US3614096A

US3614096A - Combination seesaw and carrousel

Info

Publication number: US3614096A
Application number: US843721A
Authority: US
Inventors: John E Ely
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-07-22
Filing date: 1969-07-22
Publication date: 1971-10-19
Anticipated expiration: 1988-10-19

Abstract

A combination seesaw and carrousel which allows the participant to experience the effects of forceless weights. The device is capable of two axial motions at the same time with the ability in the participants to combine the motions as desired. The vertical axle spins laterally on ball bearings inside a vertically suspended housing attached to a base. Contrary to prior art devices the fulcrum or pivot is located above the suspension bar, so that a line connecting the centroids of the participants intersects the fulcrum and all resultant forces pass vertically downward through the vertical axis so that the device is stable without the need of being permanently anchored whether spinning, swinging, or dipping. Adjustability is provided to compensate for vast differences in the weights and heights of the participants.

Description

United States Patent [45] Patented Oct. 19, I971 [54] COMBINATION SEESAW AND CARROUSEL 5 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

[52] [1.8. CI 272/30, 272/54 [51] Int. Cl A63g 1/32, A63g 1 1/00 [50] Field of Search 272/30, 54, 55, 56, 85-92 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 320,960 6/1885 Peirano 272/54 1,550,040 8/1925 Nagy 272/54 1,552,841 9/1925 Hector i. 272/30 2,488,889 11/1949 Allie 272/54 2,544,589 3/1951 Cummings 272/30 2,564,146 8/1951 Bouchard et al 272/30 FORElGN PATENTS 17,567 1894 Great Britain 272/30 16,257 1900 Great Britain 272/30 509,705 1/1955 Italy 272/30 Primary Examiner-Ant0n O. Oechsle Assistant ExaminerArnold W. Kramer Att0rney-Arthur M. Sloan ABSTRACT: A combination seesaw and carrousel which allows the participant to experience the effects of forceless weights. The device is capable of two axial motions at the same time with the ability in the participants to combine the motions as desired. The vertical axle spins laterally on ball bearings inside a vertically suspended housing attached to a base. Contrary to prior art devices the fulcrum or pivot is located above the suspension bar, so that a line connecting the centroids of the participants intersects the fulcrum and all resultant forces pass vertically downward through the vertical axis so that the device is stable without the need of being permanently anchored whether spinning, swinging, or dipping Adjustability is provided to compensate for vast differences in the weights and heights of the participants.

PATENTEUDEI 19 IQTI INVENTOR JOHN E ELY ATTORNEY COMBINATION SEESAW AND CARROUSEL This invention relates to a combination seesaw or teetertotter and carrousel or merry-go-round sometimes called a whirly-bird.

Prior art devices have not enabled the participants or riders to experience the effect of forceless weights.

Some prior art devices have not operated fully as teeter-totters and carrousels at the same time.

Other prior art devices have not had adjustable compensa tion for large difierences in the weights of the participants.

Still other prior art devices have required multiple legs for stability or actual anchoring of the device to the ground to keep from tipping or turning over.

Still other prior art devices have been noted for their lack of stability while the device was spinning, swinging, or dipping.

In other prior art devices, only with great exertion have the participants been able to raise or lower themselves on the teeter-totter.

In still other prior art combination merry-go-round-teeterletters, the teeter-toner has not performed properly while the device is spinning horizontally or standing still.

Prior art devices have also been noted in that the fulcrum has been placed below the suspension bar.

Prior art devices are also noted in that the lower a rider gets on the teeter-totter, the heavier his side becomes and if the rider spins the force couple causes him to level out.

Accordingly, it is an object of the subject invention to provide a combination merry-go-round and teeter-totter for purposes of play, recreation, and exercise which is improved over prior art devices.

Another object of the subject invention is to provide a combination seesaw and carrousel with means to compensate for large difi'erences in the weights of the riders.

Still another object of the subject invention is to provide a combination seesaw and carrousel which is capable of two axial motions at the same time, wherein the participants may combine the motions as directed.

Still another object of the subject invention is to provide a combination teeter-totter and carrousel in which the stem or vertical axle spins laterally on a bearing unit inside a vertically suspended housing attached to the base.

Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide a combination teeter-totterand carrousel which is stable without the need of being permanently anchored.

