US20050107173A1

US20050107173A1 - Recreational swings and toddler attachments for swinging and spinning

Info

Publication number: US20050107173A1
Application number: US10/988,725
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Pelletier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-11-19
Filing date: 2004-11-15
Publication date: 2005-05-19

Abstract

There is provided swings for swinging and spinning and for simultaneous use by one or more individuals. The swings provide one or more seating members for one or more individuals to sit and provide a common point from which the supports of the swing are suspended for rotational spinning of the swing. The multiple seating members may be fastened together with a connector or fastened directly together to define a cross, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal pattern. Some swings provide a center opening through which one or more seated individuals may place their legs during use of the swing. In addition, toddler attachments are provided for placement in the center openings of the various swings. The toddler attachments comprise a frame member having attachments to connect the toddler attachments to the supports of the swing it is placed upon. A fabric member substantially engages the edges of the frame member and the fabric member defines a recess with leg holes into which a toddler may be seated.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/523,463, filed Nov. 19, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to recreational swings, and more particularly, to swings and toddler attachments for swinging and rotational spinning, where the swings may be simultaneously used by multiple people.
2. Description of Related Art
Recreational swings are often found on playgrounds, parks, and residential areas and are commonly used by children and adults for fun and relaxation. Typically, swings are designed for motion along one plane, where the motion is forward and backward rotation about the bar to which the swing is attached with a rope or chain. Additionally, swings are typically designed to seat one person.
A “tire swing” is a swing that generally includes a tire that defines a circular seating surface having a circular hole in the center and that is suspended by multiple ropes, chains, or cables that are tied to the tire and attached to a mount or pivot positioned above the tire. The tire swing not only provides forward and backward rotation about the mount or pivot but also provides rotational spinning about a central axis of the tire swing. However, such tire swings are often too small to accommodate two or more individuals at the same time. In addition, such tire swings often degrade so that they become unsafe to swing on and often collect water that may splash on the people swinging on the tire swing. Therefore, such tire swings may be unsafe and inconvenient to use because such tires were not intended for use as swings.
Conventional swings are limited in their ability to produce a more long-lasting, yet safe, form of amusement because of their one plane motion for one person. To illustrate this, children will often resort to winding, jumping off, or standing on the swings. These and further actions are often induced by boredom and may lead to injuries to the children. Additionally, social interaction between individuals is limited during use of conventional swings because each swing is occupied by a single individual such that two or more individuals must take turns swinging or must swing on independent swings.
Accordingly, a need exists for a swing that provides more than one plane of motion, which would increase the individual's level of enjoyment by allowing for motion in more than one direction. In addition, a need exists for a swing that conveniently seats two or more people to increase the social interaction between the individuals.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention addresses the above needs and achieves other advantages by providing multiple swings for simultaneous use by multiple individuals. The swings of the present invention are suspended by supports from a common point, which provide motion in a swinging direction and/or a rotational spinning direction. The supports are preferably a rope material, and the supports are advantageously tied into knots below a bottom surface of the swing to support the swing.
Swings of the present invention comprise a swing defining curved surfaces for use by a single individual or a swing with two seats having two curved surfaces joined by a connector for use by two individuals. A swing for four or more individuals comprises two seating members that each comprises two seats, wherein the seating members are joined at a center point. An alternative swing defines a seesaw swing, wherein the supports are positioned on a pulley to provide a rocking motion in addition to the swinging and spinning motions.
Swings having three, four, five, or six seating members are also provided by the present invention. The seating members are fastened at lap joints and define through holes in the lap joints for the supports to pass through and be retained in a knot to support the seating members of the swing. A center opening is defined in each swing through which the individuals seated on the swing can place their legs.
In addition, a toddler attachment may be positioned in the center opening. The toddler attachment comprises a frame member preferably defining the same number of edges as the number of seating members of the swing to which it is attached. Attachments are included on the frame member of the toddler attachments for attaching the toddler attachment to the supports of the swing. The frame member is preferably sized to rest upon the seating members of the swing, though alternative embodiments of the toddler attachments may be supported entirely by the supports of the swing. The toddler attachments also comprise a fabric member that substantially engages the edges of the frame member and that defines a recess having two leg holes into which a toddler or child may be seated.
Accordingly, the swings and toddler attachments of the present invention provide more than one plane of motion, such as swinging and spinning, which increases the individual's level of enjoyment. In addition, the swings and toddler attachments conveniently seat two or more people to increase the social interaction between the individuals

