JUMPING DEVICE

Abstract

A pogo stick-type jumping device includes a lower stanchion on which an upper frame is slidably mounted in a coaxial, generally telescoping relationship. A compression spring connects the upper frame to the lower stanchion and receives the energy required to lift the device off the ground during normal operation. A pair of spark mechanisms is fixedly coupled to the upper frame and is resiliently biased into continuous contact with the lower stanchion. Each spark mechanism includes a wheel assembly that rolls along a length of the lower stanchion and continuously engages a pair of internally-housed flints. Accordingly, in use, displacement of the upper frame relative to the lower stanchion causes the wheel assembly for each spark mechanism to frictionally contact the pair of corresponding flints in such a manner so as to produce an externally visible spark condition that has a visual and/or auditory aesthetic.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to amusement devices and, more particularly, to jumping devices commonly referred to in the art as pogo sticks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A pogo stick is a form of jumping device that includes a lower stanchion on which an upper frame is slidably mounted in a coaxial, generally telescoping relationship. The upper frame is designed to support the user and, as such, typically includes a handle for grasping the device as well as a pair of foot plates, or pads, on which to stand. An enlarged compression spring is connected at one end to the stanchion and at its opposite end to the frame. As can be appreciated, the compression spring serves to maintain the upper frame at a predefined location in relation to the lower stanchion in the absence of a force applied thereto.

In use, a pogo stick is utilized in the following manner. The user, or rider, grasps the handles on the frame and disposes the free end, or foot, of the lower stanchion against the ground. When ready, the user jumps onto the pair of foot plates, preferably with a substantial force. The downward force applied by the rider onto the frame causes the upper frame to slide axially downward along the stanchion, which in turn compresses the spring. Due to its resilient nature, the spring subsequently expands back to its original configuration, with the energy stored therein rapidly displacing the frame upward with such force so as to lift the entire device off the ground. Once the device returns back to the ground, the gravitational force of the rider again collapses the compression spring and the cycle repeats to create a periodic bounce.

Pogo sticks of the type as described above are well known in the art and widely sold in commerce. An example of a pogo stick of the type as described above is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,793,036 to G. B. Hansburg, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved jumping device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a jumping device as described above that creates enhanced visual and/or auditory feedback during operation.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a jumping device as described above that has a limited number of parts, is inexpensive to manufacture, and is easy to operate.

Accordingly, as a feature of the present invention, there is provided a jumping device comprising (a) a lower stanchion having an upper end and a lower end, (b) an upper frame slidably mounted on the lower stanchion, (c) a compression spring coupling the lower stanchion to the upper frame, and (d) a first spark mechanism adapted to create a spark condition as the upper frame slidably moves relative to the lower stanchion.

Various other features and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, an embodiment for practicing the invention. The embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, partially exploded, front perspective view of a jumping device constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, front section view of the jumping device shown in FIG. 1, taken along lines 2-2;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, top perspective view of one of the spark mechanisms shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the spark mechanism shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a section view of the spark mechanism shown in FIG. 4, taken along lines 5-5;

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded, bottom perspective view of the spark mechanism shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded, bottom perspective view of the spark mechanism shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Construction of Jumping Device 11

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a jumping device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the jumping device being identified generally by reference numeral 11. As will be explained further in detail below, jumping device 11 is designed to emit sparks when operated, thereby providing a unique visual and/or auditory aesthetic.

Jumping device 11 is in the form of a pogo stick that includes a lower stanchion 13, an upper frame 15 slidably mounted on stanchion 13 in a coaxial, generally telescoping relationship, a compression spring 17 connecting stanchion 13 to frame 15, and a pair of spark mechanisms 19-1 and 19-2 mounted on frame 15 in continuous contact with lower stanchion 13. As will be described further below, each spark mechanism 19 is adapted to emit sparks during operation of device 11. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the incorporation of spark mechanisms 19 into device 11 serves as the principal novel feature of the present invention.

