U.S. patent application number 14/152836 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-16 for teeter totter.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lifetime Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jacob Kearl, Allen Keetch, Robert Read, James Schaffner, Lynn VanDyke.
Application Number | 20140309047 14/152836 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51687153 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140309047 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Keetch; Allen ; et
al. |
October 16, 2014 |
TEETER TOTTER
Abstract
In one example, a teeter totter is provided that includes four
support arms spaced apart at substantially equal angular intervals,
with a seat being attached to each of the support arms. A hub of
the teeter totter includes top and bottom plates which cooperate to
at least partly define four sockets, and each of the sockets
receives an end of a corresponding support arm. A plastic receiver
is connected to the hub, and a plastic pivot is rotatably engaged
with the receiver such that the pivot and the receiver cooperate to
enable simultaneous movement of the seats in three dimensions.
Finally, a base is provided that supports the pivot.
Inventors: |
Keetch; Allen; (South Weber,
UT) ; Kearl; Jacob; (Plain City, UT) ;
VanDyke; Lynn; (Layton, UT) ; Schaffner; James;
(Ogden, UT) ; Read; Robert; (Ogden, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lifetime Products, Inc. |
Clearfield |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51687153 |
Appl. No.: |
14/152836 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61811013 |
Apr 11, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
472/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G 1/14 20130101; A63G
11/00 20130101; A63G 1/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
472/108 |
International
Class: |
A63G 11/00 20060101
A63G011/00 |
Claims
1. A teeter totter, comprising: a plurality of support arms; a
plurality of seats, each of the seats connected to a respective
support arm; a hub in which an end of each support arm is received;
a receiver at least partly residing in the hub; a pivot rotatably
engaged with the receiver, wherein the pivot includes an upper ball
portion, a lower portion, and a tapered portion that extends
between the upper ball portion and the lower portion, wherein the
pivot and the receiver cooperate to enable simultaneous movement of
the seats in three dimensions; and a base to which the pivot is
mounted.
2. The teeter totter as recited in claim 1, wherein the receiver
substantially comprises plastic and the pivot substantially
comprises plastic.
3. The teeter totter as recited in claim 1, wherein the upper ball
portion of the pivot has a non-solid construction.
4. The teeter totter as recited in claim 1, wherein the hub
includes a pair of plates which cooperate to at least partly define
a plurality of sockets, each of the sockets receiving an end of a
corresponding support arm.
5. The teeter totter as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality
of seats includes first and second seats spaced apart about 180
degrees, and wherein the first and second seats are rotatable about
an axis defined by the support arms to which the first and second
seats are connected.
6. The teeter totter as recited in claim 1, wherein the receiver
defines a socket with which the upper ball portion of the pivot is
engaged.
7. The teeter totter as recited in claim 1, wherein the tapered
portion includes an upper part adjacent to the upper ball portion
and a lower part adjacent to the lower portion, and a diameter of
the upper part is smaller than a diameter of the lower part.
8. A teeter totter, comprising: a plurality of support arms; a
plurality of seats, each of the seats connected to a respective
support arm; a hub in which an end of each support arm is received;
a receiver substantially comprising plastic and at least partly
residing in the hub; a pivot substantially comprising plastic and
rotatably engaged with the receiver, wherein the plastic pivot
comprises a single piece of material with a non-solid construction,
and wherein the pivot and the receiver cooperate to enable
simultaneous movement of the seats in three dimensions; and a base
to which the pivot is mounted.
9. The teeter totter as recited in claim 8, wherein the pivot
defines a recess in which the base is partly received.
10. The teeter totter as recited in claim 8, wherein the pivot
comprises a ball portion that engages a corresponding socket
defined by the receiver.
11. The teeter totter as recited in claim 8, wherein the pivot
includes a ball portion within which a plurality of one or more of
slots, recesses, voids, holes, dimples, depressions, cutouts, or
any combination of the foregoing, are formed.
12. The teeter totter as recited in claim 8, wherein at least a
portion of the receiver is positioned inside the hub.