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a single-seat swing having a seat with a curved profile;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a two-seat swing comprising two curved seats similar to FIG. 1 attached by a connector;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a swing that seats up to five people and comprises two seating members fastened at their respective center points;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a two-seat seesaw swing that comprises a pulley;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a three-seat swing defining a triangular configuration;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a four-seat swing defining a rectangular configuration;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a five-seat swing defining a pentagonal configuration;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a six-seat swing defining a hexagonal configuration;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a two-seat swing defining a “bow tie” configuration;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a swing in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a swing that seats four or more people and comprises two overlapping seating members;
FIG. 11 is a side planar view of a D-ring used to support the swings of FIGS. 1-10 wherein each rope is individually attached to the D-ring;
FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of overlapping seating members of a swing illustrating the knot in the rope below the seating members and the bolt, washer, and locknut used to fasten the seating members together;
FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a swing such as the swing of FIG. 3, illustrating the knots in the rope and the bolts, washers, and locknut used to fasten the seating members together;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a toddler attachment in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a triangular toddler attachment defining a fabric member with a recess for the toddler and holes for the toddler's legs;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a toddler attachment in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a rectangular toddler attachment defining a fabric member with a recess for the toddler and holes for the toddler's legs; and
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a toddler attachment in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a pentagonal toddler attachment defining a fabric member with a recess for the toddler and holes for the toddler's legs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
With reference to FIGS. 1-16, various swing configurations of the present invention are illustrated. The swing configurations offer significant advancement in enjoyment, interaction, and ease of use. The swings of the present invention increase the individual's level of enjoyment by allowing for motion in more than one direction. The swings provide angular rotation, also described as spinning, simultaneously with the forward and backward rotation about a point from which the swing is suspended, also described as swinging. Alternatively, the swings may spin independent of swinging, or swing independently of spinning. Thus, the swings of the present invention allow for a total of three motions: spinning, swinging, and simultaneous spinning and swinging.
The swing configurations of FIGS. 1-16 may provide for increased spontaneous social interaction between adults and children or among adults or children. In today's society of declining family and peer interactions, such interaction is desirable. The increased interaction provided by the swing configurations of the present invention is attributable to the multiperson design, which accommodates multiple individuals simultaneously. The designs offer variations of seating arrangements. The swing designs also provide for convenient use of the swings, which further facilitates increased interaction between the individuals.
Referring to the swing of FIG. 1, illustrating the embodiments of a single person swing of the present invention, the swing 10 defines a seat having a curved profile. The swing comprises a seat 12 defining a concave front surface 14 and a convex rear surface 16 opposite the concave front surface. All the seats or seating members of the illustrated swings are wood; however, further embodiments of the present invention may comprise seats or seating members that comprise metal, polymer, elastomer, and/or other materials, to list a few non-limiting examples of alternative materials. The seat 12 of FIG. 1 defines a top surface 20 upon which the individual may sit and a 22 bottom surface opposite the top surface. The seat 12 defines two through holes 18 extending through the thickness of the seat, where the holes are located between the front surface 14 and the rear surface 16 and are on opposite ends of the seat. Two supports 24 are fastened in the holes and suspend from a common point, which in the illustrated embodiment is a D-ring 26.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the D-ring 26 of FIG. 1; however alternative ways of suspending the supports 24 from a common point are included in the present invention. The common points of this and all further embodiments of the present invention do not require all the supports to intersect at a single point, rather the supports must suspend for a feature that allows spinning of the swing. Each support 24 of FIG. 1 passes through a hole 18 and is restrained on the bottom surface 22 of the seat 12. Further embodiments of the swings of the present invention may include alternative retention of the supports other than the through holes of the illustrated embodiments.
As shown in FIG. 1, the concave front surface 14 and the convex rear surface 16 each define a radius, and the radius of the concave front surface is no greater than the radius of the convex rear surface in the illustrated recreational swing 10. Alternative swings of the present invention have curved faces of any relative curvature. The seat 12 defines a centerline down the middle of the seat, and the through holes 18 are located at equal distances from the centerline of the seat. The through holes 18 are advantageously separated by a distance sufficient to accommodate a seated adult; however further embodiments of the swing of FIG. 1 or of any other swing configuration of the present invention may have through holes spaced at any relative distance. In this regard, the swing of FIG. 1 can be built to accommodate more than one person if made sufficiently wide.
Each support 24 is restrained on the bottom surface 22 of the seat 12 by a knot in the support, similar to the knots of FIGS. 12 and 13. Similarly, the supports of all the swing configurations of FIGS. 1-10 comprise knots on the bottom surface of the seats to support the seat. The knots are preferably tied such that they do not become unintentionally tied, particularly during use of the swing. The knots may also be undone and retied to adjust the length of the supports. Alternative methods may be used for attaching the supports to the seat. For example, fasteners, such as eye-hooks, can be connected to the seat and attached to the supports. Further, supports other than ropes are contemplated. The swing 10 of FIG. 1 comprises supports that are ropes; however, further embodiments of the swing may comprise supports that are cables, chains, or the like.
