Apparatus for providing a continuous swinging motion

Abstract

The present invention is an automatic continuous swinging motion device that attaches easily to any existing swing, rocking chair, or hammock providing an operator variable control over speed and displacement, while also providing a rigid connection that eliminates overswing. To enable such a configuration, the automatic continuous swinging motion device of the present invention comprises a driving unit, an actuating unit, and a power unit. The driving unit provides the pushing pulling force for enabling the appropriate swing for the article that is attached to the present invention. The actuating unit is an adjustable rotating arm initiates and terminates the swinging process as desired by the operator. The power unit supplies power to the assembly, and the control unit provides variable adjustment means for the swinging speed of the adjustable rotating arm. The device is attached to an apparatus via a rigid pole that prevents overswing. Swing speed can be controlled by either adjusting the rotating arm length or turning the speed control knob of the control unit. Swing displacement is controlled by adjusting the rotating arm length.

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to automatic swinging device. More specifically the present invention relates to a portable, battery-operated device for providing a continuous swinging motion in a hammock, recliner, or rocking chair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The relaxation generated from swinging on a porch swing, rocking chair, or hammock is enjoyed by numerous people every day. Some people may prefer a slow, gentle motion with little displacement of the chair while others prefer a much faster motion with a much greater displacement, while still others may prefer a different combination of displacement and swing.

Most swings, rocking chairs, or hammocks are put into motion by either the occupants or an outside force, often, another person. When a swing, rocking chair, or hammock is put into motion by its occupant, the occupant must bend and extend the knees to force displacement of the body's center of gravity in time with the pendular cycle of the swing, rocking chair, or hammock. The very young, the elderly, and the physically handicapped are often incapable of this movement.

Several U.S. Patents have been granted on automatic swinging devices, but all have shortcomings with respect to speed control, displacement control, and overswing. U.S. Pat. No. 4,456,244 issued to Lawson, et al. on Mar. 26, 2002 teaches an automatic swinging device that is designed and configured to be coupled to any desired apparatus that can be sat on and in which the user wishes to be swung automatically, if desired. The Lawson apparatus an be attached to any device so as to provide for a final product that provides an automatic swinging motion and may include an attachment element that claims to eliminate wobbling during the swing motion, a feature generally associated with conventional swings. The Lawson devices, while addressing the wobble issue, fails to provide a solid connection means or any means for dealing with an overswing condition.

Another device known in the prior art is commonly know as the “Attic Ghost”, which is a hardwired device that must be professionally installed into the ceiling of a porch. The “Attic Ghost” is a fixed device that has a limited application, to that of a porch swing, but is inferior in that the device is not portable and requires overhead mounting to be effective.

Thus, there is a need for a unique and useful automatic continuous swinging motion device that can be attached or retrofitted to existing furniture, such as benches, chairs, hammocks or the like, that are desired to be swung. This automatic continuous swinging motion device should be simple in design and structure so as to efficiently enable swinging to commence when desired and to control the speed and displacement while also offering an occupant the desire to adjust both independently. The automatic continuous swinging motion device should be designed so as to accommodate any size of furniture, regardless of size. The swinging motion should be such that the passenger can maintain the natural rhythm of the swinging motion without the feel of any forced motion or any effort.

As discussed, none of these previous efforts provide the benefits intended with the present invention or method, by providing for automatic continuous swinging motion device that can be attached to any item that is desired to be swung.

The present invention provides a product that is directly marketable to the consumer. Additionally, prior techniques do not suggest the present inventive combination of component elements as disclosed and claimed herein.

As discussed, the present invention achieves its intended purposes, objectives and advantages by accomplishing the needs as identified above, through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component elements, which is simple to use, with the utilization of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, assemble, test and by employing readily available material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an automatic continuous swinging motion device that attaches easily to any existing swing, rocking chair, or hammock providing an operator variable control over speed and displacement, while also providing a rigid connection that eliminates overswing. To enable such a configuration, the automatic continuous swinging motion device of the present invention comprises a driving unit, an actuating unit, and a power unit. The driving unit provides the pushing pulling force for enabling the appropriate swing for the article that is attached to the present invention. The actuating unit is an adjustable rotating arm initiates and terminates the swinging process as desired by the operator. The power unit supplies power to the assembly, and the control unit provides variable adjustment means for the swinging speed of the adjustable rotating arm. The device is attached to the desired apparatus via a rigid pole that prevents overswing. Swing speed can be controlled by either adjusting the rotating arm length or turning the speed control knob of the control unit. Swing displacement is controlled by adjusting the rotating arm length.

