Garden swing

Abstract

A garden swing has a fixed support structure and a seat support frame pivotally suspended from the support structure. The seat support frame is suspended on a single pivot axis so as to provide simple pendular motion. At least one seat is attached the seat support frame, the seat having a seating portion and a backrest portion. In one embodiment, the seat includes a moveable leg rest having a stowed position beneath the seating portion of the seat and an extended position forward of the seating portion of the seat. In another embodiment of the invention, the backrest portion of the seat is pivotally coupled to the seating portion of the seat so as to be positionable at a selected angle of recline. In still another embodiment, a headrest is pivotally and telescopically attached to the backrest.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/752,356 filed Jan. 5, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of amusement devices and, more particularly, to a garden swing that provides simple pendular motion.

2. Background

The use of garden swings and gliders is a popular leisure activity. Many different designs for such devices have been proposed over the years. Most such devices have a relatively complicated articulated structure. Few devices provide simple pendular motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a garden swing with a fixed support structure and a seat support frame pivotally suspended from the support structure. The seat support frame is suspended on a single pivot axis so as to provide simple pendular motion. At least one seat is attached the seat support frame, the seat having a seating portion and a backrest portion. In one embodiment, the seat includes a moveable leg rest having a stowed position beneath the seating portion of the seat and an extended position forward of the seating portion of the seat. In another embodiment of the invention, the backrest portion of the seat is pivotally coupled to the seating portion of the seat so as to be positionable at a selected angle of recline. In still another embodiment, a headrest is pivotally and telescopically attached to the backrest.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a swing constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a swing constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a swing constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are detailed views of a leg rest assembly.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a backrest adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the swing of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a left side view thereof, the right side being a mirror image.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the swing of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a left side view thereof, the right side being a mirror image.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the swing of FIG. 3.

FIG. 12 is a left side view thereof, the right side being a mirror image.

FIG. 13 is a right rear perspective view of an adjustable headrest.

FIG. 14 is a rear elevation view of the adjustable headrest of FIG. 13 in an extended position.

FIG. 15 is a left side view of the adjustable headrest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods and devices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.

FIG. 1 illustrates a one person swing 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Swing 100 has a fixed support structure 102 comprising runners 104 and generally upright members 106. Diagonal members 108 are connected between runners 104 and upright members 106 to provide added stability. Runners 104 have feet 105 at each end thereof for resting on a ground surface. Feet 105 may be provided with holes throughout so that swing 100 may be secured to a supporting surface with bolts. Fixed support structure 102 further comprises a top member 110 to which pivot assembly 112 is attached. The upper ends of upright members 106 and the ends of top member 110 have cooperating flanges 114 that are secured to one another with bolts or similar mechanical fasteners. This construction allows the side members comprising runners 104, upright members 106 and diagonal bracing members 108 to be used for the fixed support structures of a variety of configurations of swings by simply substituting different top members.

The structural members of support structure 102 are preferably fabricated of tubular steel or aluminum. Other materials, including composite materials, such as fiberglass, may also be used. The structural members may be assembled with mechanical fasteners, with welded joints or a combination of the two. The use of mechanical fasteners to join major assemblies of the structural components allows for a more compact shipping configuration.

Seat support frame 120 is suspended from pivot assembly 112. Seat support frame 120 comprises arcuate side members 122 and bottom frame 124. The bottom frame includes side members 126, forward cross member 128 and rear cross member 130.

Seat 140 is attached to seat support frame 120. The seat comprises seating portion 142 and backrest portion 144. The seat further comprises a leg rest 146 extending forward of seating portion 142 and a headrest 148 attached to the backrest portion 144. Arm rests 150 are attached to seat support frame 120 on either side of seat 140.

