Plural Coiled Springs Patents (Class 472/105)
  • Patent number: 11529566
    Abstract: A resistance control system of an amusement attraction includes a support assembly having a base, a pivot joint, and a support beam extending between the base and the pivot joint. The resistance control system includes a spring plate coupled to the pivot joint of the support assembly, and includes at least one spring engaged with the spring plate. Additionally, the resistance control system includes an actuator plate positioned between the spring plate and the base of the support assembly, as well as at least one actuator coupled between the actuator plate and the base. The at least one actuator is configured to move and secure the actuator plate relative to the pivot joint to adjust a resistance to movement about the pivot joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Blum, Mark Allan Stepanian, Jordan Dillon Barner, Tyler James Blankenship
  • Patent number: 11389693
    Abstract: A bicycle exercise apparatus is disclosed. The bicycle exercise apparatus comprises a frame body installed to be supported by a floor of an installation site and having an exercise space in a center thereof, a plurality of spring members each having one end that is installed on the frame body and the other end that is extended to the exercise space, and an exercise saddle installed in such a way that a lateral side thereof is connected to the other end of the spring member, to be able to be moved by an elastic force of the spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventor: Dong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 10686553
    Abstract: A radio station (100) receives a first signal (R) indicative of a scheduled resource which will be used to transmit a second signal (D1, D2) to the radio station (100). In response to receiving the first signal (R), the radio station (100) is adapted to receive the second signal (D1, D2) using the scheduled resource and, prior to receiving the second signal (D1, D2), transmit an indication of received signal quality (CQI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Matthew P. J. Baker, Timothy J. Moulsley
  • Patent number: 9844714
    Abstract: A horse-riding training device comprises a base, a body portion for supporting a rider, the body portion being displaceably mounted on the base, a neck portion pivotally connected to the base and a resilient element which resists displacement of the body portion and the neck portion with respect to the base, which provides a realistic simulation of riding a horse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: William Ronald Greenwood
  • Patent number: 9138655
    Abstract: An expandable playset that provides a setting for imaginative play with character toys. The playset includes a base and a platform connected by pivoting supports and is convertible between a collapsed configuration wherein the platform rests on the base, and an expanded configuration wherein the platform is held a substantial distance above the base by the pivoting supports. A play area is accessible between the platform and the base when the playset is in the expanded configuration, but is not accessible when the playset is in the collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwok Shing Yeung, James M Geirczak
  • Patent number: 8852010
    Abstract: A platform is provided, which platform is adapted to engage a base through a multiplicity of pulley engaging cables. A first end of each cable is attached to a cam follower assembly located on the base and a second portion of the cable is attached to the platform. A motor driving the multiplicity of cams, cam followers, and cables will move the platform, the platform typically being suspended above the base on the cables or the cables and compression springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Baylor University
    Inventor: Brian A. Garner
  • Patent number: 8529310
    Abstract: A riding toy includes a body with a spring assembly supporting the body on a base so that the body may be moved in first and second motions with respect to the base. The riding toy also includes a microcontroller and first and second motion sensors responsive to the first and second motions, respectively. The first and second motion sensors are positioned on the body and in electronic communication with the microcontroller. A sound synthesizing circuit is in electronic communication with the microcontroller and a speaker. The microcontroller is programmed to provide a first sound effect when the first motion sensor detects the first motion and a second sound effect when the second sensor detects the second motion. The first sound effect is varied based on a speed of the first motion and preempts the second sound effect if both the first and second motions are taking place simultaneously. The riding toy also includes a light sensor in electronic communication with the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine Powers, Emily Rivard, Thomas Schlegel, Mark Johnson
  • Patent number: 7727076
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a support frame, a resilient member, a seat, and a retainer. The resilient member has a first end portion configured to be coupled to the support frame and a second end portion, opposite from the first end portion. The seat is configured to be coupled to the second end portion such that the seat is suspended from the support frame by the resilient member. At least one of the first end portion and the second end portion includes multiple sleeves, each defining an opening therein. A portion of the retainer is configured to be disposed within a first one of the sleeves and coupled to at least one of the seat and the support frame such that a position of the seat relative to the support frame is adjustable by disposing the portion of the retainer within a second one of the sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Bapst, John DeRubes, Domenic T. Gubitosi, Brian S. Kelly, John Martin Maul, Philip R. Pyrce, Robert W. Salmon