13. The teeter totter as recited in claim 8, wherein the pivot
includes an upper ball portion, a lower portion, and a tapered
portion that extends between the upper ball portion and the lower
portion, and a diameter of the tapered portion in its upper part
adjacent to the upper ball portion is smaller than a diameter of
the tapered portion in its lower part adjacent to the lower
portion.
14. A teeter totter, comprising: four support arms spaced apart at
substantially equal angular intervals; four seats, each of the
seats connected to a respective support arm; a hub that includes
top and bottom plates which cooperate to at least partly define
four sockets, each of the sockets receiving an end of a
corresponding support arm; a receiver substantially comprising
plastic and at least partly residing in the hub; a pivot
substantially comprising plastic and rotatably engaged with the
receiver and defining a recess, wherein the pivot and the receiver
cooperate to enable simultaneous movement of the seats in three
dimensions; and a base partly received in the recess defined by the
pivot.
15. The teeter totter as recited in claim 14, wherein the pivot
comprises a ball portion that is engaged with a socket defined by
the receiver.
16. The teeter totter as recited in claim 14, wherein the pivot has
a single-piece integrated construction that includes an upper ball
portion, a lower portion, and a tapered portion that extends
between the upper ball portion and the lower portion, and a
diameter of the tapered portion in its upper part adjacent to the
upper ball portion is smaller than a diameter of the tapered
portion in its lower part adjacent to the lower portion.
17. The teeter totter as recited in claim 14, wherein the pivot
includes a ball portion within which a plurality of one or more of
slots, recesses, voids, holes, dimples, depressions, cutouts, or
any combination of the foregoing, are formed.
18. The teeter totter as recited in claim 14, wherein the receiver
includes a plurality of internal vertical ribs.
19. The teeter totter as recited in claim 14, wherein the pivot
comprises a plurality of fins which facilitate prevention of
rotation of the pivot relative to the base.
20. The teeter totter as recited in claim 14, wherein the hub
includes a plurality of webs, each of the webs positioned between a
pair of adjacent support arms.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application hereby claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/811,013, entitled TEETER TOTTER, and
filed Apr. 11, 2013. The aforementioned application is incorporated
herein in its entirety by this reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure is generally concerned with
playground equipment. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments
concern a teeter totter having multiple seats, each of which is
capable of movement in three dimensions.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT
[0003] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein do
not constitute an exhaustive summary of all possible embodiments,
nor does this brief summary constitute an exhaustive list of all
aspects of any particular embodiment(s). Rather, this brief summary
simply presents selected aspects of some example embodiments. It
should be noted that nothing herein should be construed as
constituting an essential or indispensable element of any invention
or embodiment. Rather, various aspects of the disclosed embodiments
may be combined in a variety of ways so as to define yet further
embodiments. Such further embodiments are considered as being
within the scope of this disclosure. As well, none of the
embodiments embraced within the scope of this disclosure should be
construed as resolving, or being limited to the resolution of, any
particular problem(s). Nor should such embodiments be construed to
implement, or be limited to implementation of, any particular
technical effect(s) or solution(s).
[0004] In one example embodiment, playground equipment is in the
form of a teeter totter that includes a plurality of seats
connected to a common pivot that enables movement of the seats in
unison in three dimensions. Further example embodiments are
disclosed elsewhere herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The appended drawings contain figures of some example
embodiments to further clarify various aspects of the present
disclosure. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only
some embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit
its scope in any way. The disclosure will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0006] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of an example teeter
totter;
[0007] FIG. 1b is a detail perspective view of an example support
arm and seat
[0008] FIG. 2a is a partial perspective view of an example hub;
[0009] FIG. 2b is an exploded view of an example hub and pivot
assembly;
[0010] FIG. 2c is a section view of an example pivot assembly;
[0011] FIG. 2c' is a detail view of the interface between an
example receiver and hub;
[0012] FIG. 2d is a bottom perspective view of an example pivot;
and
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of an example teeter totter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0014] The present disclosure is generally concerned with
playground equipment. In brief, a teeter totter may, in one
implementation, include multiple seats connected to a pivot
assembly that enables movement of the seats in unison in three
dimensions. A base supports the pivot assembly above a reference
surface.
