US20140008947A1

US20140008947A1 - Seated Rocking Devices

Info

Publication number: US20140008947A1
Application number: US13/924,351
Authority: US
Inventors: William Kennith Young
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-01-06
Filing date: 2013-06-21
Publication date: 2014-01-09
Also published as: US20130200662A1

Abstract

Seated rocking devices including seats and first supports and second supports attached to the seats. In some examples, first supports may be swingingly connected to seats, define first support surfaces distal the seat, and may be configured to swing about first support axes of rotation. In some examples, second supports may be spaced from first supports and be configured to swing about second axes of rotation. In some examples, seated rocking devices may be configured to adjust between retracted configurations and extended configurations. Some examples may include support interfaces configured to restrict first supports and the second supports from swinging beyond selected spacings associated with extended configurations. In some examples, second supports may be rigidly attached to seats.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/734,887, filed on Jan. 4, 2013, which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/584,098, filed on Jan. 6, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to seated rocking devices, including those used as toys. In particular, seated rocking devices including multiple swinging supports are described.
Known seated rocking devices are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, standard rocking horses include several static elements that maintain stability during operation. Additionally, standard rocking horses remain in a substantially static position during operation.
Standard rocking horses include two rockers statically affixed to a seat. A user is unable to manipulate the rocking horse in any manner aside from shifting her weight upon the seat. Though standard rocking horses' static design adds stability, it simultaneously hinders the excitement and effectiveness of the devices' balancing exercises.
Standard rocking horses rock around a single, static axis of rotation. As a result, standard rocking horses do not provide the added challenge of maintaining balance while rocking upon multiple, moving axes of rotation.
Some seated devices allow rotation around multiple axes of rotation while moving; many, however, fail to provide effective balance training. For example, the Inchworm device produced under the Radio Flyer® brand includes multiple supports wherein parts of the device rotate about the multiple supports. However, the Inchworm design does not allow movement around the axes with sufficient force to provide effective or fun balance exercises.
Thus, there exists a need for seated rocking devices, including those suitable for use as toys, that improve upon and advance the design of known seated rocking devices. Examples of new and useful seated rocking devices relevant to existing needs are discussed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure discusses seated rocking devices, which may in some circumstances come to be known as the Charlie Horse, including those suitable for use as toys, that improve upon and advance the design of known seated rocking devices. Examples of new and useful seated rocking devices relevant to existing needs are discussed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first example of a seated rocking device.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the seated rocking device shown in FIG. 1 transitioning from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the seated rocking device shown in FIG. 1 transitioning from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the seated rocking device shown in FIG. 1 depicting components within an internal cavity of the seat.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the seated rocking device shown in FIG. 1 displaying a cutaway depicting components within the internal cavity of the seat in a retracted configuration.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the seated rocking device shown in FIG. 1 displaying a cutaway depicting components within the internal cavity of the seat in an extended configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed seated rocking devices will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures merely provide examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.
Throughout the following detailed description, a variety of seated rocking device examples are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.
