SWING

Abstract

A swing comprises a seating surface, and a rigid member coupled to a central portion of the panel are such that the seating surface extends completely about the rigid member The rigid member is to be coupled to a flexible member from which the panel is suspended. The rigid member extends upward from the seating surface sets to space the seating surface from an omnidirectional pivot of the flexible member. The rigid member supports a handle or manually grippable member.

Description

BACKGROUND

Disc swings typically include a platform suspended by a rope from a support, such as a tree limb or swing frame. Such disc swings are often difficult for a child to mount and may sometimes be difficult to ride.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example swing.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the swing of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the swing of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of another example of the swing of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of another example of the swing of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of another example of the swing of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of another example of the swing of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another example of the swing of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another example of the swing of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example swing 20. Swing 20 comprises what may be generally referred to as a disk swing, wherein the seating surface is suspended by a single flexible member, such as a rope, from an overhead support. However, unlike traditional disk swings, swing 20 offers a combination of a seating surface panel, rigid member and handle that facilitate easier mounting and use by a child.

As shown by FIGS. 1-3, swing 20 comprises panel 24, rigid member 26, handle 28 and flexible member 30. Panel 24 comprises a structure that provides a seating surface 34 upon which a person is seated. In the example illustrated, panel 24 comprises a flat panel having a flat upper seating surface 34. In other implementations, panel 24 may have a three-dimensional or contoured upper face or seating surface. In some implementations, panel 24 may have a seating surface that is cushioned. For example, in one implementation, a seat cushion may be secured to an upper face of panel 24, wherein the seat cushion serves as the seating surface.

As shown by FIG. 2, in the example illustrated, panel 24 comprises a centrally located opening 38 through which rigid member 26 and flexible member 30 extend. In one implementation, opening 38 is located at or within 2 inches of a center of mass of panel 24. In the example illustrated, opening 38 extends completely through panel 24 from a top face 40 of panel 24 to the bottom face 42 of panel 24. In other implementations, opening 38 may terminate prior to reaching the bottom face 42. Opening 38 facilitates secure connection of rigid member 26 and flexible member 30 to panel 24. In other implementations, opening 38 may alternatively facilitate secure connection of rigid member 26 to panel 24, wherein flexible member 30 is connected to rigid member 26 and panel 24 in other fashions. In yet other implementations, opening 38 may be omitted where rigid member 26 is connected to panel 24 in other fashions such as where rigid member 26 is fastened, bolted, bonded, welded or otherwise secured to the top face 40 of panel 24.

Rigid member 26 comprises a substantially rigid extension (bendable, if at all, a maximum extent of less than 30° from vertical) that projects or extends from top face 40 and above seating surface 34 of panel 24 so as to vertically space the seating surface 34 from an omnidirectional pivot 46 of flexible member 30. The omnidirectional pivot 46 is a location along flexible member 30 about which platform 24 and seating surface 34 pivot in substantially all directions (360°) about and with respect to a centerline or central axis of flexible member 30. In one implementation, rigid member 26 vertically spaces the seating surface 34 from the omnidirectional pivot 46 by at least 6 inches, raising pivot point 46 sufficiently above seating surface 34 and above the center of mass of platform 24 to increase stability, enhancing the ability of a child to mount and ride upon swing 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the example illustrated, rigid member 26 extends through opening 38 of panel 24 and terminates at an enlarged end 48 such that panel 24 rests upon the enlarged end. In the example illustrated, enlarged end 48 is provided by a knot 50 threaded onto rigid member 26 below panel 24 and a washer 52 captured between not 50 and bottom face 42 of panel 24. In other implementations, the enlarged end 48 may be formed from other structures extending from our joined to rigid member 26. For example, the enlarged and 48 may be a cap or other structure welded, bonded, fastened or integrally formed as part of rigid member 26. In yet other implementations, rigid member 26 may partially extend into panel 24, having an enlarged end received within an interior of panel 24 between faces 40, 42. In yet another implementation, rigid member 26 may be bonded, fastened, welded or otherwise easier to top face 40 of panel 24 without extending into panel 24 (but for possible fasteners extending into panel 24). In yet other implementations, rigid member 26 may be integrally formed as a single unitary body with panel 24.

In the example illustrated, rigid member 26 extends from a center of mass of panel 24 perpendicular to top face 40 of panel 24. In another implementation, rigid member 26 may extend from other portions of panel 24, spaced from the center of mass of panel 24. In other implementations, rigid member 26 may obliquely extend from panel 24.

