US1712703A - Amusement and exercising device - Google Patents

Description

May 14, 1929. w.'r='.- HUDSON AMUSEMENT AND EXERCISING'DEVICE Filed April 19, 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Av ram/r01? fi lzlrnrmdsow.

A 7 TOR EEK May 14,1929. I 'w. F. HUDSON 1,112,703

I AMUSEMENT AND EXERCISING DEVICE Filed April 19, .1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 A rraaeysx May 14, 1929. w. F HUDSON I 1,712,703

- USEMENT A-ND EXERCISING nay 1 Filed April 19,1923 :Sheets-Sfieet 5 I ATTOJP/VEX May 14, 1929. w. F. HUDSON ,7

AMUSEMENT AND EXERCISING DEVICE- Filed Apri1.l9, 1923 v 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 8 u I v y 9%.. J 4 ran/vex Patented May 14, 1929.

aren't OFFICE.

WILLIAM F. HUDSON, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

AMUSEMENT AND EXERGISING DEVICE.

Application filed April 19, 1923. Serial No. 633,093.

This invention generally stated relates to amusement and exercising devices for children of tender age and has more especial relat-ion to apparatus 0'! this kind in which the supporting structure may be afforded a uni= versal, rocking movement and in which the supported structure may have imparted thereto rotary movement independently of the movement of the supporting structure. Specifically stated the device of the present invention is applicable for use for children of tender age, affording them a safe place in which they may be amused and at the same time presenting the opportunity for exercise without attenrflant dangers; is applicable for use upon a large scale whereby a number of children may be accommodated at one time; is applicable for use as toy; and is applicable for use as an advertising or demonstrating medium.

The leading objects of the present invention may be said to reside in the provision of a device of the character stated in which are combined efiiciency, cheapness, simplicity, lightness of structure, and durability; in which interchangeable parts are provided for enhancing the comfort and amusement of children; in which the safety of children are enhanced; in which miniature devices may be employed as toys and in which devices upon a large scale may be employed at seashore and other resorts as places in which mothers may safely leave their small children; and in which by slight change the de vice may be installed as an automatic demonstrating or advertising medium. A further object resides in the provision of general details of construction and in the arrangement, combination and connection of parts for attaining the results sought by the said leading objects.

The invention consists of the improvements hereinafter described and finally claimed.

The nature, characteristic features and scope of the. invention will be more fully understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying rawings forming part hereof, and in. which Fig. 1, is a top or plan view of a device embodying features of the invention.

Fig. 2, is a view thereof in vertical section.

Fig. 3, is a perspective view of one form of seating medium, detached, and further illustrating adjuncts used in retaining a child in seated position and in shading the occupant from the rays of the sun.

Fig. 4, is a plan view of the retaining attachment shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5, is a view in elevation showing one of a number of alternative seating mediums employed in connection with thedevice of the invention.

Fig. 6, is a top or plan View of a slightly, modified form o'l device in which the supporting structure, longitudinally considered, 11 an axis of greater length than is the axis thereof considered transversely.

Fig. 7, is an end view of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8, is a fragmentary view in plan of a further modified form ol device calculated for use at sea-shore and like places wherein anumber of "the devices are contained within a supporting structure capable of universal, rocking movement.

Fig. 9, is a view thereof in vertical section.

Fig. 10, is a view in vertical section of a further modified form of device which is calculated for use as a toy, and

Fig. 11, is a similar view of a still further modified form of device calculated for use as a demonstrating or advertising medium.

For the purpose of illustrating my invention I have shown in the accompanying drawings several forms thereof which are at present preferred by me, since the same have been found in practice to give satisfactory and reliable results, although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which my invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that my invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and organization of the in strumentahtics as herein shown and described.