Referring to the swing 30 of FIG. 2, the illustrated swing comprises two seats of the swing of FIG. 1 that are each fastened to a connector 32. The first seat 34 and the second seat 36 of FIG. 2 comprise concave front surfaces and convex rear surfaces similar to the surfaces of the seat 10 of FIG. 1. Alternative embodiments of the seat 30 of FIG. 2 may comprise a first seat 34 and a second seat 36 that comprise any size or shape and are not limited to the curved front and rear surfaces. Each seat 34 and 36 define a top surface 38 and 40, respectively, and a bottom surface 42 and 44, respectively, opposite the top surfaces. The top surfaces 38 and 40 are structured to each seat an individual. The seats 34 and 36 also comprise two through holes 46 each on opposite ends of the seat, and the connector 32 is fastened to the bottom surfaces 42 and 44 of the seats. The connector 32 is also centered between the through holes 46 of the seats 34 and 36. The connector 32 of the illustrated embodiment comprises three fasteners 48 on each seat 34 and 36 of the swing 30.
The fasteners of FIG. 2, as well as the fasteners illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5-8, 12, and 13, comprise a bolt 60 that passes through two or more holes in members of a swing and passes through a washer 62 and is threaded into a locknut 64. Advantageously the head of the bolt 60 engages the top surface of the swing, and is preferably a flat head or counter sunk bolt so that the individuals sitting on the top surface of the swing do not feel the bolt head. The illustrated bolt heads are button head bolts, but any bolt heads may be used in the present invention. Furthermore, the bolt 60 may be threaded into a portion of the seats or various other nuts to fasten the members of a seat together. The washer 62 may be a lock washer or any other washer design, or no washer may be included. In addition, the locknut 64 may be a nut of any design and does not necessarily require a locking feature. Alternative embodiments of the swings of the present invention may be fastened by still further devices, such as screws, nails, rivets, and adhesives, to list a few non-limiting examples. Still further alternative embodiments of the invention may define swing seats that comprise a continuous seat with no fasteners, such as a seat that is blow molded or thermoformed as a single unit, to list one non-limiting example.
Returning to the swing 30 of FIG. 2, the swing 30 is supported by supports 50 that suspend from a common point, which is the D-ring 52. The D-ring 52 of FIG. 2 and all the illustrated D-rings of the present invention are similar to the D-ring 26 of FIG. 11 and all the illustrated supports of the present invention are attached to a common point in a similar manner as the support 24 of FIG. 11. Alternative embodiments may comprise a common point of any configuration, a non-limiting example being a snap link, and the supports may suspend from the common point in any manner. The support 24 of FIG. 11 is individually suspended from the D-ring 26, such that the support is braided to itself to define loop enclosing the D-ring such that the loop is an integral part of the support. Advantageously, the individual supports are braided together above the common point or proximate the common point to connect the supports to the common point. Braiding the individual supports together advantageously improves the connection of the supports to the common point and provides an efficient method of connecting the supports to the common point. Alternative ways of suspending the supports from the common point are comprised in further embodiments of the present invention. The supports of the embodiments illustrated and discussed herein are advantageously rope material that may be braided together or braided to itself. However, alternative supports, such as chains, cables, and the like, may suspend from the common point in alternative manners.
The length of the supports, such as supports 24 of FIG. 1 or supports 50 of FIG. 2 are advantageously a length sufficient to provide convenient use of the swing without the individual sitting on the swing accidentally bumping into the common point or without the individual becoming entangled as the supports converge on the common point. A length of 6 foot is usually sufficient, though further embodiments of the present invention may use alternative lengths. The supports 50 of the illustrated swing are rope, but alternative supports may be substituted as described above.
The swing 70 of FIG. 3 is a recreational swing for use by multiple individuals, preferably by four individuals. The swing 70 comprises a first seating member 72 defining two seats 74 and 76 at opposite ends of the first seating member and a center point midway between the opposed seats. The first seating member 72 comprises two through holes 78 located at equal and opposite distances from the center point of the first seating member, a non-limiting example being 9 inches from the center point. The first seating member 72 defines a top surface 80 upon which one or more individuals may sit and a bottom surface 82 opposite the top surface. The swing 70 also comprises a second seating member 84 defining two seats 86 and 88 at opposite ends of the second seating member and a center point midway between the opposed seats. The second seating member 84 comprises two through holes 90 located at equal and opposite distances from the centerpoint of the second seating member. The second seating member 84 defines a top surface 92 upon which one or more individuals may sit and a bottom surface opposite 94 the top surface. Each seating member 72 and 84 of the illustrated embodiment preferably defines a width of 4¼ inches along a central length of 15¼ inches that extends outward at the seats to define a surface of 8½ inches by 11 inches for each seat.
The swing 70 comprises at least one fastener 96 joining the first seating member 72 to the second seating member 84 such that the center point of the first seating member is substantially above the center point of the second seating member. The swing 70 of FIG. 3 advantageously comprises four {fraction (1/4)} inch by 1½ inch carriage bolts with washers and locknuts similar to the fasteners discussed in FIG. 12. The fasteners are preferably arranged in a 4 inches by 4 inches square. Further embodiments of the swing 70 may comprise any number of fasteners in any orientation.
The swing 70 is supported by four supports 98 suspended from a common point 100, wherein each support passes through a hole 78 of the first seating member 72 or a hole 90 of the second seating member 84 and is restrained on the bottom surface of each respective seating member. A distance between the two through holes 78 of the first seating member 72 is equal to a distance between the two through holes 90 of the second seating member 84 in the illustrated embodiment, though further embodiments may have distances of unequal lengths. The distance between the through holes 78 and between the through holes 90 of FIG. 3 is approximately 18 inches though further embodiments of the swing may comprise different distances. The common point from which the four supports suspend comprises a D-ring 100, or alternatively a snap link, similar to the common points of the other swings. The supports 98 of the illustrated embodiment are advantageously four ½ inch by 6 foot braided nylon ropes braided at the top and attached to the D-ring, snap link, or alternative common point. Each support 98 is restrained on the bottom surface 82 and 94 of the seating members 72 and 84, respectively, by a knot in the support, similar to the knots described above, wherein the knots allow for adjustment of the swing height. Alternatively, the supports may be retained in other manners, as described above. The supports 98 of the swing 70 of FIG. 3 are rope, but may comprise alternative supports as described above.