In the example illustrated, rigid member 26 comprises an elongate hollow tube through which flexible member 30 extends. As a result, rigid member 26 facilitates reliable securement of flexible member 30 to panel 24 and facilitates a knotted or otherwise enlarged end 54 of flexible member 30 to be located below panel 24 and below enlarged end 48 such that the entire weight of swing 20 rests upon the enlarged end 54 of flexible member 30. In the example illustrated, rigid member 26 rigidifies those portions of flexible member 30 extending from below panel 24 and substantially through handle 28, wherein the portions of flexible 30 that initially extend beyond rigid member 26 and handle 28 are those portions that are allowed to pivot in all directions to form pivot point 46. In other implementations, rigid member 26 does not receive flexible member 30, but is connected to flexible member 30 by a hook, ring or other attachment mechanism connected to rigid member 26 at a top end of rigid member 26 or coupled to a top end of rigid member 26 by intermediate or intervening portions of handle 28.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. The term “operably coupled” shall mean that two members are directly or indirectly joined such that motion may be transmitted from one member to the other member directly or via intermediate members.

Handle 28 comprises one or more members supported by rigid member 26 at a height and positions so as to serve as a manually grippable member having a handgrip 60. In the example illustrated, handgrip 60 projects away from a centerline of rigid member 26 and a centerline of flexible member 30 (when flexible member 30 extends along a pure vertical axis that is 90° with respect to horizontal). In the example illustrated, handgrip 60 is centered about a horizontal axis and has a top or upper surface 62 that faces upwardly, allowing a person to manually gripped handgrip 60 about a top of handgrip 60. In one implementation, the top surface 62 of handgrip 60 is spaced less than or equal to 12 inches from top face 40 with a bottom of handle 28 spaced at least 6 inches above seating surface 34 such that a person seated upon seating surface 34 may position his or her legs below handle 28, on both sides or about rigid member 26 while the person grasps panel 28. At the same time In one implementation, handle 28 is sized and supported above seating surface 34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30 above handle 28.

Handgrip 60 of handle 28 has a shape and diameter to facilitate secure and reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated upon seating surface 34. In one implementation, handgrip 60 has a diameter D (shown in FIG. 2) of less than 3 inches, facilitating a complete or full handgrip by most individuals. In one implementation, handgrip 60 has a diameter of less than 2 inches, facilitating a complete a full handgrip by most children 12 years of age and under. As a result, a person or child utilizing swing 20 may reliably secure and hold onto handle 28, reducing the likelihood or a fear of falling off of swing 20. In other implementations, handgrip 60 may have other diameters. For purposes of this disclosure, the “diameter” of handgrip 60 refers to a maximum distance between two outer surface points on handgrip 60 and does not mean or imply that handgrip 60 necessarily has a circular cross-section.

Although handle 28 is illustrated as extending in a substantially horizontal plane, perpendicular to rigid member 26 and perpendicular to flexible member 30 (when swing 20 is simply hanging vertically from a support), in other implementations, handle 28 may have other configurations are orientations. For example, handle 28 or handgrip 60 of handle 28 may be downwardly sloped when projecting from or outward from flexible member 30 or rigid member 26. In another implementation, panel 28 or handgrip 60 may be centered about a vertical or inclined axis, extending about rigid member 26.

In the example illustrated, handle 28 includes an internally threaded hub 66 which to readily receives and externally threaded portion of rigid member 26. Panel 28 includes an opening 68 extending through handle 28 into which rigid member 26 extends and through which flexible member 30 extends. In other implementations, handle 28 may be coupled to rigid member 26 in other fashions. For example, handle 28 may be integrally formed as a single unitary body with rigid member 26 or may be welded, bonded, fused, fastened or otherwise joined to rigid member 26. Although handle 28 is illustrated as receiving a top end of rigid member 26 and as extending above rigid member 26, in other implementations, handle 28 may alternatively be located completely above rigid member 26 or rigid member 26 may extend completely through handle 28 with portions of rigid member 26 projecting above handle 28. In some implementations, rather than having an opening through which flexible member 30 extends, handle 28 may be directly connected or coupled to flexible member 30. For example, flexible member 30 may have a lower end that is tied to otherwise connected to handle 28 rather than simply passing through handle 28. In one implementation, flexible member 30 extends through handle 28 with an enlarged end, such as a knot, bearing against an underside of handle 28. In another implementation, handle 28 may comprise a ring or hook, facilitating the tying, hooking or snapping of a lower end portion of flexible member 30 to handle 28.

