Swing Patents (Class 472/118)
  • Patent number: 11903493
    Abstract: A foldable swing frame is provided and includes a seat assembly, a lateral support, a joint assembly and a bottom leg assembly. The lateral support is located beside the seat assembly. The seat assembly is assembled with the lateral support. The joint assembly is installed on the lateral support. The bottom leg assembly is for standing the foldable swing frame. The bottom leg assembly is assembled with the joint assembly. The bottom leg assembly is pivotally connected to the lateral support by the joint assembly, and the bottom leg assembly is switchable between a folded position and an unfolded position relative to the lateral support by the joint assembly. One or more embodiments of the foldable swing frame can be folded compactly to reduce an occupied space of the foldable swing frame without detachment of the seat assembly for easy transportation and easy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventor: Manqun Cheng
  • Patent number: 11771236
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a support frame of a child seating device having unfolding and folding joints, bearing bases, a first stand and a second stand. The bearing base is formed on the unfolding and folding joint; the first stand is assembled with the unfolding and folding joints, the second stand is assembled with the unfolding and folding joints, and the second stand is connected pivotally to the first stand with the aid of the unfolding and folding joints. With the aid of the bearing bases, the support frame of the child seating device of the disclosure can be detached from or engaged with different child carriers, so that the support frame of the child seating device of the disclosure has multiple modes of use. In addition, the disclosure also provides a child seating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventor: Manqun Cheng
  • Patent number: 11364445
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a rotatable play device that comprises a central support post, a hub rotatably mounted to an upper end of the central support post, and an arm assembly attached to the hub and comprising a plurality of arms, a seat being suspended from the distal end of each of the plurality of arms. Rotation of the hub about the central support post causes the plurality of seats to rotate around the central support post in a substantially circular rotation path. Each of the seats may also be configured to move up and down by way of a spring assembly or a plurality of springs. Two or more seats may share the up-and-down movement in an alternating manner or each seat may be configured to have an independent up-and-down movement. In addition, each of the seats may optionally be configured to swing in substantial alignment with the circular rotation path and/or to swing outward due to centripetal forces created by the circular rotation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Henry, Kim Blackwood, Emily Mauermann, Thomas Norquist
  • Patent number: 11317720
    Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable lounge garden swing having a fixed support structure and a seat support pivotally suspended from the support structure on a single pivot axis to provide a pendular movement when in motion. At least one lounge seat is pivotally coupled to the support structure where the lounge seat has a seating portion and a backrest portion that are fixed relative to one another but adjustable relative to the seat support to adjust the reclination angle of lounge seat. In particular, an embodiment of the present invention provides a lounge seat for a garden swing that has an adjustable reclination angle relative to the seat support and is positionable at a selected reclination angle through a reclination adjustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: HABLAMER, LLC
    Inventor: Theodore Gerard Habing
  • Patent number: 11090570
    Abstract: The invention provides a swing for playing in standing posture which comprises a step plate defined with two long sides and two short sides, and two suspension components. The suspension components are disposed on the long sides respectively. Each suspension component includes two slings disposed at one of the long sides, and a handle assembled with the two slings and parallel to the long sides. The handle comprises two through holes for the two slings to pass through, and the two slings do not wound around the handle at any part thereof. Each sling comprises a stop sleeve and a knot. The stop sleeve moves along the sling if a force bore by the stop sleeve is greater than the friction between the stop sleeve and a surface of the sling. A position of the handle on the sling is defined by the stop sleeve and the knot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: CROWNTEC (JIANG XI) SPORTS TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Li-Ju Hsiang
  • Patent number: 11041517
    Abstract: A net assembly comprising a) a first elongated member, b) a second elongated flexible member, c) a third elongated flexible member, d) a first connector, and e) a second connector, f) said first connector connecting the first elongated member and second elongated flexible member, g) said second connector connecting the second and third elongated flexible members, h) said first connector having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to the first elongated member and said second end being connected to the second elongated flexible member, i) said second connector having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to the second elongated flexible member and the second end being connected to the third elongated flexible member, and j) said first and/or said second end of said first and second connectors comprising a longitudinal displacement preventing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: KOMPAN A/S
