RECREATIONAL DEVICE

Abstract

A device for children of the present invention includes a travel path supported by a post and a plurality of sections occupied by the children movable relative the travel path in at least one direction. The travel path is movable between at least two planes relative the post. The device may include an actuator cooperable with the travel path to move the travel path between the two planes.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a non-provisional application that claims priority to a provisional application Ser. No. 60/979,994 filed on Oct. 15, 2007 and incorporated by reference herewith in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention relates to recreational devices having swings for children and adults.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous recreational devices are known in the art today and used by children and adults. One of the recreational devices is taught by the U.S. Pat. No. 4,190,248 to Phillip. The device presents a first end frame and a second end frame spaced by a pair of tracks extending parallel to one another along an axis extending between the first end frame and the second end frame. A cart member is movable along the axis on the tracks. A swing is connected to the cart member and includes a pair of spaced seats separated by a pair of vertical members connected to and extending from the cart member. The vertical members are pivotably connected to the cart and movable about the same thereby moving the cart along the tracks from the first end frame to the second end frame.

Other recreational devices known in the art are tracks located in parks and other recreational areas. These tracks are used to support carts travelling along the travel path. The carts may be moved by various engines.

The opportunity exists for improved recreational device that is easy to manufacture, light in weight and is easily transportable between various locations, such as between homes. The opportunity also exists for a swing device adaptable for numerous recreational activities thereby improving physical development of children.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A recreational device for adults and children includes a travel path presenting an oblong or a circular configuration. A support element defined by a pair of posts is cooperable with the travel path to space the travel path above a surface or a floor. A plurality of sections for holding the children with each section being cooperable with the travel path. An axis is connected to and bisects the travel path and supported by the support element. The travel path pivots about the axis between a first plane as the travel path extends generally perpendicular to the surface and a second plane as the travel path extends generally parallel to the surface thereby allowing the section to move continuously around the travel path in multiple directions.

A lever is connected to the travel path to pivot the travel path about the axis between the first plane and the second plane in response to external impact upon the lever, as for example, when a parent moves the lever to and away from the surface, i.e. floor. An actuator is connected to the travel path to pivot the travel path about the axis between the first plane and the second plane, when, for example, the parent needs to leave the location of the device to answer the phone, cook a meal, or do the laundry.

A platform is pivotably connected to the support element. A connection member links the platform with the travel path to pivot the travel path about the axis between the first plane and the second plane in response to external impact upon the as the parent stands on the platform and pivots the platform relative the support element.

An advantage of the present invention is to provide a swing device adaptable for numerous recreational activities thereby improving physical development of children.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a swing device that is easy to manufacture, light in weight and is easily transportable between various locations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a recreational device for adults and children that includes a travel path or track presenting an oblong configuration;

FIG. 1A illustrates a first embodiment of the track of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a second embodiment of the track of the present invention;

FIG. 1C illustrates a third embodiment of the track of the present invention;

FIG. 1D illustrates a fourth embodiment of the track of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another view of the invention shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the track pivotably movable about a central axis;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a end view of the invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is still another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a mechanical connection defined between a frame for holding a child and the track of the inventive recreational device; and

FIG. 8 is another view of the invention of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts, a recreational device (the device) is generally shown at 10. The recreational device 10 for adults and children includes a travel path, i.e. a track, generally indicated at 12 presenting an oblong or a circular configuration 14. Alternatively, the travel path 12 may include one circular end opposite from a non-circular end (not shown in the present invention) without limiting the scope of the present invention. The travel path 12 presents a circular cross section, as best shown in FIG. 7. The travel path 12 may also include a non-circular cross section without limiting the scope of the present invention.

A support element defined by a pair of posts 16 and 18 is cooperable with the travel path 12 to space the travel path 12 above a surface or a floor 20. A plurality of sections, generally indicated at 22, for holding the children 24 are movable along the travel path 12. The travel path 12 may present various configurations without limiting the scope of the present invention. FIG. 1, for example, illustrates the oblong configuration. FIGS. 1A through 1D illustrate various alternative embodiments of the track without limiting the scope of the present invention. FIG. 1A illustrates one of the alternative embodiments of the track, generally indicated at 100. The track 100 includes an axis 42 connected to and bisecting the track 100. The sections 22 for holding the children 24 are moved along the track 100. FIG. 1B illustrates yet another embodiment of the track generally indicated at 200 movable about the axis 42 in various planes. The track 200 includes planar sides 202 and 204 interconnected by scalloped corners 206 to move the sections 22 for holding the children 24 to move along the travel path 200.

FIG. 1C illustrates yet another embodiment of the track generally indicated at 300 movable about the axis 42 in various planes to move the sections 22 for holding the children 24 to move along the travel path 300. FIG. 1D illustrates still another embodiment, generally indicated at 400 and presenting wave-like or corrugated cross section. The track 400 moves between various planes to allow the sections 22 for holding the children 24 to move along the travel path 400. These embodiments are shown for exemplary purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Each section 22 presents a rectangular frame 26 having a seat 28 and a connector 30, as best shown in FIG. 7. The connector 30 presents a support base 32 and a hook 34 inclined relative to the base 32. At least one roller bearing 36 extends from the base and at least two roller bearings 38 and 40 extend from the hook 34. The bearings 36, 38, and 40 rotate about the circular cross section of the travel path 12 as the section 22 moves therealong as shown 5. The section 22 may be designed to be occupied by two children as illustrated in one of Figures without limiting the scope of the present invention.

Alternatively, if the travel path 12 includes a non-circular cross section (not shown). In this embodiment, the bearings 36, 38, and 40 will slide in the respective grooves (not shown) defined in the non-circular cross section of the travel path 12. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other mechanical connections may be employed by the present invention to facilitate movements between the travel path 12 and the section 22 without limiting the scope of the present invention.