As shown by FIG. 1, the configuration of handle 28 and panel 24 are coordinated with one another. In other words, the shape or configuration of handle 28 is coordinated with the outer profile or shape of panel 24 or the image provided on top face 40 of panel 24. In one example, handle 28 provides a manually grippable member having a shape corresponding to or associated with a subject, wherein the outer profile and/or image formed on top face 40 of panel 24 (and seating surface 34) is also associated with the subject.

In the example illustrated, panel 24 has an outer profile and an image provided on the upper face 40 of a vehicle, namely, a tractor. Handle 24 has a shape corresponding to or associated with the tractor, a steering wheel of the tractor. Because handle 24 is a circle, panel 24 provides a continuum of different grip orientations and grip widths. In implementations where panel 24 is not circular or where rigid member 26 is not concentrically connected to panel 24, the shape of panel 24 or the image of panel 24 may provide a visual cue suggesting where the person or child should sit upon panel 24. For example, the image of the tractor upon panel 24 as a depicted rear end a depicted front, suggesting to a child that he or she should sit at the rear of the panel 24 with the depicted front tires of the tractor in front of him or her.

Flexible member 30 comprises an elongate flexible member suspending the remainder of swing 20 prone overhead support such as a tree limb, swing frame or the like. In the example illustrated, flexible member 30 comprises a row. As shown by FIG. 2, flexible member 30 extends through our passes through an opening in handle 28, through rigid member 26 through the enlarged end 54 below panel 24 and below end 48. As noted above, in other implementations, flexible member 30 alternatively secured directly to handle 28 sit is being directly secured to a hook above or below handle 28. In lieu of comprising a rope, flexible member 30 may comprise a strap, a cable or other elongate flexible member.

Overall, swing 20 provides a disk swing having an omnidirectional pivot 46 elevated above the seating surface and above the center of mass of the seating surface to provide a more stable mounting in writing of the swing. Handle 28 provides a handgrip about which a child's hands may individually wrap such a child may securely hold himself or herself on swing 20. The association between the seating surface and the handle provide the child with an exercise implement that sparks the imagination. In some implementations, the graphics or profile/outline of panel 24 further provide visual cues as to a suggested seating location for the child.

FIG. 6 illustrates swing 120, another example implementation of swing 20. Swing 120 is similar to spring 20 except that spring 120 comprises panel 124 and handle 128 in lieu of panel 24 and handle 28, respectively. Those remaining components of swing 120 which correspond to components of swing 20 are numbered similarly.

Panel 124 is similar to panel 24 except that panel 124 has an egg-shaped oval outer profile. The upper face 40 of panel 124 is provided with an image of a front view of a vehicle, namely a motorcycle, looking rearward provided on top face 40. In other implementations, other user images of a vehicle, and the motorcycle, may be provided on top face 40. For example, in another implementation, top face 40 may be provided with a top-down view of a vehicle, such as the depicted motorcycle, specifically providing an image of the motorcycle seat (identifying the seating surface of panel 24 rearward of handle 128) and the motorcycle control console (forward of handle 128). In one implementation, a representation of a motorcycle control panel or console may be supported by rigid member 26 facing rearwardly towards the seating surface of the depicted motorcycle.

Handle 128 has a shape corresponding to the depicted motorcycle. In the example illustrated, handle 128 is in the shape of motorcycle handlebars 127 having explicit handgrips 160. Handlebars 127 outwardly locate handgrip 160 such that a child can imaginatively believe that they are seated upon a motorcycle while swinging. Handlebars are located such that handgrip 160 do not impede the child's forward view while swinging.

Handgrips 160 extend or face towards the rear of the depicted image of the motorcycle. As a result, the depicted image of the motorcycle provide a visual cue fragile as to where to sit (towards the rear of the depicted motorcycle) facing the front of the depicted motorcycle while gripping handgrips 160. Similar to handgrip 60, handgrips 160 are centered about a horizontal axis and have a top or upper surface 162 that faces upwardly, allowing a person to manually grip handgrip 160 about a top of handgrip 160. In one implementation, the top surface 162 of handgrip 160 is spaced less than or equal to 12 inches from top face 40 of panel 124 with a bottom of handle 128 spaced at least 6 inches above seating surface 34 such that a person seated upon seating surface 34 may position his or her legs below handle 28, on both sides or about rigid member 26 while the person grasps handle 28. In one implementation, handle 28 is sized and supported above seating surface 34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30 above handle 128.