Referring to the drawings and with more particular reference to Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, the device of the invention, generally stated, is comprised of a supporting structure and a supported structure each of which are movable in unison and of which the latter forcement and to also provide a smooth edge for the hands when the shell being moved'tromplace to place. The flange is also reinforced 111 an annular manner as 13 to prevent buckling as might arise through the flange impinging against the floor duringrocking of shell 10. Interiorly considered the shell is provided with a plurality of radially disposed ribs 14 which function in two capacities, one of which is to pre "ldO shell reinforcement and the other of which will be hereinafter referred to. Located within ,andextended centrally thereof in a vertical manner is tubular member or socket 15 which may be spot eted to the shell bottom. For illus purposes it is shown being riveted drawings. The supported structure, may be a chair 1G, is arranged to be titted to the socket 15 within the shell so asto have to the shell.

movement in unison with the shell and at the same tnne be free for independent rotary movement or in other words the supported structure. has swiveled relation with respect Secured to the chair bottom is a section of tubing 17 or other cylindrical material for engaging within socket 15. It is desirable at times to vertically adjust chair 16 and for this purpose socket 15 may'beprovided with 21 number of apertures 18 and a cotter-pin 19 employed in. connectiontherewith upon which cottcrpin the bottom, of part 17 rests. However any other desired arrangement maybe cmployed for raising and lowering the sup 7 ported structure. It is thus apparent that the chair 16 or other seating medium employed is supported by a structure located wholly within shell 10. Thus the seating medium is positioned much nearer the floor than would be thecasc if the same were superimposed upon, that is above, the shell top. Thus the device as a whole rendered less top-heavy, tends to eliminate undue rocking movement, and tends to relieve a childs mind of fear be'ause it is seated close to the floor. In order to properly maintain a baby in seated position use is made of a retaining strap as clearly shown in Figs. 3 ands. This retaining strap, whichis preferably made of waterproofing material, is of substantially T-shaped configuration and is comprised of a longitudinal strip 18 secured to which, as by stitching, is a eross-piece 19. The strip is adapted to rest upon the seat 16 and to be straddled by the child occupying the seat, the crosspiece 19 being extended across th abdomen of the child. The rear end of strip 18 has secured thereto, as by stitching, two strings 20, as tape, and each end of cross-piece 19 has secured thereto a pair of similar strings 21. These strings 2021 may be secured to the back and sides respectively of seat 16, as clearly shown in Fig. 3, or all the strings may be secured to the back of the scat. So positioned a child straddling strip 18, is prevented from undue sliding forward and is maintained in u 'iright position against the hack of seat 16. In this position the childs feet are calculated to reach the inner wall of shell 10 and contact with the ribs 1 1-. 'lhcsc ribs ailord means whereby th child may find a foot-hold with which to push against the shell. The seat may be arranged in eccentric relation if more foot room dcsi This results in rotative nmvement ot the seat 16. The child thus early learns to use its feet. A handrail is also provided whereby the child ma exercise. its arms by grasping such hand ill order to cause rotativc movement of seat 16. r his hand-rail which is designated 22 arranged concentrically with respect to shell 10 and is supported by a plurality of arms 23 fixed to and mounted upon the flange 11 of shell 10. The device of the invention is designed for use (moot-doors as well as ill-doors and when used out-of-doors it may be desirable to employ a sun-shade 2 1-. The sun-shade may be employed as shown in Fig. 3, or it may be supported from flanges 11 or hand rail 22. In order to support the sun-sluule a socket 2.7 is provided in the instance shown, upon the back of seat 16, which socket is provided with a set-screw 2G to secure the rod 27 of the sunshade 24 in place. The rod 27 may be of goose-neck configuration and is so shown. The device of the invention has been designed along economical lines so that it may be utilized for children of varied ages. For instance it in a house-hold there are children of tender and more advanced ages, those children of more advanced age may use the device by substituting for the seat 16, a seating element symbolic ol a bird, animal or the like as shown in Fig. 5. For illustrative purpose a duck 28 is shown as being supported within shell 10. The ducks bac is provided with a recessed portion 29 which serves as a saddle or seat. The duck is supported upon a section of tubing 17 which is rotativelv fitted within socket 15 which part 15 am its companion parts as well as shell 10 are similar in all rcspects to those above described. Thus a child may secure a rocking and rotative Ill) amusement and exercise.

