Patent Application
20130045810
A great variety of different play devices have been created. Multiple play devices are sometimes used together to form a play area for children. These play areas can include devices such as slides, swings, monkey bars, see-saws, jungle gyms, etc. Alternatively, a single play device may be used by itself without being part of a larger group of devices. Accordingly, play devices can be incorporated into a wide variety of settings.
One category of play devices includes rotating play devices. One well-known example is a “merry-go-round.” Merry-go-rounds commonly include a top platform that supports one or more children. The top platform is connected to the ground through a rotatable joint that enables the top platform to spin. Children can then use their own power or be pushed to spin around in circles for their entertainment. Obviously, rotating play devices are not however limited to any particular setting or features, and can be used in any setting and include any features.
An aspect of this disclosure relates to inclusive rotating play devices. In certain embodiments, a rotating play device includes a stationary base, a rotatable portion, and a speed limiting device that connects the stationary base to the rotatable portion. The speed limiting device illustratively limits a rotational speed of the rotatable portion relative to the stationary base. The rotatable portion may have an elevated outer perimeter that includes recessed and raised portions. The speed limiting device may include a cranking mechanism and/or a piston mechanism. These and various other features and advantages that characterize the claimed embodiments will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reviewing the associated drawings.
Embodiments of the present disclosure include rotating play devices. The devices may be used in environments such as in playgrounds for children. Embodiments are not however limited to any particular environment and may be used in any environment.
In one embodiment, sitting structure 102 is designed to allow for children to be able to easily access the structure and position themselves, while still being relatively contained within the structure during rotation. For instance, in the specific example shown in the figures, an outer perimeter of sitting structure 102 is angled up, or is elevated compared to the interior of the structure. This helps to keep children within the structure during rotation. It can also be seen from the figures that structure 102 also includes some portions of the outer perimeter that dip down or are recessed to allow for access.
Sitting structure 102 may be made from any material using any manufacturing method. In one embodiment, for illustration purposes only and not by limitation, it is made from a plastic and has a hollow interior. Such an embodiment can be made using a manufacturing method such as, but not limited to, rotational molding. Of course, embodiments are not limited to any particular construction or method of manufacturing.
Sitting structure 102 is illustratively attached to and supported by rotating support 108. Rotating support 108 optionally includes one or more attachment structures 109 that enable rotating support 108 to be securely attached to sitting structure 102 such that rotational motion from either element is transferred to the other element. In the specific example shown in the figure, attachment structures 109 include apertures such that screws or bolts may be used to attach support 108 to sitting structure 102. Embodiments are not however limited to any particular attachment scheme/configuration and may include any attachment scheme/configuration.
Rotating support 108 is illustratively attached to stationary base 104 at/through a speed limiting rotation point 110. In an embodiment, speed limiting rotation point 110 allows for sitting structure 102 to rotate, while at the same time providing some resistance to rotation. This may be advantageous in at least certain circumstances. For instance, in a traditional rotating play device (e.g. a “merry-go-round”), it may be possible to rotate children relatively quickly. This could in at least some situations be hazardous in that a child may not be able to support him or herself under the centripetal force and be thrown from the device. However, in at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, speed limiting rotation point 110 helps to reduce or control the speed at which sitting structure 102 can be rotated. This may help to reduce the likelihood of a child being thrown from the device.
In light of the above, it should be noted that rotating play device 100 has two features that may individually or in combination help to maintain children within the device while being rotated. The design/configuration of sitting structure 102 helps to contain children within the structure, and the speed limiting rotation point 110 helps to limit or control the speed. Some embodiments of the present disclosure, such as those shown in the figures, include both features. While other embodiments of the present disclosure only include one or the other feature. For instance, a sitting structure 102 that helps to contain children may be used without any type of speed limiting device, or a speed limiting device may be used with a more conventional “merry-go-round” support structure.
The resistance to rotational motion may be provided using any type of mechanisms or any methods. In the example shown in the figures, one or more speed limiting devices 112 are used. Speed limiting devices 112 may be mechanically driven (e.g. spring driven), pneumatically driven, electrically driven, some combination of mechanical/pneumatic/electrical, or any other type of device. Speed limiting devices 112 may be for instance a mechanical/pneumatic cylinder and piston arrangement such as those used to shut a screen door of a house, or a gas shock with fixed bearings. Rotating play device 100 may also include hardware 114 to support the rotation and to connect the various components. Two of the more important components are crank arm 113 and crank hub 115. These two components, as well as other aspects of speed limiting devices, are discussed in greater detail below.
Structure 102 may be approximately circular in shape and have a diameter 141. Diameter 141 is optionally between 60 and 100 inches in order to accommodate and provide appropriate room for multiple children. As previously mentioned, an outer perimeter 144 is illustratively elevated above an inner portion 142. This can be useful for keeping children from being thrown from the device. The inner portion 142 optionally includes extension portions 142 that separate built-in indented seats 146 from each other.
Crank arm 113 also includes an extension portion 164. Extension portion 164 includes a rod receiving aperture or section 165 that may include ball bearings, swivels, etc. In an embodiment, extension portion 164 connects crank arm 113 to a crank hub 115 utilizing a rod 166. Therefore, rotation of crank arm 113 is translated to crank hub 115 utilizing rod 166. As can be seen in the figure, a center of the crank/extension portion 167 is offset or separated from the center 169 of the main body portion of the crank arm. Therefore, it should be noted that crank arm 113 and crank hub 115 have axes of rotation that are offset from each other.
Crank hub 115 also includes a number of satellite apertures 182 that surround center aperture 181. Satellite apertures are configured to connect to and support shafts 183. Shafts 183 are also configured to be attached to speed limiting devices 112 (shown and labeled in
Accordingly, as has been described above, embodiments of the present disclosure include rotating play devices. The rotating play devices may include one or more features that may be useful in reducing the likelihood of a child from being thrown from a rotating play device. For instance, play devices may include speed limiting devices that help to control or limit the rotational speed, and may additionally or alternatively include a sitting structure having a shape that helps contain children within the structure.
Finally, it is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments, this detailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the present disclosure.
The present application claims the priority of provisional application Ser. No. 61/524,424, filed on Aug. 17, 2011, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61524424 | Aug 2011 | US |
