Swing Patents (Class 472/118)
  • Patent number: 6736732
    Abstract: The present invention relates to playground apparatus, and in particular to a swing apparatus which may be used by a person confined to a wheelchair. The preferred embodiment of the swing apparatus includes a main body which is adapted to accommodate a wheelchair. The body is formed from molded plastic and is suspended from a frame structure for reciprocating motion by means of two pairs of substantially parallel arms. The body includes vertically extending internal frame members within the side walls of the body and transversely extending frame members underneath the body connecting opposing vertical frame members located on each side of the swing body. The body of the swing further includes a seat assembly which can be moved between a collapsed position and a raised position. The seat assembly comprises a pair of members which are adapted to clip together so as to provide a secure engagement when the seat is in its erected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Jenway Industries Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Wayne Devine
  • Publication number: 20040087382
    Abstract: A hanger assembly for supporting a swing device or the like from a crossbar is provided. The hanger assembly comprises a mounting housing and at least one swing member. An arc-limiting mechanism is mounted between the mounting housing and the swing member for limiting the upward rotation of the swing member relative to the mounting housing. A swivel mechanism is secured between the arc-limiting means and the swing member. An anti-wrap mechanism is mounted between the mounting housing and the swing member for inhibiting the wrapping of the swing member around the crossbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Selwyn P. Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20040077420
    Abstract: A swinging seat includes suspension members having coil springs of nonlinear response so that the seat has a desirable bouncy feel for a wide range of weights supported on the seat. The springs in one embodiment are barrel shaped having coils of maximum diameter at the middle and coils of minimum diameter at the opposite ends of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Michael K. Levi
  • Patent number: 6705950
    Abstract: A non-motorized object hanger for use with a swing having a seat hanger tube supported from a hub and a seat coupled to the seat hanger tube. The object hanger comprises a support member coupled to one of the seat hanger tube and seat. A hanger is coupled to the support member. A decorative object is coupled to the hanger, wherein motion is imparted to the support member by the motion of the swing. Another embodiment provides the support member is offset from the access of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Wood, Dennis Stauffer, Jesslyn E. Tankel
  • Patent number: 6702685
    Abstract: An infant swing that may be used to pacify and/or entertain an infant is disclosed. In one embodiment, the swing includes a collapsible seat frame and a collapsible base frame. In another embodiment, the swing includes curved hanger arms that support a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt J. Mahlstedt, Robert J Sonner
  • Patent number: 6702686
    Abstract: A play swing is selectively configurable for mounting to swing in different modes of operation, such as swiveling or circling movement and for back-and-forth movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Cedarworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Barrett W. Brown
  • Patent number: 6669394
    Abstract: An attachment for attaching the upper end of a swing device to a raised top bar. The attachment includes a pair of arcuate slide sections having opposite ends in mating engagement to form a circular slide, a U-bolt having a pair of parallel threaded end segments connected by a curved bridging portion slidably engaged in the slide, a generally V-shaped saddle bracket whose arms have first ends connected by a saddle, spaced-apart second ends containing through holes for receiving the end segments of the U-bolt and a pair of opposing sliders projecting from the bracket arms for slidably engaging in the slide, and at least one nut for threadedly engaging an end segment of the U-bolt. The attachment enables a chain or other swing suspension device that is secured to the bracket to pivot 360° around the top bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hedstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick M. Rieber, William H. Ziegler, Jr., Steven Hanson
  • Patent number: 6648768
    Abstract: A swing assembly includes a swing frame unit disposed swingably on a support unit, and a seat unit connected to the swing frame unit by means of a pair of left and right linkage units. The seat unit includes a seat and a back that is rotatable relative to the swing frame unit between a horizontal position and an inclined position when the seat is disposed at a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6645080
    Abstract: A child swing includes a frame, a seat including a seat back, and at least one hanger arm that connects the seat to the frame. The seat back of the swing seat is positionable in a first in-use position, in a second in-use position in which the seat back is adjusted rearward relative to its first in-use position, and in a fold position in which the seat back is adjusted forward relative to its first in-use position. The frame may be movable between an in-use position and a fold position. In this regard, the seat back may be positionable in its first and second in-use positions while the frame is in its in-use position, and the seat back may be positionable in its fold position while the frame in is its fold position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff G. Greger, Michael L. Longenecker
  • Publication number: 20030203761
    Abstract: An infant swing that may be used to pacify and/or entertain an infant is disclosed. In one embodiment, the swing includes a collapsible seat frame and a collapsible base frame. In another embodiment, the swing includes curved hanger arms that support a seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Curt J. Malhstedt, Robert Sonner
