Having Spring Support Patents (Class 472/103)
  • Patent number: 10434394
    Abstract: An exercise arrangement includes a movable support that is movable in a fore-aft direction and simultaneously movable laterally, e.g. about a tilt axis. The support may be a platform movably mounted to a base. A roller and track arrangement may be provided between the platform and the base, to provide movement of the platform in the axial direction relative to the base as well as an axially neutral position of the platform relative to the base. The roller and track arrangement may be in the form of one or more curved roller and track engagement surfaces that extend in the axial direction and that provide a gravity bias of the platform toward the neutral position. The roller and track arrangement may provide tilting movement of the movable platform about the tilt axis. A tilt biasing arrangement biases the platform toward a neutral tilt position relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Raymond Bass, Dustin Lee Kohl
  • Patent number: 9987514
    Abstract: A switchably swingable spinning bike includes a bike body and a base. The base has a pivot portion and is pivotally connected to a swinging seat of a swinging device. The swinging seat has two buffers flanking the pivot portion. The swinging seat has a switching device that includes two undeformable propping members that flank the pivot portion. Each of the propping members is slidable with respect to the swinging seat until it props between the swinging seat and the base, thereby limiting the swinging seat's pivotal swing with respect to the base, and in turn switching the bike body from a swingable state to a non-swingable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: BH Asia Hong Kong Holding Co., Limited
    Inventor: Chia Lin Tung
  • Patent number: 8968110
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a support frame, a resilient member, a seat, and a retainer. The resilient member has a first end portion configured to be coupled to the support frame and a second end portion, opposite from the first end portion. The seat is configured to be coupled to the second end portion such that the seat is suspended from the support frame by the resilient member. At least one of the first end portion and the second end portion includes multiple sleeves, each defining an opening therein. A portion of the retainer is configured to be disposed within a first one of the sleeves and coupled to at least one of the seat and the support frame such that a position of the seat relative to the support frame is adjustable by disposing the portion of the retainer within a second one of the sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Bapst, John DeRubes, Domenic T. Gubitosi, Brian S. Kelly, John Martin Maul, Philip R. Pyrce, Robert W. Salmon
  • Patent number: 8951132
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's rocker adapted for providing simultaneous rocking and swinging motion for a child positioned therein. According to various embodiments, the children's rocker generally comprises a frame configured for rocking movement on a support surface and a child support suspended from the frame by one or more attachment members. In various embodiments, the attachment members are generally configured to permit the child support to swing along an arcuate path relative to the frame. In addition, in particular embodiments, the child support may be adapted for gliding motion relative to the rocker's frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventor: Qing Xu
  • Patent number: 8591347
    Abstract: A ride-on activity device is disclosed, wherein the device includes a seat, a base and a connector for movably connecting the seat relative to the base. The connection between the seat and the base allows multiple degrees of freedom such that the seat is capable of bouncing and rotating relative to the base. The connection between the seat and the connector includes a rotation safety mechanism that allows rotation at the connection when the seat is occupied by a user and prevents rotation at the connection when the seat is unoccupied. Furthermore, the connector includes a resilient member that allows the seat to bounce vertically relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Sonner, Patrick Ritossa
  • Patent number: 8197350
    Abstract: A ride-on activity device is disclosed, wherein the device includes a seat, a base and a connector for movably connecting the seat relative to the base. The connection between the seat and the base allows multiple degrees of freedom such that the seat is capable of bouncing and rotating relative to the base. The connection between the seat and the connector includes a rotation safety mechanism that allows rotation at the connection when the seat is occupied by a user and prevents rotation at the connection when the seat is unoccupied. Furthermore, the connector includes a resilient member that allows the seat to bounce vertically relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Sonner, Patrick Ritossa
  • Patent number: 8182355
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a support frame, a resilient member, a seat, and a retainer. The resilient member has a first end portion configured to be coupled to the support frame and a second end portion, opposite from the first end portion. The seat is configured to be coupled to the second end portion such that the seat is suspended from the support frame by the resilient member. At least one of the first end portion and the second end portion includes multiple sleeves, each defining an opening therein. A portion of the retainer is configured to be disposed within a first one of the sleeves and coupled to at least one of the seat and the support frame such that a position of the seat relative to the support frame is adjustable by disposing the portion of the retainer within a second one of the sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Bapst, John DeRubes, Domenic T. Gubitosi, Brian S. Kelly, John Martin Maul, Philip R. Pyrce, Robert W. Salmon
  • Patent number: 7775893
    Abstract: A riding device for a child is disclosed, as are different embodiments relating to same. The device preferably includes a seat portion and a base portion, where the seat portion is capable of up and down bouncing motion and forward and back rocking motion. This is preferably achieved by providing the base portion with one or more springs which act to counteract or provide force to the seat portion during operation by a child. The device is capable of being modified to provide different types of movement/motion and to emulate different objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Moose Mountain Toymakers Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin Blumenthal
  • Patent number: 7727076