With reference to FIGS. 1-6, a first example of a seated rocking device, seated rocking device 100, will now be described. As FIG. 1 shows, seated rocking device 100 includes a seat 110, a front support 130, a rear support 145, and a handle 170. As FIGS. 4-6 show, seated rocking device 100 additionally includes a support interface 160. As FIGS. 2 and 3 show, seated rocking device 100 is a seated device allowing a user 101 to manipulate seated rocking device 100 between retracted configurations, such as retracted configuration 106, and extended configurations, such as extended configuration 108. In some examples, this involves user 101 shifting her weight and manipulating handle 170 while seated on seat 110 to swing front support 130 and rear support 145 to the positions illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. As FIGS. 2 and 3 show, users may move seated rocking device 100 along a supporting surface 102 as they manipulate seated rocking device 100 between extended and retracted configurations.
The weight shifting involved makes seated rocking device 100 an effective balance training tool. For example, proper operation requires precise, forceful weight shifting on multiple moving supports, seated rocking device 100 may throw a user off during operation. As a result, users may use seated rocking device 100 to develop and improve their balance, dexterity, coordination, confidence, and reaction time. Seated rocking device 100 may, for example, be useful to future rodeo contestants for its ability to assist development of rodeo skills.
Seated rocking device 100 may additionally or alternatively serve as an entertaining children's toy. Accordingly, various seated rocking device examples may be designed to reduce the potential for injury during use. For example, various seated rocking devices may include soft or cushioning materials, which may reduce damage from pinching within devices' mechanical elements or impact with devices' rigid elements. For example, some examples may be constructed primarily of a soft plastic. Further, some examples may lack many of the sharp design features illustrated in the example shown in FIGS. 1-6 and instead define a more rounded design.
As FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate, seat 110 provides users a seating surface spaced from front support 130 and rear support 145 to allow these supports to swing about seat 110 in response to user manipulation. As FIGS. 2 and 3 further show, seat 110 is spaced from rear support 145's supporting member, allowing users to rest their feet on rear support 145 during use.
As FIG. 1 shows, seat 110 includes a platform 112 and a backstop 114 proximate a rear longitudinal end 123 of seat 110. As FIG. 1 shows, seat 110 additionally includes a decorative tail 184, which improves seated rocking device 100's horse-like appearance. As FIG. 4 shows, seat 110 additionally includes front bores 116 and rear bores 118 and encloses an internal cavity 111. As FIG. 1 shows, front support 130 and rear support 145 are swingingly connected near seat 110's bottom, allowing these supports to swing underneath a user seated in seat 110 during use. As FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate, a seated user may use seated rocking device 100 to perform balance exercises and/or move seated rocking device 100 along a supporting surface.
As seen in FIGS. 1 & 4-6, seat 110 encloses internal cavity 111 beneath platform 112. Internal cavity 111 houses portions of front support 130 and mechanical parts connecting seat 110, front support 130, and rear support 145, such as support interface 160. As FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate, seat 110 shields a user front support 130, rear support 145, and support interface 160 as they connectedly articulate within internal cavity 111 during use. By shielding users from internal cavity 111, seat 110 reduces users' likelihood of injury during use. For example, seat 110 may shield users from being pinched by seated rocking device 100's moving parts. Additionally or alternatively, shielding users reduces the risk of malfunction that occurs as a result of inadvertent user contact with seated rocking device 100's mechanical elements.
As FIG. 3 shows, platform 112 defines a solid surface extending substantially parallel to supporting surface 102 when seated rocking device 100 is at rest. Platform 112 is positioned to allow a user seated on seat 110 to rest her feet on rear support 145. In some examples, as FIGS. 2 & 3 illustrate, platform 112 is positioned for a child to sit on seat 110 with her feet resting on the rear supports. This spacing, however, may be adjusted to accommodate users of all sizes. Additionally, some examples may include platforms that are positioned to space users' feet from rear support 145, which may better simulate horse riding.