The construction and interrelationship between lower stanchion 13, upper frame 15 and compression spring 17 are provided for illustrative purposes only. As such, the design of stanchion 13, frame 15 and spring 17 could be replaced and/or modified with alternative pogo stick designs which are well known in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

As represented herein, lower stanchion 13 includes an elongated tubular member, or tube, 21 that includes an upper end (not shown) and a lower end (not shown). An enlarged cap, or foot, (not shown) is preferably fittingly mounted onto the lower end of tubular member 21 and serves as the point of direct contact for device 11 against the ground surface.

Upper frame 15 is slidably coupled to stanchion 13 and includes a pair of elongated, generally hollowed out bars 23-1 and 23-2 which are disposed on opposite sides of tubular member 21. An enlarged, outwardly projecting foot plate 25 is integrally formed onto the lower end of hollowed bars 23-1 and 23-2. As seen in FIG. 2, foot plate 25 defines a central opening, or bore, 27 that is dimensioned to fittingly receive tubular member 21 and thereby enable frame 15 to slide axially along stanchion 13 along a restricted linear path.

Foot plate 25 is a generally horizontal member that extends laterally outward from the bottom ends of bars 23. First and second foot pads 29-1 and 29-2 are mounted onto the top surface of foot plate 25 on opposite sides thereof. Accordingly, it is to be understood that foot pads 29 serve as frictional surfaces on which a user stands when riding jumping device 11, as will be described further below.

The top ends of bars 23-1 and 23-2 preferably terminate into a pair of outwardly projecting handles (not shown), the distal end of each being preferably covered with an ergonomic cap to facilitate gripping. As will be explained further below, the handles assist the user in riding jumping device 11.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 2, enlarged compression spring 17 is axially mounted over tubular member 21 between bars 23. As will be explained further below, compression spring 17 is coupled, at one end, to lower stanchion 13 and, at its opposite end, to upper frame 15. In this manner, spring 17 serves to maintain upper frame 15 at a predefined location in relation to lower stanchion 13 in the absence of a force applied thereto.

Specifically, lower end 17-1 of spring 17 is fixedly connected to tube 21 by a gasket 31 and bracket 33. Gasket 31 is an annular member that is secured to tubular member 21 at a fixed location along its length (e.g. through fitted frictional engagement). Bracket 33 is mounted onto the upper end of fixed gasket 31 and includes an inwardly protruding shelf, or flange, 35 on which lower end 17-1 of spring 17 firmly sits.

The upper end of spring 17 is connected to frame 15 by a guide block (not shown) that is fixedly secured to bars 23-1 and 23-2 and extends horizontally therebetween. Guide block preferably includes a central bore (not shown) through which upper end of tubular member 21 fittingly penetrates to thereby restrict displacement of frame 15 relative to lower stanchion 13 along a primarily linear path.

A cup-shaped bracket (not shown) is fixedly secured to the underside of the guide block and is dimensioned to receive the upper end of spring 17. In this manner, upper end of spring 17 is coupled to frame 15.

A unitary, collapsible/expandable sleeve 37 is mounted over spring 17 and extends vertically between foot plate 25 and the guide block. In use, sleeve 35 serves as protective shroud around compression spring 17.

Spark Mechanism 19

As referenced briefly above, each spark mechanism 19 is designed to emit sparks during operation of device 11. Accordingly, the particular construction of each spark mechanism 19 and its general integration into jumping device 11 serve as primary novel features of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-7, each spark mechanism 19 comprises a base, or mount, 39 that is fixedly secured to frame 15, a piston 41 slidably coupled to mount 39 in a telescoping relationship relative thereto, and a central compression spring 43 for resiliently urging piston 41 away from base 39 for reasons to become apparent below.

Base 39 is a unitary member that is preferably constructed of a rigid and durable material, such as plastic. Base 39 includes a barrel portion 45 and a stem portion 47 that extend in a generally orthogonal relationship relative to one another.