    Inventor: Nikolaj Maj Bentsen
  • Patent number: 10758830
    Abstract: A launched swing amusement ride has a carrier (100) for carrying a rider, wherein the carrier is suspended to swing from a support (400) by at least one elongate suspension member (413, 423) and is arranged to swing in more than one direction along an arcuate path, the arcuate path having a lowest point; a launch mechanism (200) located outside of the arcuate path; and a tether (300) that is arranged to releasably couple the carrier (100) to the launch mechanism to accelerate the carrier (100) in a first direction through a portion of the arcuate path between an engagement position and a release position, and to decouple the carrier (100) from the launch system (200) at the release position to propel the carrier (100) on an upward trajectory on the arcuate path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: SKYSURFER INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert Cummins, Harry Robert John Cummins
  • Patent number: 10681993
    Abstract: A swing seat includes a frame assembly and a seat assembly. The frame assembly includes a frame unit, and a rotating unit that is connected to a top end of the frame unit and that is rotatable relative to the frame unit about a swing axis which extends in an axial direction. The seat assembly includes a seat member, and a hanger arm. The hanger arm has a hanger portion coupled removably and co-movably to the rotating unit of the frame assembly, and a connecting portion interconnecting the hanger portion and the seat member, such that the seat member is swingable relative to the frame unit of the frame assembly about the swing axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Jonathan K. Mountz, Nathanael Saint
  • Patent number: 10625169
    Abstract: A playground glider swing is provided that allow one or more users to glide while standing on a rigid board and while grasping a rigid crossbar to assist with creating opposite momentum between the crossbar and the board. The users may stand on opposite ends of the crossbar to provide back and forth movement in a gliding motion. In this respect the present invention may be safely used by one or more children in a playground environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: BCI Burke Company, LLC
    Inventor: Bart Mayer
  • Patent number: 10617962
    Abstract: A playground swing that allows the caregiver to sit within a supportive swing seat while the small child sits on the caregiver's lap while facing the caregiver with their legs wrapped around the hips of the caregiver. The caregiver's legs are free to hand from the swing seat allowing them to pump their legs to provide a swinging motion to the swing while the child's back is supported by a backrest opposing the caregiver's seat allowing the caregiver's arms and hands to be free to interact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: BCI Burke Company, LLC
    Inventors: Bart Mayer, Scott Liebelt
  • Patent number: 10463171
    Abstract: An activity jumper for a child includes a base and two vertical supports operably connected to the base. The vertical supports extend upward from the base with each vertical support including two arms that extend away from the vertical support. A plurality of stretchable tension members are each operably connected to one of the two arms of one of the two vertical supports and a tabletop is suspended by the tension members, the tabletop having a top play surface and a central opening with a child seat disposed in the central opening. A method of storing an activity jumper is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: SKIP HOP, INC.
    Inventors: John Healy, Benjamin Bearsch, Petros Stombolis, Janet Villano
  • Patent number: 10456693
    Abstract: A swing may include a ring. In one implementation, the swing may include a first handle projecting from an inner side of the ring on a first side of the ring and a second handle projecting from the inner side of the ring on a second side of the ring. In another implementation, the ring may include a seat mounted to the ring and extending inwardly of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: M&M Sales Enterprises
    Inventors: John Brian Priest, Sarah E. Till, Ryan J. Fens
  • Patent number: 10456695
    Abstract: An amusement ride for locating on a ground leading to a ledge of a drop off has a pair of rocking boom, an axle, spokes and a passenger carrier. The pair of rocking booms are pivotally mounted near the ledge of the drop off. The axle is carried between the ends of rocking booms and when the rocking booms are tilted outboard of the ledge, the axle is suspended out over the empty space past the drop off. The spokes extending radially away from the axle to connections with the carrier. The axle is driven by a drive system to swing the carrier, from large arcs to full 360° revolutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Darrell M. Henley
  • Patent number: 9370682
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of exercise equipment assembly of the present disclosure utilize a suspension apparatus provide resistance used in various exercise routines. The suspension apparatus is located parallel to and affixed at or below a ceiling of an exercise room such that the apparatus can provide a plurality of attachment points for one or more tensioning devices that are located generally above the position of an exercising user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Chaise23 Corp.