As FIG. 3 shows, backstop 114 extends upward proximate seat 110's rear. Backstop 114 may restrict users from inadvertently falling off the rear of seat 110 when seated. Some examples may lack backstops to require more precise balance during operation. As FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate, backstop 114 may be engaged with a portion of a user's back to provide the user with additional leverage during operation. This additional leverage may be particularly useful during weight shifting techniques, such as when users shift onto rear support 145 while manipulating seated rocking device 100 to an extended configuration.
As FIGS. 1 and 4 show, two front bores 116 open to internal cavity 111 on a first lateral side 126 of seat 110 and a second lateral side 122 of seat 110. As FIGS. 1 and 4 show, front bores 116 are substantially aligned with each other and a first axis of rotation 131 extends substantially through their centers. As FIGS. 1, 4, and 6 show, front bores 116 are sized to receive a front post 133, which is statically fixed to seat 110 using a fastener 117 defining a nut and is routed through internal cavity 111 substantially along first axis of rotation 131.
As FIGS. 1 & 4 also show, two rear bores 118, similar to front bores 116, open through seat 110 to internal cavity 111, but are positioned near seat 110's rear. As FIGS. 1 & 4 illustrate, rear bores 118 are aligned with one another and a second axis of rotation 146 extends through their centers and through internal cavity 111. As FIG. 4 shows, rear bores 118 are sized to rotatably receive a rear post 149, which is routed through internal cavity 111 and extends substantially along second axis of rotation 146.
As FIG. 1 illustrates, second axis of rotation 146 is substantially aligned with first axis of rotation 131; indeed, in the illustrated example, they are substantially parallel. This is not specifically required, however, and misaligned first and second axes of rotation may be useful for additional or alternative balance training techniques. Further, some examples may allow rotation about additional or alternative axes of rotation; for instance, handles may pivot about seats in some examples.
As FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 illustrate, front support 130 is rotatably mounted on front post 133, allowing it to swing below seat 110 while connected to seat 110. As FIGS. 1 and 5 shows, front support 130 includes a first arm 132, a second arm 134, and a support member defining a rocker 140. As FIGS. 4 and 5 show, both first arm 132 and second arm 134 extend from an upper portion 142 above first axis of rotation 131, proximate seat 110, to a support portion 143 below first axis of rotation 131, distal seat 110. As FIG. 6 illustrates, front support 130 additionally includes a first support pin 136 extending across a portion of seat 110's width within internal cavity 111 on upper portion 142 of front support 130.
As FIGS. 4-6 show, front post 133 is rotatably routed through a pair of aligned openings positioned on first arm 132 and second arm 134 to swingingly connect front support 130 to seat 110. As FIG. 1 shows, front support 130 is positioned proximate seat 110's lateral center. As FIGS. 1 and 4 show, front support 130 is connected to swing about first axis of rotation 131 by rotating first arm 132 and second arm 134 about front post 133.
In some examples, front support 130 may be statically connected to seat 110. This may be accomplished, for example, by statically fixing first arm 132 and second arm 134 to front post 133, rather swingingly mounting them to front longitudinal end 121. This may be accomplished, for example, by applying an adhesive between front post 133 and front support 130 or by including high friction materials where front support 130 contacts front post 133. In examples including a statically connected front support, rear supports often remain able to swing about connected seats.
As FIG. 1 illustrates, rocker 140 is statically fixed to first arm 132 and second arm 134 on support portion 143 of front support 130. As FIG. 1 shows, rocker 140 extends lengthwise in a direction substantially aligned with seat 110's longitudinal axis. Rocker 140 defines an uneven (substantially curved, specifically) support surface 141, allowing it to rockingly support seated rocking device 100 on supporting surface 102. As FIG. 1 shows, support surface 141 is curved over substantially all of its length, but some examples may include support surfaces that are curved over a portion of rockers' lengths. Some examples may, rather, define other uneven surfaces, such as angular, polygonal segments. Because of support surface 141's curvature and front support 130's swinging connection to seat 110, rocker 140 supports seated rocking device 100 in an unstable, movable manner. As FIG. 1 illustrates, however, rocker 140 may cooperate with rear support 145 to stably support seated rocking device 100 when at rest.