As seen most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 2, stem portion 47 is sized and shaped for fitted insertion into the open bottom of a corresponding bar 23 in frame 15. A pair of spaced apart, rounded tabs 49-1 and 49-2 project upward from barrel portion 45 so as to align flush against opposite surfaces of foot plate 25. As will be explained further below, a fastening element 51 is disposed through a circular opening 53 in each tab 49 as well as foot plate 25 to permanently secure base 39 to frame 15.

As seen most clearly in FIGS. 5-7, barrel portion 45 is shaped to define a central longitudinal bore 55 that is dimensioned to axially receive compression spring 43. Barrel portion 41 is additionally shaped to define a pair of outer longitudinal bores 57-1 and 57-2 on opposite sides of central bore 55, each bore 57 being dimensioned to receive a portion of piston 41, as will be explained further in detail below.

Piston 41 is slidably coupled to base 39 and is resiliently biased by spring 43 into continuous contact against tubular member 21 of lower stanchion 13, as shown in FIG. 2. Accordingly, as frame 15 slides downward along tubular member 21, the gliding of piston 41 along tubular member 21 creates the desired spark condition, as will be described further below.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7, piston 41 comprises a rigid casing, or outer housing, 59, a wheel assembly 61 rotably connected to outer housing 59, and a pair of flints 63-1 and 63-2 slidably disposed within outer housing 59 and resiliently urged into continuous contact against wheel assembly 61 by corresponding springs 65-1 and 65-2, respectively.

Outer housing 59 is a unitary member that is preferably constructed of a rigid and durable material, such as plastic. As seen most clearly in FIG. 7, outer housing 59 comprises a U-shaped holder, or bracket, 67 that includes a pair of spaced apart tabs 69-1 and 69-2 that extend orthogonally away from the corresponding ends of a horizontal cross-member 69-3.

A pair of elongated, hollow, cylindrical members, or cylinders, 71-1 and 71-2 extends orthogonally out from the underside of cross-member 69-3 in a spaced apart, parallel relationship. An enlarged abutment surface, or projection, 73 is formed on the underside of cross-member 69-3 between cylinders 71 and serves as a surface against which one end of spring 43 contacts.

Each cylinder 71 is sized and shaped to fittingly protrude into a corresponding bore 57, thereby creating a displaceable, telescoping relationship between piston 41 and base 39. The distal end of each cylinder 71 is shaped to include a pair of opposing, generally L-shaped slots 75, the function of which will become apparent below.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, wheel assembly 61 comprises a generally spool-shaped rotor 77 that includes a pair of opposing outer sections, or stems, 77-1 and 77-2 separated by a concave inner section 77-3. Rotor 77 is shaped to define a longitudinal bore 79 through which a pivot pin, or axle, 81 is fittingly disposed. In turn, pin 81 extends through complementary circular openings in 83-1 and 83-2 in tabs 69-1 and 69-2, respectively. In this capacity, pin 81 enables rotor 77 to rotate freely relative to U-shaped member 67.

An hourglass-shaped sleeve 85 is axially mounted over inner section 77-3 of rotor 77. As will be explained further below, sleeve 85 is preferably constructed of a frictional material to facilitate engagement with tubular member 21 of lower stanchion 13.

First and second annular wheels 87-1 and 87-2 are fittingly mounted on narrow stems 77-1 and 77-2, respectively, of rotor 77. Each wheel 87 is preferably constructed of a rigid and durable material and is shaped to define a plurality of outwardly projecting, ratchet-shaped teeth 89. As will be explained further below, the sharp, pointed design of teeth 89 serve as suitable surfaces for frictionally engaging flints 63 so as to create a spark condition.

As seen most clearly in FIGS. 5 and 7, each flint 63 is preferably constructed as a solid, generally cylindrical piece of ignitable material that is dimensioned for axial insertion within a corresponding cylinder 71 of housing 59. In turn, each spring 65 is axially inserted into the open end of a corresponding cylinder 71 so as to directly contact an associated flint 63 at one of its ends.