The seating members 72 and 84 of the illustrated embodiment are fastened together orthogonally to define a cross or “X” pattern, but further embodiments of the swing 70 may comprise seating members that are connected at angles greater than or less than 90 degrees. Furthermore, the swing 70 may comprise more than two seating members joined at various angles.
The swing 110 of FIG. 4 is a seesaw swing having a single seating member 112 supported by supports 114 that contact a pulley 116. The swing 110 provides swinging motion and rotational motion, as well as rocking motion about the pulley 116. The seating member 112 defines two seats 118 and 120 at opposite ends of the seating member and a midplane midway between the opposed seats. The seating member 112 comprises four through holes 122 located in sets of two at equal and opposite distances from a midplane of the first seating member. The seating member 112 defines a top surface 124 upon which two or more individuals may sit and a bottom surface 126 opposite the top surface.
The supports 114 of the swing 110 are restrained on the bottom surface 126 of the seating member 112 by knots in the support, similar to the knots described above. The supports 112 of the swing 110 of FIG. 4 are rope, but may comprise alternative supports as described above. The supports 112 converge at knots prior to contacting the pulley 116 such that only a single rope is positioned on the pulley 116. The pulley 116 is connected to the common point 128 that can be a D-ring similar to the common point of FIGS. 1-3 described above. The common point 128 may alternatively define any support that allows rotational spinning about the common point.
The swing 130 of FIG. 5 is a three-seat swing defining a triangular configuration. The swing 130 defines three seating members 132, 134, and 136 that preferably measure 35⅝ inches by 5½ inches and are positioned in a triangular shape. Further embodiments of the swing 130 may comprise alternative dimensions that are less than or greater than the illustrated embodiment. The seating members are advantageously fastened with fasteners 138 similar to the fasteners of FIGS. 2, 3, and 12. The fasteners 138 of FIG. 4 comprise ¼ inch by 1½ inch carriage bolts that pass through two overlapping seating members and one or more washers and are threaded into locknuts to fasten the seating members. The lap joint of the seating members may also comprise two or more fasteners. The bolts and nuts are preferably recessed below the surface of the members for safety purposes. Alternative triangular swings may be fastened by further devices as described above.
The swing 130 is suspended by three supports 140, which in the illustrated embodiment are three ½ inch by 6 foot braided nylon ropes braided at the top and attached to a snap link that defines a common point 142. Alternative supports 140 and common points 142 may be used as described above. The supports 140 each pass through two vertically aligned through holes 144 of the seating members defining a lap joint 146. The seating members comprise two through holes 144, one at each end of the opposite ends of each seating member, that are positioned such that the through holes vertically align when the overlapping seating members define the lap joint 146. The lap joint 146 is defined by a lower lap 148 of one seating member positioned below an upper lap 150 of an adjacent seating member such that the fastened seating members define a top surface 152 that is generally planar and a bottom surface 154 that is generally planar. The top surface 152 defines a surface upon which one or more individuals may sit during use of the swing. Each seating member preferably comprises one lower lap 148 and one upper lap 150 to define three lap joints 146 of the swing 130. Further embodiments of the swing 130 may comprise alternative joints between the seating members that may or may not comprise through holes 144. The resulting seating area of each seating member of FIG. 5 measures 22 inches by 5½ inches. However, further embodiments may define seating areas smaller or larger than the illustrated embodiment.
The through holes 144 are preferably 2 inches from the outside edge of the seating members in the preferred embodiment; however, through holes of further embodiments may be located at alternative locations. The supports 140 are restrained on the bottom surface 154 of the swing 130 with a simple knot that allows for height adjustment, as described above. Alternative supports that are also described above may be used for the swing 130. Furthermore, alternative retention of the supports may be incorporated, as described above. The three-seat swing 130 of FIG. 5 advantageously seats three individuals, with one individual on each seating member; however, any reasonable number of individuals may use the swing at one time.
Similar to the swing 130 of FIG. 5, the swing 160 of FIG. 6 is a four-seat swing defining a rectangular configuration that is advantageously a square configuration. The swing 160 defines four seating members 162, 163, 164, and 165 that preferably measure 32 inches by 5½ inches and are positioned in a square shape. Further embodiments of the swing 160 may comprise alternative dimensions that are less than or greater than the illustrated embodiment. The seating members are advantageously fastened with fasteners 168 similar to the fasteners of FIG. 12. The fasteners 168 of FIG. 6 comprise {fraction (1/4)} inch by 1½ inch carriage bolts that pass through two overlapping seating members and one or more washers and are threaded into locknuts to fasten the seating members. The lap joint of the seating members may also comprise two or more fasteners. The bolts and nuts are preferably recessed below the surface of the members for safety purposes. Alternative rectangular swings may be fastened by further devices as described above.
The swing 160 is suspended by four supports 170, which in the illustrated embodiment are four ½ inch by 6 foot braided nylon ropes braided at the top and attached to a snap link that defines a common point 172. Alternative supports 170 and common points 172 may be used as described above. The supports 170 each pass through two vertically aligned through holes 174 of the seating members defining a lap joint 176. The seating members comprise two through holes 174, one at each end of the opposite ends of each seating member, that are positioned such that the through holes vertically align when the overlapping seating members define the lap joint 176. The lap joint 176 is defined by a lower lap 178 of one seating member positioned below an upper lap 180 of an adjacent seating member such that the fastened seating members define a top surface 182 that is generally planar and a bottom surface 184 that is generally planar. The top surface 182 defines a surface upon which one or more individuals may sit during use of the swing. Each seating member preferably comprises one lower lap 178 and one upper lap 180 to define four lap joints 176 of the swing 160. Further embodiments of the swing 160 may comprise alternative joints between the seating members that may or may not comprise through holes 174. The resulting seating area of each seating member of FIG. 6 measures 21 inches by 5½ inches and defines a center opening of the swing that measures 21 inches by 21 inches. However, further embodiments may define seating areas or center openings smaller or larger than the illustrated embodiment.