For example, rocker 140 allows seated rocking device 100 to rock longitudinally along support surface 141. As FIG. 3 shows, a user may, for example, shift her weight forward to support seated rocking device 100 on an elevating portion 109 of support surface 141, which is shaped and positioned to elevate rear support 145 when seated rocking device 100 is supported thereon. As shown in FIG. 3, seat 110 may be able to rotate about first axis of rotation 131 without being restricted by rear support 145 and, by extension, supporting surface 102. Additionally, seated rocking device 100 has, when supported on elevating portion 109, increased freedom to rock along supporting surface 102. In some examples, rockers' surfaces may be angled rather than curved.
As FIG. 3 illustrates, elevating rear support 145 by supporting seated rocking device 100 on elevating portion 109 may additionally or alternatively allow rear support 145 to rotate about second axis of rotation 146 without being restricted by supporting surface 102.
As FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate, first support pin 136 extends between first arm 132 and second arm 134 above first axis of rotation 131 on the upper portions of first arm 132 and second arm 134 within internal cavity 111. As FIG. 4 shows, first support pin 136 defines a substantially rounded shape.
Turning to FIG. 4, rear post 149 is rotatably routed through rear bores 118, substantially along second axis of rotation 146. Rear post 149, unlike front post 133, extends out to the exterior of seat 110 beyond both first lateral side 126 and second lateral side 122 of seat 110.
As FIGS. 1 & 4 show, rear support 145 includes a first arm 147 and a second arm 148, each extending from an upper portion 159 above second axis of rotation 146, proximate seat 110, to a support portion 144 below second axis of rotation 146, distal seat 110. As FIG. 4 shows, first arm 147 and second arm 148 fixedly receive rear post 149 on the exterior of seat 110. Because rear post 149 is rotatably routed through rear bores 118, rear post 149 swingingly connects rear support 145, and, by extension, first arm 147 and second arm 148, to seat 110. First arm 147 and second arm 148 are configured to rotate about second axis of rotation 146 in unison, as each is statically fixed to the same rear post 149. However, this disclosure contemplates that, in some examples, paired arms may be configured to swing independently of one another. This may be accomplished, for example, by connecting each rear arm to separate rear posts rotatably mounted on seat 110. This may be particularly useful in examples, such as rear support 145, wherein each arm is connected to a separate support member to provide an additional or alternative balance training exercise.
In some examples, rear support 145 may be statically connected to seat 110. This may be accomplished, for example, by statically fixing rear post 149 in a static position in rear bores 118 by including a high friction material proximate where rear post 149 contacts seat 110 or by applying an adhesive between them. Additionally or alternatively, first arm 147 and second arm 148 may be tightly engaged with the lateral sides of seat 110 to frictionally resist rear support 145 from rotating about seat 110. In examples including a statically connected rear support, front supports often remain able to swing about connected seats.
Unlike front support 130, rear support 145 includes two separate support members: first rocker 153 attached to first arm 147 and second rocker 155 attached to second arm 148. As FIG. 1 shows, first rocker 153 and second rocker 155 are aligned with each other and are misaligned with rocker 140. Similar to rocker 140, first rocker 153 and second rocker 155 each define a curved support surface 157 that provide seated rocking device 100 with additional unstable, movable supports. As FIG. 2 shows, each support surface 157 is shaped, over an elevating portion 107 of its surface, to elevate front support 130 when seated rocking device 100 is supported on both elevating portions 107. As shown in FIG. 2, seat 110 may be able to rotate about second axis of rotation 146 without being restricted by front support 130's contact with supporting surface 102. Likewise, as FIG. 2 illustrates, elevating front support 130 by supporting seated rocking device 100 on elevating portion 107 may allow front support 130 to rotate about first axis of rotation 131 without being restricted by supporting surface 102.
As FIG. 1 illustrates, a rear rocker connector 154 extends between first rocker 153 and second rocker 155 to help retain the rockers horizontally aligned with each other. As FIG. 1 also shows, first rocker 153 and second rocker 155 each include a footrest 152, each of which defines a widened section of the rocker that provides better support for a user's foot. As FIGS. 2 and 3 show, platform 112 is spaced from footrests 152 to allow a user to rest her feet on footrests 152 while seated in platform 112. The illustrated example is dimensioned for a child, but other sizes, such as those dimensioned for adults, are specifically contemplated.