  • Patent number: 7402111
    Abstract: A rocking horse has a stand that includes a base portion with four tubular columns. The columns each have a tubular wall defining an interior. The wall has a top end with a top rim defining a top opening to the interior. An anchor pin extends through the wall and into the interior so that the pin engages two separated locations on the tubular wall. An S-shaped hook has a first end directly attached to the pin within the interior of the tubular wall and a second end extending out of the top opening on each column. The rocking horse also has four resilient members with outer ends connected to the second ends of the hooks, and inner ends connected to the toy horse for suspending the toy horse from the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Michelau, Thomas Schlegel
  • Patent number: 7361095
    Abstract: A stand for a rocking horse or other toy includes a plurality of legs, each with a top end and a bottom end. A foot is attached to the bottom end of each leg. Each foot has a top end, a bottom rim, and an outer wall defining an interior and generally extending from the top end to the bottom rim. The foot also has an interior sidewall defining a pocket with an opening in a vicinity of the top end for receiving the bottom end of a corresponding leg. Slots are also formed in the top end of each foot to receive braces running between the legs. The toy is suspended on the stand from the top ends of the legs so that it is permitted to rock relative to the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Michelau, Thomas Schlegel
  • Patent number: 7255393
    Abstract: An adjustable infant holder apparatus includes a support structure that has a base support and a head support situated at opposing longitudinal ends and mutually coupled by a longitudinal stabilizer. A seat is adjustable between an inclined lying position and an upright sitting position. The seat has a base end that is suspended from the base support and a head end that is suspended from the head support. Optionally, at least one of the base and head ends is suspended by at least one cable that permits the seat to swing back and forth laterally. Embodiments include a linear actuator that can force the swinging motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen R. Flanagan
  • Patent number: 6599198
    Abstract: Apparatus to qualify individuals for equine-assisted physical therapy is controlled entirely by a trainer or therapist, thereby regimenting the process for consistent and transferable results. The preferred embodiment includes a rigid frame with a plurality of upright, spaced-apart vertical members, and a rideable body within the frame, preferably suspended from the vertical uprights using multiple springs. At least one handle, rigidly affixed to the rideable body, enables the trainer or therapist to direct the motion of the body with a rider thereon, to determine how the individual will adapt to riding on a living horse, or to train the client with no actual riding experience. The rideable body is horseback shaped, enabling a saddle to be received thereon. The outer surface of the rideable body is also substantially smooth, however, enabling the individual to mount the body in bareback-style, if so desire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Ettenhofer
  • Patent number: 6264569
    Abstract: A hobby horse device wherein the diagonal movement and the vertical movement produced in the back of a horse as he trots and canters is simulated so that a rider can exercise and practice performing riding skills. The hobby horse includes a plurality of seat supports with handles. Straps are attached to the base of the seat supports which encompass a support dowel which lies adjacent to the seat supports. The support dowel is attached on both sides to a basic frame by a plurality of springs. The basic frame contains a form representing the horses girth and stirrups for the rider's feet. The extension of the springs and their subsequent return to their original shape provide the vertical movement as the rider presses down and rises with his/her seat. The diagonal movement is produced beneath the rider's seat when the rider raises and lowers each seat support independently of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Diane T. Cannavino
  • Patent number: 6053816
    Abstract: An elastic band (90) comprises a pair of spaced apart retaining sections (92) and a center section (96) formed of an elastomer and extending between the retaining sections. Each retaining section has an elastomer matrix (98) and a hole (94) formed therethrough. At least one of the retaining sections includes a metallic coil spring (100) embedded in the elastomer matrix such that coils (102) of the spring encircle the hole. The elastomer of the retaining section matrix and the elastomer of the center section are the same compound. The elastic band (90) can be incorporated into a toy riding apparatus (200) incorporating a base (202), a rider support device (206), and a plurality of elastic bands (90). The base includes a plurality of support posts (204) extending upwardly from the base. Each of the elastic bands is connected between the rider support device and one of the plurality of support posts such that rider support device is suspended from the support posts by the bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: CMI Rubber Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles M. Immel
  • Patent number: 6036604