  • Publication number: 20030196580
    Abstract: A floating playground includes floating modules which provide buoyancy to a variety of recreational implements. Rigid flotation vessels filled with foam provide buoyancy to the modules. The modules have a frame and plurality of posts which can support a variety of recreational implements. The modules float individually or can be connected together to from a floating playground with a variety of recreational implements. The modules are also mobile so they can be moved from location to location and interchanged with other modules to form a dynamic playground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Nauticblue Corp.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Broderick, LaVon F. Broderick
  • Patent number: 6623368
    Abstract: A swinging seat includes suspension members having coil springs of nonlinear response so that the seat has a desirable bouncy feel for a wide range of weights supported on the seat. The springs in one embodiment are barrel shaped having coils of maximum diameter at the middle and coils of minimum diameter at the opposite ends of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Levi Tool and Mold Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Levi
  • Publication number: 20030119593
    Abstract: The present invention provides an infant swing frame having a base, and first and second support posts. Each of the support posts is pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the base, and each of the support posts has a second end. A cross member is coupled between the support posts. The support posts and the base are reconfigurable between a first position in which the support posts are angularly spaced from the base and a second position in which the support posts are adjacent the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Michael D. Armbruster, John S. Canna, Michael T. Kane, Robert Sonner
  • Patent number: 6572483
    Abstract: A playswing assembly apparatus comprising a spinning wheel having a central housing with a hub therewithin, and an elongated shaft arranged through the hub. The shaft is attached to a first and a second support arm. The first and second support arms may be adjustably connected to an overhead support to permit swinging of the spinning wheel to a to and fro swinging motion with respect to the overhead support. The hub includes a hand graspable spinning wheel rotatively supported therefrom to permit a simultaneous rotational motion to the player(s) during the to and fro swinging. A lower support may be coupled to the hub to allow further player support and yet further rotation of the player with respect to the spinning wheel and to the overhead support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Donald E. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6569024
    Abstract: An elevated support beam has a boom arm and two cam arms that pivot in opposite directions between a lower loading position and an elevated operating position. A passenger carriage is suspended from the cam arms and is releasably attached to the boom arm. When the passenger carriage is released from the boom arm with the cam arms locked in the operating position, it swings back and forth but is elevated safely from the ground because of the elevated cam arms. Alternative embodiments include separately pivotal boom and cam arms, a support arm sufficiently thick that the cam arms are not required, and movable solid or fluid counterweights. A method of swinging a passenger includes pivoting the boom arm and the cam arms to the operating position, locking the cam arms in the operating position, and permitting the carriage to swing from the cam arms safely above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Kleimeyer
  • Patent number: 6561915
    Abstract: An infant swing that may be parent activated or sound activated and a method of using the same are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Kelly, James P. Meade
  • Publication number: 20030064818
    Abstract: An apparatus having a support arm, a base coupled to the support arm to maintain the support arm in upright orientation and moveable between a first orientation in which the base is coupleable to a vertical surface, and a second orientation in which the base can rest on a horizontal surface. A light source is coupled to the support arm and a mobile coupled to said support arm, whereby when the base is in the first orientation, the apparatus can be coupled to a crib rail to function as a crib mobile, and when the base is in the second orientation, the apparatus can rest on a horizontal surface to function as a lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Christine Ann Drosendahl, Seth Frankel, Robert W. Jourdian, Albert Maggiore
  • Publication number: 20030056288
    Abstract: To provide a swing control device of a swinging body capable of accurately controlling the drive thereof in response to the load the swinging body carries even if it carries infants of different weights, and realizing a desired swing by providing a sensor portion which generates first and second pulse signals having different phases in response to the swing and a control circuit which obtains sensor data based on the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal, decodes data patterns set in advance which corresponds to a combination of the sensor data, judges a swing direction or a change thereof from a changed pattern of the continuous data pattern, reads a target value (pulse count number) set in advance to compare or the like with the pulse count number of the present, the previous, and the one before the previous to obtain a pulse width for driving at the next timing, and outputs a drive pulse of the obtained pulse width to a drive circuit so that driving can be performed in accordance with the expected
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Naohiro Morita, Tsutomu Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 6527232