As FIGS. 1-3 show, front support 130 and rear support 145 may be swung to position rocker 140 proximate first rocker 153 and second rocker 155. This may place seated rocking device 100 in a retracted configuration, such as retracted configuration 106. As FIGS. 1-3 also show, front support 130 and rear support 145 may alternatively be swung to position rocker 140 distal first rocker 153. This may place seated rocking device 100 in an extended configuration, such as extended configuration 108. When in retracted configurations, front support 130 and/or rear support 145 may be said to be in a retracted position, such as in retracted configuration 106. Likewise, in extended configurations, front support 130 and/or rear support 145 may be said to be in extended positions, such as in extended configuration 108 shown in FIG. 2. In some examples, supports may be in extended or retracted positions independent of the position of other supports. For instance, some examples may include one or more fixedly connected legs; in such examples, swingingly connected legs may still move between extended and retracted positions.
As FIG. 1 shows, first rocker 153 and second rocker 155 are laterally spaced to define a channel 158 sized and aligned to receive rocker 140. Rocker 140 is often partially or wholly positioned within channel 158 when rocker 140 is in a retracted position.
As FIGS. 4 and 5 show, first arm 147 is connected to rear post 149 on the spaced from first lateral side 126 on the exterior of seat 110 and second arm 148 is connected to rear post 149 spaced from second lateral side 122 on the exterior of seat 110. As a result, first rocker 153 and second rocker 155 offset rocker 140's lateral position with first rocker 153 and second rocker 155 on either of rocker 140's opposing lateral sides. This organization provides a substantially stable support for seated rocking device 100 whenever seated rocking device 100 is in a resting position (e.g., resting on all three rockers). This provides seated rocking device 100 with a stable, three-point support system, wherein the points of support are sufficiently laterally and longitudinally spaced to provide sufficiently stable support for a user to rest in seat 110 when seated rocking device 100 is in a resting position.
As FIG. 4 shows, a second support pin 151 extends between first arm 147 to second arm 148 between second axis of rotation 146 and rear support 145's two rockers. As FIG. 4 illustrates, second support pin 151 defines a substantially rigid, round metallic member that is fixed to both first arm 147 and second arm 148. As FIG. 4 shows, second support pin 151 is substantially round in shape, like first support pin 136, and is positioned below second axis of rotation 146.
As FIG. 4 illustrates, support interface 160 extends from first support pin 136 to second support pin 151. As FIG. 4 shows, support interface 160 includes a rigid member 161, defining a metal bar defining a first opening 163 near a first end and a second opening 165 near a second end opposite the first end.
As FIG. 4 shows, first opening 163 defines a substantially circular hole configured to rotatably receive first support pin 136. Likewise, second opening 165 defines a substantially circular hole configured to rotatably receive second support pin 151.
Support interface 160 is configured to maintain first support pin 136 and second support pin 151 at a constant distance from each other. By while allowing the pins to rotate in the openings, support interface 160 is able to maintain this constant distance even as front support 130 and rear support 145 articulate. This allows rigid member 161 to serve as a bearing that allow front support 130 and rear support 145 to swing from seat 110 while maintaining the supports' contact points with first support pin 136 and second support pin 151 at a substantially constant distance.
By holding the distance between first support pin 136 and second support pin 151 constant, support interface 160 allows front support 130 to apply a force to rear support 145, and vice versa. For example, front support 130 and rear support 145 may push or pull each other as they swing relative seat 110. FIG. 2 illustrates at least one example of such a force being applied. As seated rocking device 100 moves from the first to the second configuration displayed in FIG. 2, rear support 145 pulls on the upper portion of front support 130 as seat 110 is rotated about second axis of rotation 146. As FIG. 2 shows, this pulling force tends to swing rocker 140 away from rear support 145. As a result, front support 130 tends to move to an extended position as a user shifts her weight back in seat 110 and pulls handle 170 while rear support 145 is anchored to supporting surface 102. Front support 130's movement to this extended position is partially the result of support interface 160 pulling upper portion 142 of front support 130 to swing rocker 140 outward. In some examples, the user may need to support seated rocking device 100 entirely on elevating portion 107 of rear support 145 to accomplish this maneuver without supporting surface 102 restricting front support 130's extension.
