Occupant Propelled Patents (Class 472/14)
  • Patent number: 11623155
    Abstract: A swing seat assembly, including a seat portion and a support portion, a lower support bar and an upper support bar, a lower set of elongate cables having first ends coupled with the lower support bar and second ends coupled with the seat portion, and an upper set of elongate cables having first ends coupled with a stationary support structure and second ends coupled with the upper support bar. The lower support bar is rotatably coupled with the upper support bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Brian Gilmartin
  • Patent number: 11097195
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating play device, such as may be mounted to a play surface of an outdoor playground. The rotating play device includes a central post and an upper framework, e.g. upper ring, rotatably mounted to the central post. The device further includes a lower ring suspended from the upper framework by a plurality of cords. During rotation about the central post, the device is configured such that one or more children may (i) stand on the lower ring and hold the upper ring, (ii) sit on the lower ring and hold one or more of the plurality of cords, or (iii) both (i) and (ii). In some embodiments, at least one of the lower ring and the upper ring may be angled to provide a varying distance between the two rings and/or the cords may be flexible such that a user may modify the distance between the lower ring and upper framework at a given riding location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Huffman, Tim Millard, Wesley Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 11040237
    Abstract: An inflatable plyometric box having a first inflatable member adapted to be inflated to a pressure, a second inflatable member on top of the first inflatable member and adapted to be inflated to a pressure, and a connecting member connected to the first inflatable member and the second inflatable member which secures the first inflatable member to the second inflatable member. The first and second inflatable members incorporate drop stitch technology which provides substantial rigidity to first and second inflatable members when the first and second inflatable members are inflated to the pressures. Thus the inflatable plyometric box is substantially rigid to support a user landing on the top of the inflatable plyometric box. The inflatable plyometric box may additionally include a stabilizing member which may be connected to the bottom of the inflatable plyometric box, wherein the stabilizing member is adapted to increase the stability of the inflatable plyometric box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventor: Chad Chaehong Park
  • Patent number: 10124228
    Abstract: The football tackling training sled is a device that is used to train football players how to tackle during a football practice. The football tackling training sled is further defined with a backbone support that is attached to a base member via a spring-loaded counter hinge. The backbone support is encapsulated with a padding so as to be impacted via a user. The backbone support rests at an obtuse angle with respect to the base member. The backbone support includes a track, which interfaces with a floating t-bar. The user impacts the backbone support with a lateral force while the user drives the floating t-bar upwardly and along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Leto
  • Patent number: 9474936
    Abstract: The disclosed device, system and methods relate to a spinning rotation and meditation device, having a rotating platform set at a nonzero angle from horizontal. Certain embodiments comprise a platform capable of rotation about a central hub which further comprises a plurality of legs, wherein the platform is set to rotate on a plane which is set at a non-zero angle from the horizon. Certain embodiments of the disclosed devices, systems and methods relate to the acquisition and practice of a centrifugal balance process, skill and ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Weltha LLC
    Inventor: Craig Weltha
  • Patent number: 8684852
    Abstract: An angled rotating play device is provided as a cantileveredly merry-go-round supported above the ground from below. A foot platform provides a location for one or more riders feet along a first rotation axis and is angled at an acute angle relative to a vertical axis. The vertical axis may also provide a second rotation axis. At least one of a plurality of supports connect to at least one hand hold above the foot platform whereby the hand hold and/or covers over the hand hold provide a maximum elevation of the device and may help users to shift their weight to self drive the device from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Playcore Wisconsin, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Henry, Kim Blackwood
  • Patent number: 8475342
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a portable child development station. More specifically, an infant crawling and walking aid. The invention is collapsible and can be stored in smaller confines. When the invention is set up, it is structurally sound and safe with detachable variations allowing assistance in crawling as well as walking by suspending the infant with variable height adjustments to accommodate infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel William Flowers, James William Flowers
  • Patent number: 8317631