[0015] Consistent with the foregoing, embodiments within the scope
of this disclosure may include any one or more of the following
elements, and features of elements, in any combination: a pivot
assembly including a pivot and a receiver rotatably engageable with
each other; a pivot; a generally spherical pivot; a pivot made
substantially of plastic; a pivot that rotatably supports a
plurality of seats; a pivot whose position is fixed, relative to a
plurality of seats associated with the pivot; a receiver with which
a pivot can rotatably interface; a base, such as one or more legs,
configured to support a pivot; a base, such as one or more legs,
configured to support a pivot above the ground or other reference
surface; a pivot and/or receiver that enables one or more seats to
move in three dimensions; a pivot and/or receiver that enables one
or more seats to move in three dimensions in unison; means for
enabling a plurality of seats to move in three dimensions; means
for enabling a plurality of seats to move in three dimensions,
wherein the means also enables movement in unison of the seats;
means for enabling a plurality of seats to move in three
dimensions, wherein the means enables one or more seats to rotate
about a common axis, which may be a generally vertical axis; one or
more seats whose respective positions are fixed relative to each
other; one, two, three, four, or more, seats; one or more seats
connected either directly or indirectly to a pivot; one or more
seats configured for motion in unison with each other; a structure
having an element that engages a pivot, and the structure
supporting one or more seats; a blow-molded plastic seat; and, one
or more support arms configured to connect either directly or
indirectly to a pivot, and further configured to support a seat.
Any of the aforementioned means for enabling a plurality of seats
to move in three dimensions may be implemented in the form of a
pivot, a receiver, or both a pivot and a receiver.
[0016] Following is a non-exclusive list of embodiments within the
scope of the invention. It should be understood that aspects of the
various embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in other ways
to define still further embodiments.
[0017] In a first example embodiment, playground equipment includes
a plurality of seats connected to a common pivot that enables
movement of the seats in three dimensions.
[0018] In a second example embodiment, playground equipment
includes a plurality of seats connected to a common pivot that
enables movement of the seats in three dimensions, and the pivot is
the sole vertical support for the seats.
[0019] In a third example embodiment, playground equipment includes
four seats connected to a common pivot that enables movement of the
seats in three dimensions.
[0020] In a fourth example embodiment, playground equipment
includes a plurality of seats connected to a common pivot that
enables movement of the seats in unison in three dimensions.
[0021] In a fifth example embodiment, playground equipment includes
a plurality of seats connected to a common pivot that enables
movement of the seats in three dimensions, including about a
common, generally vertical, axis.
[0022] In a sixth example embodiment, playground equipment includes
a plurality of seats connected to a common pivot that enables
movement of the seats in three dimensions, and a base supports the
pivot above a reference surface.
[0023] In a seventh example embodiment, a teeter totter includes
four seats connected to a common pivot that enables movement of the
seats in unison in three dimensions, and a base is further provided
that supports the pivot above a reference surface.
[0024] This disclosure further embraces any playground equipment
that includes any of the foregoing embodiments, or one or more
aspects thereof. As well, this disclosure embraces the embodiments
disclosed herein both in their respective assembled forms, and in
respective kit forms. When in the form of a kit, the embodiment may
be partly or completely disassembled.
[0025] Finally, it should be noted that as used herein, the term
`at least indirectly connected` embraces arrangements in which, for
example, a first element is connected to a second element not
directly but by way of one or more intervening elements, and also
embraces arrangements in which, for example, a first element is
directly connected to a second element.