Similarly, FIG. 3 provides an example of front support 130 applying a force to rear support 145 as seated rocking device 100 moves between the second and third configuration displayed in FIG. 3. In moving from the second and third displayed configuration, a user shifts portion of her weight to seat 110's rear, which causes seat 110 to rotate about first axis of rotation 131 while front support 130 is anchored to the ground. In FIG. 3, front support 130 pulls on support portion 144 of rear support 145, which tends to move the rear rockers toward front support 130. In some examples, the user may need to support seated rocking device 100 entirely on elevating portion 109 of front support 130 to restrict supporting surface 102 from impeding rear support 145.
Although first support pin 136, second support pin 151, and the corresponding openings on rigid member 161 are each substantially circular, this specific configuration is not required. Indeed, any configuration that allows front support 130 to translate mechanical force to rear support 145 while preserving their ability to swing about seat 110 is equally contemplated.
As FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate, seated rocking device 100 additionally includes a catch aligned with rigid member 161 above second support pin 151. As FIG. 6 shows, the catch is positioned to engage rigid member 161 when seated rocking device 100 extends to a desired extended configuration. In FIGS. 5 and 6, rear post 149 serves as a catch in the illustrated example, but this disclosure specifically contemplates examples with catches distinct from rear supports as well. As FIG. 5 illustrates, rigid member 161 is spaced from rear post 149 when seated rocking device 100 is in a retracted configuration. As FIG. 6 illustrates, however, rigid member 161 engages rear post 149 when seated rocking device 100 is extended to a desired extended configuration, thereby restricting front support 130 and rear support 145 from further extending relative one another. Some examples may include rigid members that vary in width to adjust the level of extension associated with a desired extended configuration.
As FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate, a safety mechanism 164 defining a projection welded on the side of rigid member 161 proximate the catch may be used to further reduce the level of extension associated with a desired extended configuration. As FIG. 6 shows, safety mechanism 164 projects at a predetermined distance selected to reduce the first support's spacing from the second support when the first support and second support are positioned according to a safely extended configuration. Some examples may not include a safety mechanism, and define the desired extended configuration by the point at which the rigid member engages the catch. However, by positioning a safety mechanism on the rigid member proximate the catch, the safety mechanism may define an alternative safely extended configuration defined by the point at which the safety mechanism engages the catch. Because safety mechanisms often project from rigid members toward the catch at a predetermined distance, safely extended configuration are often more retracted than desired extended configurations lacking safety mechanisms. The predetermined distance at which the safety mechanism projects may be selected to adjust the level of extension; the more prominent the safety mechanism, the more retracted a seated rocking device's support members will be in its safely extended configuration.
Some examples may additionally or alternatively include removably attached safety mechanisms attached to support interfaces. Additional or alternative examples may include safety mechanisms attached to the catch rather than the support interface.
As FIG. 1 illustrates, handle 170 extends substantially upward from seat 110 on its front longitudinal end 121. As FIG. 1 shows, handle 170 is attached to seat 110 at a more forward position than both front support 130 and rear support 145. For example, handle 170 is attached to the front of seat 110 on its front longitudinal end 121, while front support 130 and rear support 145 are each connected behind front longitudinal end 121. This, in many cases, increases the leverage the user may apply when manipulating handle 170. Handle 170 is substantially rigid, and is statically fixed to seat 110.