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a support frame, a resilient member, a seat, and a retainer. The resilient member has a first end portion configured to be coupled to the support frame and a second end portion, opposite from the first end portion. The seat is configured to be coupled to the second end portion such that the seat is suspended from the support frame by the resilient member. At least one of the first end portion and the second end portion includes multiple sleeves, each defining an opening therein. A portion of the retainer is configured to be disposed within a first one of the sleeves and coupled to at least one of the seat and the support frame such that a position of the seat relative to the support frame is adjustable by disposing the portion of the retainer within a second one of the sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Bapst, John DeRubes, Domenic T. Gubitosi, Brian S. Kelly, John Martin Maul, Philip R. Pyrce, Robert W. Salmon
  • Patent number: 7476188
    Abstract: A torso exercise device includes a base support frame, a seat assembly, and a back support assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat and mechanism for connecting the seat to the base support frame in a manner enabling multi-directional resistive movement of the seat relative to the base support frame. The back support assembly is pivotally connected to the base support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Integrity Partners, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles B. Perez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7402111
    Abstract: A rocking horse has a stand that includes a base portion with four tubular columns. The columns each have a tubular wall defining an interior. The wall has a top end with a top rim defining a top opening to the interior. An anchor pin extends through the wall and into the interior so that the pin engages two separated locations on the tubular wall. An S-shaped hook has a first end directly attached to the pin within the interior of the tubular wall and a second end extending out of the top opening on each column. The rocking horse also has four resilient members with outer ends connected to the second ends of the hooks, and inner ends connected to the toy horse for suspending the toy horse from the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Michelau, Thomas Schlegel
  • Publication number: 20080132343
    Abstract: A riding device for a child is disclosed, as are different embodiments relating to same. The device preferably includes a seat portion and a base portion, where the seat portion is capable of up and down bouncing motion and forward and back rocking motion. This is preferably achieved by providing the base portion with one or more springs which act to counteract or provide force to the seat portion during operation by a child. The device is capable of being modified to provide different types of movement/motion and to emulate different objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Moose Mountain Toymakers Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin Blumenthal
  • Patent number: 7361095
    Abstract: A stand for a rocking horse or other toy includes a plurality of legs, each with a top end and a bottom end. A foot is attached to the bottom end of each leg. Each foot has a top end, a bottom rim, and an outer wall defining an interior and generally extending from the top end to the bottom rim. The foot also has an interior sidewall defining a pocket with an opening in a vicinity of the top end for receiving the bottom end of a corresponding leg. Slots are also formed in the top end of each foot to receive braces running between the legs. The toy is suspended on the stand from the top ends of the legs so that it is permitted to rock relative to the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Michelau, Thomas Schlegel
  • Patent number: 6322480
    Abstract: An indoor bicycle includes a bicycle chassis having a frame and pedals, a base on which the bicycle chassis is longitudinally fixed, the first housing having the first support that supports one end of the base, and the second housing having the second support that supports the other end of the base. The first panel is fixed to the lower surface of the first support. The first axle extends longitudinally from the first housing, and the first aperture is formed in the first panel and pivotally receives the first axle. The first axle, after passing through the first aperture formed in the first panel, is received in a counter aperture provided in a supporting member. The second panel is fixed to the lower surface of the second support. The second axle extends longitudinally from the second housing, and the second aperture is formed in the second panel for pivotally receiving the second axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventors: Jung Soo Lim, Byung Don Lee
  • Patent number: 6238308
    Abstract: A hitting trainer which has a slanted surface mounted on a stand, and which the player will hit with a bat in order to develop strength and quickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Osvaldo Sanchez
  • Patent number: 6053816
    Abstract: An elastic band (90) comprises a pair of spaced apart retaining sections (92) and a center section (96) formed of an elastomer and extending between the retaining sections. Each retaining section has an elastomer matrix (98) and a hole (94) formed therethrough. At least one of the retaining sections includes a metallic coil spring (100) embedded in the elastomer matrix such that coils (102) of the spring encircle the hole. The elastomer of the retaining section matrix and the elastomer of the center section are the same compound. The elastic band (90) can be incorporated into a toy riding apparatus (200) incorporating a base (202), a rider support device (206), and a plurality of elastic bands (90). The base includes a plurality of support posts (204) extending upwardly from the base. Each of the elastic bands is connected between the rider support device and one of the plurality of support posts such that rider support device is suspended from the support posts by the bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: CMI Rubber Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Immel
  • Patent number: 6036604
    Abstract: A children's activity toy, preferably in the form of a spring horse having a body composed of mirror-image, front and rear sections connected by a relatively narrow, downwardly curved bridging section which can serve as a seat for an infant or toddler. The body also includes a pair of mirror-image blocks which are pivotally connected between the front and rear sections so that they can be moved between corresponding outer positions wherein they cooperate with the first and second sections to form a ring which encircles a child straddling the bridging section and corresponding inner positions wherein the blocks cooperate to form a saddle extending above the first and second sections directly over the bridging section for supporting an older child. The toy also includes means for releasably retaining blocks in their corresponding first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Hedstrom Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Klitsner
  • Patent number: 5934747