movement as is readily. apparent. A number of different animalsmay be purchased for use in conjunction with the device and when not in use in connection therewith may further afford amusement to children through the medium of stabling quarters. Inorder to further accentuate the exercising and amusement features of the device the shell may be of elliptical form, considered in plan, see Fig. 6. In said figure thetimes above described form embodiments of the invention for use in the house-hold. I also have in mind making use of the features of the present invention at resorts, parlrs and other amusement places where mothers may safely check their children and at the same time afford such children One embodiment of such type of device is illustrated in Figs.

8 and 9. The numeral designates a shell of suitable material built upon a liberal scalein order that a plurality of devices, such. for instance as-shown in Figs. 1 and 2, may be operatively positioned therein. The shell is provided with a flanged portion 31 which acts as a stop in case the shell is freely mounted for rocking movement. The shell may if desired have imparted thereto a rotary, rocking or combined rotary and rocking movement by suitable mechanism or it may be retained stationary by means of suitable braces 32 as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 9. Within the shell may be arranged an annular track 83 upon which are mounted a plurality of the devices before described. These devices are afforded movement independently of any movement acquired by shell 30. This track 32-3 may be provided with an inner, annular rail or guard 34 to prevent accidental displacement of the rockingdevices. Instead of a traclra frame with recessed or cut-away portions to receive the devices may be employed. I also have in mind making up th device of the invention in toy. form. The shell 3d, flange 35, rail 86. and seat 37 are of the general shape and design of the actual size device. The seat 37 isrotatably supported by the socket 38 located directly within the shell 34 as described with regard If desired the shell tothe foregoing constructions. Obviously instead of seat 37 an animal, bird or the to occupy the seat thus affording a realistic toy when the parts function in a manner symbolic of the actual device. While the shell may be readily rocked by the hand it desirable to have the seat 37 function automatically. For this purpose use is made of a conventional toy springmotor 38 capable of being wound by key 39. motor operates a shaft 40 provided with a pinion 41 which pinion is in mesh with an annular toothed rack 42 secured to the bottom of seat 37. Thus a rotary movement is imparted to the seat as is readily apparent from an inspection of Fig. 10. However the motor may be geared directly to part 17 of the seat or otherwise connected. For advertising and demonstrating purposes I. have in mind a constructlon of device for location in store windows and like places.

In this typeof device it is desirable to have the shell and seat both to function automatically. The numeral 43 designates a suitable support, as the bottom of a store window upon which is mounted for universal rocking movement a shell 44. While for this purpose a universal joint 45 may be interposed between the shell andsupport 43, the shell bottom may be provided with a depending pin working loosely in a hole in the support In order to cause the shell 44 to move aroundits universaljoint use is made of cams lG mounted upon shafts which rotate in different directions as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 11. Fitted to socket 47 which is located wholly within shell His a seat 41-8. I or advertising purposes, such as window dis lay, it is desirable that the seat instead of eing afforded a complete cycle of revolution, be afforded an oscillating movement so that if a figure, as a doll, occupies seattS, the same always faces the win dow. For illustrative purposes I have seat. Each spring motor is provided with a tappct arm d8 adapted to alternately impinge against a pin 49 fixed to seat spindle 50. 'The motors operate in different directions so that one tappet arm moves the seat ance with the present invention other and further objects and advantages not previously referred to will be given at this time. Primarily the device of the invention is an exercising medium calculated to afford ex- This s be stated thatthe seat 16 may be provided and is not forced upon a baby as in the case r of a coach, cradle, swing and the like operated by an attendant or'nurse. When a baby tires of exercising its feet and legs or tires of moving seatv with its hands, the babyattains complete rest by remaining inactive. As weight ofbody is sustained by seat the tendency to become bow-legged is eliminated although .the feet and legs are afforded exercise. In the connection it may atits front with a hinged flap 16 or other suitable form of extension whereby the seat maybe shortened for very small children and lengthened for larger children so that their feet may always be in contact with the bowl interior as this is an essential feature of the exercising procedure. Not only may the legs be exercised but the body, head, neck and arms may be developed and the back supported. F urther the movements may be madenaturally, the body not being seated in an awkward or abnormal position and a baby from the time it has sufficient strength with which to. hold up its head until, and subsequent to the time it can walk may attain in the said device all the exercise it is usual to'obtain by rolling and crawling around the floor without the attendant dangers,.insanitary conditions and other objectional features. The device also presents the "advantage of a mothers helper .in that va baby may be kept amused, kept clean, its clothes saved from undue wear, wear and tear on furniture and the like reduced and if a babyis fed therein crumbs and the like fall into the bowl instead of upon the floor. All ofthese and other advantages too numerous to mention are derived because of the structural arrangement,