A. General Aspects of Some Example Embodiments
[0026] In general, playground equipment and associated components
disclosed herein, including legs, support arms, seats, hub
assemblies, and pivot assemblies, may be constructed with a variety
of components and materials including, but not limited to, plastic
(including injection-molded, blow-molded, roto-molded, and twin
sheet plastic structures and elements) including polycarbonates,
rubber, composites, metals, wood, and any one or more of the
foregoing. Suitable metals may include steel, aluminum, and
aluminum alloys, although the skilled person will understand that a
variety of other metals may be employed as well and the scope of
the invention is not limited to the foregoing examples. Where metal
is employed in the construction of a playground component, the
metal elements may take one or more forms including, but not
limited to, square tube, rectangular tube, oval tube, round tube,
pipe, angles, flatbar, I-shapes, T-shapes, L-shapes, and
combinations and portions of any of the foregoing.
[0027] Depending upon the material(s) employed in the construction
of the playground equipment, a variety of methods and components
may be used to connect, releasably or permanently, various elements
of the playground equipment. For example, the various elements of
playground equipment or component within the scope of this
disclosure may be attached to each other by any one or more of
allied processes such as welding or brazing, and/or mechanically by
way of fasteners such as bolts, screws, pins, and rivets, for
example.
[0028] Some, none, or all of portions of a one or more of the
playground equipment and its components may be coated with paint or
other materials. Surface treatments and textures may also be
applied to portions of the playground equipment. At least some of
such materials may serve to help prevent, or reduce, rust and
corrosion.
B. Structural Aspects of Some Example Embodiments
[0029] Directing attention now to the Figures, details are provided
concerning example playground equipment, particularly, a teeter
totter 100. In the example of FIG. 1, the teeter totter 100
includes four seats 102, although more or fewer seats 102 can be
used. The seats 102 may be spaced apart from each other at
substantially equal intervals. Thus, in the particular example
disclosed in FIG. 1, the seats 102 are spaced at regular angular
intervals of about 90 degrees. The seats 102 can comprise any
suitable material such as plastic, metal, or combinations of
plastic and metal, though other materials could also be used and
the scope of the invention is not limited to plastic and metal. In
some instances, the seats 102 have a unitary single-piece plastic
construction formed by a process such as blow-molding. Each seat
102 may have a seating surface 102a that may optionally be
textured, and a handle 102b. The seating surface 102a and handle
102b can be integrally formed with each other, though that is not
necessary. As indicated in FIG. 1b, the seats 102 may include a
recess 102c on the underside to receive a portion of a support arm
104.
[0030] The seats 102 are each attached, removably or permanently,
near a first end 104a of a respective support arm 104, which can be
a metal pipe or tube. In some instances, the position of the seat
102 along the support arm 104 is adjustable. The second end 104b of
each support arm 104 is attached, removably or permanently, to a
hub assembly 200. Among other things, the hub assembly 200 serves
to position and secure the support arms 104. While FIG. 1a
discloses an arrangement where four support arms 104 are present,
it will be appreciated that fewer support arms 104 can be employed.
By way of illustration, the teeter totter 100 can be assembled in
such a way that only two support arms 104, which may be disposed
about 180 degrees apart from each other, are employed. If desired,
two additional support arms 104 can be attached to the teeter
totter 100 at another time. Still other numbers of support arms,
such as three, or more than four, can alternatively be
employed.
[0031] As indicated in the Figures, such as FIG. 1a for example,
the hub assembly 200 may be configured such that all of the support
arms 104 reside in the same plane, or in substantially the same
plane, which can be horizontal, or non-horizontal, relative to a
reference surface 150 such as the surface upon which the teeter
totter 100 is positioned. As a result of this configuration, the
support arms 104 all have the same vertical distance above a
horizontal reference surface 150 when the aforementioned plane is
oriented to be substantially parallel to that horizontal reference
surface 150. As well, the plane in which the support arms 104
reside can be tilted relative to axis AA, or may be generally
perpendicular to axis AA, as shown in FIG. 1 for example. It should
be noted that it is not required that all seats 102 reside in the
same plane.