Seat 140 may be constructed of a plurality of pieces of wood, metal or a plastic material. Alternatively, seating portion 142 and backrest portion 144 may each comprise a single molded component, which may include cushioning if desired. Such components may be upholstered with suitable materials, such as cloth, leather or imitation leather. Seat portion 142 and backrest portion 144 may also be constructed using other materials that are commonly used for lawn furniture, such as nylon mesh, vinyl strapping, etc. Whatever materials are used for seating portion 142 and backrest portion 144, headrest 148, if included, is preferably cushioned for the occupant's comfort. Headrest 148 may be constructed with polyurethane or other suitable material in the manner commonly used for padded components of exercise equipment. The headrest may be fixed in position or may be adjustable as described below. Swing 100 may include an optional canopy frame 160. The canopy frame is attached to top member 110 and supports a canopy (not shown) made of canvas or another suitable material. Swing 100 may also include a table 162 attached to upright 106 for conveniently holding objects without being subjected to movement of the swing.

The fixed support structure 102 and seat support frame 120 are dimensioned so that an occupant of seat 140, with leg rest 146 in its stowed position, can comfortably rest his or her feet on the ground. This permits easy ingress to and egress from seat 140 and also allows the occupant to easily propel the swing using his or her feet against the ground.

FIG. 2 illustrates a swing 200 similar to that previously described, but with space for two occupants. Fixed support structure 202 utilizes the same runners 104, upright members 106 and diagonal members 108 as in the previously described embodiment. A different top member 210 is used to provide the additional width necessary to accommodate the two occupants.

Seat support frame 220 is suspended from pivot assembly 212 and comprises side members 222, center member 223 and bottom frame 224. A pair of seats 240 are attached to the seat support frame. Backrest portions 144, together with headrests 148, are identical to those previously described. In this embodiment, a single seating portion 242 is common to both of the seats. However, it will be recognized that individual seating portions identical to seating portion 142 could be provided instead. Individual leg rests 146 extend forward of seating portion 242. While not shown, a canopy frame and canopy may be added to the fixed support structure 202, if desired.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a swing 300 that accommodates two occupants. In this embodiment, fixed support structure 302 again utilizes runners 104, upright members 102 and diagonal members 108. Top member 310 supports two individual pivot assemblies 312. Seat support frames 120 and seats 140 are identical to those described in connection with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the seats may be arranged to face the same direction as shown or may be arranged to face in opposite directions. In the former case, the seats may swing independently from the support structure or they may be connected by a latch bar 314 so that the two seats swing in unison. The latch bar may be arranged to fold out from one of the seat support frames for attachment to the other or may be entirely removable.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view showing leg rest 146. The leg rest is rigidly attached to an extension member 402. The extension member is carried by a sleeve 404 mounted to forward cross member 128 of the seat support frame. Sleeve 404 is preferably lined with a low friction material, such as nylon or the like, so that extension member 402 can be easily moved fore and aft. As shown in FIG. 4, leg rest 146 is in its forward, extended position. Leg rest 146 slides rearward to a stowed position beneath seating portion 142. Extension member 404 has a slight vertical curve near its rearward end 406 to permit leg rest 146 to drop below the seating portion 142 as it is moved to its stowed position.

With reference now to FIG. 5, leg rest 146 is shown in its stowed position beneath seating position beneath seating portion 142. Extension member 402 is provided with a stop 408 at its extreme rearward end. Stop 408 contacts sleeve 404 to prevent leg rest 146 from being extended beyond its forward, extended position.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of a backrest adjustment mechanism. Backrest 144 is pivotally attached to seat portion 142 at pivots 502. Alternatively, backrest 144 could be pivotally coupled to the seat support frame 120. A telescoping support member 504 is pivotally coupled at a first end 506 to backrest 144 and is pivotally coupled at a second end 508 to rear cross member 130 of seat support frame 120. A spring-loaded pin (not shown) is carried within tube 510 and is attached to handle 512. Tube 510 is welded or otherwise secured to the outer portion of telescoping support member 504. The pin within tube 510 engages one of a plurality of holes 514 in the inner portion of the telescoping support member. When handle 512 is pulled, the pin is withdrawn from the hole and backrest 144 may be positioned at a desired angle of recline.

Backrest 144 is biased toward an upright position by means of spring 520, which is connected between the rear cross member 130 and arm 132 attached to the backrest. An occupant of the seat can thus reach behind backrest 144 to pull handle 512 and lean forward to have the backrest assume a more upright position or lean backward to have the backrest assume a more reclined position.