In light of the aforementioned problems associated with the prior devices, it is an object of the present invention to teach an automatic continuous swinging motion device that is portable and provides variable adjustment for swing speed and displacement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the swinging apparatus of the present invention as it may be applied to a hammock illustrating a preferred embodiment of attachment means used;

FIG. 2 illustrates internal components of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exterior control components of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rotating arm assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the attachment rod and attachment means of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention.

Referring to the figures, it is possible to see the various major elements constituting the apparatus of the present invention. Now referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the major internal components of the automatic continuous swinging motion device are illustrated. The automatic continuous swinging motion device consists of and rectangular case 1 made from weather resistant material such as azek that be can painted or designed to meet customer requirements, which encloses a power unit 2 consisting of a 12-volt rechargeable battery, which supplies power to an electric motor 3 controlled by an on/off switch 4.

The electric motor 3 is comprised of a fixed rate pulley 5 and variable speed control module 7. The electric motor 3 and fixed rate pulley 5 are both supported by a moveable shaft 6 that is connected to a variable speed control module 7. The fixed rate pulley 5 is connected to a variable rate pulley 8 via a belt 9. The variable rate pulley 8 is permanently affixed to an axle 10 that is mounted on a first interior side 11 of the rectangular case 1 and rotates on a bearing 12. The axle 10 protrudes through a second internal side 13 of the rectangular case 1, where it rests on a second bearing 15 and extends outside of the rectangular case 1 and is permanently affixed to the adjustable rotating arm 14.

When in use, the power unit 2 provides power to the electric motor 3, which in turn rotates the fixed rate pulley 5, and variable rate pulley 8 and axle 10 via the belt 9. Speed adjustment is accomplished by rotating the variable pitch knob 16, which, when rotated, acts to raise or lower the electric motor 3 and fixed rate pulley 5 with respect to the variable speed pulley 8. When the fixed rate pulley 5 and electric motor 3 are raised the tension on the belt 9 around the variable rate pulley 8 is increased and the belt is forced into deeper into the variable rate pulley 8, thus reducing the rotation ratio of the fixed rate pulley 5 and the variable rate pulley 8, resulting in an increased rotational speed of the variable rate pulley 8, axle, 10, and adjustable rotating arm 14.

Conversely, rotating the rotating the variable pitch knob 16 to lower the fixed rate pulley 5 and electric motor 3, the tension on the belt 9 around the variable rate pulley 8 is decreased and the belt relaxes into shallower position within the variable rate pulley 8, thus increasing the rotational ratio of the fixed rate pulley 5 and the variable rate pulley 8, resulting in a decreased rotational speed of the variable rate pulley 8, axle, 10, and adjustable rotating arm 14.

Now referring to FIG. 4, the adjustable rotating arm 14 of the present invention is illustrated in more detail. The axle 10 is permanently affixed to the adjustable rotating arm 14, which is comprised of a fixed axle end portion 17 and a slotted arm 18. The slotted arm 18 is connected to the fixed axle end portion 17 by two adjusting bolts 19 & 20. By loosening the adjusting 19 & 20 bolts, the slotted arm 18 may be moved to increase its stroke and the corresponding displacement of any attached apparatus 24, or to increase or decrease the swing speed.

This feature is unique in that it provides the operator the ability to adjust the displacement or stroke of the adjustable rotating arm 14 as specifically necessary for various apparatus 24 such as a chair or hammock. A much longer swing or stoke would be desired for that of a hammock when compared to the shorter swing necessary to provide the desired motion of a rocking chair.