    Abstract: A merry-go-round includes: a body where the body includes an upper tubular sleeve, an upper beam with a set of chair braces at each end on top of the body, a set of horizontal supports between the body and the set of chair braces; a base including a lower tubular sleeve, a plurality of legs and a plurality of feet; a base support bar connected to the plurality of legs beneath the base; a rotating bar with an upper portion and a lower portion. The merry-go-round also includes a set of chairs; a propelling mechanism; a propelling bar fastened to the rotating bar at an end and attached to the lower connection points at an opposing end, wherein the propelling mechanism enables the merry-go-round to turn when the rider pushes and pulls the handles and thrusts and relaxes against the foot bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Felton Rentz, Sue Ellen Rentz
  • Patent number: 8105220
    Abstract: Toy device (1) for coordination and motion skill development having a hollow spherical-segment or spherical-cap shape, it comprises an alternate-geometry portion (3) arranged in an annular fashion in the region of the edge of the spherical-cap portion (2) thereof. Preferably the spherical-cap portion (2) thereof is a hemisphere surface, that is, the spherical cap is produced by intersecting the sphere with a plane passing through the centre of the sphere, and a cylindrical portion (4) is connected to the spherical-cap portion (2) thereof along the circumference of the spherical cap, with the toy device comprising an annular side flange (6) extending outward from the axis of symmetry (5) of the sphere, with the side flange (6) being arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (5) of the sphere, and the side flange (6) having an endless wavy shape (7) configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Judit Schultheisz
  • Publication number: 20120004045
    Abstract: A merry-go-round includes: a body where the body includes an upper tubular sleeve, an upper beam with a set of chair braces at each end on top of the body, a set of horizontal supports between the body and the set of chair braces; a base including a lower tubular sleeve, a plurality of legs and a plurality of feet; a base support bar connected to the plurality of legs beneath the base; a rotating bar with an upper portion and a lower portion. The merry-go-round also includes a set of chairs; a propelling mechanism; a propelling bar fastened to the rotating bar at an end and attached to the lower connection points at an opposing end, wherein the propelling mechanism enables the merry-go-round to turn when the rider pushes and pulls the handles and thrusts and relaxes against the foot bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Felton RENTZ, Sue Ellen Rentz
  • Publication number: 20090137328
    Abstract: An elevated hand held merry go round provides a hand hold elevated a distance above a playing surface to which a user may grab and rotate through an unobstructed zone between the hand hold and the playing surface. In the preferred embodiment the hand hold may be tilted at an angle relative to the playing surface so the user may pump themselves to maintain the round momentum in a manner somewhat similar to an individual pumping themselves on a swing to maintain themselves swinging. Alternative embodiments lack the tilt may be made in various dimensions to accommodate various numbers of users and may have more than one set of locations for hand holds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Paul S. Wingerstahn
  • Patent number: 7507162
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a children's exercise and activity apparatus. The apparatus includes an activity table, a seat, a connecting beam for connecting the seat to the activity table, and one or more legs connected to and depending downwardly from the seat to the floor to support the seat and prevent the seat from tipping over when a child is supported therein. The seat has a pair of leg openings that allow the child to touch the floor with its legs, and the connecting beam is rotatably connected to the activity table so that the child in the seat can travel in an orbital path around the activity table. In addition, the angular rotation of the seat may be limited to prevent the child from rotating the seat to a point at which the child could walk along the floor and move the apparatus along with the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Jackson, Jeffrey S. Tadin, Stephen R. Burns, Jacob M. Sclare, James E. Cartabiano
  • Publication number: 20080252180
    Abstract: An electricity generating playground device configured for recreational activity by children includes a playground device having a cyclically movable part. An electricity generator is operably coupled to the cyclically movable part, and operable to generate electricity when the cyclically movable part is moved through a cyclical motion. A duty cycle controller is operably coupled to the electricity generator, and operable to convert a predetermined portion of the kinetic energy of the cyclically movable part to usable electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Ben Stephen Markham
  • Patent number: 7247100
