Disc swings typically include a platform suspended by a rope from a support, such as a tree limb or swing frame. Such disc swings are often difficult for a child to mount and may sometimes be difficult to ride.
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Rigid member 26 comprises a substantially rigid extension (bendable, if at all, a maximum extent of less than 30° from vertical) that projects or extends from top face 40 and above seating surface 34 of panel 24 so as to vertically space the seating surface 34 from an omnidirectional pivot 46 of flexible member 30. The omnidirectional pivot 46 is a location along flexible member 30 about which platform 24 and seating surface 34 pivot in substantially all directions (360°) about and with respect to a centerline or central axis of flexible member 30. In one implementation, rigid member 26 vertically spaces the seating surface 34 from the omnidirectional pivot 46 by at least 6 inches, raising pivot point 46 sufficiently above seating surface 34 and above the center of mass of platform 24 to increase stability, enhancing the ability of a child to mount and ride upon swing 20.
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In the example illustrated, rigid member 26 extends from a center of mass of panel 24 perpendicular to top face 40 of panel 24. In another implementation, rigid member 26 may extend from other portions of panel 24, spaced from the center of mass of panel 24. In other implementations, rigid member 26 may obliquely extend from panel 24.
In the example illustrated, rigid member 26 comprises an elongate hollow tube through which flexible member 30 extends. As a result, rigid member 26 facilitates reliable securement of flexible member 30 to panel 24 and facilitates a knotted or otherwise enlarged end 54 of flexible member 30 to be located below panel 24 and below enlarged end 48 such that the entire weight of swing 20 rests upon the enlarged end 54 of flexible member 30. In the example illustrated, rigid member 26 rigidifies those portions of flexible member 30 extending from below panel 24 and substantially through handle 28, wherein the portions of flexible 30 that initially extend beyond rigid member 26 and handle 28 are those portions that are allowed to pivot in all directions to form pivot point 46. In other implementations, rigid member 26 does not receive flexible member 30, but is connected to flexible member 30 by a hook, ring or other attachment mechanism connected to rigid member 26 at a top end of rigid member 26 or coupled to a top end of rigid member 26 by intermediate or intervening portions of handle 28.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. The term “operably coupled” shall mean that two members are directly or indirectly joined such that motion may be transmitted from one member to the other member directly or via intermediate members.
Handle 28 comprises one or more members supported by rigid member 26 at a height and positions so as to serve as a manually grippable member having a handgrip 60. In the example illustrated, handgrip 60 projects away from a centerline of rigid member 26 and a centerline of flexible member 30 (when flexible member 30 extends along a pure vertical axis that is 90° with respect to horizontal). In the example illustrated, handgrip 60 is centered about a horizontal axis and has a top or upper surface 62 that faces upwardly, allowing a person to manually gripped handgrip 60 about a top of handgrip 60. In one implementation, the top surface 62 of handgrip 60 is spaced less than or equal to 12 inches from top face 40 with a bottom of handle 28 spaced at least 6 inches above seating surface 34 such that a person seated upon seating surface 34 may position his or her legs below handle 28, on both sides or about rigid member 26 while the person grasps panel 28. At the same time In one implementation, handle 28 is sized and supported above seating surface 34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30 above handle 28.
Handgrip 60 of handle 28 has a shape and diameter to facilitate secure and reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated upon seating surface 34. In one implementation, handgrip 60 has a diameter D (shown in
Although handle 28 is illustrated as extending in a substantially horizontal plane, perpendicular to rigid member 26 and perpendicular to flexible member 30 (when swing 20 is simply hanging vertically from a support), in other implementations, handle 28 may have other configurations are orientations. For example, handle 28 or handgrip 60 of handle 28 may be downwardly sloped when projecting from or outward from flexible member 30 or rigid member 26. In another implementation, panel 28 or handgrip 60 may be centered about a vertical or inclined axis, extending about rigid member 26.