Handgrips 160 of handle 128 has a shape and diameter to facilitate secure and reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated upon seating surface 34. In one implementation, handgrips 160 have a diameter of less than 3 inches, facilitating a complete or full handgrip by most individuals. In one implementation, handgrips 160 have a diameter of less than 2 inches, facilitating a complete a full handgrip by most (95^th percentile) children 12 years of age and under. As a result, a person or child utilizing swing 120 may reliably secure and hold onto handle 128, reducing the likelihood or a fear of falling off of swing 120. In other implementations, handgrips 160 may have other diameters.

FIG. 5 illustrates swing 220, another example implementation of swing 20. Swing 220 is similar to swing 20 except that swing 220 comprises panel 224 and handle 228 in lieu of panel 24 and handle 28, respectively. Panel 224 is similar to panel 24 except that panel 224 has an outer profile or shape corresponding to that of an American football, the profile of a prolate spheroid. Upper face 40 has an image corresponding to a football as well, namely, the seam and laces of an American football. In one implementation, the image formed upon upper face 40 is laminated onto upper face 40. In another implementation, image foreign upon upper face 40 is printed, painted or otherwise formed on upper face 40. In yet other implementations, the image is formed into or by upper face 40. For example, in one implementation, panel 24 may include a polymeric upper face 40, wherein the image is molded or embossed into the upper face 40.

Handle 228 has a shape associated with the same subject that panel 224 is associated with, the same sport, football. In the example illustrated, handle 228 has a shape of a goalpost, with a lower crossbar 227 and two uprights 229, wherein each upright 229 of the goalpost provides a handgrip 260 extending along substantially vertical axes. The lower crossbar 227 outwardly locates handgrips 260 such that handgrips 260 do not impede the child's forward view while swinging.

Handgrips 260 extend upwardly from the crossbar 227. Because handgrips 260 extend upwardly from crossbar 227, handgrips 260 provide multiple vertically spaced gripping locations, accommodating children of different ages and different sizes. In the example illustrated, crossbar 227 also serves as a handgrip 261 should a child prefer a handgrip extending along a horizontal axis or should the child be younger or smaller such that the lower handgrip 261 is more comfortable.

In one implementation, the top surface 162 of crossbar 227 is spaced less than or equal to 12 inches from top face 40 of panel 224 with a bottom of handle 228 spaced at least 6 inches above seating surface 34 such that a person seated upon seating surface 34 may position his or her legs below crossbar 227 of handle 228, on both sides or about rigid member 26 while the person grasps one or more portions of handle 228. In one implementation, handle 228 is sized and supported above seating surface 34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30 above handle 228.

Handgrips 260, 261 of handle 228 has a shape and diameter to facilitate secure and reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated upon seating surface 34. In one implementation, handgrips 260, 261 have a diameter of less than 3 inches, facilitating a complete or full handgrip by most individuals (approximately 95^th percentile). In one implementation, handgrips 260, 261 have a diameter of less than 2 inches, facilitating a complete a full handgrip by most (approximately 95^th percentile) children 12 years of age and under. As a result, a person or child utilizing swing 220 may reliably secure and hold onto handle 228, reducing the likelihood or a fear of falling off of swing 220. In other implementations, handgrips 260, 261 may have other diameters.

FIG. 6 illustrates swing 320, another example implementation of swing 20. Swing 320 is similar to swing 20 except that swing 220 comprises panel 324 and handle 328 in lieu of panel 24 and handle 28, respectively. Panel 324 is similar to panel 24 except that panel 224 has an outer profile or shape corresponding to that of an American football helmet. Upper face 40 has an image corresponding to a front view of a helmet football. In one implementation, the image formed upon upper face 40 is laminated onto upper face 40. In another implementation, image foreign upon upper face 40 is printed, painted or otherwise formed on upper face 40. In yet other implementations, the image is formed into or by upper face 40. For example, in one implementation, panel 24 may include a polymeric upper face 40, wherein the image is molded or embossed into the upper face 40. In other implementations, panel 324 may have other shapes associated with the sport, namely football such as a side view of the helmet illustrating a team's logo, an outer profile and image on face 40 of a football stadium, a team mascot, the football field and the like.