    Inventors: Jay Piskin, Lauren Piskin, Rachel Piskin
  • Patent number: 9320974
    Abstract: A swing set designed to have improved structural integrity wherein the swing set includes components manufactured from either 3500 psi concrete or 5000 psi concrete. The swing set includes a first vertical column and a second vertical column that are in axial alignment and further include a portion thereof inserted into the ground. The first vertical column and second vertical column are superposed concrete mounting pads. A horizontal crossbeam is coupled to the upper ends of the first vertical column and second vertical column and functions to have a plurality of swings suspendedly mounted thereto. The first vertical column and second vertical column further include a mounting structure operable to mateably couple with a portion of the horizontal crossbeam. The aforementioned swing set elements additionally include metal support bars of varying sizes and additionally have stirrups coupled thereto wherein the stirrups vary in distance between centers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Keyes
  • Patent number: 9241860
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a therapeutic swing may include a support platform, a flexible outer enclosure, a vertical bolster and a joining member. The flexible outer enclosure can be engaged with the support platform. The flexible outer enclosure may extend away from the support platform and may comprise an inner wall. The vertical bolster can be coupled to the support platform. The vertical bolster may extend away from the support platform. The vertical bolster may comprise an outer surface such that the outer surface of the vertical bolster, the inner wall of the flexible outer enclosure and the support platform cooperate to form a riding cavity. The joining member may be coupled to the vertical bolster, wherein the therapeutic swing swings from the joining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Southpaw Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Lorraine Palizza, Jeremy Gardner
  • Patent number: 9132356
    Abstract: A swing systems is disclosed. Said swing system comprising a pod, a two or more pod hangers and a two or more hanger strap sets. Said pod comprising a one or more vertical portions and a one or more horizontal portions. Said two or more pod hangers attached to said one or more horizontal portions of said pod. Said two or more pod hangers comprising at least a first hanger and a second hanger. Said two or more hanger strap sets attached to a two of said two or more pod hangers. A one of said two or more hanger strap sets comprises A leg strap assembly having a first end and a handle loop at a second end, and An arm strap assembly having a first end and a handle loop at a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventor: Jeno Giordano
  • Patent number: 9067146
    Abstract: A swing includes a body with a concave central portion defining a recessed concave seat and a peripheral edge surrounding the concave central portion. The peripheral edge includes a plurality of tether openings, each of which is adapted to receive an associated tether. A top wall extends radially outward from the recessed concave seat. An outer wall is connected to and projects downwardly from an outer end of said top wall. A peripheral groove is defined adjacent the top wall and the outer wall, wherein said plurality of tether openings each open through the top wall and into the peripheral groove. A tether system is adapted to suspend the body from an associated support member, the tether system engaged with the tether openings and at least part of said tether system located in said peripheral groove. The peripheral edge of the body can be circular, a non-rectangular polygon, or an oval or other non-circular curved shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Quality Innovative Products, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Cordray
  • Patent number: 9038694
    Abstract: A sun shading apparatus includes a supporting frame, a shading frame and a shading fabric. The supporting frame includes first and second leg frames, and a supporting bar extended between the first and the second leg frames, while the second leg frame has third and fourth mounting slots. The shading frame includes first and second coupling joints each having a V-shaped cross section, first and second frame members, and a reinforcing frame, wherein the supporting bar is extended between the first and second coupling joints. The first and the second frame member are coupled with the first coupling joint and the second coupling joint respectively, while the reinforcing frame is extended between the first and second frame member and the supporting bar to form a support platform. The shading fabric is detachably mounted on the support platform for shading adverse weather condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20150105169
    Abstract: A belt swing comprises a belt having a front edge, a rear edge, a first end and a second end for attaching to suspension lines, a lower surface and an upper seating surface. A plurality of treads are on the upper seating surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Ryan J. Fens
  • Patent number: 8992337
