Patents Assigned to Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8899688
    Abstract: A convertible child seat includes a seat frame that presents a seat cavity and an open front to allow cavity ingress and egress by the child. The seat also includes a front restraint shiftably attached to the seat frame and shiftable between a storage position and a child-restraining position. In the storage position, the front restraint extends along the bottom wall so as to be positioned below the seated child and thereby permit cavity ingress and egress through the open front. In the child-restraining position, the front restraint at least partly spans the open front to restrict cavity ingress and egress through the open front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo
  • Publication number: 20140315651
    Abstract: A quick assembly playhouse broadly includes pairs of wood paneled walls and living hinges. The wood paneled walls cooperatively form at least part of the playhouse when erected. Each of the pairs of walls presents adjacent hinge margins that extend alongside one another. Each of the living hinges is attached to adjacent hinge margins of a corresponding one of the pairs of walls so as to cooperatively form a living hinge joint that permits folding and unfolding of the corresponding one of the wall pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Eugene Meister, John Allen Vura, Daniel Ray Whyman
  • Patent number: 8794702
    Abstract: A rotating seat for suspension from a play set structure includes a seat body rotatable about a generally vertical axis with an upper seating surface configured to support a user, an elongated suspending element configured to support the seat body from the play set structure, and a handle assembly operably coupled with the suspending element to cause rotation of the seat body relative to the axis upon actuation by the user. The suspending element extends substantially vertically, presents opposite upper and lower end margins, is configured to operably couple with the play set structure along the upper end margin, and is operably coupled with the seat body at a location spaced from the upper end margin. A damped pivot connection assembly configured to operably secure the suspending element with the play set structure and allow restrained pivoting movement of the suspending element relative to a fixed bracket of the connection assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo
  • Patent number: 8692658
    Abstract: An interactive timing system for use with a play system includes a base unit configured for mounting at a base location on the play system and a plurality of remote units each configured for mounting at a location on the play system remote from the base station. The base unit comprises a timer and a switch for activating the timer. Each remote unit comprises an indicator and a manually-activated input for controlling the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo
  • Patent number: 8657697
    Abstract: An accessory for a play system comprises a support configured to be suspended from or supported on the play system; and a sound module coupled with the support. The sound module comprises a motion detector for detecting motion of the support and a sound-emitting device for emitting sounds in response to motion of the support as detected by the motion detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo, Randall Lee Day, Daniel Ray Whyman
  • Patent number: 8597132
    Abstract: An accessory for a play system includes an elongated surface and a plurality of sound modules coupled with the elongated surface. The elongated surface may be a slide, climbing wall, ladder or any other surface across which a child may slide, crawl, or climb. The sound modules are spaced along a length of the elongated surface and are each configured to emit a unique sound when operated by the child while traversing the elongated surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo, Randall Lee Day, Daniel Ray Whyman
  • Patent number: 8591348
    Abstract: A stand-on swing for suspension from a playset structure includes a platform member presenting an upper surface on which the user may stand. The swing also includes a pair of elongated, rigid suspension bars each presenting upper and lower ends. The bars are pivotally connectable to the structure adjacent the upper ends so as to depend therefrom, with the lower ends being spaced from the ground. The swing further includes a pair of lower pivot joints pivotally connecting the suspension bars to the platform member adjacent the lower ends thereof, with the platform member and bars being swingable in a fore-and-aft direction. The bars are bowed so as to present intermediate sections that are spaced further apart than the upper and lower ends. Further, the bars terminate above or generally at the platform member so that the lower ends are prevented from being spaced substantially downward beyond the platform member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo, Randall Lee Day, Daniel Ray Whyman
  • Publication number: 20130234483
    Abstract: A convertible child seat includes a seat frame that presents a seat cavity and an open front to allow cavity ingress and egress by the child. The seat also includes a front restraint shiftably attached to the seat frame and shiftable between a storage position and a child-restraining position. In the storage position, the front restraint extends along the bottom wall so as to be positioned below the seated child and thereby permit cavity ingress and egress through the open front. In the child-restraining position, the front restraint at least partly spans the open front to restrict cavity ingress and egress through the open front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo
  • Patent number: 8439447
    Abstract: A convertible child seat includes a seat frame that presents a seat cavity and an open front to allow cavity ingress and egress by the child. The seat also includes a front restraint shiftably attached to the seat frame and shiftable between a storage position and a child-restraining position. In the storage position, the front restraint extends along the bottom wall so as to be positioned below the seated child and thereby permit cavity ingress and egress through the open front. In the child-restraining position, the front restraint at least partly spans the open front to restrict cavity ingress and egress through the open front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo
  • Patent number: 8240097
    Abstract: A post anchoring foot is configured for use in securing a post to a surface. The foot includes a body dimensioned to snugly receive a portion of the post, with the body including a generally horizontal base portion and a generally vertical side wall that cooperatively present a laterally enclosed post-receiving area. The base portion defines a lowermost surface-engaging anchoring face and an elevated supporting face configured to engage an end of the post, with the supporting face being disposed above the anchoring face. The base portion further defines a plurality of anchor-receiving apertures extending therethrough, with each aperture being configured to receive an anchor therein to securely couple the foot to the surface. The side wall defines a fastener-receiving hole extending therethrough, with the hole being configured to selectively receive a fastener therein to securely couple the foot to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Lee Day, Daniel Ray Whyman
  • Patent number: 8105173
    Abstract: A playset is operable to be erected on a site and includes a slide and an adjustable-height slide base. The slide base includes an adapter that attaches below the slide and at least one standoff that attaches below the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Connors, Ernie D. Sheets
  • Patent number: 8083600