Handle 328 has a shape associated with the same subject that panel 324 is associated with, the same sport, football. In the example illustrated, handle 228 has a shape associated with a particular football team. In the example illustrated, handle 228 has a shape of a wedge of cheese, traditionally being associated with what I referred to as “Cheeseheads”, fans of the Green Bay Packers professional football team. In other implementations, handle 328 may have other configurations corresponding to objects or shapes associated with other teams, whether they be football teams such as when panel 324 is also associated with the same sport of football or the particular football team, or whether they be other sports and/or teams such as football, basketball, hockey, soccer and the like.

In the example illustrated, handle 328, in the shape of a wedge of cheese, has a flat rear face 360 serving as a visual cue indicating a per child where he or she should sit upon panel 324. As a result, a child is less likely to sit on a portion of panel 324 which will create an imbalance and less stability.

In one implementation, the top surface 362 of handle 328 is spaced less than or equal to 12 inches from top face 40 of panel 324 with a bottom of handle 328 spaced at least 6 inches above seating surface 34 such that a person seated upon seating surface 34 may position his or her legs below handle 328, on both sides or about rigid member 26 while the person grasps one or more portions of handle 328. In one implementation, the sides of handle 328 may have formed therein, handgrips. In one implementation, handle 328 is sized and supported above seating surface 34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30 above handle 328.

In one implementation, panel 328 comprises a block of soft, compressible material or has an outer layer of soft, compressible material, such as foam, providing the child with a cushion for those inches when the child bumps against handle 328. In addition to providing such a cushion against a child's torso (the waist to the neck), handle 328 allows a child to extend his or her legs about rigid member 26 directly beneath handle 328. Even though handle 328 has a large horizontal, upwardly facing surface area, the underlying rigid member 26 has a much smaller horizontal upwardly facing surface area (the smaller diameter of rigid member 26), freeing up a greater region or area of upper surface 40 for use as a seating surface or for supporting the child's legs. As a result, panel 324 may have a smaller surface area while providing the same seating surface area for a child.

FIG. 7 illustrates swing 420, another example implementation of swing 20. Swing 220 is similar to swing 20 except that swing 420 comprises panel 424 and handle 428 in lieu of panel 24 and handle 28, respectively. Panel 424 is similar to panel 24 except that panel 224 has an outer profile or shape corresponding to that of an a basketball, a spheroid wherein the outer profile is a circle. Upper face 40 has an image corresponding to a basketball as well, namely, the traditional seam pattern of the basketball. In one implementation, the image formed upon upper face 40 is laminated onto upper face 40. In another implementation, image formed upon upper face 40 is printed, painted or otherwise formed on upper face 40. In yet other implementations, the image is formed into or by upper face 40. For example, in one implementation, panel 24 may include a polymeric upper face 40, wherein the image is molded or embossed on or into the upper face 40.

Handle 428 has a shape associated with the same subject that panel 424 is associated with, the same sport, basketball. In the example illustrated, handle 428 has a shape of a basket, with a backboard 427 and a rim 429, providing handgrips 460.

Handgrips 460 extend in a circle in a horizontal plane or along a horizontal axis. Because handgrips 460 extend in a circle, handgrips 260 provide multiple horizontally spaced gripping locations extending both parallel and perpendicular to a front of the child seated upon seating surface 34 of panel 424. As a result, a child is offered multiple different gripping widths (the spacing between the left handgrip versus the right hand grip) as well as different gripping orientations (the angle of the left and right handgrips relative to the front of the child or the front of backboard 427). For example, child may grip the front of rim 429 for a first gripping orientation or may grip the sides of rim 429 for different gripping orientations. Because rim 429 is a circle, rim 49 provides a continuum of different grip orientations and grip widths.

In one implementation, the top surface 462 of rim 460 is spaced less than or equal to 12 inches from top face 40 of panel 424 with a bottom of rim 429 (and backboard 427) spaced at least 6 inches above seating surface 34 such that a person seated upon seating surface 34 may position his or her legs below handle 428, on both sides or about rigid member 26 while the person grasps one or more portions of handle 428. In one implementation, handle 428 is sized and supported above seating surface 34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30 above handle 428.