    Abstract: A children's activity toy, preferably in the form of a spring horse having a body composed of mirror-image, front and rear sections connected by a relatively narrow, downwardly curved bridging section which can serve as a seat for an infant or toddler. The body also includes a pair of mirror-image blocks which are pivotally connected between the front and rear sections so that they can be moved between corresponding outer positions wherein they cooperate with the first and second sections to form a ring which encircles a child straddling the bridging section and corresponding inner positions wherein the blocks cooperate to form a saddle extending above the first and second sections directly over the bridging section for supporting an older child. The toy also includes means for releasably retaining blocks in their corresponding first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Hedstrom Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Klitsner
  • Patent number: 5776003
    Abstract: A recreational apparatus for use in jumping or bouncing above a planar surface is described. The recreational apparatus comprises a rigid annular platform with foot supports connected by a plurality of springs of sufficient strength to support a person engaged in jumping or bouncing to a core element that has a planar base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Trevor Lindsey Kenny
  • Patent number: 5700201
    Abstract: An improved child entertainment device includes a base, supporting legs, and a child support structure. The support legs include a rigid section and a flexible section, the flexible section being located proximate to the base to maximize the up and down and side to side range of motion available to the child. The entertainment achieved by the child is therefore increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: William Bellows, Paul Nelson, Mark Messner
  • Patent number: 5690383
    Abstract: An improved baby bungee jumper is characterized by the use of bungee cords to elastically suspend an infant seat above a base resting on a floor and by an adjustment mechanism for vertically adjusting the seat relative to the floor to accommodate infants of different size. The base includes a plurality of vertically extending legs and the bungee cords are connected between the seat and the upper ends of the legs. The adjustment mechanism is provided on the legs where the bungee cords are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Lisco Inc.
    Inventor: Paul K. Meeker
  • Patent number: 5645489
    Abstract: An improved child amusement device, such as a hobby horse, with flexible extendable sheaths protectively and aesthetically covering the supporting elastic members, such as coil springs and associated attachment hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Roadmaster Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Laiche, Chris Wheat, Roy L. Ruggles
  • Patent number: 5533899
    Abstract: The motorcycle trainer is a fixed location simulated motorcycle motion producing device. A frame and operating components are covered by a motorcycle trainer body having a seat and foot pads so the user may sit on the trainer as if on a motorcycle. Handlebars are attached to the frame in the normal manner for a motorcycle. The frame is mounted on a spring plate assembly using rotational joints and an eccentric lever attached to an eccentric motor also mounted on the spring plate assembly. The motion of the eccentric lever provides vertical motion on the front portion of the motorcycle trainer. The spring plate assembly is mounted on a base plate using rotational joints and a fluid pressure device is attached between the spring plate assembly and the base plate to provide vertical motion on the rear portion of the motorcycle trainer. The spring plate assemble has a universal joint to allow motion from side-to-side on the motorcycle trainer as well as vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Jerry Young
  • Patent number: 5499949
    Abstract: In connection with rocking devices used up to now, there was the danger of physiological posture damage because of the essentially seated position of the small child. In accordance with the invention, a teetering or rocking device (1) for small children, particularly for small children of an age between approximately one month to approximately twelve months is provided, having a support (2) for receiving the small child (3) on the surface of which the small child rests prone, and having a support device (4) for suspending the support (2) at such a height (h) from the floor that the feet (14) of the small child can reach the floor. The support (2) is formed from a shell which is ergonomically adapted to the body shape of a prone small child, the support surface (17) for the hands and the head follows the shape of an oval in the front area and approximately continuously tapers towards the back in the direction of the stomach into a rear extension (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Rainer H. Heubl
  • Patent number: 5496237
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus which also serves as an effective training device for mountain bikers. The invention utilizes a frame resembling that of a bicycle's frame. The frame supports handle bars having a gripping portion and two foot pedals. Each pedal is fixable to the frame and adjustable in height. Each foot pedal further has an abrasive upper surface for contact with the sole of a user's shoe. This abrasive upper surface acts to prevent slippage of the user's foot from the pedal. The frame is supported by two legs, one supporting the front part of the frame, the second supporting the rear part of the frame. Each leg is rotatably attached to the frame and oriented in a diagonal direction. The range of motion of each leg is limited by a compression spring which further acts to rotate the legs to their extended state after an external force causes them to retract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Stanley A. Hensley