    Abstract: A convertible activity center is convertible between a bouncer-type seat configuration and a play table configuration. The activity center includes a tray-shaped body portion having a planar play surface and a central opening therein, and a plurality of adjustable legs which are pivotably mounted to the body portion for supporting the body potion above a supporting surface. A seat assembly is removably mounted within the central opening to provide the bouncer-type seat configuration. The seat assembly is rotatable relative to the body portion for added play value. The leg assemblies are adjustable in height to provide different height settings as the child grows and further include an internal a spring arrangement which allows the body portion to resiliently bounce relative to the leg portions. A locking mechanism is provided for selectively locking out the bouncing feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Princeton Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Garland
  • Patent number: 5848939
    Abstract: A free standing coin operated game system includes a computer and a mechanical animal for a player to ride. The game further includes a first video display screen displaying computer generated video graphics of a moving head section of an animal of the same species as the mechanical animal. The first screen is disposed in front of the mechanical animal and viewable by the player. A second video display screen displays the score of the player. A third video display screen displays computer generated video graphics of an animal of the same species as the mechanical animal and a mounted rider on the animal. During play of the game, movement of the head section image in relation to the surrounding arena images creates a sensation of movement in the player. The video graphics image displayed on the first video display screen induces physical movement by the player who is positioned on the back of the mechanical bull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: James R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5738589
    Abstract: A riding toy for children includes safety shields and end plates to prevent access to a set of longitudinal springs that provides a restoring force when the toy is "ridden." Also, the use of wide vertical struts that rotate about axes passing there-through near to a side thereof causes contact to occur between a strut corner and the base of the toy at the lower end thereof, and between a strut corner and the bottom of the riding structure at the top thereof, thus to provide a natural limit to the degree to which the riding structure can be thrust forward or backward, and thereby serving to prevent tipping the toy entirely over. Such a limitation of motion can also be obtained by contact of upper and lower corners of the safety shields and the riding structure or base, respectively, or between mutually facing sides of the struts on either or both sides of the riding toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hall
  • Patent number: 5700201
    Abstract: An improved child entertainment device includes a base, supporting legs, and a child support structure. The support legs include a rigid section and a flexible section, the flexible section being located proximate to the base to maximize the up and down and side to side range of motion available to the child. The entertainment achieved by the child is therefore increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: William Bellows, Paul Nelson, Mark Messner
  • Patent number: 5645489
    Abstract: An improved child amusement device, such as a hobby horse, with flexible extendable sheaths protectively and aesthetically covering the supporting elastic members, such as coil springs and associated attachment hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Roadmaster Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Laiche, Chris Wheat, Roy L. Ruggles
  • Patent number: 5522772
    Abstract: A playground toy for a seated user, which toy includes a coil spring, the lower end of which spring is fixed to a device for anchoring the toy in the ground and the upper end of which spring is fixed to a three-dimensional structure for supporting the user. The user support includes a rigid reinforcement secured to a connection piece and also includes a stress-distribution piece, preferably frustoconical, at least partially set into a housing or onto a boss of corresponding shape formed in the three-dimensional structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Alain Chenard, Denis Obriot, Patrick Roustit, Philippe Cervelle
  • Patent number: 5466191
    Abstract: A rocking apparatus comprises a rocking base and a user support body mounted on the rocking base. The rocking base has a front end with a front strut fixed thereto. The front strut inclines upwardly by a predetermined angle and has a first wheel unit provided thereon. The rocking base further has two curved rocking plates and a second wheel unit mounted on front ends of the rocking plates. Hard forward rocking movement of the rocking apparatus results in the first and second wheel units contacting a support surface at the same time and the rocking plates separating from the support surface to permit forward movement of the rocking apparatus. At least one spring unit is interposed between the user support body and the rocking base to permit vertical reciprocating movement of the user support body. The first wheel unit includes a wheel support mounted rotatably on a distal end section of the front strut and provided with a steering axle that extends therethrough. The wheel support carries a wheel thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Fountain Chang
  • Patent number: 5328410
    Abstract: A toy riding apparatus is disclosed which includes a base, which base includes a plurality of support posts extending upwardly from the base, a rider support device, and a plurality of elastomeric suspension bands. Each of the bands is connected between the rider support device and one of the plurality of support posts such that the rider support device is suspended from the support posts by the bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Today's Kids, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Amburgey, Peter C. Hill
  • Patent number: 5180338
    Abstract: A riding toy mechanism which provides both lateral and vertical reciprocating motion in which the amplitude of the vertical reciporcating motion is not determined by the amplitude of the lateral reciprocating motion. The mechanism includes a slide member (20) slidably mounted on the mechanism, a pivot member (24) pivotably mounted on the mechanism, and dual reciprocating means (28) for imparting harmonic lateral reciprocating motion to slide member (20) and independent vertical pivoting motion to pivot member (24). Dual reciprocating means (28) may include a cam (30) mounted to pivot member (24), a drive gear (31) for rotating the cam (30), and a connecting rod (32) pivotably and eccentrically attached at one end to one of the cam (30) and the drive gear (31) and at the other end and to mooring means (17). The mechanism includes cam follower means (40) upon which cam (30) rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Albert A. Pinto