In the example illustrated, handle 28 includes an internally threaded hub 66 which to readily receives and externally threaded portion of rigid member 26. Panel 28 includes an opening 68 extending through handle 28 into which rigid member 26 extends and through which flexible member 30 extends. In other implementations, handle 28 may be coupled to rigid member 26 in other fashions. For example, handle 28 may be integrally formed as a single unitary body with rigid member 26 or may be welded, bonded, fused, fastened or otherwise joined to rigid member 26. Although handle 28 is illustrated as receiving a top end of rigid member 26 and as extending above rigid member 26, in other implementations, handle 28 may alternatively be located completely above rigid member 26 or rigid member 26 may extend completely through handle 28 with portions of rigid member 26 projecting above handle 28. In some implementations, rather than having an opening through which flexible member 30 extends, handle 28 may be directly connected or coupled to flexible member 30. For example, flexible member 30 may have a lower end that is tied to otherwise connected to handle 28 rather than simply passing through handle 28. In one implementation, flexible member 30 extends through handle 28 with an enlarged end, such as a knot, bearing against an underside of handle 28. In another implementation, handle 28 may comprise a ring or hook, facilitating the tying, hooking or snapping of a lower end portion of flexible member 30 to handle 28.
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In the example illustrated, panel 24 has an outer profile and an image provided on the upper face 40 of a vehicle, namely, a tractor. Handle 24 has a shape corresponding to or associated with the tractor, a steering wheel of the tractor. Because handle 24 is a circle, panel 24 provides a continuum of different grip orientations and grip widths. In implementations where panel 24 is not circular or where rigid member 26 is not concentrically connected to panel 24, the shape of panel 24 or the image of panel 24 may provide a visual cue suggesting where the person or child should sit upon panel 24. For example, the image of the tractor upon panel 24 as a depicted rear end a depicted front, suggesting to a child that he or she should sit at the rear of the panel 24 with the depicted front tires of the tractor in front of him or her.
Flexible member 30 comprises an elongate flexible member suspending the remainder of swing 20 prone overhead support such as a tree limb, swing frame or the like. In the example illustrated, flexible member 30 comprises a row. As shown by
Overall, swing 20 provides a disk swing having an omnidirectional pivot 46 elevated above the seating surface and above the center of mass of the seating surface to provide a more stable mounting in writing of the swing. Handle 28 provides a handgrip about which a child's hands may individually wrap such a child may securely hold himself or herself on swing 20. The association between the seating surface and the handle provide the child with an exercise implement that sparks the imagination. In some implementations, the graphics or profile/outline of panel 24 further provide visual cues as to a suggested seating location for the child.
Panel 124 is similar to panel 24 except that panel 124 has an egg-shaped oval outer profile. The upper face 40 of panel 124 is provided with an image of a front view of a vehicle, namely a motorcycle, looking rearward provided on top face 40. In other implementations, other user images of a vehicle, and the motorcycle, may be provided on top face 40. For example, in another implementation, top face 40 may be provided with a top-down view of a vehicle, such as the depicted motorcycle, specifically providing an image of the motorcycle seat (identifying the seating surface of panel 24 rearward of handle 128) and the motorcycle control console (forward of handle 128). In one implementation, a representation of a motorcycle control panel or console may be supported by rigid member 26 facing rearwardly towards the seating surface of the depicted motorcycle.
Handle 128 has a shape corresponding to the depicted motorcycle. In the example illustrated, handle 128 is in the shape of motorcycle handlebars 127 having explicit handgrips 160. Handlebars 127 outwardly locate handgrip 160 such that a child can imaginatively believe that they are seated upon a motorcycle while swinging. Handlebars are located such that handgrip 160 do not impede the child's forward view while swinging.
Handgrips 160 extend or face towards the rear of the depicted image of the motorcycle. As a result, the depicted image of the motorcycle provide a visual cue fragile as to where to sit (towards the rear of the depicted motorcycle) facing the front of the depicted motorcycle while gripping handgrips 160. Similar to handgrip 60, handgrips 160 are centered about a horizontal axis and have a top or upper surface 162 that faces upwardly, allowing a person to manually grip handgrip 160 about a top of handgrip 160. In one implementation, the top surface 162 of handgrip 160 is spaced less than or equal to 12 inches from top face 40 of panel 124 with a bottom of handle 128 spaced at least 6 inches above seating surface 34 such that a person seated upon seating surface 34 may position his or her legs below handle 28, on both sides or about rigid member 26 while the person grasps handle 28. In one implementation, handle 28 is sized and supported above seating surface 34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30 above handle 128.