The through holes 174 are preferably 1½ inches from the outside edge of the seating members in the preferred embodiment; however, through holes of further embodiments may be located at alternative locations. The supports 170 are restrained on the bottom surface 184 of the swing 160 with a simple knot that allows for height adjustment, as described above. Alternative supports that are also described above may be used for the swing 160. Furthermore, alternative retention of the supports may be incorporated, as described above. The four-seat swing 160 of FIG. 6 advantageously seats four individuals, with one individual on each seating member; however, any reasonable number of individuals may use the swing at one time.
Similar to the swings of FIGS. 5 and 6, the swing 190 of FIG. 7 is a five-seat swing defining a pentagonal configuration. The swing 190 defines five seating members 192, 193, 194, 195, and 196 that preferably measure 25½ inches by 5½ inches and are positioned in a pentagon shape. Further embodiments of the swing 190 may comprise alternative dimensions that are less than or greater than the illustrated embodiment. The seating members are advantageously fastened with fasteners 198 similar to the fasteners of FIG. 12. The fasteners 198 of FIG. 7 comprise ¼ inch by 1½ inch carriage bolts that pass through two overlapping seating members and one or more washers and are threaded into locknuts to fasten the seating members. The lap joint of the seating members may also comprise two or more fasteners. The bolts and nuts are preferably recessed below the surface of the members for safety purposes. Alternative pentagonal swings may be fastened by further devices as described above.
The swing 190 is suspended by five supports 200, which in the illustrated embodiment are five ½ inch by 6 foot braided nylon ropes braided at the top and attached to a snap link that defines a common point 202. Alternative supports 200 and common points 202 may be used as described above. The supports 200 each pass through two vertically aligned through holes 204 of the seating members defining a lap joint 206. The seating members comprise two through holes 204, one at each end of the opposite ends of each seating member, that are positioned such that the through holes vertically align when the overlapping seating members define the lap joint 206. The lap joint 206 is defined by a lower lap 208 of one seating member positioned below an upper lap 210 of an adjacent seating member such that the fastened seating members define a top surface 212 that is generally planar and a bottom surface 214 that is generally planar. The top surface 212 defines a surface upon which one or more individuals may sit during use of the swing. Each seating member preferably comprises one lower lap 208 and one upper lap 210 to define five lap joints 206 of the swing 190. Further embodiments of the swing 190 may comprise alternative joints between the seating members that may or may not comprise through holes 204. The resulting seating area of each seating member of FIG. 7 measures 14 inches by 5½ inches and defines a center opening with 14 inches edges. However, further embodiments may define seating areas or center openings smaller or larger than the illustrated embodiment.
The through holes 204 are preferably 2½ inches from the outside edge of the seating members in the preferred embodiment; however, through holes of further embodiments may be located at alternative locations. The supports 200 are restrained on the bottom surface 214 of the swing 190 with a simple knot that allows for height adjustment, as described above. Alternative supports that are also described above may be used for the swing 190. Furthermore, alternative retention of the supports may be incorporated, as described above. The five-seat swing 190 of FIG. 7 advantageously seats five individuals, with one individual on each seating member; however, any reasonable number of individuals may use the swing at one time.
Similar to the swings of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the swing 220 of FIG. 8 is a six-seat swing defining a hexagonal configuration. The swing 220 defines six seating members 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, and 227 that preferably measure 25¼ inches by 5½ inches and are positioned in a hexagon shape. Further embodiments of the swing 220 may comprise alternative dimensions that are less than or greater than the illustrated embodiment. The seating members are advantageously fastened with fasteners 228 similar to the fasteners of FIG. 12. The fasteners 228 of FIG. 8 comprise {fraction (1/4)} inch by 1½ inch carriage bolts that pass through two overlapping seating members and one or more washers and are threaded into locknuts to fasten the seating members. The lap joint of the seating members may also comprise two or more fasteners. The bolts and nuts are preferably recessed below the surface of the members for safety purposes. Alternative hexagonal swings may be fastened by further devices as described above.
The swing 220 is suspended by six supports 230, which in the illustrated embodiment are six ½ inch by 6 foot braided nylon ropes braided at the top and attached to a snap link that defines a common point 232. Alternative supports 230 and common points 232 may be used as described above. The supports 230 each pass through two vertically aligned through holes 234 of the seating members defining a lap joint 236. The seating members comprise two through holes 234, one at each end of the opposite ends of each seating member, that are positioned such that the through holes vertically align when the overlapping seating members define the lap joint 236. The lap joint 236 is defined by a lower lap 238 of one seating member positioned below an upper lap 240 of an adjacent seating member such that the fastened seating members define a top surface 242 that is generally planar and a bottom surface 244 that is generally planar. The top surface 242 defines a surface upon which one or more individuals may sit during use of the swing. Each seating member preferably comprises one lower lap 238 and one upper lap 240 to define six lap joints 236 of the swing 220. Further embodiments of the swing 220 may comprise alternative joints between the seating members that may or may not comprise through holes 234. The resulting seating area of each seating member of FIG. 8 measures 14 inches by 5½ inches and defines a center opening with 14 inches edges. However, further embodiments may define seating areas or center openings smaller or larger than the illustrated embodiment.
The through holes 234 are preferably 1¾ inches from the outside edge of the seating members in the preferred embodiment; however, through holes of further embodiments may be located at alternative locations. The supports 230 are restrained on the bottom surface 244 of the swing 220 with a simple knot that allows for height adjustment, as described above. Alternative supports that are also described above may be used for the swing 220. Furthermore, alternative retention of the supports may be incorporated, as described above. The six-seat swing 220 of FIG. 8 advantageously seats six individuals, with one individual on each seating member; however, any reasonable number of individuals may use the swing at one time.