    Abstract: A portable toddler swing is provided. The swing includes a compliant shell, an upper adjustable strap, a fastener coupled to the upper adjustable strap, a lower adjustable strap, a pair of support straps and a pair of safety fasteners. The shell defines an inner cavity, including an upper portion defining a top opening and a circumferential passage, a bottom portion, a front portion defining a pair of leg openings, a back portion, and a pair of side portions. The upper adjustable strap is slidingly disposed within the circumferential passage, and adjusts the size of the top opening of the shell. The lower adjustable strap is connected to the bottom portion of the shell, and secures the shell to a playground swing seat. The pair of safety fasteners are coupled to upper portions of the support straps, and secure the support straps to the playground swing chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: HoneyBee Child LLC
    Inventors: Jill P. Koziol, Katherine C. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20150051006
    Abstract: An amusement ride system is disclosed. The amusement ride system includes a support subsystem that includes a loading location, a first location, and a second location. The support subsystem includes a first anchor cable extending between the loading location and the first location and a second anchor cable extending between the loading location and the second location, with a first trolley movably attached to the first anchor cable and a second trolley movably attached to the second anchor cable. A trolley actuation subsystem moves the first trolley and the second trolley along the length of the first anchor cable and the second anchor, respectively. A swing subsystem includes a passenger carriage, wherein a first swing line is coupled to the passenger carriage and pivotally engaged to the first trolley and a second swing line coupled to the passenger carriage and pivotally engaged to the second trolley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Stanley J. Checketts
  • Publication number: 20150051005
    Abstract: Disclosed is an amusement ride system that includes a support component extending in a generally horizontal direction. The support component includes a first anchored segment, a medial segment, and a second anchored segment. The medial segment of the support component is elevated a distance above the ground. The amusement ride system further includes a trolley that is movably attached to the support component and a retraction subsystem. The retraction subsystem moves the trolley along the length of the support component between the first anchored segment and the medial segment. Also, the amusement ride system includes a swing subsystem that includes a passenger carriage and a swing line pivotally coupled to the trolley. The passenger carriage swings on the swing line about the trolley and the length of the swing line between the passenger carriage and the trolley is less than the distance above the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Stanley J. Checketts
  • Patent number: 8955286
    Abstract: A bracket system kit for assembling playground equipment may include some or all of a plurality of deck support brackets, at least two vertical frame brackets, at least two horizontal frame brackets, a swing bracket, and at least two ladder brackets. The deck support brackets can secure horizontal deck support beams to vertical frame beams at first points along the vertical frame beams. The vertical frame brackets can attach to at least two adjacent vertical frame beams at second points above the first points. Horizontal frame brackets can interconnect with vertical frame brackets. Swing brackets can fastens a swing support beam to the at least one horizontal frame beam at a third point along the at least one horizontal frame beam. The two ladder brackets can connect a ladder to one of the horizontal deck support beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Backyard Swing-N-Slide Play Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Gadd, Giovanni Piccione
  • Patent number: 8931840
    Abstract: A composite frame includes a frame body including two support units, two lower connecting rods, two suspending units and an upper connecting rod that are removably connectable together so that the constructed frame body is structurally stable, while assembly and disassembly of the same are manually operable and convenient to allow for effective storage and cost reduction in terms of packaging and delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Yi-Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 8920254
    Abstract: An anti-wrap swing assembly includes a swing hanger having an elongate body that extends longitudinally along an axis and defines a channel. The swing hanger further includes a pair of lugs that extend from the elongate body transverse to the axis and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, each lug defining a bore. The assembly also includes a swing flexibly coupled to the swing hanger. Additionally, the assembly includes a frame having a top rail with a substantially tubular body that is partially disposed within the channel of the swing hanger and a pair of rivets coupled to the substantially tubular body. The frame also includes at least a pair of legs extending from the top rail transverse to the axis and configured to support the top rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Playworld Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Ivory, Gregory M. Lannan, Nickolas T. Cipriani, Jr., Jonathan T. Foster
  • Patent number: 8920253
    Abstract: A baby swing includes a frame, a supporting device and a seat. The supporting device is pivotally connected to the frame. The supporting device has a pivot post and a plurality of first engaging members formed on a periphery of the pivot post. The seat has a mounting structure pivotally mounted on the pivot post and a second engaging member disposed in the mounting structure and capable of moving between an engaging position and a releasing position. When the second engaging member is located at the engaging position, the second engaging member engages one of the first engaging members so that the seat is retained relative to the supporting device. When the second engaging member is located at the releasing position, the second engaging member disengages from the first engaging member so that the seat is allowed to rotate relative to the supporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Horst, Nathanael Saint