    Abstract: The present invention is an A-frame bracket having a rectangular top, and two rectangular side walls that each extend at an angle downwardly from the rectangular top, wherein each side wall has an integrally formed flange forming an “L”-shaped wall for receiving wooden legs that form an A-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: PlayNation Play Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Robertson, Noel LeCher
  • Publication number: 20030040372
    Abstract: A safety system for restraining a child in a conventional swing set comprising a belt for secure placement around the upper torso of a child, with safety snap hooks attached to the belt for securely engaging the vertical support elements of the swing set. The safety snap hooks are attached to the belt by means of D-rings through which the belt passes. The D-rings are fixed at such a location as to position the safety snap hooks adjacent to the vertical support members of the swing set. Further, such D-rings are fixed at such a spacing as to prevent fastening the belt at a diameter smaller than a child's head to prevent entrapment about the neck or head. The safety snap hooks are connected to the D-rings by one or more chain or S-links, or short flexible elements. The safety snap hooks are of the type that have a self-positioning member at the hook opening that will not allow the hook to become disengaged from the vertical support elements of the swing set unless intentionally activated manually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Eddie McNutt, Mary Sue McNutt
  • Patent number: 6520862
    Abstract: The present invention provides an infant swing frame having a base, and first and second support posts. Each of the support posts is pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the base, and each of the support posts has a second end. A cross member is coupled between the support posts. The support posts and the base are reconfigurable between a first position in which the support posts are angularly spaced from the base and a second position in which the support posts are adjacent the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Armbruster, John S. Canna, Michael T. Kane, Robert Sonner
  • Publication number: 20030029369
    Abstract: A floating playground includes floating modules which provide buoyancy to a variety of recreational implements. Rigid flotation vessels filled with foam provide buoyancy to the modules. The modules have a frame and plurality of posts which can support a variety of recreational implements. The modules float individually or can be connected together to from a floating playground with a variety of recreational implements. The modules are also mobile so they can be moved from location to location and interchanged with other modules to form a dynamic playground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Nauticblue Corp.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Broderick, LaVon F. Broderick
  • Publication number: 20030027646
    Abstract: An amusement ride with cable-launched carrier having one or more towers with the upper portion of at least one such tower being flexible. Each tower supports a cable. Attached to the first end of such cable is a means for propelling a carrier that is attached to the second end of each cable. The means for propelling is a high-speed winch, a fluid-powered cylinder having a continuous cable, or a fluid-powered cylinder having a non-continuous cable. Optionally, a controllably rotatable seat can be attached to the carrier; a harness connected to a serrated rod that slides into a biased block holds each participant to the seat; and a spring, weight, or pressurizable cylinder prevents each cable from becoming slack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Stanley J. Checketts
  • Patent number: 6511123
    Abstract: A child support device that can be converted between a highchair configuration and a swing configuration. The support device includes a frame from which a U-shaped swing arm is rotably mounted. A child seat is located on the U-shaped arm such that it can be slid between a distal position at the bottom of the U-shaped swing arm (swing configuration) and a proximal position at the upper ends of the U-shaped swing arm (highchair configuration). When in the highchair configuration, a swing lock can be provided to rotably lock the U-shaped swing arm with respect to the frame such that the seat cannot swing. The swing lock can include a retractable post that can be extended to contact a portion of the frame to prevent rotation of the swing arm. An over rotation stop can also be provided to limit the angle of rotation through which the seat swings when in the swing configuration, and to work in conjunction with the retractable post to lock the swing arm in place when in the highchair configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald P. Sitarski, Chinawut Paul Paesang
  • Publication number: 20030017880
    Abstract: An elevated support beam has a boom arm and two cam arms that pivot in opposite directions between a lower loading position and an elevated operating position. A passenger carriage is suspended from the cam arms and is releasably attached to the boom arm. When the passenger carriage is released from the boom arm with the cam arms locked in the operating position, it swings back and forth but is elevated safely from the ground because of the elevated cam arms. Alternative embodiments include separately pivotal boom and cam arms, a support arm sufficiently thick that the cam arms are not required, and movable solid or fluid counterweights. A method of swinging a passenger includes pivoting the boom arm and the cam arms to the operating position, locking the cam arms in the operating position, and permitting the carriage to swing from the cam arms safely above the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Kleimeyer
  • Patent number: 6508444