As FIG. 1 shows, handle 170 includes a post 172, a stem 177, and grips 180. Post 172 is a rigid member extending substantially vertically from seat 110. Stem 177 is also a rigid member and extends from post 172 away from seat 110. Grips 180 extend laterally from the sides of stem 177. Post 172 and stem 177 are sized and angled relative to each other to position grips 180 to be gripped by a user when seated in seat 110. The sizes and angles of posts, stems, and grips may be adjusted to accommodate users of different sizes.
As FIG. 2 illustrates, handle 170 is decoratively designed to resemble a horse's head. This design may make seated rocking device 100 more fun, but such a decorative design is not required to and needs not specifically resemble a horse.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate example methods by which a user may use seated rocking device 100. When manipulating seated rocking device 100 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, user 101 is able to adjust seated rocking device 100 between retracted configuration 106 and extended configuration 108. As user 101 adjusts retracted configuration 106 and extended configuration 108, seated rocking device 100 moves forward on supporting surface 102.
As FIG. 2 illustrates, a user begins manipulating seated rocking device 100 from retracted configuration 106 to extended configuration 108 by shifting her weight back in seat 110. This rolls seated rocking device 100 backward on rear support 145's curved rockers to elevate front support 130 from supporting surface 102. At or near the same time, seat 110 rotates about second axis of rotation 146 as rear support 145 is anchored to the ground, angling seat 110 with rear support 145 in the manner shown in the middle configuration displayed in FIG. 2. User 101 may pull on handle 170, which may assist the rotation and provide stability as user 101 shifts her weight. As described above, support interface 160 pulls upper portion 142 as seat 110 rotates around second axis of rotation 146 to extend support portion 143 away from rear support 145.
In some cases, user 101 will allow the supports to extend until rigid member 161, or a safety mechanism attached thereon, engages the catch, rear post 149, to achieve the desired extended configuration. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of rigid member 161 engaging rear post 149 in this manner. When rigid member 161 engages the catch, the user typically shifts her weight back to bring seated rocking device 100 to rest on both supports, as shown in the third configuration illustrated in FIG. 2. In some examples, seated rocking device 100 will naturally force the user to shift her weight in the appropriate manner upon rigid member 161 engaging the catch.
In the procedure illustrated in FIG. 3, user 101 manipulates seated rocking device 100 from the extended configuration, achieved in the manner described above, back to a retracted configuration. User 101 begins by shifting her weight forward in seat 110 and on handle 170. By shifting her weight forward, user 101 rocks seated rocking device 100 forward to rest on rocker 140, which elevates rear support 145 above supporting surface 102. User 101 then shifts her lower weight rearward to force seat 110 to rotate about first axis of rotation 131 while front support 130 is anchored to supporting surface 102. By rotating seat 110 about first axis of rotation 131, user 101 rotates rear support 145 toward supporting surface 102. Additionally, support interface 160 pulls support portion 144 to rotate the rear rockers about seat 110 toward rocker 140. In some examples, user must keep a portion of her weight forward as rear support 145 rotates, as this can assist in fully retracting rear support 145.
As user 101 repeats the steps illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, seated rocking device 100 may move forward along supporting surface 102. The amount of weight shifting involved in manipulating seated rocking device 100 between retracted and extended configurations makes it difficult to maintain proper balance while using seated rocking device 100. As a result, seated rocking device 100 serves as an entertaining and effective balance training tool.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a child operating seated rocking device 100. However, this should not be read to limit disclosed seated rocking devices to any particular size. Disclosed seated rocking devices may be designed to accommodate individuals of any size. For example, this disclosure additionally contemplates devices that accommodate children up to 50 pounds, devices that accommodate older children and young teens from 51 to 90 pounds, and devices that accommodate adults 90 pounds and over.
Seated rocking device 100 is composed largely of wood and metal products. However, disclosed seated rocking devices are not limited to these composition materials. Seated rocking device composition materials may, for example, include plastics or fiberglass.
The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.