  • Publication number: 20140378237
    Abstract: A belt seat swing attachment device and methods for using the device to enable young children to safely utilize a belt seat swing, such as those commonly found at public playgrounds or parks. The device includes a seating portion and an attachment portion. The seating portion includes a torso band that is configured to surround a belt seat and a cradle band that hangs freely from the torso band in a U-shaped configuration. The attachment portion includes attachment straps comprising hook and loop fasteners that are configured to removably attach to a belt seat swing so that the device can be secured to the swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Robert AAMODT, Ambyr KIRKPATRICK
  • Publication number: 20140357388
    Abstract: A planar seat having a center hole and a perimeter rim, a carrier bag affixed on one end to the perimeter rim of the planar seat and the other open end of the carrier bag having a closure mechanism to close the carrier bag, a support rope with a looped end and the other end with a stopper mechanism, and a retrieval line with a closeable fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew Douglas Morgan
  • Patent number: 8876617
    Abstract: A child swing has a frame with a base, a support extending up from the base, a hub carried by the support above the base, and a seat assembly having a swing arm with a seat carried at a lower end. The seat assembly moves in a swinging direction. The seat assembly is configured to be selectively removable from and connectable to the hub. The orientation of the seat assembly relative to the swinging direction is also selectively adjustable between a forward facing orientation and a side facing orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Robbins, Brandon Seth Cross
  • Publication number: 20140287845
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: DDI, Inc.
    Inventor: John Brian Priest
  • Publication number: 20140287846
    Abstract: An infant swing apparatus includes a base frame, a rigid support column rising from the base frame and having a front and a rear, and a swing arm arranged at the front of the support column and having a first end portion and a second end portion. The support column has an upper portion that leans toward the rear of the support column. The first end portion of the swing arm is connected with a seat support, and the second end portion is pivotally connected with the upper portion of the support column about a pivot axis that is located above the seat support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: WONDERLAND NURSERYGOODS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Jonathan K. MOUNTZ, Peter R. TUCKEY
  • Publication number: 20140274430
    Abstract: A swing systems is disclosed. Said swing system comprising a pod, a two or more pod hangers and a two or more hanger strap sets. Said pod comprising a one or more vertical portions and a one or more horizontal portions. Said two or more pod hangers attached to said one or more horizontal portions of said pod. Said two or more pod hangers comprising at least a first hanger and a second hanger. Said two or more hanger strap sets attached to a two of said two or more pod hangers. A one of said two or more hanger strap sets comprises A leg strap assembly having a first end and a handle loop at a second end, and An arm strap assembly having a first end and a handle loop at a second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jeno Giordano
  • Publication number: 20140274429
    Abstract: An anti-wrap swing assembly includes a swing hanger having an elongate body that extends longitudinally along an axis and defines a channel. The swing hanger further includes a pair of lugs that extend from the elongate body transverse to the axis and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, each lug defining a bore. The assembly also includes a swing flexibly coupled to the swing hanger. Additionally, the assembly includes a frame having a top rail with a substantially tubular body that is partially disposed within the channel of the swing hanger and a pair of rivets coupled to the substantially tubular body. The frame also includes at least a pair of legs extending from the top rail transverse to the axis and configured to support the top rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher L. Ivory, Gregory M. Lannan, Nickolas T. Cipriani, JR., Jonathan T. Foster
  • Patent number: 8808100
    Abstract: A play swing system includes a safety harness attached to each seat, as well as other features for interactive and competitive throwing and tossing games. The safety harness may incorporates various games features, and thus encourage use in activities that require at least one free hand, or otherwise increase the risk of slippage and falling from the play swing seat. Various embodiments accommodate as well as challenge the spatial perception, dexterity and reflexes of players of different ages. For examples, younger players might compete by throwing objects at a fixed target mounted on the ground. In other embodiments, the target is moving in synchronization with the oscillatory motion of the adjacent players swing by a physical coupling or attachment. Interactive play is encouraged at the higher skill levels by configuring the targets associated with adjacent seats to face each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Mark W Publicover, Jacob M Publicover, Rachel C Publicover