The outer end portion 21 of the slotted arm 18 is further comprised of attachment means 22 for securing a fixed rigid pole 23 for connecting the device of the present invention 24 to an apparatus 24 via a fixed rigid pole 23, which eliminates overswing.

Now referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the fixed rigid pole 23 is illustrated. The fixed rigid pole 23 may be of any length, and may be of adjustable length. Additionally, the thickness of the fixed rigid pole 23 may also be adjusted based on the weight of an apparatus 24, and it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to determine the desired length and/or thickness of the fixed rigid pole 23. On a first end 26, the fixed rigid pole 23 is comprised of rod end 25, which provides an attachment means to the slotted arm 18 and eliminates binding and excessive friction and wear. The rod end 25 is secured to the slotted arm 18 by the use of a cotter pin and provides easy removability, adding to the portability of the device 24 of the present invention.

On a second end 27 of the fixed rigid pole 23, a common clamp 28 is used to secure the device 24 of the present invention to an apparatus 24, such as a hammock. It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to provide various clamping or apparatus-securing mean of various sizes, widths and depths to properly secure the fixed rigid pole 23 to an apparatus 24. Thus, a clamp 28 is illustrated as one possible embodiment of the present invention for attachment to a cloth hammock, but others are readily apparent for swings and chairs and the discussion of such is not necessary.

It is appreciated that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variation in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the above description are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Furthermore, other areas of art may benefit from this method and adjustments to the design are anticipated. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. An automatic continuous swinging motion device comprising:

a case;

a power unit with on/off switch;

an electric motor;

said electric motor attached to a fixed rate pulley;

said electric motor and attached fixed rate pulley supported by a moveable shaft

said moveable shaft connected to a variable speed control module;

a variable rate pulley permanently affixed to an axle that is mounted: on a first interior side of said case and rotates on a bearing, and wherein said axle protrudes through a second internal side of the case 1 where said axle rests on a second bearing and said axle extends outside through the wall of said case and is permanently affixed to a adjustable rotating arm; and

said fixed rate pulley is connected to said variable rate pulley via a belt.

2. The automatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 1 wherein the power unit consists of a 12-volt rechargeable battery.

3. The automatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 1 wherein when said variable speed control module is controlled by a rotating knob:

rotating said knob in a clockwise, direction acts to raise the electric motor and fixed rate pulley with respect to the variable speed pulley;

thereby increasing the tension on the belt around the variable rate pulley thus forcing the belt deeper into the variable rate pulley, creating a reduction of the rotational ratio of the fixed rate pulley and the variable rate pulley, resulting in an increased rotational speed of the variable rate pulley, axle, and adjustable rotating arm.

4. The automatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 1 wherein when said variable speed control module is controlled by a rotating knob:

rotating said knob a counter-clockwise, direction acts to lower the electric motor and fixed rate pulley with respect to the variable speed pulley;

thereby decreasing the tension on the belt around the variable rate pulley allowing the belt to recede in the variable rate pulley, creating a increase in the rotational ratio of the fixed rate pulley and the variable rate pulley, resulting in a decreased rotational speed of the variable rate pulley, axle, and adjustable rotating arm.

5. The automatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 1 wherein said adjustable rotating arm is permanently affixed to the axle, which is further comprised of:

a fixed axle end portion; and

a slotted arm; said slotted arm is connected to the fixed axle end portion by two adjusting bolts; by loosening the adjusting bolts, the slotted arm may be moved to increase or decrease the stroke of the rotating arm and the corresponding displacement of any attached apparatus or to increase or decrease the swing speed.

6. The automatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 5 wherein the outer end portion of the slotted arm is further comprised of attachment means for securing a fixed rigid pole for connecting the device of the present invention to an apparatus via the fixed rigid pole.

7. The automatic continuous swinging motion device of claim 5 wherein;

on a first end, the fixed rigid pole is comprised of rod end, which provides an attachment means to the slotted arm;

said rod end is secured to the slotted arm by the use of a cotter pin;

on a second opposite end, the fixed rigid pole further comprises a clamp used to secure the device to an apparatus.