    Abstract: A swing support assembly includes a pair of upright side frames which are spaced apart from each other, and a horizontal hanger bar extending between the side frames. Each of the side frames includes a front leg unit and a rear leg unit. The front leg unit includes a pair of front leg members which are disposed side-by-side, and a front connecting member disposed between and secured to the front leg members. The rear leg unit includes a pair of rear leg members which are disposed side-by-side, and a rear connecting member disposed between and secured to the rear leg members. Each of the side frames further includes at least one intermediate connecting member disposed between the front and rear leg units and fastened to the front and rear connecting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6500072
    Abstract: A swing for an infant or child is disclosed. The swing includes a frame; a first support arm suspended for swinging movement relative to the frame; and a seat. The swing also includes a support bar coupled to the seat. The support bar has a first end. The first end of the support bar telescopes with the first support arm such that the seat can be moved between a first height and a second height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Myers, Carl Stern, Andrew Weiman
  • Patent number: 6494787
    Abstract: A children's play ride includes an elongated rigid vertical pole having an exterior surface and an elongated tubular housing with an inner surface snugly encircling the pole, the housing being moveable along the pole between an upper position and a lower position. The housing includes a support for a child and co-acting parts on the pole and the housing cause the housing to rotate about the pole only when the housing is moved from the upper position toward the lower position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Hedstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Bork, Steven Hanson
  • Patent number: 6482096
    Abstract: A swing ride capable of swinging motion about an elevated support. The swing ride includes first and second parts which move toward and away from one another during the swinging motion of the swing and a deformable chamber which is alternately compressed and expanded during the periodic motion of the swing. A fluidically operated toy is connected to one of the parts and a fluid conduit is connected between the deformable chamber and the toy to conduct fluid between the deformable chamber and the toy so that the toy is energized by a change in fluid pressure from the deformable chamber caused by the swinging motion of the swing ride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hedstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick M. Rieber, Steven P. Hanson
  • Patent number: 6443847
    Abstract: Bungy jumping apparatus which includes one or more cables (5), means for securing the cable or cables (5) above a jump cavity (2) so as to extend across the jump cavity, a jumping platform (6) supported on one of the cables (5) and securable in a predetermined position on the cable, a bungy securable to the jumping platform (6), and transporting means for carrying jumpers from one edge of the jump cavity (2) to the jumping platform (6) along the cable (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Fun Innovators NZ Limited
    Inventors: Paul Henry Drury van Asch, Arthur Edward Tyndall
  • Patent number: 6440002
    Abstract: A giant swing ride features a launch tower rider loading platform that surrounds the rider with a safety rail and/or wall to prevent falling from the rider loading platform during loading. Various launch mechanisms include a release hook, a falling door and a retracting floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Skycoaster, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6416418
    Abstract: An elevated support beam has a boom arm and two cam arms that pivot between a lower loading position and an elevated operating position. A passenger carriage is suspended from the cam arms and is releasably attached to the boom arm. When the passenger carriage is released from the boom arm with the cam arms locked in the operating position, it swings back and forth but is elevated safely from the ground because of the elevated cam arms. Alternative embodiments include separately pivotal boom and cam arms, a support arm sufficiently thick that the cam arms are not required, and movable solid or fluid counterweights. A method of swinging a passenger includes pivoting the boom arm and the cam arms to the operating position, locking the cam arms in the operating position, and permitting the carriage to swing from the cam arms safely above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Kleimeyer
  • Patent number: 6402631
    Abstract: A net set for a swing set and method for attaching the net set which enables the swing set to be used as a golf ball backstop, comprising: a back net piece with at least two substantially vertical side edges and one substantially horizontal top edge; two side net pieces each attached to the back piece along at least one of the side edges; a net top piece attached to the back piece along the top edge; and one or more ties or straps for removably attaching one or more of the net pieces to the swing set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Mary Jane Gembarowicz
  • Patent number: 6402233
    Abstract: A swing assembly includes a support frame unit with lateral frames and a horizontal bar interconnecting the lateral frames, a canopy frame with a pair of lateral rods perpendicular to the horizontal bar, and a pair of adjustable mounting units. Each of the mounting units includes a retaining member secured to the lateral rod, and having a first axle hole and a first end face formed with first engagement teeth around the first axle hole. A stationary seat on the horizontal bar has a second axle hole aligned with the first axle hole, and a second end face confronting the first end face and formed with second engagement teeth around the second axle hole. A pivot axle is secured to the lateral rod, extends through the first and second axle holes, and has a threaded end projecting through the stationary seat and engaging a rotary knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6386986