A pair of end caps 91-1 and 91-2 is releasably mounted onto the open free ends of cylinders 71-1 and 71-2, respectively. As seen most clearly in FIGS. 5 and 7, each end cap 91 includes an elongated rod, or pin, 93 that is dimensioned for fitted axial insertion within a corresponding hollowed cylinder 71.

A reduced diameter stem 95 coaxially projects from the inner, or proximal, end of rod 93. Additionally, an enlarged knob 97 is integrally formed on the outer, or distal, end of rod 93 and is preferably knurled on its outer surface to facilitate gripping. Lastly, a pair of narrow cylindrical pins 99 project radially out from opposing sides of rod 93 near its midpoint.

In this manner, each end cap 91 is designed to mount onto the free end of a corresponding cylinder 71 and thereby help maintain piston 41 in its assembled state. Specifically, with each flint 63 and spring 65 axially inserted into a cylinder 71, an end cap 91 is mounted onto cylinder 71 such that the distal end of spring 65 helixes around stem 95 and firmly abuts, or engages, the free end of rod 93. Through rotation of knob 97, pins 99 can be manually guided through slots 75 to lockably retain each end cap 91 on its respective cylinder 71.

With piston 41 assembled in the manner set forth in detail above, each end cap 91 engages its associated spring 65 with the necessary compressive force such that its corresponding flint 63 is axially displaced into continuous contact against its associated wheel 87, as shown in FIG. 5. Accordingly, as wheel assembly 61 rotates about holder 67, teeth 89 on each wheel 87 sequentially engage its corresponding flint 63 with the necessary frictional force to create a visible spark condition.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, each spark mechanism 19 is preferably mounted onto frame 15 in the following manner. Specifically, with spark mechanism 19 configured in its assembled form, stem portion 47 is inserted upward into the open bottom end of a corresponding bar 23 in frame 15. Disposed as such, tabs 49-1 and 49-2 project upward from barrel portion 45 and align flush against opposite surfaces of foot plate 25. A fastening element 51, represented herein as a complementary rivet 101 and washer 103, is driven through each tab 49 and foot plate 25 to permanently secure spark mechanism 19 to frame 15.

Assembled in this manner, the exterior of sleeve 85 is disposed in firm contact against tubular member 21 of lower stanchion 13, with the inward curvature of sleeve 85 preferably matching the radial curvature of tubular member 21 to promote proper contact. As seen most clearly in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, a tension adjustment screw 105 is partially inserted through bore 55 and into direct engagement with spring 43. Accordingly, through rotation of externally accessible screw 105, compressive energy can be input or withdrawn from spring 43 in order to adjust the tension with which sleeve 85 engages tubular member 21.

Operation of Device 11

In use, jumping device 11 is designed for use in the following manner. Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the user, or rider, grasps the handles on upper frame 15 and disposes the free end, or foot, of lower stanchion 13 against the ground. When ready, the user jumps onto foot pads 29-1 and 29-2, preferably with a substantial force. The resultant downward force applied by the rider onto foot pads 29 causes upper frame 15 to slide axially downward along lower stanchion 13, which in turn compresses spring 17. Due to its resilient nature, spring 17 subsequently expands back to its original configuration, with the energy stored therein rapidly displacing frame 15 upward with such force so as to lift the entire device 11 off the ground. As gravitational forces draw device 11 back to the ground, the weight of the rider again collapses compression spring 17 and the cycle repeats to create a periodic bounce.

As upper frame 15 slides axially along lower stanchion 13, it should be noted that sleeve 85 of wheel assembly 61 rolls along tubular member 21. The rolling of sleeve 85, in turn, causes spool-shaped rotor 77 to rotate relative to U-shaped member 67. This rotation of rotor 77 causes wheels 87 to spin such that ratchet teeth 89 sequentially engage flints 63 with such force and friction to create a visible and auditory spark condition. As a result, spark mechanisms 19 create sparks as upper frame 15 slides axially along lower stanchion 13, which is the principal novel feature of the present invention.