[0032] In the illustrated example, and with reference now as well
to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the hub assembly 200 includes a top plate 202
and a bottom plate 204, each of which may be made of metal and/or
other material(s). One or both of the top plate 202 and bottom
plate 204 includes recessed portions 202a and 204a, respectively,
that cooperate with each other to at least partly define a socket
206 within which a second end 104b of a support arm 104 is
received. The top plate 202 and bottom plate 204 may have
substantially the same configuration. The support arms 104 are
secured, releasably or permanently, in position in respective
sockets 206 by any suitable means or device, examples of which
include welding, brazing, bolts or other fasteners 207.
[0033] With continued reference to the Figures, the hub 200 may be
configured to include a plurality of webs 208, where the webs 208
are arranged such that a web 208 is positioned between each pair of
adjacent support arms 104. Among other things, the webs 208 may add
strength and rigidity to the hub 200 and its connection with the
support arms 104. In the illustrated examples, the webs 208 are
integral with the top plate 202 and/or bottom plate 204, although
that is not required and the webs 208 can be implemented separately
from the top plate 202 and/or bottom plate 204.
[0034] As indicated in FIGS. 2a-2c, the hub 200 is supported, and
retained by, a pivot assembly 300. The pivot assembly 300 and the
hub 200 are supported above a reference surface, such as the ground
or a concrete slab for example, by a base 400. With continued
reference to the Figures, details are provided concerning the
example pivot assembly 300. As shown in the Figures, the pivot
assembly 300 includes a receiver 302 that resides in the hub
assembly 200. In particular, and with reference to FIG. 2c, the
receiver 302 is sandwiched between the top plate 202 and bottom
plate 204 and held in position there by clamping force exerted by
the bolts 207. The receiver 302 is prevented from rotating inside
the top plate 202 and bottom plate 204 by a square portion 303 that
protrudes into a square hole 202b in the top plate 202 to keep the
receiver 302 from rotating. Thus, in this example, the receiver 302
is not connected to the hub 200, although in some alternative
embodiments, the receiver 302 may be attached to the hub 200 with
fasteners such as bolts, screws, or rivets, for example.
[0035] As noted above, the receiver 302 can reside partly, or
substantially, within the hub assembly 200, although that is not
necessary. The receiver 302 can be composed of any suitable
material(s) or combinations thereof, examples of which include
metals, plastics and, particularly, low-friction, wear-resistant
plastics such as Delrin.RTM. (chemical names include
polyoxymethylene (POM), acetal resin, polytrioxane and
polyformaldehyde). In some instances, the receiver 302 is formed by
injection-molding, although other production processes could be
used.
[0036] The receiver 302 defines a socket 302a having an internal
radius that, in some embodiments, is substantially the same as a
radius of a pivot 304, discussed below. The respective radii and/or
other portions of the socket 302a and pivot 304 may be such that
the pivot 304 can be snap fit into the socket 302a. As well, the
receiver 302 may include one or more internal ribs 302b which may
enhance the strength and stiffness of the receiver 302.
[0037] Thus, and as noted earlier, any of a pivot 304, a receiver
302, or a combination of a pivot 304 and a receiver 302, may
comprise an example structural implementation of a means for
enabling a plurality of seats 102 to move in three dimensions. Any
other structure(s) or combinations thereof of comparable
functionality may alternatively be employed.
[0038] With continued attention to the Figures, the pivot 304 can
be composed of any suitable material(s) or combinations thereof,
examples of which include metals, plastics and, particularly,
low-friction, wear-resistant plastics such as polyamides, at least
some of which are sometimes referred to as nylon (aliphatic
polyamides), and plastics sold under the trademark Teflon.RTM.,
such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In some embodiments, the
pivot 304 may be made of a material dissimilar to that of the
receiver 302 to facilitate an increase in relative wear-resistance
between the pivot 304 and receiver 302 in the pivot assembly 300.
However, the pivot 304 and receiver 302 need not be made of
dissimilar materials and, accordingly, in some embodiments, the
pivot 304 and receiver 302 are composed of the same material(s), or
substantially the same material(s).
[0039] In some instances, the pivot 304 is formed by injection
molding, although other production processes could also be used.