Handgrips 460 of handle 428 has a shape and diameter to facilitate secure and reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated upon seating surface 34. In one implementation, handgrips 460 have a diameter of less than 3 inches, facilitating a complete or full handgrip by most individuals (approximately 95^th percentile). In one implementation, handgrips 460 have a diameter of less than 2 inches, facilitating a complete and full handgrip by most (approximately 95^th percentile) children 12 years of age and under. As a result, a person or child utilizing swing 420 may reliably secure and hold onto handle 428, reducing the likelihood or a fear of falling off of swing 420. In other implementations, handgrips 460 may have other diameters.

FIG. 8 illustrate swing 520, another example implementation of swing 20. Swing 520 is similar to swing 20 except that swing 520 comprises panel 524, rigid member 526 and handle 528 in lieu of panel 24, rigid member 26 and handle 28, respectively. Panel 524 is similar to panel 24 except that panel 524 has an outer profile or shape corresponding to that of a baseball, a spheroid wherein the outer profile is a circle. Upper face 40 has an image corresponding to a baseball as well, namely, the traditional stitching pattern of the baseball. In one implementation, the image formed upon upper face 40 is laminated onto upper face 40. In another implementation, image foreign upon upper face 40 is printed, painted or otherwise formed on upper face 40. In yet other implementations, the image is formed into or by upper face 40. For example, in one implementation, panel 24 may include a polymeric upper face 40, wherein the image is molded or embossed into the upper face 40.

Rigid member 526 is similar to rigid member 26 except that rigid member 526 has a varying outer profile or shape corresponding to or associated with the same subject or theme of panel 524. In the example illustrated where the subject or theme is baseball (or softball), wherein panel 524 corresponds to a baseball (or softball), rigid member of 5 to 6 is an outer profile corresponding to the shape of a bat. In the example illustrated, rigid member 526 has an enlarged lower end portion adjacent to panel 524 corresponding to the end of a bat of the upper portion of rigid member 526 narrows forming the handgrip portion of the bat which also corresponds to the handgrip portion of handle 528.

Handle 528 is formed about or along an external service of rigid member 526. Panel 528 has a handgrip 560 about which a person may independently grasp with one or both hands. Handgrip 560 extends along a vertical axis, providing a child with multiple handgrips along the vertical axis depending upon the child's age or size. Because handgrip 560 is a varying diameter along the vertical axis, handgrip 560 allows a child to grip those portions of handle 528 having a diameter that is most comfortable for the child.

As shown by FIG. 8, handle 528 further comprises an end cap 561, wherein handgrip 560 extends about rigid member 526 between end cap 561 and upper face 40 of panel 524. End cap 561 has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of handgrip 560, providing a stop surface to inhibit a person gripped from sliding upward off of handgrip 560. In other implementations, end cap 561 may be omitted.

Handgrip 560 of handle 528 has a shape and diameter to facilitate secure and reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated upon seating surface 34. In one implementation, handgrip 560 has a diameter of less than 3 inches, facilitating a complete or full handgrip by most individuals (approximately 95^th percentile). In one implementation, handgrip 560 has a diameter of less than 2 inches, facilitating a complete and full handgrip by most (approximately 95^th percentile) children 12 years of age and under. As a result, a person or child utilizing swing 520 may reliably secure and hold onto handle 528, reducing the likelihood or a fear of falling off of swing 420. In other implementations, handgrips 560 may have other diameters.

As further shown by FIG. 8, handgrip or handgrips 560 are provided by those surfaces of a simulated object that also serve as a gripping surface or handgrip for the object being simulated. In particular, the simulated object is a baseball bat. It is not a real baseball bat capable of being used in a baseball game, but it has a shape corresponding to a real baseball bat. Handgrip 560 is located on the simulated object, the baseball bat, at the same location at the baseball bat would be gripped. As a result, panel 528 provides visual cue indicating to a child where he or she should grip handle 528. In addition, panel 528 provides a child with an imagination spark, the child imagining that he or she is gripping a real baseball bat.

Although the example illustrated depicts panel 524 in the form of a baseball with rigid member 526 and handle 528 in the form the corresponding sport equipment used to hit or propel the ball, a baseball bat, in other implementations, swing 520 may have associations with other sports. For example, panel 524 may alternatively have an outer profile and an image corresponding to that of a tennis ball, wherein rigid member 526 and handle 528 are the shape of a tennis racket, the handgrip 560 being located in the handgrip portion of the simulated tennis racket. In another implementation, panel 524 may alternatively have the outer profile and an image of a golf ball, wherein rigid member 526 and handle 528 are the shape of a golf club, handgrip 560 being located in the handgrip portion of the simulated golf club.