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a children's exercise and activity apparatus for providing cognitive development activities for small children and exercise functionality. The apparatus includes an activity table adapted for receiving one or more children's activity items, a seat for supporting a child above the floor, a connecting beam for connecting the seat to the activity table, and one or more legs connected to and depending downwardly from the seat to the floor to support the seat and prevent the seat from tipping over when a child is supported therein. The seat has a pair of leg openings that allow the child to touch the floor with its legs, and the connecting beam is rotatably connected to the activity table so that the child in the seat can travel in an orbital path around the activity table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Jackson, Jeffrey S. Tadin, Stephen R. Burns, Jacob M. Sclare, James E. Cartabiano
  • Patent number: 6808457
    Abstract: A sitting toy includes a base and a platform mounted to the base for rotation about a generally vertical axis. The platform includes an outer periphery and a central aperture. A handle is mounted to the base and extends upwardly through the aperture in the platform. A conduit is formed in the base, with the conduit including a plurality of nozzles spaced at intervals about the outer periphery of the platform, the conduit arranged for attachment to a water supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Paukert, Douglas A. Schultheis
  • Patent number: 6746291
    Abstract: A shoreline riding toy, for use in hydroplaning along a thin layer of water at a shoreline, having a rigid lower board having a hard and slick bottom surface, and a soft, inflatable upper portion. The upper portion is adhered to the lower board. The upper portion overhangs the lower board in all horizontal directions. The upper portion supports the user such that when the user runs and dives while holding the toy to initiate hydroplaning of the lower board on the thin layer of water, the upper portion suspends the user above the lower board for the comfort and safety of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth Coleman, Brandon Coleman
  • Patent number: 6402627
    Abstract: An inflatable rocking recreational device includes an inflatable main body having a generally arc-shaped bottom surface for resting in water or on a surface such as the ground or a floor, and on which the device can be rocked. The device can include a plurality of connected bodies such as a main body with stabilizing bodies secured thereto or two or more main bodies secured side-by-side or at angles to one another to stabilize the body. Handles are provided to allow the users to grip and hold on to the body. The device is usually mounted by a plurality of users who rock the device back and forth along the arced bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Aviva Sports, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Donald W. Gordon
  • Patent number: 6342013
    Abstract: A child's suspended merry-go-round preferably includes a vertical pole member, a seat member, tension members to attach the seat member to a bearing attached to the vertical pole member, back supports, and a hand wheel on the pole member. A child seated on the seat member suspended from the pole by flexible tension members connected to the pole may be rotated on the merry-go-round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: FF Acquisition Corp.
    Inventor: Robert D. Irelan
  • Patent number: 6319135
    Abstract: A merry-go-round for playground use comprises a rotating shaft mounted to a support shaft. A frame structure including a spin ring and two seats are mounted to the rotating shaft. Seat belts are provided to strap riders (children) into the seats. The support shaft extends into the ground and incorporates an anchoring system which is encased in concrete. A safety barrier is positioned between the spin ring and the seats. The merry-go-round is operated by a person who manually propels the spin ring mounted to the rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Alan K. Monson
  • Patent number: 6238296
    Abstract: A simulated boat device for having directional control that simulates a boat rudder. The simulated boat device includes a hollow structure forming the hull of the boat device. The hollow structure has a bottom wall, a top wall, a front portion, a back portion and middle portion. The top wall has an opening therein. The hollow structure has first and second opposing side walls. A first bore is in the first wall and is located generally in the front portion of the hollow structure. A second bore is in the second wall and is generally coaxial with the first bore. An axle extends through and is rotatable mounted in the first and second bores in the hollow structure. The axle has a first end and a second end. A first wheel is fixedly coupled to the first end of the axle, and a second wheel is fixedly coupled to the second end of the axle. An opening is in the bottom wall in the back portion of the hollow structure. A third wheel is rotatably mounted in the opening in the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventors: Woodrow Mc Kinney, Jr., Gladys Mc Kinney
  • Patent number: 5921867
    Abstract: A self propelled merry-go-around is provided including a base having a plurality of linear feet and a vertical stanchion fixedly coupled to the feet and extending upwardly therefrom. A pivoting assembly includes at least one arm rotatably coupled to a top end of the vertical stanchion. The arm has an outboard end with a seat and at least one post having a bar coupled to both a top end and a bottom end thereof in perpendicular relationship with the post. A central extent of the post is pivotally coupled to at least one end of the second arm just inward of the corresponding seat. A drive assembly is provided including a drive member with an inverted L-shaped configuration fixedly coupled to a top of the vertical stanchion. At least one interconnect rod has a first end pivotally coupled to the post of the arm of the pivoting assembly and a second end pivotally coupled to an outboard end of the drive member for effecting the rotation of the pivoting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Timothy J. Mayeux