  • Patent number: 8783329
    Abstract: A sun shading apparatus includes a supporting frame, a shading frame and a shading fabric. The supporting frame includes first and second leg frames, and a supporting bar extended between the first and the second leg frames, while the second leg frame has third and fourth mounting slots. The shading frame includes first and second coupling joints each having a V-shaped cross section, first and second frame members, and a reinforcing frame, wherein the supporting bar is extended between the first and second coupling joints. The first and the second frame member are coupled with the first coupling joint and the second coupling joint respectively, while the reinforcing frame is extended between the first and second frame member and the supporting bar to form a support platform. The shading fabric is detachably mounted on the support platform for shading adverse weather condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8784225
    Abstract: A collapsible, portable infant swing having a foldable base movable between an unfolded, extended position and a folded, collapsed position, a lock mechanism for selectively locking/unlocking the foldable base, and support arms supported by the foldable base. Swing arms are pivotally coupled to the support arms for pivotal, back and forth motion and an infant support seat coupled to the swing arms for supporting and swinging an infant. A multi-function handle is provided for housing the lock mechanism for locking/unlocking the foldable base, for grasping the foldable base to fold the foldable base, and for carrying the swing when the foldable base is folded. The multi-function handle is positioned substantially centrally below the seat to make it generally inaccessible by the infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Burns, Alex Soriano, John Matthew Thomson
  • Patent number: 8784226
    Abstract: An infant swing apparatus includes a support structure, a swinging platform pivotally assembled with the support structure, a plurality of seat anchors affixed with the swinging platform, and a child seat removably held with the swinging platform. The swinging platform is pivotally assembled with the support structure and has a central axis extending from a rear to a front of the swinging platform, the swinging platform being operable to swing back and forth between the rear and the front. The seat anchors include a first and a second seat anchor disposed substantially aligned with the central axis of the swinging platform, and a third seat anchor located at a side of the central axis and in a region between the first and second seat anchors. The child seat can be removably held with the swinging platform by engaging with at least two ones of the first to third seat anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Wonderland Nuserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Tao Yang, Man Qun Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140162797
    Abstract: A swing spring comprises a first plate or top, a second plate or bottom, guide rods extending between and connected to the first plate and the second plate, a third slider or slider plate slidable along an axis along the guide rods between the first plate and the second plate, a compression spring captured between the third plate and the second plate, a first hook rotatably coupled to the first plate by a thrust bearing and extending in a first direction along the axis, and a second hook coupled to the third plate and extending in a second direction opposite the first direction through the second plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: John Brian Priest
  • Patent number: 8715095
    Abstract: An outdoor playground includes a first and a second entertainment units connected with each other. The first entertainment unit includes a first utility frame configured to allow a predetermine entertainment function to be carried out by the first utility frame and a first shading apparatus detachably mounted on the first utility frame for effectively shielding the first utility frame. The second entertainment unit includes a second utility frame configured to allow a predetermine entertainment function to be carried out by the second utility frame, and a second shading apparatus detachably mounted on the second utility frame for effectively shielding the second utility frame so as to allow the entertainment function to be carried out under shading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8702526
    Abstract: A convertible support apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An example convertible support apparatus for supporting a seat in a first mode and a second mode includes a substantially flexible section to support the seat in a first mode, and a substantially rigid bypass. The substantially rigid bypass is positioned to selectively deactivate the substantially flexible section when the convertible support is in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Myers, Joseph P. Sejnowski, Jeff Yaschur, Bill Mussig, Dan Nelsen, Traci J. Barron, Ross G. Carl
  • Patent number: 8684458