The pivot 304 includes an engaging portion, such as a ball 304a for
example, configured to rotatably engage the receiver 302. The ball
304a of the pivot 304 may comprise a portion of a sphere, though
other shapes can alternatively be employed. More generally, the
ball 304a and socket 302a can have any other shape or configuration
that allows relative rotational motion between those components. In
at least some embodiments, the ball 304a has a configuration that
includes feature(s) such as, for example, slots 305, holes,
dimples, depression, recesses, cutouts, voids, or any combination
of the foregoing, that result in the ball 304 having a non-solid
construction. In some embodiments, one or more of the
aforementioned features extend substantially, or completely,
through the ball 304a. In other embodiments, one or more of the
aforementioned features extend only part way into the ball 304a. In
still other embodiments, the ball 304a may be substantially
solid.
[0040] In addition, and with reference to FIG. 2c in particular, at
least some embodiments of the pivot 304 are configured with a
tapered portion 304b that extends, for example, between the ball
304a and the lower portion 304c. More specifically, the tapered
portion 304b has a relatively small diameter in its upper part
adjacent the ball 304a and transitions to a relatively larger
diameter in its lower part adjacent the lower portion 304c. As best
shown in FIGS. 2a and 2c for example, the configuration and
location of the tapered portion 304b enables the receiver 302 to
rotate relatively further away from a vertical position than would
be the case if the tapered portion 304b were not present. The taper
may be defined by a taper angle .theta. that can have a variety of
values. In some embodiments, the taper angle .theta. may be in a
range of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. In other
embodiments, the taper angle .theta. may be in a range of about 40
degrees to about 50 degrees.
[0041] Among other things, this tapered configuration of the pivot
304 may enable an extensive downward range of motion of the arms
104. In at least some embodiments, the range of motion enabled by
the tapered configuration of the pivot 304 is sufficiently large
that each of the support arms 104 and/or their associated seat 102
is able to contact the ground or other surface on which the teeter
totter 100 is situated. Thus, and as indicated in FIG. 3, a tilt
angle .beta. and/or range of tilt angles .beta. may be
cooperatively defined by a support arm 104 and reference surface
150. The tilt angle .beta. can have a variety of values and, in one
particular example, may be in a range of about 20 degrees to about
30 degrees. In some instances, the range of motion may be such that
it is possible for two adjacent arms 104 and/or their associated
seats 102, such as the two left-most seats 102 in FIG. 1 for
example, to contact the ground simultaneously.
[0042] Finally, at least some embodiments of the teeter totter 100
include a base 400. The base 400 may be attached, permanently or
removably, to the pivot assembly 300 and supports the pivot
assembly 300 at a desired height above a reference surface 150,
such as the ground for example. In some embodiments, the base 400
has an adjustable height, which may be achieved by any suitable
mechanism, such as telescoping legs for example. In the illustrated
example, the base 400 includes four legs 402, which can each be
generally "L" shaped to provide support and stability to the teeter
totter 100. Legs of other shapes, sizes and configurations can
alternatively be employed however. The legs 402 may be attached to
each other, and connect to a lower portion 304b of the pivot 304,
and the lower portion 304c may be integrally formed with the ball
304a, although that is not necessary. Alternative to the base 400,
other support structures using any combination of, but not limited
to, sheet metal, plastic, wood or other material may be employed in
one or more pieces to construct a support structure for the pivot
304.
[0043] As indicated in FIG. 2d in particular, the lower portion
304c of the pivot 304 may define a recess 304d within which
respective ends of the legs 402 are received, although the legs 402
can be attached to the pivot assembly 300 in other ways as well. As
best shown in FIG. 2d, the recess 304d may include a plurality of
fins 304e that each fit between two adjacent legs 402 when the legs
402 are received in the recess 304d. In at least some embodiments,
the fins 304e are integrally formed with the other elements of the
pivot 304. Among other things, the fins 304e serve to retain the
legs 402 in position relative to each other, and the fins 304e also
prevent the pivot 304 from rotating relative to the base 400 and
legs 402. Finally, the fins 304e also permit the pivot 304 to be
securely attached to the base 400 and legs 402 without the use of
fasteners or other hardware, although elimination of the use of
fasteners and/or other hardware is not required. This aspect of the
fins 304e makes assembly and disassembly of the teeter totter 100
easier and faster for the user.
