Rotatable and Breathable Group Disc Swing

Abstract

A swing device capable of rotational and back and forth swinging motion. A single individual may enjoy the device, but the device is capable of accommodating multiple riders at one time. The swing device hangs from a support structure, such as a tree limb. An upper support system, comprised of sheathed connectors, fasten around the tree limb. At the base of the upper support system is a swivel joint that connects to the lower support system. The lower support system is comprised of support connectors, connector clamps and a disc swing seat. Each support connector has a clamp at its end for attaching the connector to the outer ring of the disc swing seat. The seat comprises an outer ring that is covered with highly durable, breathable material that can accommodate several individual users thereon. The breathable material keeps the swing seat cool, even after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/430,774 filed on Jan. 7, 2011, entitled "Happy-Go-Round Swing."

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention pertains generally to the field of playground equipment. More specifically, the present invention describes a swing that is freely rotatable and capable of pivoting about a common swivel joint. The device accommodates multiple users simultaneously depending on the weight bearing capacity of the support structure from which the swing device hangs. The swing seat is sufficiently large as to hold multiple children and its construction is capable of bearing the weight of adult users, while providing a breathable and comfortable seated position.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Many individuals enjoy their leisure time outdoors. Playing, taking walks or enjoying a swing are all popular outdoor activities. Bench swings are relaxing devices having a forward and back rocking motion, intended to allow fore-aft travel of the bench for comfort of the user. Hammocks are similarly popular outdoor rocking devices that allow a side-to-side rocking motion while the user lies down and relaxes, rests or sleeps. While relaxing devices such as these are an enjoyable use of one's time, the rocking motions created therefrom do not elicit a sense of excitement or surprise during use, which some individuals may prefer over relaxing leisure swinging. Swings found on a playground offer more excitement to the swinging individual as they allow for the individual to swing a farther distance forward and backward, rising higher than a bench swing or hammock possibly could swing. However, pendulum motion of this type of device is predictable in nature, limiting its ability to excite.

[0006] Some individuals enjoy the fun and surprise associated with a swing capable that moves in all directions, pivotable from a tie-down location or pivot point. This type of swinging motion is commonly associated with tire swings, which are capable of motion about a single pivot point and not merely a back and forth motion. It is submitted that a swing that is capable of spinning while swinging in multiple directions results in increased merriment and enjoyment. However, there are several problems associated with the use of tire swings and devices of this type. For example, since the seat of a tire swing is made from that which it is named--a tire--the rubber of the tire can become extremely hot in direct sunshine, making it practically impossible to sit on the tire in comfort. When the seat of the tire swing is too hot, it greatly reduces the amount of enjoyment derived from a tire swing.

[0007] Another problem associated with tire swings is that multiple riders are typically necessary to balance the tire swing seat so that the swing operates properly. An unbalanced tire swing does not swing as well; the seat may not remain level with only a single swinging individual seated on one section of the tire with no other swinging companion to balance the seat on the other side of the tire. The hole in the middle of the tire, through which swinging individuals can hang their legs while seated on the tire swing, prevents a single individual from spanning across the tire to balance the tire seat by him or herself.

[0008] The present invention is an improved swing device capable of seating multiple users at one time. The seat of the swing is shaped like a ring and is covered with a highly durable, breathable material to form the seat of the swing device. The device hangs down from a support structure--i.e., a large, sturdy tree limb or a support beam of a playground--by connecting members. The connectors attach to the swing seat at a plurality of evenly spaced points by clamps, which are mechanisms designed to secure the connectors to the seat of the swing device. A swivel joint located near where the swing connectors secure to the overhead support, enabling the device to swivel and to swing in all directions. More specifically, the seat is allowed precession and rotation about the swivel joint.

[0009] Several attempts have been made to develop an improved swing device with varying degrees of success. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,483 to Hoffman describes a spinning wheel play swing assembly. The device comprises two upper chain support cables, two lower members, and an attachment point to which a spinnable wheel swing seat connects. The Hoffman device hangs from an overhead support, such as a tree limb or a horizontal member of a playground arrangement, from the two upper chain support cables. These support cables connect to the lower members, which converge and attach to an attachment point on the spinnable wheel swing seat. The seat of the swing device is shaped like a wheel and has three spokes that incline towards the center of the wheel and converge around the attachment point, forming a hub--inside which the components that permit the device to freely spin are located. The top of the attachment point is the receiving eye of a bolt for connecting to the lower members of the device. The bolt extends downward and attaches to the other components housed inside the hub. There within, the spin enabling components of the wheel seat include an alignment bushing, a thrust bearing, a washer and a locking nut. The attachment bolt extends downward through the alignment bushing, the thrust bearing and the washer. The locking nut ensures that the swing seat stays connected at the attachment point with the support cables. In essence of operation, the seat of the device is free to rotate or spin around the attachment bolt.