    Abstract: A swing seat assembly is provided for enhancing durability of the swing and increasing the safety of a person using the swing. The swing seat assembly includes an elongated seat element and a reinforcing member extending along the seat element. The reinforcing member is formed of a different material than the seat element and has a tensile strength that is greater than the tensile strength of the seat element. The assembly also includes a pair of rigid connecting elements configured to operably couple the seat element with suspending elements, where the connecting elements at least partially project from end margins of the seat element but do not extend inwardly beyond a top face of the seat element. A swing assembly is also provided that includes a reinforced swing seat with a reinforcing member extending therealong and being encased therein. The swing assembly includes a pair of suspending elements coupled to hooks projecting from end margins of the seat for suspending the seat from a playset frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Backyard Leisure Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernie D. Sheets, Julie A. Neusch
  • Publication number: 20110263344
    Abstract: A stand-on swing for suspension from a playset structure includes a platform member presenting an upper surface on which the user may stand. The swing also includes a pair of elongated, rigid suspension bars each presenting upper and lower ends. The bars are pivotally connectable to the structure adjacent the upper ends so as to depend therefrom, with the lower ends being spaced from the ground. The swing further includes a pair of lower pivot joints pivotally connecting the suspension bars to the platform member adjacent the lower ends thereof, with the platform member and bars being swingable in a fore-and-aft direction. The bars are bowed so as to present intermediate sections that are spaced further apart than the upper and lower ends. Further, the bars terminate above or generally at the platform member so that the lower ends are prevented from being spaced substantially downward beyond the platform member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: BACKYARD LEISURE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo, Randall Lee Day, Daniel Ray Whyman
  • Publication number: 20110260841
    Abstract: An interactive timing system for use with a play system includes a base unit configured for mounting at a base location on the play system and a plurality of remote units each configured for mounting at a location on the play system remote from the base station. The base unit comprises a timer and a switch for activating the timer. Each remote unit comprises an indicator and a manually-activated input for controlling the indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: BACKYARD LEISURE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo
  • Publication number: 20110241398
    Abstract: A rotating seat for suspension from a play set structure includes a seat body rotatable about a generally vertical axis with an upper seating surface configured to support a user, an elongated suspending element configured to support the seat body from the play set structure, and a handle assembly operably coupled with the suspending element to cause rotation of the seat body relative to the axis upon actuation by the user. The suspending element extends substantially vertically, presents opposite upper and lower end margins, is configured to operably couple with the play set structure along the upper end margin, and is operably coupled with the seat body at a location spaced from the upper end margin. A damped pivot connection assembly configured to operably secure the suspending element with the play set structure and allow restrained pivoting movement of the suspending element relative to a fixed bracket of the connection assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: BACKYARD LEISURE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo
  • Publication number: 20110244973
    Abstract: An accessory for a play system comprises a support configured to be suspended from or supported on the play system; and a sound module coupled with the support. The sound module comprises a motion detector for detecting motion of the support and a sound-emitting device for emitting sounds in response to motion of the support as detected by the motion detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: BACKYARD LEISURE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo, Randall Lee Day, Daniel Ray Whyman
  • Publication number: 20110244972
    Abstract: An accessory for a play system includes an elongated surface and a plurality of sound modules coupled with the elongated surface. The elongated surface may be a slide, climbing wall, ladder or any other surface across which a child may slide, crawl, or climb. The sound modules are spaced along a length of the elongated surface and are each configured to emit a unique sound when operated by the child while traversing the elongated surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: BACKYARD LEISURE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo, Randall Lee Day, Daniel Ray Whyman
  • Publication number: 20110241396
    Abstract: A convertible child seat includes a seat frame that presents a seat cavity and an open front to allow cavity ingress and egress by the child. The seat also includes a front restraint shiftably attached to the seat frame and shiftable between a storage position and a child-restraining position. In the storage position, the front restraint extends along the bottom wall so as to be positioned below the seated child and thereby permit cavity ingress and egress through the open front. In the child-restraining position, the front restraint at least partly spans the open front to restrict cavity ingress and egress through the open front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: BACKYARD LEISURE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Brown, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Robert F. Soreo
  • Publication number: 20110214363
    Abstract: A post anchoring foot is configured for use in securing a post to a surface. The foot includes a body dimensioned to snugly receive a portion of the post, with the body including a generally horizontal base portion and a generally vertical side wall that cooperatively present a laterally enclosed post-receiving area. The base portion defines a lowermost surface-engaging anchoring face and an elevated supporting face configured to engage an end of the post, with the supporting face being disposed above the anchoring face. The base portion further defines a plurality of anchor-receiving apertures extending therethrough, with each aperture being configured to receive an anchor therein to securely couple the foot to the surface. The side wall defines a fastener-receiving hole extending therethrough, with the hole being configured to selectively receive a fastener therein to securely couple the foot to the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: BACKYARD LEISURE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Randall Lee Day, Daniel Ray Whyman
  • Publication number: 20110170983
    Abstract: A ratcheting fastener assembly is operable to be secured to an object and includes a rotatable threaded fastener and a ratchet element. The rotatable threaded fastener includes a serrated ratchet head and a threaded fastener body extending axially from the ratchet head. The ratchet element is in ratcheting engagement with the head and includes an annular element frame and at least one tooth operable to engage the object to restrict element rotation. The ratchet element also includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced pawls. The pawls and corresponding serrations rotatably ratchet relative to each other when the fastener is rotated in a tightening direction and engage each other when the head is rotated in a loosening direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: BACKYARD LEISURE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Randall Lee Day, Daniel Ray Whyman