of having a bowl-like rocking member in which is mounted for movement in unison therewith and movement independently thereof a seatso disposed that the feet of the occupant may constantly contact with side walls of said bowl-like member in order to naturally, with little or no effort derive beneficial, corrective and pleasing forms of exercise. a v s It will now be apparent that I have dea vised a novel and useful construction which embodies the features, of advantage enumerated as desirable in the statement of, the invention and the above description and while I have in the present instance shown and described the preferred embodiments thereof which have been found in practice to give satisfactor and reliable results, it is to be understoo that the same are susceptible of modification in various particulars without departing from the spirit or scope of the in vention or sacrificing any of its advantages.

What I claim is:

1. A device of the character stated comprising a bowl-like shell having spherical inner and outer surfaces to permit of a universal free rocking movement, a seat arranged within the shell for free rotar movement and relatively short means wit iin and positively secured to the shell bottom for supporting said seat which seat is relatively small as compared to the shell and is so disposed with respect to the shell that the feet of an occupant thereof are free to at all times engage the inner concaved wall of said shell to accomplish rocking of the shell and rotation of the seat.

2. A construction as described in claim 1, characterized by the inner wall of said shell having spaced, radially arranged foot engagement means.

3. A construction as described in claim 1, characterized by a socket located within and positively fixed to the wall of said shell in which socket said seat is vertically adjustable.

4. A self-balancing device of the character stated comprising a bowl-like structure having inner and outer spherical surfaces, capable of a universal, rocking movement, said structure having an annular flange to limit rocking movement, a socket located within and. positively secured to the bottom of said shell, a seat relatively smaller than said bowl, and a socket-engaging member carried by the seat and arranged in said socket the bottom of said member lying in a plane below the plane of said flange whereby said device as a whole can not upset.

A construction as described in claim 4, characterized by the inner wall of said bowl-like structure being provided with spaced, radially disposed ribs forming footgrips.

6. A device of the character stated comprising a r'cvolubly arranged seat and a substantially bowl-shaped base relatively larger than said seat and within which said seat is mounted, said base having a generally spherical concavity the surface of which is spaced below and outwardly from the chair front to provide both leg room and a substantially annular foot-way.

7. A device of the character stated comprising a revolubly arranged seat and a substantially bowl-shaped base relatively larger than said seat and within which said seat is mounted, said base having a generally sphcrical concavity the surface of which is spaced below and outwardly from the scat-front to provide both leg room and a substantially annular foot-way, said footway being provided with spaced, foot engagement means.

8. A device of the character stated comprising a revolubly arranged seat, a substantially annular foot-way, and a socket stantially bowl-shaped base relatively larger within and positively fixed to the bottom than said seat and within which said seat is wall of said base within which socket said 10 mounted, said base having a generally seat is vertically adjustable.

5 spherical concavity the surface of which is In. testimony whereof, I have hereunto spaced below and outwardly from the seatsigned my name. front ,to provide both leg room and a sub- WILLIAM F. HUDSON.

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