[0010] Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,686 to Brown describes a tire swing device that is capable of hanging from a support structure in multiple configurations so as to achieve different modes of swinging motion, such as circular or swivel motion and back and forth movement. The swing device comprises of a tire seat, upper and lower suspension connectors, a plurality of carabineers, a swivel connection and one or two support bars to suspend the swing from depending on the desired swing motion to be achieved and the respective configuration that is required to achieve that motion. One configuration, intended to achieve pivotal or circular swinging motion, connects the upper suspension connectors to two support bars, each at two points. Each upper suspension connector connects to a single carabineer. The carabineer attaches to the top end of a swivel connection to which a second carabineer attaches at the bottom end of the swivel connection. From the second carabineer attaches a plurality of lower suspension connectors that extend down to the tire seat and connect the seat to the suspension system. The lower suspension connectors connect to the tire seat at evenly spaced intervals.

[0011] The device described in the Brown patent, while versatile, has a few identifiable drawbacks. First, each time a user desires to change the configuration of the swing to achieve a different swinging motion, the user must elevate him or herself to the support bar and manually change the configuration. This task cannot be accomplished by a single individual because the weight of the swing, in conjunction with the force of gravity, prohibits the user from detaching the suspension connectors from the carabineers unless a second individual holds the tire up, thereby providing slack in the suspension connectors so they are easy to manipulate. Second, a traditional tire seat for a tire swing becomes very hot to the touch when exposed to the sun. Individuals do not enjoy enduring uncomfortable temperatures to sit on a tire swing. The third common problem with tire swings, like the Brown device, is that the tire typically requires multiple riders to keep the tire level for proper swing operation. Due to the hole in the middle of the tire seat, individuals are forced to sit with their legs through the hole. When only a single individual is seated on a tire swing, the tire seat tilts under the individual's weight, causing the tire seat to no longer be level. A tilted tire swing seat does not swing particularly well. The present invention is a tire swing-like device that is capable of accommodating multiple individuals, or a single individual. The seat of the present invention is a ring shape that is covered in a strong, breathable, fabric material that prevents the swing from becoming too hot even when the swing is in direct sunlight. The covering makes the seat of the swing a disc and multiple riders can sit in the center of the swing, or a single individual could span across the seat, if so desired.

[0012] Like the Hoffman and Brown swing devices, U.S. Pat. No. 3,937,463 to Soisson describes a swing device capable of back and forth swinging motion, as well as rotational motion, and incorporates a disc platform, which serves as the swing seat. The swing comprises a set of support strands which connect the disc platform seat to an overhead support member from which the device hangs. The support member could be a tree limb or a horizontal beam that is part of a playground arrangement. Fastened securely to the support member, the support strands hang downward and attach to the disc platform. The disc platform further comprises a peripheral ring, which has a plurality of evenly spaced holes along the circumference of the ring. The support strands insert through the holes, entering from the top of the disc and exiting from the bottom. On the underside of the disc ring, there are depressions, each equipped with a lock bar to which the support strands securely tie by utilizing a series of loop knots.

[0013] The Soisson device does not feature a swivel joint or a series of carabineers to achieve the rotational motion of the swing. Rather, the riders must wind up the swing support strands by spinning the swing in a rotational direction. As the swing winds up, the support strands converge together and twist around one another. Either a rider winds the swing device his or herself, climbs on to the disc platform and then releases the swing, or another individual, or bystander, winds the swing while a rider, or riders, sit on the disc platform in anticipation of the release. The rider, or riders, enjoy the rotational motion associated with the support strands unwinding. The Soisson device is only capable of a limited amount of rotational motion; i.e., the swing can only rotate or spin as much as the wound support strands allow. Thus, rotational swinging when enjoying use of the Soisson device is limited. The present invention offers rotational motion that is only limited by the user's desire to enjoy it. The present invention hangs from a support member by an upper support system and a lower support system. At the bottom of the upper support system, there is a swivel joint with an eye hook protruding from the bottom. The eye connects to a second eye at the top of the lower support system. The swivel joint allows for the lower support system, and attached swing seat, to freely rotate as much as desired by the user.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,540 to Caulkins focuses on a mounting means for a swing device that is capable of achieving free rotation of the attached swing. The Caulkins patent describes a ball and socket joint support for use mounting a swing, which allows for the free rotation and pivoting of the connected swing in any direction. The device features a saddle bracket, which mounts to a support beam--for example, a tree limb or a support beam of playground equipment. From the saddle bracket, there extends downward a bolt-holding ball set within a ball socket. The ball socket opening faces directly downward, with the bolt held by the bolt-holding ball pointed towards the ground. Attached to the end of the bolt is an eye, which the chains that hold the swing connect to.