Handgrips 160 of handle 128 has a shape and diameter to facilitate secure and reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated upon seating surface 34. In one implementation, handgrips 160 have a diameter of less than 3 inches, facilitating a complete or full handgrip by most individuals. In one implementation, handgrips 160 have a diameter of less than 2 inches, facilitating a complete a full handgrip by most (95th percentile) children 12 years of age and under. As a result, a person or child utilizing swing 120 may reliably secure and hold onto handle 128, reducing the likelihood or a fear of falling off of swing 120. In other implementations, handgrips 160 may have other diameters.
Handle 228 has a shape associated with the same subject that panel 224 is associated with, the same sport, football. In the example illustrated, handle 228 has a shape of a goalpost, with a lower crossbar 227 and two uprights 229, wherein each upright 229 of the goalpost provides a handgrip 260 extending along substantially vertical axes. The lower crossbar 227 outwardly locates handgrips 260 such that handgrips 260 do not impede the child's forward view while swinging.
Handgrips 260 extend upwardly from the crossbar 227. Because handgrips 260 extend upwardly from crossbar 227, handgrips 260 provide multiple vertically spaced gripping locations, accommodating children of different ages and different sizes. In the example illustrated, crossbar 227 also serves as a handgrip 261 should a child prefer a handgrip extending along a horizontal axis or should the child be younger or smaller such that the lower handgrip 261 is more comfortable.
In one implementation, the top surface 162 of crossbar 227 is spaced less than or equal to 12 inches from top face 40 of panel 224 with a bottom of handle 228 spaced at least 6 inches above seating surface 34 such that a person seated upon seating surface 34 may position his or her legs below crossbar 227 of handle 228, on both sides or about rigid member 26 while the person grasps one or more portions of handle 228. In one implementation, handle 228 is sized and supported above seating surface 34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30 above handle 228.
Handgrips 260, 261 of handle 228 has a shape and diameter to facilitate secure and reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated upon seating surface 34. In one implementation, handgrips 260, 261 have a diameter of less than 3 inches, facilitating a complete or full handgrip by most individuals (approximately 95th percentile). In one implementation, handgrips 260, 261 have a diameter of less than 2 inches, facilitating a complete a full handgrip by most (approximately 95th percentile) children 12 years of age and under. As a result, a person or child utilizing swing 220 may reliably secure and hold onto handle 228, reducing the likelihood or a fear of falling off of swing 220. In other implementations, handgrips 260, 261 may have other diameters.
Handle 328 has a shape associated with the same subject that panel 324 is associated with, the same sport, football. In the example illustrated, handle 228 has a shape associated with a particular football team. In the example illustrated, handle 228 has a shape of a wedge of cheese, traditionally being associated with what I referred to as “Cheeseheads”, fans of the Green Bay Packers professional football team. In other implementations, handle 328 may have other configurations corresponding to objects or shapes associated with other teams, whether they be football teams such as when panel 324 is also associated with the same sport of football or the particular football team, or whether they be other sports and/or teams such as football, basketball, hockey, soccer and the like.
In the example illustrated, handle 328, in the shape of a wedge of cheese, has a flat rear face 360 serving as a visual cue indicating a per child where he or she should sit upon panel 324. As a result, a child is less likely to sit on a portion of panel 324 which will create an imbalance and less stability.
In one implementation, the top surface 362 of handle 328 is spaced less than or equal to 12 inches from top face 40 of panel 324 with a bottom of handle 328 spaced at least 6 inches above seating surface 34 such that a person seated upon seating surface 34 may position his or her legs below handle 328, on both sides or about rigid member 26 while the person grasps one or more portions of handle 328. In one implementation, the sides of handle 328 may have formed therein, handgrips. In one implementation, handle 328 is sized and supported above seating surface 34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30 above handle 328.
In one implementation, panel 328 comprises a block of soft, compressible material or has an outer layer of soft, compressible material, such as foam, providing the child with a cushion for those inches when the child bumps against handle 328. In addition to providing such a cushion against a child's torso (the waist to the neck), handle 328 allows a child to extend his or her legs about rigid member 26 directly beneath handle 328. Even though handle 328 has a large horizontal, upwardly facing surface area, the underlying rigid member 26 has a much smaller horizontal upwardly facing surface area (the smaller diameter of rigid member 26), freeing up a greater region or area of upper surface 40 for use as a seating surface or for supporting the child's legs. As a result, panel 324 may have a smaller surface area while providing the same seating surface area for a child.