FIGS. 13-15 show detailed views of a headrest 148. The headrest is coupled to the top member 602 of the backrest at hinge 604. This allows the headrest to be pivoted forward or backward for the comfort of the individual occupying the seat. An adjustment mechanism such as toothed ratchet 606 is attached to the pivoting portion of the headrest. A pawl 608 engages the ratchet to hold the headrest at a desired tilt angle. The pawl is released with handle 610 to permit the headrest to be adjusted to a desired tilt angle. The pawl and handle assembly are weighted so that the pawl is biased by gravity to rest against the teeth of the ratchet. Handle 610 may be formed of hollow tubing for this purpose. Alternatively, other biasing means, such as a spring, may be used. A sector plate 614 is attached to the top member 602. A bolt 616 slides within slot 615 in the sector plate as the headrest is pivoted. Bolt 616 may be tightened to increase the friction resisting pivotal movement of the headrest and may be tightened further to lock the headrest in a desired position.

As best seen in FIG. 14, the headrest may also have an up and down adjustment. The headrest cushion slides up and down on a pair of rods 612 that are attached to the pivoting portion of hinge 604. The cushion may be retained in a desired position by virtue of a friction fit with rods 612. Alternatively, one or both of rods 612 may be notched at intervals to receive a spring-loaded pin (not shown). Such retaining mechanisms are widely used, for example, in automobile headrests.

It will be appreciated that the above-described seat, and particularly the headrest assembly, may be utilized for devices other than garden swings. Other applications include, for example, patio furniture and exercise machines.

It will be recognized that the above-described invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A swing comprising:

a fixed support structure;

a seat support frame pivotally suspended from the support structure;

at least one seat attached to the seat support frame, the seat having a seating portion and a backrest portion;

a leg rest coupled to the seat support frame so as to be moveable between a stowed position beneath the seating portion of the seat and an extended position forward of the seating portion of the seat.

2. The swing of claim 1 further comprising a headrest coupled to the backrest.

3. The swing of claim 2 wherein the headrest is adjustable.

4. The swing of claim 3 wherein the headrest is pivotally coupled to the backrest.

5. The swing of claim 4 wherein the headrest is positionable at a plurality of tilt angles relative to the backrest.

6. The swing of claim 5 wherein the headrest comprises a ratchet mechanism.

7. The swing of claim 5 wherein the headrest comprises a locking mechanism.

8. The swing of claim 3 wherein the headrest is positionable at a plurality of extension positions relative to the backrest.

9. A swing comprising:

a fixed support structure;

first and second seat support frames independently pivotally suspended from the support structure;

a seat attached to each of the seat support frames, the seat having a seating portion and a backrest portion.

10. The swing of claim 9 wherein the seats attached to the first and second seat support frames are arranged to face in opposite directions.

11. The swing of claim 9 wherein the seats attached to the first and second seat support frames are arranged to face in the same direction.

12. The swing of claim 11 wherein the first and second seat support frames are interconnected so as to pivot in unison about the fixed support structure.

13. The swing of claim 9 wherein each of the seats includes a leg rest coupled to the respective seat support frame so as to be moveable between a stowed position beneath the seating portion of the seat and an extended position forward of the seating portion of the seat.

14. The swing of claim 9 wherein each of the seats includes a headrest coupled to the backrest portion.

15. A swing comprising:

a fixed support structure;

a seat support frame pivotally suspended from the support structure;

at least one seat attached to the seat support frame, the seat having a seating portion and a backrest portion;

a headrest pivotally coupled to the backrest portion;

an adjustment mechanism for positioning the headrest at one of a plurality of positions relative to the backrest portion of the seat.

16. The swing of claim 15 further comprising means for positioning the headrest at a plurality of extension positions relative to the backrest portion of the seat.

17. The swing of claim 15 further comprising means for positioning the headrest at a plurality of tilt angles relative to the backrest portion of the seat.

18. A seat for an amusement device such as a garden swing or an exercise device comprising:

a seating portion;

a backrest portion;

a headrest pivotally coupled to the backrest portion;

an adjustment mechanism for positioning the headrest at one of a plurality of tilt angles relative to the seat;

means for positioning the headrest at a plurality of extension positions relative to the seat.