  • Patent number: 5795235
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a carousel for people, especially children, with a substructure that is stationary relative to the ground and that has a stator axle essentially perpendicular to the ground and a radial support star essentially parallel to the ground, and with a rotor being rotatable about the stator axle and having a turning section for carrying people. To create a carousel of this type that is easy to operate and versatile and that affords adequate safety even when used improperly, the invention proposes that the radial support star should be located on a profiled ground plate in recesses thereof that essentially conform to the shape of the radial support star, and that the radial support star or ground plate has provided thereon a central centering shoulder aligned to engage in a central receiving portion provided on the respectively other member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventors: Jurgen Ullrich, Karin Kohl
  • Patent number: 5720524
    Abstract: A combination toy and stool is provided that rotates and simultaneously lowers when a child sits on the seat. When the seat lowers fully, the invention can be used as a stool. The invention includes a stool seat that has a helically grooved or twisted central shaft extending below the seat, and a plurality of support shafts spaced about the central shaft also extending below the seat. The seat sets onto a pedestal that incorporates an upper and a lower member that rotate relative to each other similar to a "lazy susan". The upper pedestal member has a plurality of upward extending tubular members that receive the support shafts that extend below the seat. The lower pedestal member has an upward extending central shaft that extends through the center of the upper pedestal member and receives the twisted central shaft of the seat in a vertical aperture in the central shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Albert J. Hall
  • Patent number: 5700200
    Abstract: A playing wheel rotatably secured on a base fixed on a fixture of a playground includes a solid spoke portion diverging radially outwardly from a central hub portion of the playing wheel and a plurality of finger slots cut out in a periphery portion of the wheel adjacent to an outermost rim portion of the wheel to prevent injury to a child's fingers or hand as protected by the solid spoke portion of the wheel by eliminating the big openings easily entrapping a child's hand as formed in the spoke portion of a conventional playing wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Shan-Nan Su
  • Patent number: 5618251
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for performing high intensity exercises wherein the user sits in and is encircled in a padded chair mounted at an acute angle on a base member and, further, having a padded area encircling the thigh and knee area of the user, the chair being free to rotate relative to the base member and wherein the user applies pressure to various parts of the chair to limit rotation while the user performs his or her exercise routine, with a resultant high intensity workout for all of the users major muscle groups, in addition to obtaining an aerobic result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: Phillip A. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5342244
    Abstract: A human-powered gyroscope comprising a frame for supporting the gyroscope, a ring assembly and a riding station for supporting a human rider on the ring assembly. The ring assembly includes an inner ring, an intermediate ring and an outer ring concentrically disposed with each other. The outer ring is mounted on the frame for rotation about a first axis extending generally diametrically of the outer ring. The intermediate ring is mounted on the outer ring for rotation relative to the outer ring about a second axis extending generally diametrically of the intermediate ring. The inner ring is mounted on the intermediate ring for rotation relative to the intermediate ring about a third axis of rotation extending generally diametrically of the inner ring. Two of the axes of rotation of the rings are oriented obliquely with respect to the other of said axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Kevin R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5118094
    Abstract: A rotary amusement device for supporting a child and enabling him to propel himself in a circular path about a vertical axis. The device includes a seat member which is rotatably supported on a base member for rotation about an upstanding vertical post member. A first ratchet gear is non-rotatably attached to the post member. A hollow sleeve member is positioned completely around the post member and houses a second ratchet gear in a slideable non-rotational manner to thereby facilitate ratchetable engagement with the first ratchet gear. A grippable handle member is attached to the sleeve member for effectuating a ratcheting motion of the sleeve member around the upstanding post member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Today's Kids, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory F. Lambert