Handle 428 has a shape associated with the same subject that panel 424 is associated with, the same sport, basketball. In the example illustrated, handle 428 has a shape of a basket, with a backboard 427 and a rim 429, providing handgrips 460.
Handgrips 460 extend in a circle in a horizontal plane or along a horizontal axis. Because handgrips 460 extend in a circle, handgrips 260 provide multiple horizontally spaced gripping locations extending both parallel and perpendicular to a front of the child seated upon seating surface 34 of panel 424. As a result, a child is offered multiple different gripping widths (the spacing between the left handgrip versus the right hand grip) as well as different gripping orientations (the angle of the left and right handgrips relative to the front of the child or the front of backboard 427). For example, child may grip the front of rim 429 for a first gripping orientation or may grip the sides of rim 429 for different gripping orientations. Because rim 429 is a circle, rim 49 provides a continuum of different grip orientations and grip widths.
In one implementation, the top surface 462 of rim 460 is spaced less than or equal to 12 inches from top face 40 of panel 424 with a bottom of rim 429 (and backboard 427) spaced at least 6 inches above seating surface 34 such that a person seated upon seating surface 34 may position his or her legs below handle 428, on both sides or about rigid member 26 while the person grasps one or more portions of handle 428. In one implementation, handle 428 is sized and supported above seating surface 34 such that a person may alternatively grasp flexible member 30 above handle 428.
Handgrips 460 of handle 428 has a shape and diameter to facilitate secure and reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated upon seating surface 34. In one implementation, handgrips 460 have a diameter of less than 3 inches, facilitating a complete or full handgrip by most individuals (approximately 95th percentile). In one implementation, handgrips 460 have a diameter of less than 2 inches, facilitating a complete and full handgrip by most (approximately 95th percentile) children 12 years of age and under. As a result, a person or child utilizing swing 420 may reliably secure and hold onto handle 428, reducing the likelihood or a fear of falling off of swing 420. In other implementations, handgrips 460 may have other diameters.
Rigid member 526 is similar to rigid member 26 except that rigid member 526 has a varying outer profile or shape corresponding to or associated with the same subject or theme of panel 524. In the example illustrated where the subject or theme is baseball (or softball), wherein panel 524 corresponds to a baseball (or softball), rigid member of 5 to 6 is an outer profile corresponding to the shape of a bat. In the example illustrated, rigid member 526 has an enlarged lower end portion adjacent to panel 524 corresponding to the end of a bat of the upper portion of rigid member 526 narrows forming the handgrip portion of the bat which also corresponds to the handgrip portion of handle 528.
Handle 528 is formed about or along an external service of rigid member 526. Panel 528 has a handgrip 560 about which a person may independently grasp with one or both hands. Handgrip 560 extends along a vertical axis, providing a child with multiple handgrips along the vertical axis depending upon the child's age or size. Because handgrip 560 is a varying diameter along the vertical axis, handgrip 560 allows a child to grip those portions of handle 528 having a diameter that is most comfortable for the child.
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Handgrip 560 of handle 528 has a shape and diameter to facilitate secure and reliable gripping by a person, such as a child, seated upon seating surface 34. In one implementation, handgrip 560 has a diameter of less than 3 inches, facilitating a complete or full handgrip by most individuals (approximately 95th percentile). In one implementation, handgrip 560 has a diameter of less than 2 inches, facilitating a complete and full handgrip by most (approximately 95th percentile) children 12 years of age and under. As a result, a person or child utilizing swing 520 may reliably secure and hold onto handle 528, reducing the likelihood or a fear of falling off of swing 420. In other implementations, handgrips 560 may have other diameters.
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Although the example illustrated depicts panel 524 in the form of a baseball with rigid member 526 and handle 528 in the form the corresponding sport equipment used to hit or propel the ball, a baseball bat, in other implementations, swing 520 may have associations with other sports. For example, panel 524 may alternatively have an outer profile and an image corresponding to that of a tennis ball, wherein rigid member 526 and handle 528 are the shape of a tennis racket, the handgrip 560 being located in the handgrip portion of the simulated tennis racket. In another implementation, panel 524 may alternatively have the outer profile and an image of a golf ball, wherein rigid member 526 and handle 528 are the shape of a golf club, handgrip 560 being located in the handgrip portion of the simulated golf club.
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.