    Abstract: A swing assembly has a seat with a folding back that locks the swing automatically when the back folds from an upright configuration to a flat configuration so the swing is stable. The swing assembly includes an upper cross bar having two ends, a lower cross bar having two ends and a lateral support attached to each end of the upper cross bar and the lower cross bar, respectively. The swing assembly has a seat with two ends and a back. The back foldably attaches to the seat. A pair of seat supports attached to each end of the seat and moveably attach to a hanging support mounted on the upper cross bar adjacent each lateral support. A lower back support hangs from the seat back to automatically aligns with and lock with the lower cross bar when the swing moves from the upright configuration to the flat configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Numark Industries Company Limited
    Inventor: Clifton Shao-ming Lee
  • Patent number: 8678942
    Abstract: An adjustable canopy mechanism is for use in an infant carrier device having a frame unit, and includes a top cover and a pair of pivot seat units. Each pivot seat unit includes first and second pivot seats. The first pivot seat is coupled to one of the top cover and the frame unit, and has a first central pivot portion and a plurality of engaging grooves. The second pivot seat is coupled to the other one of the top cover and the frame unit, and has a second central pivot portion connected pivotally to the first central pivot portion, and a plurality of resilient arms engaging removably and respectively a subset of the engaging grooves. The second pivot seat is rotatable relative to the first pivot seat so that the resilient arms engage respectively another subset of the engaging grooves, thereby adjusting the position of the top cover relative to the frame unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: BP Children's Products HK Co., Limited
    Inventor: Da-Liang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8672770
    Abstract: A recreational amusement stand-up swing apparatus consisting of a singular bracing member anchored to a stationary overhead object. A coupling link element, akin to a swivel-eye carbiner, for the bracing member to attach thereto, further providing a member for the apparatus to be convieniently removed from the bracing member by way of a side gate portion, and further providing a member for unrestricted spinning rotation by way of a swivel mechanism. An extension spring providing vertical bouncing member, comprising upper and lower connecting portions attached between the coupling link and a connecting agent centrally located on a line separator element. A line element comprising right and left arm portions equidistantly extending through the line separator and further comprising stopping agents thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: David J Matt
  • Patent number: 8661582
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's motion device configured to oscillate a child support about a substantially upright axis of rotation. In various embodiments, the portion of the child support configured for supporting the head of a child positioned therein is configured to remain substantially aligned with the axis of rotation as the child support oscillates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Sclare, John Matthew Thomson
  • Publication number: 20140057732
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a repositioning mechanism adapted for use with a swing and configured to permit a child support to be secured a forward-facing position and one or more side-facing positions. In particular, the repositioning mechanism is configured to maintain the child support's center of gravity in the same lateral position in both the forward-facing and side-facing positions, as well as to effect longitudinal movement ensuring the child support remains longitudinally proximate to its point or points of support, such as a point of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventor: David Gilbert
  • 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: 8651971
    Abstract: A swing tag game has: a first swing support supporting a first seat for a first player; a middle module comprising a middle module emitter and a middle module receiver; first player inputs including a first player middle module first control corresponding to an attack; a second swing support supporting a second seat for a second player; second player inputs including a second player middle module first control corresponding to an attack; an attack defense resolution; and an indication output such as lights, sound or vibration. The middle module can be formed as a glove gun. The middle module can be formed as a sleeve and the middle module can be for indicating a successful hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 8651983
    Abstract: A swing ball game has a top support frame member. A swing hangs from the top support frame member. The swing has a swing seat configured to swing in a front and rear direction. At least one vertical support frame member is connected to the top support frame member and supports the top support frame member. A rocker support frame member has a rocker bottom profile. The vertical support frame member is connected to the rocker support frame member. The rocker support frame member is oriented sideways so that the top support frame member can rock in a left and right direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Samuel Chen
  • Patent number: 8641544
    Abstract: An interactive apparatus includes a frame that defines an interior region. A swing is secured to the frame and moves into and out of the interior region. At least one fluid delivery system is secured to the frame for directing a plane of fluid into the interior region of the frame. The fluid delivery system includes a plurality of flow regulating elements for selectively controlling the cross-section of the fluid plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Michael O'Toole, Andrew Ratcliff