Claims

1. A seated rocking device, comprising:

a seat;

a first support swingingly connected to the seat, the first support:

defining a first support member distal the seat; and

configured to swing about a first support axis of rotation; and

a second support swingingly connected to the seat and spaced from the first support, the second support:

defining a second support member distal the seat; and

configured to swing about a second support axis of rotation; and

wherein:

the seated rocking device is configured to adjust between a retracted configuration, wherein the first support member and the second support member are proximate one another, and an extended configuration, wherein the first support member and the second support member are distal one another.

2. The seated rocking device of claim 1, wherein:

the first support axis of rotation extends laterally through the seat; and

the second support axis of rotation extends laterally through the seat and is aligned with the first support axis of rotation.

3. The seated rocking device of claim 1, wherein the first support member defines a support surface shaped, over an elevating portion of its area, to elevate the second support when the seated rocking device is solely supported on the elevating portion of the support surface.

4. The seated rocking device of claim 3, wherein the second support member defines a second support surface shaped, over an elevating portion of its area, to elevate the first support when the seated rocking device is solely supported on the elevating portion of the second support surface.

5. The seated rocking device of claim 3, wherein the first support includes:

an arm swingingly connected to the seat; and

a rocker attached to the arm distal the seat, the rocker extending lengthwise in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the seat;

wherein the support surface defines an uneven surface on the rocker distal the seat.

6. The seated rocking device of claim 5, wherein the uneven surface of the rocker is curved over a portion of its length.

7. The seated rocking device of claim 5, wherein the second support includes:

a first arm swingingly connected to the seat;

a first rocker attached to the first arm of the second support distal the seat;

a second arm swingingly connected to the seat; and

a second rocker attached to the second arm of the second support distal the seat.

8. The seated rocking device of claim 7, wherein the arm of the first support is substantially aligned with the lateral center of the seat.

9. The seated rocking device of claim 7, wherein the first rocker of the second support and the second rocker of the second support are misaligned with the rocker of the first support and define a channel sized to receive the rocker of the first support.

10. The seated rocking device of claim 5, wherein the arm of the first support defines an upper portion that extends into an internal cavity of the seat beyond the first support axis of rotation.

11. The seated rocking device of claim 5, further comprising a support interface configured to apply a force to the second support as the first support swings about the first axis of rotation.

12. The seated rocking device of claim 11, further comprising a rigid member attached to the first support and the second support;

wherein:

the rigid member is connected to the first support on an upper portion of the first support on a side of the first axis of rotation proximate the seat; and

the rigid member is connected to the second support on a support portion of the second support on a side of the second axis of rotation distal the seat.

13. The seated rocking device of claim 12, wherein the rigid member is rotatably attached to:

a first support pin attached to the first support above the first axis of rotation; and

a second support pin attached to the second support below the second axis of rotation.

14. The seated rocking device of claim 13, further comprising a catch attached to the seat and aligned with the rigid member; and

wherein the rigid member is engaged with the catch when the first support member and the second support member are spaced according to a desired extended configuration.

15. The seated rocking device of claim 14, wherein the support interface includes a projection extending from the rigid member toward the catch at a predetermined distance selected to space the first support member and the second support member according to a safely extended configuration.

16. The seated rocking device of claim 1, further comprising a handle extending substantially upward from the seat.

17. The seated rocking device of claim 16, wherein the handle is substantially rigid and is statically fixed to the seat.

18. The seated rocking device of claim 16, wherein:

the handle is connected proximate a front longitudinal end of the seat; and

the first support and the second support are connected to the seat behind the front longitudinal end of the seat.

19. A seated rocking device, comprising:

a seat;

a first support swingingly connected to the seat, the first support configured to swing about a first support axis of rotation;

a second support swingingly connected to the seat; and

a support interface connected to the first support and second support, the support interface configured to apply a force to the second support as the first support swings about the first support axis of rotation.

20. A seated rocking device, comprising:

a seat;

a first support swingingly connected to the seat, the first support configured to swing about a first support axis of rotation; and

a second support statically connected to the seat and spaced from the first support; and

wherein the first support is configured to swing between a retracted position and an extended position.