The swing 250 of FIG. 9 is a two or three seat swing defining a “bow tie” configuration having seating members 251 and 252 and supports 253 suspending from a common point 254 similar to the previously discussed embodiments of the present invention. The seating members 251 and 252 are joined by two connectors 255 and 256 that intersect midway between the seating members. The intersection 257 may define a third seating surface such that a third individual may sit upon the intersection if desired. The supports 253 may be passed into through holes 258 and knots tied in the supports, similar to the other embodiments, or the supports may be joined to the seating members by alternative devices such as clamps, fasteners, adhesives, or the like. In addition the seating members are joined to the connectors with fasteners 259, as described above, and the seating members and/or connectors may include laps to define lap joints such that a top surface and a bottom surface are generally planar, as described above. In the illustrated embodiment of swing 250, each seating member 251 and 252 comprises two upper laps at opposite ends of the seating member and each connector comprises two lower laps at opposite ends and a lap in a center of the connector such that the fastened seating members and connectors define a top surface that is generally planar and a bottom surface that is generally planar. The swing 250 preferably defines two triangular openings between the seating members 251 and 252 and the intersection 257, wherein a seated individual may place their legs in a triangular opening. The swing 250 advantageously defines dimensions similar to the alternative swings described above.
FIG. 10 illustrates a swing 260 that seats four or more people and comprises four seating members 261, 262, 263, and 264 configured to define four intersections. The intersections are generally perpendicular such that the swing 260 defines a square center opening. The seating members of the illustrated embodiment extend outward beyond the intersections to define outer surfaces that a seated individual may use during swinging and/or rotating. Advantageously, the individuals may sit between the intersections of the seating members. Four supports 266 suspend from the common point 268 and pass through the through holes 270 and are tied into knots, as described above, or the supports may be joined to the seating members by alternative devices such as clamps, fasteners, adhesives, or the like. The seating members may be fastened together with fasteners 272, as described above, at generally perpendicular intersections to define a square center opening, such that the seating members extend beyond the intersections. Two seating members 262 and 263 advantageously comprise two upper laps and two seating members 261 and 264 advantageously comprise two lower laps such that the fastened seating members define a top surface that is generally planar and a bottom surface that is generally planar, as described above. The swing 260 preferably defines the center opening such that the seated individuals may place their legs in the center opening while swinging and/or rotating, as described above. The swing 260 advantageously defines dimensions similar to the alternative swings described above.
Toddler attachments may also be provided with the swings of the present invention. In particular, the toddler attachment 280 of FIG. 14 comprises a triangular toddler attachment for a swing having three supports and a triangular center opening, such as the swing 130 of FIG. 5 or further swing embodiments. The toddler attachment 280 comprises a triangular frame member 282 defining three extremities 284 and three interior edges 286. Each extremity 284 advantageously defines an attachment 288 that comprises a loop, hook, clip, or the like. The attachments 288 are structure for attaching to the supports of the swing, such as the supports 140 of FIG. 5 or further swing embodiments. The toddler attachment 280 of FIG. 14 comprises a fabric member 290 surrounded by the interior edges 286 of the frame member 282 such that the fabric member substantially engages the three interior edges of the frame member. The fabric member 290 of the illustrated embodiment defines a recess 292 having two leg holes 294 for seating a toddler or child. Advantageously, the fabric member 290 defines no holes other than the recess, such that children will be prevented from falling through the toddler attachment. The frame member 282 is also advantageously configured to fit the center opening of the swing to which it is attached to prevent toddlers or children from falling through the center opening. The toddler attachment 280 is preferably structured for convenient assembly onto a swing and for safe operation by toddlers and other individuals sharing the swing.
An alternative toddler attachment 300 of FIG. 15 comprises a rectangular toddler attachment for a swing having four supports and a rectangular center opening, such as the swing 160 of FIG. 6 or further swing embodiments. The toddler attachment 300 comprises a rectangular frame member 302 defining four extremities 304 and four interior edges 306. Each extremity 304 advantageously defines an attachment 308 that comprises a loop, hook, clip, or the like. The attachments 308 are structure for attaching to the supports of the swing, such as the supports 170 of FIG. 6 or further swing embodiments. The toddler attachment 300 of FIG. 15 comprises a fabric member 310 surrounded by the interior edges 306 of the frame member 302 such that the fabric member substantially engages the four interior edges of the frame member. The fabric member 310 of the illustrated embodiment defines a recess 312 having two leg holes 314 for seating a toddler or child. Advantageously, the fabric member 310 defines no holes other than the recess, such that children will be prevented from falling through the toddler attachment. The frame member 302 is also advantageously configured to fit the center opening of the swing to which it is attached to prevent toddlers or children from falling through the center opening. The toddler attachment 300 is preferably structured for convenient assembly onto a swing and for safe operation by toddlers and other individuals sharing the swing.
The toddler attachment 320 of FIG. 16 comprises a pentagonal toddler attachment for a swing having five supports and a pentagonal center opening, such as the swing 190 of FIG. 7 or further swing embodiments. The toddler attachment 320 comprises a pentagonal frame member 322 defining five extremities 324 and five interior edges 326. Each extremity 324 advantageously defines an attachment 288 that comprises a loop, hook, clip, or the like. The attachments 328 are structure for attaching to the supports of the swing, such as the supports 200 of FIG. 7 or further swing embodiments. The toddler attachment 320 of FIG. 16 comprises a fabric member 330 surrounded by the interior edges 326 of the frame member 322 such that the fabric member substantially engages the five interior edges of the frame member. The fabric member 330 of the illustrated embodiment defines a recess 332 having two leg holes 334 for seating a toddler or child. Advantageously, the fabric member 330 defines no holes other than the recess, such that children will be prevented from falling through the toddler attachment. The frame member 322 is also advantageously configured to fit the center opening of the swing to which it is attached to prevent toddlers or children from falling through the center opening. The toddler attachment 320 is preferably structured for convenient assembly onto a swing and for safe operation by toddlers and other individuals sharing the swing.
The fabric member of all three toddler attachments preferably comprises mesh double stitched nylon or canvas, though further embodiments of the present invention may comprise any fabric sufficiently strong to support a child during use of the swings and toddler attachments of the present invention. The toddler attachments and the swings of the present invention provide a recreational activity that provides swinging and spinning motions. In addition, multiple individuals may simultaneously use the swings, with or without the toddler attachments, which increases their social interaction and level of enjoyment.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A swing comprising:

a seat defining a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a concave front surface; and

at least two supports suspended from a common point, wherein each support is connected to a different location on the seat.

2. A swing according to claim 1 wherein the seat further defines a convex rear surface, wherein the concave front surface and the convex rear surface each define a radius and wherein the radius of the concave front surface is no greater than the radius of the convex rear surface.

3. A swing according to claim 1 wherein the seat defines two through holes, and wherein each support passes through a through hole.

4. A swing according to claim 3 wherein each support is restrained on the bottom surface of the seat by a knot in the support.

5. A swing according to claim 1 wherein each support comprises a rope.

6. A swing comprising:

a first seat defining a first top surface and a first bottom surface opposite the first top surface;

a second seat defining a second top surface and a second bottom surface opposite the second top surface;

a connector fastened to the first seat and to the second seat; and

at least four supports suspended from a common point, wherein each support is connected to a different location on either the first or second seat.

7. A swing according to claim 6 wherein the first seat defines a first concave front surface and a first convex rear surface opposite the first concave front surface and the second seat defines a second concave front surface and a second convex rear surface opposite the second concave front surface, and wherein the first seat and second seat are fastened to the connector such that the first concave front surface faces the second concave front surface.

8. A swing according to claim 6 wherein the first seat and the second seat each define two through holes, and wherein each support passes through a through hole.

9. A swing according to claim 8 wherein each support is restrained on the bottom surface of the seat by a knot in the support.

10. A swing according to claim 6 wherein each support comprises a rope.

11. A swing comprising:

a first seating member defining two seats at opposite ends of the first seating member and a centerpoint midway between the opposed seats, wherein the first seating member defines a first top surface and a first bottom surface opposite the first top surface;

a second seating member defining two seats at opposite ends of the second seating member and a centerpoint midway between the opposed seats, wherein the second seating member defines a second top surface and a second bottom surface opposite the second top surface;

at least one fastener joining the first seating member to the second seating member such that the center point of the first seating member is substantially above the center point of the second seating member; and

at least four supports suspended from a common point, wherein each support is connected to a different location on either the first or second seating member.

12. A swing according to claim 11 wherein the seating members each define two through holes, and wherein the each support passes through a through hole.

13. A swing according to claim 12 wherein each support is restrained on the bottom surface of the seating member by a knot in the support.

14. A swing according to claim 11 wherein each support comprises a rope.

15. A swing according to claim 11 wherein the common point from which the four supports suspend comprises a snap link.

16. A swing comprising:

three seating members that each defines a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and wherein the seating members are fastened in a triangular shape; and

at least three supports suspended from a common point, wherein each support is connected to a different location on the seating members.

17. A swing according to claim 16 wherein each seating member defines a lower lap at one end of the seating member and an upper lap at an opposite end of the seating member such that the fastened seating members define a top surface that is generally planar and a bottom surface that is generally planar.

18. A swing according to claim 16 wherein the common point from which the three supports suspend comprises a snap link.

19. A swing according to claim 16 wherein the seating members define through holes and each support passes through a through hole and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastened seat members by a knot in the support.

20. A swing according to claim 16 wherein each support comprises a rope.

21. A swing comprising:

four seating members that each defines a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and wherein the seating members are fastened in a rectangular shape; and

at least four supports suspended from a common point, wherein each support is connected to a different location on the seating members.

22. A swing according to claim 21 wherein each seating member defines a lower lap at one end of the seating member and an upper lap at an opposite end of the seating member such that the fastened seating members define a top surface that is generally planar and a bottom surface that is generally planar.