[0015] The ball joint described by Caulkins allows for the free movement of the attached swing in any direction and also enables the swing to spin. Conversely, the present invention incorporates a swivel joint achieves both rotational, as well as back and forth swinging motion. The swivel joint of the present invention hangs from the bottom of upper support system. The swivel joint comprises a bearing and has an eye hook protruding from the bottom. The eye connects to a second eye that is located at the top of the lower support system. The swivel joint allows for the lower support system, and attached swing seat, to freely rotate as much as desired, while the pairing of eye hooks allows for the swing device to swing back and forth.

[0016] It is therefore submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing swing devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of swinging devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new improvement to tire swings wherein the improvements can be utilized for providing a means of keeping the swing device cool when exposed to direct sunlight and providing a multi-user swing that can rotate in a plurality of directions for enjoyment. The present invention allows multiple riders to sit on the swing seat in new configurations when compared to tire swings having a hole at its center and having limited seating configurations.

[0018] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved swing device capable of seating multiple individuals, remaining thermally comfortable to the touch, and features no hole in the center of the swing seat for ease of positioning. The present invention has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

[0019] Another object of the present invention to provide an improved swing device capable of seating multiple riders at one time and allowing for the seated individuals to arrange themselves in any desired seating configuration.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a swing that is capable of achieving rotational motion and back and forth swinging motion from a single pivot point, without limitation.

[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a swing seat that is thermally comfortable to the touch, even when the swing seat is exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

[0022] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in an installed position while not in use, suspending from a tree limb.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a close up perspective view of the swivel joint and the present invention hanging from a tree limb.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a close up perspective view of the connector clamps of the device connecting to the disc swing seat of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the improved swing device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as an outdoor swing hanging from a tree limb. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. The device is divided into two support systems: the upper support system 16, which attaches to the overhead support structure 11 and features the swivel joint 13, and the lower support system 18, which connects the swing seat to the overall device. The two systems are required for the device to achieve both the rotational and the back and forth swinging motion. The upper support system 16 and the lower support system 18 are connected together by a swivel joint 13 and a pair of eye hooks 14, 15. The swivel joint allows for the swing to achieve rotational motion, and the pairing of eye hooks enables the device to achieve a back and forth swinging motion. The upper support system 16 hangs from a support structure 11, such as a tree limb or from a horizontal beam of playground equipment, and comprises the support structure connectors 22, connector sheathing 12 to protect the support structure connectors 22, the swivel joint 13 with a protruding upper support system eye hook 14, and a swivel joint protective casing 23, which conceals the connection point between the support connectors and the swivel joint.

[0029] The lower support structure 18 attaches to the upper support system eye hook 14 by the lower support system eye hook 15. The lower support system eye hook 15 also attaches to the support connectors 17 of the present invention. Each support connector 17 has a first end and a second end. The first end connects to the attachment point of the lower support system eye hook 15, whereby the same attachment point is sheathed by a second protective casing 24. At the second end of each support connector 17, there is a connector clamp 21, which attaches the support connectors 17 of the lower support system 18 to the outer ring 20 of the disc seat 19 of the present invention via a clamping mechanism. The outer ring 20 of the present invention is sheathed with a highly durable, breathable fabric material covering to form the disc seat 19 along the interior of the outer ring 20. The fabric material is intended to keep the seating surface relatively cool to the touch so that users can enjoy the seat of the swing, and thus swinging, even when the device is exposed to direct, hot summer sunlight for extended periods of time.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of the upper support system of the present invention. The support structure connectors 22 which suspend the device from a support member 11 are protected by a protective sheathing 12. The sheathing 12 may be a rubber or polymer material that reduces friction and wear to the connectors 22 that could result from direct contact of the connectors 22 with the support member 11 and loads imparted by a swinging user or users. Tree bark, for example, can be a particularly abrasive to connector. The support structure connectors 22 converge and attach to the swivel joint 13. The swivel joint 13 comprises of a bearing that allows for free rotation of the upper support system eye hook 14, which protrudes from the bottom of the swivel joint 13. The connection between the support structure connectors 22 and the swivel joint 13 is concealed by a protective casing 23, which is the first of two. The upper eye hook 14 connects to the lower eye hook 15, which connects to the support connectors 17 of the swing device. A second protective casing 24 conceals the connection point where the lower eye hook 15 fastens to the support connectors 17. In this embodiment, the first 23 and second protective casings 24 are depicted as spherical in shape, but are not limited to being so shaped.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of the connector clamps of the present invention. At the second end of each support connector 17 there attaches a connector clamp 21. The connector clamp 21 secures the support connectors 17 to the outer ring 20 of the disc seat 19. Each connector clamp comprises of a C-shaped clamp cuff 25 encased in clamp housing 26. A suspension spring 27 connects the clamp housing 26 to the support connector connection point 29, where the support connector connects to the clamp. The C-cuff 25 of the clamp opens and closes with the operation of a handle 28, which attaches to the cuff. When the clamp is in the closed configuration, the clamp housing protects the handle from unintentional and accidental operation as the C-cuff grips and holds the swing seat in place. In the open configuration, the handle opens the C-cuff of the clamp, resulting in the release of the swing seat from the clamp.