    Abstract: A child swing provides a child support that is supportable by a support frame. The child swing may be configured between a stowed and deployed configuration by providing a collapsible child support and a folding support frame. The collapsible child support may include collapsible hangers and a collapsible child receptacle. Frame members of the frame can be connected by hinges which allow a user to conveniently fold the frame into a compact position such that the folded frame may then be placed in the child support. The child support may be driven by an electric motor mounted to the support frame. A periodic motion output from the electric motor may be transferred to swinging motion of the child support by connecting a hanger arm to a post of the support frame which is coupled to the electric motor. In the preferred embodiment, a releasable latch is used to retain the hanger arm to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Sonner, Chinawut P. Paesang
  • Patent number: 6383085
    Abstract: A swing assembly includes a support unit, a seat unit disposed among a pair of side frames and a horizontal bar of the support unit, linking units for connecting the seat unit to the horizontal bar, and a canopy unit having a pair of lateral canopy frames mounted on the support unit and a flexible canopy sheet spreading across and over the canopy frames. Each canopy frame includes a horizontal bottom rail transverse to the horizontal bar, and an upright main frame member disposed above and fastened to the bottom rail. The canopy sheet is formed with a pair of retaining sleeves that are sleeved respectively on the bottom rails of the canopy frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6375145
    Abstract: A ballasting device for swing sets having an expansible/expandable or semi-rigid body capable of holding a ballasting medium, preferably water, a means of attaching to a swing support and an integral safety padding system. One of the ballast's functions is to help prevent the swing from tipping. Another of its functions is to prevent injury due to impact with the swing set's leg supports. This ballast is designed to quickly and easily attach to existing, high volume, metal tubing swing sets. Through the use of this ballast, the swing set remains highly mobile when drained, yet in a substantially rigid position during use of the swing/ballast system. Integral padding is provided by the very existence of the ballast and its filler, both of which are considerably more pliable and soft than steel, aluminum or wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: David M. Payne
  • Patent number: 6368227
    Abstract: A method of swing on a swing is disclosed, in which a user positioned on a standard swing suspended by two chains from a substantially horizontal tree branch induces side to side motion by pulling alternately on one chain and then the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Steven Olson
  • Patent number: 6348028
    Abstract: A training apparatus has a primary frame structure including a pair of base members, first and second vertical post assemblies each including a lower vertical post member attachable to a respective base member and an upper vertical post member telescopically received within the lower vertical post members and selectively positionable relative thereto to adjust a height of a top end of the upper vertical post member, and a horizontal cross beam assembly including a pair of elongate cross beam members. The top ends of the upper vertical post members are provided with receptacles for receipt of outboard ends of the cross beam members so that the horizontal cross beam assembly spans between the spaced apart vertical post assemblies at a selected, adjusted height above the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Brandon Cragg
  • Patent number: 6348005
    Abstract: A swing assembly includes a support frame unit with two side legs and a horizontal bar interconnecting the side legs, a seat unit, and linking units for suspending the seat unit. The seat unit includes a rectangular base frame connected to lower ends of the linking unit. The base frame includes a pair of lateral frame sections, and front and rear rods interconnecting the lateral frame sections. A seat frame has a front end portion resting on the front rod, and a rear end portion connected pivotally to a front end portion of a backrest frame, which is pivoted to the lateral frame sections of the base frame so as to be pivotable relative to the seat frame and the base frame for moving between a flat position, in which a rear end portion of the backrest frame rests on the rear rod, and an inclined position, in which the rear end portion of the backrest frame is raised to be disposed above the rear rod. A backrest support has an upper end pivoted to an intermediate portion of the backrest frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6343994
    Abstract: A swing assembly suitable for children ages new borne through 12 months has a seat member that surrounds the child, and a disk-shaped base with support legs extending upwardly therefrom. The width of the base exceeds the vertical extent of the swing assembly making it extremely stable. The base includes a stationary base that supports a rotational base to permit turning throughout 360° about a vertical axis. The swing may be oscillated by manual and/or mechanized members. The dimensions of the swing are such that it can be easily maneuvered around, moved about and transported to other locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: William A. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6319138
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrically driven open top infant swing comprising a crossbar that does not extend directly over the top of the infant swing. Thus, as opposed to other prior art swing designs utilizing crossbars, the crossbar of the present invention provides excellent stability and rigidity to the swing described and claimed herein while still allowing relatively easy access to an infant seated in the swing seat. Additionally, the present invention provides an infant swing that is coupled to an electric drive motor by a “moving pivot” thereby allowing the swing to pivot independently of the drive motor and thus avoiding undue strain on the swing motor and gearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Fair, Tracy George, Mark Rennie, Joe Kapushion