The axis 42 is connected to and bisects the travel path 12. The axis 42 includes a core frame 44 extending from the axis 42 and supported by a support element 46 having a V-shaped configuration. The V-shaped support element 46 includes the bearings similar or identical to the bearings 36, 38, and 40 thereby facilitation pivotable motion of the axis 42 rotatable thereabout when the travel path 12 moves between a first plane as the travel path 12 extends generally perpendicular to the surface and a second plane as the travel path 12 extends generally parallel to the surface thereby allowing the section 22 to move continuously around the travel path 12 in multiple directions, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 8.

A stopper (not shown) may also be implemented in the support element 46 to prevent the section 22 to pivot between the first and second planes. The support element 46 is connected to the posts 18 and 16 which are connected to and extend outwardly from a pair of tracks 50 and 52 extending parallel to the floor. The tracks 50 and 52 extend to a pair of terminal members 54 and 56 extending generally perpendicular to the tracks 50 and 52 to provide stability to the device 10 when in use. The travel path 12 pivots about the axis 42.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention including a lever 60 connected to the travel path 12 to pivot the travel path 12 about the axis 42 between the first plane and the second plane in response to external impact upon the lever 60, as for example, when a parent 62 moves the lever 60 to and away from the surface, i.e. floor. Alternatively, an actuator (not shown) may be connected to the travel path 12 to pivot the travel path 12 about the axis 42 between the first plane and the second plane, when, for example, the parent needs to leave the location of the device to answer the phone, cook a meal, or do the laundry.

A platform 70 is pivotably 72 connected to the support element 16. A connection member 74 links the platform 70 with the travel path 12 to pivot the travel path 12 about the axis 42 between the first plane and the second plane in response to external impact upon the as the parent 62 stands on the platform 70 and pivots the platform 70 relative the support element 16 and 18. A pair of bar members 76 and 78 extends from one of the tracks 50 interconnected by a circular bar 80 for the parent 62 to hold upon as the platform 70 pivots, as best shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates still another embodiment of the present invention including a self-propelled section 22 having a pair of chain engagements 80 and 82 interconnecting three blocks 84, 86, and 88 with the first block 84 rotatable in response to pedals 90 engaged in the first block 84 and movable about a pedal axis 92 as the child rotates the same thereby moving the section 22 about the travel path 12. A cover (shown fragmentally) encapsulated the pair of chain engagements 80 and 82 to protect the children 24 from any potential injuries. In still another alternative embodiment (not shown) the section 22 may include a duel pedal assembly to allow two children 24 to rotate the pedal and move the section 22 about the travel path 12. The disclosed embodiment of the chain engagements 80 and 82, the blocks 84, 86, and 88, and the pedals 90 presented as one of the exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The section 22 as illustrated in FIG. 6 may present various embodiments decorated to mimic a propeller, an airplane, as shown in phantom in FIG. 6, without limiting the scope of the present invention.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A recreational device comprising;

a travel path presenting having a support element cooperable with said travel path to space said travel path above a surface;

at least one section for holding the person and being cooperable with said travel path; and

an axis connected to and bisecting said travel path, said travel path pivoting about said axis between multiple planes as said travel path moves generally perpendicular and generally parallel to the surface thereby allowing said at least one section to move continuously around said travel path in multiple directions.

2. A recreational device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said travel path is further defined by a track.

3. A recreational device as set forth in claim 1 including a lever connected to said travel path to pivot said travel path about said axis between a first plane as said travel path moves generally perpendicular to the surface and a second plane as said travel path moves generally parallel in response to external impact upon said lever.

4. A recreational device as set forth in claim 1 including an actuator connected to said travel path to pivot said travel path about said axis between said first plane and said second plane.

5. A recreational device as set forth in claim 1 including a platform pivotable about said support element and a connection member linking said platform with said travel path to pivot said travel path about said axis between said first plane and said second plane in response to external impact upon said platform.

6. A recreational device as set forth in claim 2 wherein said track present an elliptical configuration thereby allowing said at least one section to move continuously around said track in multiple directions.

7. A recreational device as set forth in claim 2 wherein said track present a circular configuration thereby allowing said at least one section to move continuously around said track in multiple directions.

8. A recreational device as set forth in claim 2 wherein said track present planar sides interconnected by scalloped corners thereby allowing said at least one section to move continuously around said track in multiple directions.

9. A method of forming a recreational device comprising the steps of:

connecting a track to a support element to space the track above a surface;

engaging at least one section for holding the person to the track;

connecting an axis to the track; and

pivoting the track about the axis between multiple planes thereby moving the track generally perpendicular and generally parallel to the surface to allow the at least one section to move continuously around the track in multiple directions.

10. A method as set forth in claim 9 including the step of connecting a lever to the track to pivot the track about the axis between a first plane as the track moves generally perpendicular to the surface and a second plane as the track moves generally parallel in response to external impact upon the lever.

11. A method as set forth in claim 9 including the step of connecting an actuator to the track to pivot the track about the axis between the first plane and the second plane.

12. A method as set forth in claim 9 including the step of connecting a platform pivotable about the support element and a connection member linking the platform with the track to pivot the track about the axis between the first plane and the second plane in response to external impact upon the platform.

13. A method as set forth in claim 9 including the step of forming the track having an elliptical configuration to allow at least one section to move continuously around the track in multiple directions.

14. A method as set forth in claim 9 including the step of forming the track having a circular configuration to allow at least one section to move continuously around the track in multiple directions.

15. A method as set forth in claim 9 including the step of forming the track having planar sides interconnected by scalloped corners to allow at least one section to move continuously around the track in multiple directions.