[0032] Located on the outer ring 20 of the disc swing seat 19 there are small areas that indicate where the connector clamps 21 attach to the swing seat. These areas can be denoted by a different color of fabric, or set off from the rest of the outer ring by slightly elevated plastic markers 29, in between which the connector clamps should attach to the swing seat. Indication of where the clamps should attach helps to ensure that the swing seat is balanced when hanging from the lower support system.

[0033] To operate the connector clamp, a user places the indicated attachment point of the outer ring of the swing seat inside the open C-cuff of the connector clamp. The user then depresses the clamp handle into the closed configuration. As the cuff closes, it grips the outer ring of the swing seat tightly. Once the device is hanging from a support structure, and when all of the connector clamps are securely fastened to the disc seat, the swing device may be used. In an alternate embodiment that required fewer parts and expense, the connectors may be tied or directly connected to the outer ring during construction of the device.

[0034] The present invention can be manufactured in a variety of colors and sizes. The material that covers the disc seat of the device can be one of many stretchable materials, including but not limited to, trampoline fabric, nylon or a similar material with water resistant or water proof properties. The material may further allow air penetration and water permeability to prevent overheating and pooling of water. The lengths associated with the support connectors can vary as well, depending on the height of the support structure from which the device is to hang.

[0035] A swing device capable of rotational and pivotable swinging motion is described. The device may be enjoyed by a single individual; however, the device is capable of accommodating multiple riders simultaneously while the users are positioned in any desirable configuration. The swing device hangs from a support structure, such as a tree limb or support beam on playground equipment. An upper support system, comprised of connectors sheathed in rubber, fasten around the tree limb. At the bottom of the upper support system is a swivel joint that connects to the lower support system. The lower support system comprises of support connectors, connector clamps and a disc swing seat. Each support connector has a connector clamp at its end, is tied or directly connected to the ring. The connector clamps attach to the outer ring of the disc swing seat. The seat is an outer ring that is covered with highly durable, breathable fabric material. The breathable material keeps the swing seat cool to the touch, even when exposed to direct sunlight.

[0036] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0037] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A swing device capable of rotational and pivotable swinging motion, comprising: an upper support system; a lower support system; said upper and said lower support systems connected together by a swivel joint that permits free rotation and pivotable swinging motion of said lower support system, a disc swing seat having an outer ring and an inner seating surface; said upper support system further comprising support structure connectors for attaching said swivel joint to said support structure, said lower support system further comprising support connectors for attaching said swivel joint to said disc swing seat.

2) The device of claim 1, wherein said swivel joint further comprises a first eye hook and a second eye hook, whereby said first eye hook is located at the bottom of said swivel joint and said second eye hook is connected to said first eye hook and located at the top of said bottom support system.

3) The device of claim 1, wherein said support structure connectors are sheathed in a durable material to prevent wear on said connectors.

4) The device of claim 1, wherein each lower support system connector has a first end and a second end, whereby each first end of said connector converges and connects to said swivel joint and said second end attaches to said disc swing outer ring.

5) The device of claim 4, wherein said second end attachment further comprises a removable connector clamp.

6) The device of claim 4, wherein said connector clamps further comprise a C-shaped clamp cuff, a clamp housing, a handle for operating said clamp, a suspension spring which connects the clamp housing to said second end of said support connector via a support connector connection point.

7) The device of claim 6, wherein said clamp and clamp handle have two configurations: an open state, which releases said disc swing seat, and a closed state which causes said C-cuff to clamp onto said disc swing seat and causes said clamp housing to protect said handle from unintentional and accidental operation.

8) The device of claim 1, wherein said inner seating surface of said disc swing seat further comprises an elastic, breathable material.