  • Patent number: 6302801
    Abstract: The invention provides a playstation that is configured to be stronger, less expensive to manufacture, and easier to assemble. The playstation includes a Y-shaped support that has a top section, a lower left section and a lower right section. The playstation also includes a cross-beam having a first cross-beam secured to the left side of the top section on the Y-shaped support and a second cross-beam secured to the right side of the top section on the Y-shaped support. The playstation further includes a left leg secured to the lower left section of the Y-shaped support and a right leg secured to the lower right section of the Y-shaped support. Using the Y-shaped support of the present invention allows the playstation to be readily assembled. The assembled playstation also provides a solid support structure for securing one or more children's accessories to the playstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Playstar, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian K. Zeilinger
  • Patent number: 6277028
    Abstract: A detachable swing is constructed to include two end assemblies, a top rail coupled between the end assemblies at one of selective elevations, a swing hanger mounted on the top rail to hold a folding collapsible swing seat, two pairs of foot couplings, two bottom supports detachably coupled between the foot couplings and arranged in parallel, two pairs of legs bilaterally obliquely coupled between the end assemblies and the foot couplings, and two chinning bars detachably connected between the legs at two opposite lateral sides, and two barrels mounted on the top rails between the swing hanger and the end assemblies to stop the swing hanger from sliding on the top rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Green Wheel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Hei Liu
  • Patent number: 6251022
    Abstract: A play set constructed for recreational use, having a structure resembling an excavator backhoe machine comprising tracks, an elevated platform play area, a cab with simulated controls mounted above the tracks, a counterweight attached to the rear of the play area, a main boom extending upward from the front of the play area having monkey bars spaced apart on the bottom side of the main boom and swings hanging from a horizontal portion of the main boom, a slide attached to a side of the elevated platform play area extending outward away from the play set, and a stick attached to an upper end of the main boom extending downward with a bucket attached to the end of the stick, the lower end of the bucket resting on the ground. The elevated platform play area includes an opening in the floor for entrance to the play area from beneath the play set. The structure may be made of wood, plastic, metal or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventors: Ronald J. Mailloux, Russell J. Mailloux
  • Patent number: 6251023
    Abstract: An open top swing which includes a frame and mounting housings. A swing assembly depends from the pivot pins and includes a pair of spaced legs to which a swing is releasably attached for moving the swing closer to or away from the pivot pins to permit a change in the swing speed and the distance of the arcuate path that the swing will travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises
    Inventors: Charles W. Lauro, Thomas N. Koltun, Peter J. Myers
  • Patent number: 6240681
    Abstract: A protector for preventing damage such as dents and scratches on a parked vehicle. The protector comprises a cushion that is suspended from the ceiling using a rope and positioned between adjacent vehicles. The rope is routed through spaced-apart holes in the cushion to provide two-point support. A stabilizer slat is carried by the rope between cushion and ceiling to prevent twisting of cushion and to dampen vibration of rope upon impact of vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Robert T Lyles, Sally S Lyles, Kermit S King, Carolyn R King
  • Patent number: 6200235
    Abstract: A net set for a swing set and method for attaching the net set which enables the swing set to be used as a soccer goal, comprising: a back net piece with at least two substantially vertical side edges and one substantially horizontal top edge; two side net pieces each attached to the back piece along at least one of the side edges; a net top piece attached to the back piece along the top edge; and one or more ties or straps for removably attaching one or more of the net pieces to the swing set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Mary Jane Gembarowicz
  • Patent number: 6178978
    Abstract: A children's activity and entertainment enclosure includes a housing a plurality of legs attached to the housing to support the housing at a selected elevation above a support surface and a flexible sheet material covering the housing and at least upper portions of the legs. A plurality of activity stations are present within the enclosure as are a seat for seating a child and a suspension mechanism for suspending the seat from the housing so that a child sitting in the seat with feet engaging the support surface can maneuver within the enclosure from one activity station to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Hedstrom Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick M. Rieber
  • Patent number: 6126552
    Abstract: A powered ride apparatus for swinging a rider attached to a craft through the air for excitement, comprises a support means such as a cable extending between at least two anchor points positioned substantially opposite each other at a height above the ground, and a swing cable suspended from the support means, and a craft adapted to carry a rider during a ride, attached to the lower end of the swing cable and comprising an on-board propulsion system comprising a motor driving a propeller and a steering system operable by the rider during the ride, enabling the rider to steer the craft during the ride as the craft swings on the swing cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Neil Horace Harrap