C. Operational Aspects of Some Example Embodiments
[0044] With continued reference to the Figures, details are now
provided concerning various operational aspects of some example
embodiments. In general, the ball and socket configuration of the
pivot assembly 300 enables, among other things, the seats 102 to
rotate in unison about a generally vertical axis AA, as indicated
for example in FIGS. 1 and 3. As well, the pivot assembly 300 also
enables the seats 102 to rotate about one or more axes BB, as
indicated for example in FIGS. 1 and 3, defined by a pair of
opposing seats 102. Depending upon the positions of the opposing
seats 102, the axis BB can be generally horizontal, relative to a
reference surface 150 such as the ground, or can be tilted,
relative to the reference surface 150. More generally, one or more
axes BB can be generally non-vertical axes. In some instances at
least, these movements of the seats 102 about the axis AA, and
about one or more axes BB, occur simultaneously. That is, the
configuration of the pivot assembly 300 enables the seats 102 to
move together simultaneously in three dimensions.
D. Some Further Example Embodiments
[0045] In some instances, the pivot assembly 300 may be configured
so that the pivot 304 can be interchangeable with another pivot 304
that, for example, includes a circumferential lip formed below the
ball 304a so that the pivot 304 permits motion only about the AA
axis, and not about any other axis, or axes. In another example
embodiment, the circumferential lip, or component of comparable
functionality, may be a removable element that can be selectively
attached to, and detached from, the pivot 304. In still another
example embodiment, a pivot assembly 300 is provided whose
configuration is generally the reverse of the configuration
disclosed in the Figures. In particular, this example embodiment of
a pivot assembly 300 may be configured such that a receiver 302 is
provided that is attached, or attachable, to a base 400, while a
pivot ball is provided that is attached, or attachable, to a hub
assembly 200.
E. Further Aspects of Some Example Embodiments
[0046] As will be apparent from the disclosure, one or more
embodiments of the invention, such as the teeter totter 100 for
example, can provide one or more advantageous and unexpected
effects, in any combination, some examples of which are set forth
below. It should be noted that such effects enumerated herein are
neither intended, nor should be construed, to limit the scope of
the claimed invention in any way.
[0047] For example, one or more embodiments of the invention may be
advantageous inasmuch as they enable at least two seats of a teeter
totter to move in unison with each other while moving in as many as
three dimensions. As another example, one or more embodiments of
the invention may be advantageous inasmuch as they enable more than
two seats, four seats for example, of a teeter totter to move in
unison with each other while moving in as many as three dimensions.
In a further example, one or more embodiments of the invention
employ pivot that is elevated above the surface that supports the
teeter totter and, as a result, the pivot is not exposed to the
type of wearing and damage that could result if the pivot were
positioned on a surface such as the ground. In connection with the
preceding example, the elevation of the pivot above the support
surface enables smooth and reliable movement of the arms/seats
relative to the pivot, even if the teeter totter is placed on a
surface, such as the ground, that is rough, uneven, or bumpy. In
still another example, one or more embodiments of the invention may
be advantageous inasmuch as they are non-motorized. In still
another example, one or more embodiments of the invention may be
advantageous inasmuch as they provide for a configuration where the
arms to which the sets are attached all reside in the same plane,
with the result that all of the arms in such embodiments can have
an identical configuration, as compared for example, with an
arrangement where some arms are vertically stacked above other arms
thereby necessitating arms of differing configurations and
increasing manufacturing costs. As a final example, one or more
embodiments of the invention may be advantageous inasmuch as they
employ a pivot that is not directly connected to the arms that
support the seats while, in contrast, a configuration where the
arms are directly connected to the pivot can experience high
stress, and possibly failure, at the locations where the arms
connect to the pivot.
[0048] Although this disclosure has been described in terms of
certain embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this
disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is intended to
be defined only by the claims which follow.
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