 14 of
the present invention is illustrated in more detail. The axle 10 is
permanently affixed to the adjustable rotating arm 14, which is
comprised of a fixed axle end portion 17 and a slotted arm 18. The
slotted arm 18 is connected to the fixed axle end portion 17 by two
adjusting bolts 19 & 20. By loosening the adjusting 19 & 20
bolts, the slotted arm 18 may be moved to increase its stroke and
the corresponding displacement of any attached apparatus 24, or to
increase or decrease the swing speed.
[0028] This feature is unique in that it provides the operator the
ability to adjust the displacement or stroke of the adjustable
rotating arm 14 as specifically necessary for various apparatus 24
such as a chair or hammock. A much longer swing or stoke would be
desired for that of a hammock when compared to the shorter swing
necessary to provide the desired motion of a rocking chair.
[0029] The outer end portion 21 of the slotted arm 18 is further
comprised of attachment means 22 for securing a fixed rigid pole 23
for connecting the device of the present invention 24 to an
apparatus 24 via a fixed rigid pole 23, which eliminates
overswing.
[0030] Now referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the fixed
rigid pole 23 is illustrated. The fixed rigid pole 23 may be of any
length, and may be of adjustable length. Additionally, the
thickness of the fixed rigid pole 23 may also be adjusted based on
the weight of an apparatus 24, and it would be obvious to one of
ordinary skill in the art to determine the desired length and/or
thickness of the fixed rigid pole 23. On a first end 26, the fixed
rigid pole 23 is comprised of rod end 25, which provides an
attachment means to the slotted arm 18 and eliminates binding and
excessive friction and wear. The rod end 25 is secured to the
slotted arm 18 by the use of a cotter pin and provides easy
removability, adding to the portability of the device 24 of the
present invention.
[0031] On a second end 27 of the fixed rigid pole 23, a common
clamp 28 is used to secure the device 24 of the present invention
to an apparatus 24, such as a hammock. It would be obvious to one
of ordinary skill in the art to provide various clamping or
apparatus-securing mean of various sizes, widths and depths to
properly secure the fixed rigid pole 23 to an apparatus 24. Thus, a
clamp 28 is illustrated as one possible embodiment of the present
invention for attachment to a cloth hammock, but others are readily
apparent for swings and chairs and the discussion of such is not
necessary.
[0032] It is appreciated that the optimum dimensional relationships
for the parts of the invention, to include variation in size,
materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly
and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary
skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those
illustrated in the drawings and described in the above description
are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
[0033] Furthermore, other areas of art may benefit from this method
and adjustments to the design are anticipated. Thus, the scope of
the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their
legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
* * * * *