It should be noted that device 11 is designed to allow for the replacement of flints 63, as needed. Specifically, by unlocking and withdrawing each end cap 91, device 11 can be oriented such that each flint 63 and spring 65 slides out from its associated cylinder 71. Upon inserting a new flint 63 and spring 65 back into its associated cylinder 71, end cap 91 can be re-secured to housing 59 to restore proper assembly of device 11.

Alternate Constructions and Design Modifications

The embodiments shown above are intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

For instance, it should be noted that device 11 is not limited to a pair of spark mechanisms 19. Rather, it is to be understood that device 11 could include a greater or fewer number of spark mechanisms 19 without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Additionally, it should be noted that each spark mechanism 19 need not be permanently mounted onto frame 15 by fastening element 51. Rather, it is to be understood that each spark mechanism 19 could be releasably secured to frame 15 using an alternative type of fastening element (e.g. a bolt and nut). In this manner, the entire spark mechanism 19 could be replaced over time instead of just the individual flints 63.

Claims

1. A jumping device, comprising:

(a) a lower stanchion having an upper end and a lower end;

(b) an upper frame slidably mounted on the lower stanchion;

(c) a compression spring coupling the lower stanchion to the upper frame; and

(d) a first spark mechanism adapted to create a spark condition as the upper frame slidably moves relative to the lower stanchion.

2. The jumping device of claim 1 wherein the upper frame is slidably mounted on the lower stanchion in a coaxial, telescoping relationship.

3. The jumping device of claim 2 wherein the compression spring has a first end connected to the lower stanchion and a second end connected to the upper frame.

4. The jumping device of claim 3 wherein the lower stanchion includes an elongated tubular member.

5. The jumping device of claim 4 wherein the upper frame comprises a footplate shaped to define a central bore which is dimensioned to fittingly receive the tubular member of the lower stanchion.

6. The jumping device of claim 5 wherein the compression spring is axially mounted over the elongated tubular member.

7. The jumping device of claim 1 wherein the spark mechanism is adapted to create a spark condition that provides at least one of a visual and auditory aesthetic.

8. The jumping device of claim 1 further comprising a second spark mechanism.

9. The jumping device of claim 1 wherein the spark mechanism is fixedly mounted on the upper frame.

10. The jumping device of claim 9 wherein the spark mechanism is adapted to travel along the lower stanchion.

11. The jumping device of claim 10 wherein the spark mechanism is adapted to create the spark condition when traveling along the lower stanchion.

12. The jumping device of claim 11 wherein the spark mechanism is maintained in continuous contact with the lower stanchion.

13. The jumping device of claim 12 wherein the spark mechanism comprises:

(a) a base fixedly secured to the upper frame;

(b) a piston slidably coupled to the base; and

(c) a spring for resiliently urging the piston away from the base such that the piston is maintained in continuous contact against the lower stanchion.

14. The jumping device of claim 13 wherein movement of the piston along the lower stanchion creates the spark condition.

15. The jumping device of claim 14 wherein the piston for the spark mechanism comprises:

(a) an outer housing shaped to define a first bore;

(b) a wheel assembly rotably coupled to the outer housing, the wheel assembly being maintained in continuous contact with the lower stanchion;

(c) a first flint slidably disposed within the first bore in the outer housing; and

(d) a first spring for resiliently urging the first flint into continuous contact against the wheel assembly.

16. The jumping device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the wheel assembly comprises a rotor that is rotably coupled to the outer housing by a pivot pin.

17. The jumping device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the wheel assembly includes a plurality of ratchet shaped teeth that are adapted to frictionally engage the first flint to create the spark condition.

18. The jumping device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the plurality of ratchet shaped teeth are formed onto a wheel which is axially mounted onto the rotor.

19. The jumping device as claimed in claim 18 wherein the wheel assembly includes a sleeve mounted over the rotor, the sleeve being maintained in continuous frictional contact with the lower stanchion.