FIG. 9 illustrates swing 620, another example implementation of swing 20. Swing 620 is similar to swing 20 and swing 520 except that swing 620 comprises panel 624, rigid member 626 and handle 628 in lieu of panel 24, rigid member 26 and handle 28, respectively. Panel 624 is similar to panel 524 except that panel 624 has an outer profile and an image corresponding to that of a hockey puck. Rigid member 626 and handle 628 are similar to rigid member 526 and handle 528 except that rigid member 626 and handle 628 have the shape of a hockey stick, having a handgrip portion 660 that is located in the handgrip portion of the simulated hockey stick.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.

Claims

1. A swing comprising:

a panel having a seating surface;

a rigid member coupled to a central portion of the panel are such that the seating surface extends completely about the rigid member, the rigid member being adapted to be coupled to a flexible member from which the panel is suspended, wherein the rigid member extends upward above the seating surface so as to vertically space the seating surface from an omnidirectional pivot of the flexible member; and

a handle supported by the rigid member, the handle having a handgrip with a diameter of less than 3 inches.

2. The swing of claim 1 further comprising the flexible member.

3. The swing of claim 1, wherein the rigid member comprises a tubular member through which the flexible member extends.

4. The swing of claim 3 further comprising an opening into the panel and connected to an interior of the tubular member to receive the flexible member.

5. The swing of claim 4, wherein the flexible member terminates in a knot proximate the rigid member.

6. The swing of claim 1, wherein the handgrip of the handle is centered about a horizontal axis.

7. The swing of claim 1, wherein the rigid member spaces the omnidirectional pivot of the flexible member from the seating surface by at least 7 inches.

8. The swing of claim 7, wherein the rigid member spaces the omnidirectional pivot of the flexible member from the seating surface by less than 12 inches.

9. The swing of claim 1 further comprising an end cap having a first diameter, wherein the handgrip extends about the rigid member between the end cap and the seating surface, the handgrip having a second diameter less than the first diameter of the end cap.

10. The swing of claim 1, wherein the panel has a first shaped associated with a shape of a vehicle and wherein the handle has a second shape associated with a shape of a steering device of the vehicle.

11. The swing of claim 10, wherein the handle comprise a steering wheel.

12. The swing of claim 1, wherein the panel has a non-circular outer profile and where the rigid member extends from a center of mass of the panel.

13. The swing of claim 1, wherein the panel has a first shaped associated with a first object of a sport and wherein the handle has a second shape associated with second object of the sport.

14. The swing of claim 13, wherein the second object of the sport comprises a projectile of the sport.

15. The swing of claim 14, wherein the second object is selected from a group of objects consisting of: a football, baseball, basketball, a hockey puck, a tennis ball, a softball, and a golf ball.

16. The swing of claim 13, wherein the second shape corresponds to a manually gripped component of the sport.

17. The swing of claim 1, wherein the panel has a first shape associated with a sporting team and wherein the handle has a second shape associated with the sporting team.

18. The swing of claim 1, wherein the panel has a first shape associated with a sport and wherein the rigid member has a second shape associated with the sport.

19. The swing of claim 18, wherein the second shape is selected from a group of shapes consisting of: a baseball bat; a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a goal post, and a basketball backboard.

20. An apparatus comprising:

a seating surface for being suspended by flexible member extending upwardly above the seating surface, wherein the seating surface is associated with a subject; and

a manually grippable member supported above the seating surface outwardly beyond the flexible member, the manually grippable member having a shape corresponding to an element of the subject.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the seating service has a shape associated with the subject.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the seating service has markings associated with the subject.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, or the subject comprise a vehicle and wherein the manually gripped member has a shape corresponding to a steering component of the vehicle.

24. The apparatus of claim 20, the subject comprise a sport and wherein the manually gripped member corresponds to a manually gripped component of the sport.

25. A swing comprising:

a panel having a seating surface;

a rigid member coupled to a central portion of the panel are such that the seating surface extends completely about the rigid member, the rigid member being adapted to be coupled to a flexible member from which the panel is suspended, wherein the rigid member extends upward from the seating surface sets to space the seating surface from an omnidirectional pivot of the flexible member; and

a handle supported by the rigid member, the handle having a lower surface spaced above the seating surface by at least 6 inches.

26. The swing of claim 25, wherein the handle has an upper surface spaced above the seating surface by less than or equal to 12 inches