23. A swing according to claim 21 wherein the common point from which the four supports suspend comprises a snap link.

24. A swing according to claim 21 wherein the seating members define through holes and each support passes through a through hole and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastened seat members by a knot in the support.

25. A swing according to claim 21 wherein each support comprises a rope.

26. A swing comprising:

five seating members that each defines a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and wherein the seating members are fastened in a pentagonal shape; and

at least five supports suspended from a common point, wherein each support is connected to a different location on the seating members.

27. A swing according to claim 26 wherein each seating member defines a lower lap at one end of the seating member and an upper lap at an opposite end of the seating member such that the fastened seating members define a top surface that is generally planar and a bottom surface that is generally planar.

28. A swing according to claim 26 wherein the common point from which the five supports suspend comprises a snap link.

29. A swing according to claim 26 wherein the seating members define through holes and each support passes through a through hole and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastened seat members by a knot in the support.

30. A swing according to claim 26 wherein each support comprises a rope.

31. A swing comprising:

six seating members that each defines a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and wherein the seating members are fastened in a hexagonal shape; and

at least six supports suspended from a common point, wherein each support is connected to a different location on the seating members.

32. A swing according to claim 31 wherein each seating member defines a lower lap at one end of the seating member and an upper lap at an opposite end of the seating member such that the fastened seating members define a top surface that is generally planar and a bottom surface that is generally planar.

33. A swing according to claim 31 wherein the common point from which the six supports suspend comprises a snap link.

34. A swing according to claim 31 wherein the seating members define through holes and each support passes through a through hole and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastened seat members by a knot in the support.

35. A swing according to claim 31 wherein each support comprises a rope.

36. A swing comprising:

two seating members that each defines a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and wherein the seating members are fastened to two connectors that intersect midway between the seating members; and

37. A swing according to claim 36 wherein each seating member comprises two upper laps at opposite ends of the seating member and each connector comprises two lower laps at opposite ends and a lap in a center of the connector such that the fastened seating members and connectors define a top surface that is generally planar and a bottom surface that is generally planar.

38. A swing according to claim 36 wherein the common point from which the four supports suspend comprises a snap link.

39. A swing according to claim 36 wherein the seating members define through holes and each support passes through a through hole and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastened seat members by a knot in the support.

40. A swing according to claim 36 wherein each support comprises a rope.

41. A swing comprising:

four seating members that each defines a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and wherein each seating member is fastened to two seating members at generally perpendicular intersections to define a square center opening, such that the seating members extend beyond the intersections; and

42. A swing according to claim 41 wherein two seating members comprise upper laps and two seating members comprise lower laps such that the fastened seating members define a top surface that is generally planar and a bottom surface that is generally planar.

43. A swing according to claim 41 wherein the common point from which the four supports suspend comprises a snap link.

44. A swing according to claim 41 wherein the seating members define through holes and each support passes through a through hole and is restrained on the bottom surface of the fastened seat members by a knot in the support.

45. A swing according to claim 41 wherein each support comprises a rope.

46. A toddler attachment for a swing having at least three supports, the toddler attachment comprising:

a triangular frame member defining three extremities and three interior edges, wherein each extremity defines an attachment, and wherein the attachments are structured for attaching to the supports of the swing; and

a fabric member surrounded by the frame member such that the fabric member substantially engages the three interior edges of the frame member and defines a recess having two leg holes.

47. A toddler attachment according to claim 46 wherein the attachment comprises a loop, hook, clip, or the like.

48. A toddler attachment according to claim 46 wherein fabric member comprises a material of nylon, canvas, or the like.

49. A toddler attachment according to claim 46 wherein the swing defines a triangular center opening and the triangular frame of the toddler attachment is structured for positioning within the triangular center opening of the swing when the attachments are attached to the supports of the swing.

50. A toddler attachment for a swing having at least four supports, the toddler attachment comprising:

a rectangular frame member defining four extremities and four interior edges, wherein each extremity defines an attachment, and wherein the attachments are structured for attaching to the supports of the swing; and

a fabric member surrounded by the frame member such that the fabric member substantially engages the four interior edges of the frame member and defines a recess having two leg holes.

51. A toddler attachment according to claim 50 wherein the attachment comprises a loop, hook, clip, or the like.

52. A toddler attachment according to claim 50 wherein fabric member comprises a material of nylon, canvas, or the like.

53. A toddler attachment according to claim 50 wherein the swing defines a rectangular center opening and the rectangular frame of the toddler attachment is structured for positioning within the rectangular center opening of the swing when the attachments are attached to the supports of the swing.

54. A toddler attachment for a swing having at least five supports, the toddler attachment comprising:

a pentagonal frame member defining five extremities and five interior edges, wherein each extremity defines an attachment, and wherein the attachments are structured for attaching to the supports of the swing; and

a fabric member surrounded by the frame member such that the fabric member substantially engages the five interior edges of the frame member and defines a recess having two leg holes.

55. A toddler attachment according to claim 54 wherein the attachment comprises a loop, hook, clip, or the like.

56. A toddler attachment according to claim 54 wherein fabric member comprises a material of nylon, canvas, or the like.

57. A toddler attachment according to claim 54 wherein the swing defines a pentagonal center opening and the pentagonal frame of the toddler attachment is structured for positioning within the pentagonal center opening of the swing when the attachments are attached to the supports of the swing.