Still another object of the subject invention is to provide a combination teeter-totter and carrousel which may be used without permanent moorings inside the home, in the yard, or on a garage on any usual type of floor covering such as rugs or linoleum.

A further object of the subject invention is to provide a combination teeter-totter and carrousel in which the resultant forces pass vertically downward through the vertical axle, thus keeping the resultant forces within the stem so that the device is always stable whether spinning, swinging, or dipping.

An additional object of the subject invention is to provide a combination teeter-totter and carrousel on which to raise or lower themselves, the riders merely have to tilt their heads forward to go up, or back to go down.

Still a further object of the subject invention is to provide a combination teeter-totter and carrousel which performs the same whether the device is spinning horizontally or standing still.

Yet another additional object of the subject invention is to provide a combination teeter-totter and carrousel with means to compensate for vast differences in the heights of the participants.

Still one more object of the subject invention is to provide a combination teeter-totter and carrousel which differs from prior art devices in that the fulcrum or pivot is above the suspension bar.

Yet an additional object of the subject invention is to provide a combination teeter-totter and carrousel in which the riders always remain in a state of equipoise at any inclined position the suspension bar may be in.

Further objects and purposes of the invention will appear from the following description which is given for the purpose of exemplification and by no means of limitation and in which reference is had to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the combination teeter-totter and carrousel of the subject invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the combination teeter-totter and carrousel of the subject invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the suspension bracket of the combination teeter-totter and carrousel of the subject invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vertical axle of the subject invention.

As noted the subject invention is a combination teetertotter and carrousel which allows the participants or riders to experience the effects of forceless weight.

The device of the subject invention is useful not only as a toy but also as a recreational and exercise device.

Turning to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the device is constructed to handle two riders at a time. Note the suspension bar or beam 1.

The seats 2 are located on each end of the suspension or mounting bar or beam 1. ln front of seat 2, is a handlebar or grip 3. The seats 2 and the handlebars or grips 3 are fixed to .the suspension bar or beam 1. The seats 2 and handlebars or grips 3 may be fixed to the suspension bar or beam 1 by any suitable means such as welding or nuts or bolts. The device of the subject invention is supported on the base 4 which is shown as a pedestal. Fixed to and projecting upwards from the center of the pedestal base 4 is tube or cylinder 5 which acts as a bearing collar or sleeve socket. For ease of rotation of the suspension bar or beam 1, ball bearing 6 is placed within the housing tube or cylinder 5, but other, suitable, bearing means may be used. Projecting downward from the suspension bar or beam 1 and fixed to the suspension bar or beam are foot rests or stirrups 7. The axle or rod 8 which has two upwardly projecting prongs or forked ends 9, is inserted in the tube or cylinder 5 and rests on the ball bearing 6. Suspension bracket element 10 acts as the link to join the suspension bar or beam 1 to the axle or shank 8.

The suspension bracket element 10 is provided with upwardly projecting prongs or tines 17 containing a series of holes 13. On each end of the element 10 are holes 18. The suspension bar or beam 1 contains holes 11. The suspension bracket element 10 is adjustably fixed to the beam or suspension bar 1 by lining the holes 18 in the suspension bracket element 10 up over the selected holes 11 in the beam or suspension bar 1 and the inserting of bolts 12 through the aligned holes 11 and 18 and the tightening of nuts 20 onto the bolts 12.

The suspension bracket element 10 is suspended from the forks 9 of the post 8 by aligning the desired holes 13 in the prongs or tines 17 with the holes 19 in the prongs 9 and inserting pins 16 through the aligned openings. The pins 16 act as a fulcrum or pivot allowing the suspension bar or beam 1 to pivot upwards and downwards. As noted the series of holes 13 allow for adjustment of the suspension bar 1 upwards or downwards within the forks 9 to compensate for the height of the riders. The forks 9 may be provided with series of holes 14 to provide for additional adjustment upwards and downwards in the vertical plane. Likewise if it is desired to have the device operate solely as a teeter-totter and not as a carrousel or a merry-go-round; holes 15 may be provided in the rod or shank 8 which could be aligned with holes 21 in the collar or tube 5 and fixed by suitable pin or bolt means 22.

As noted the suspension bracket 10 may be adjustably moved along the suspension bar or beam 1 by removing the nuts 20 and bolts 12, aligning the holes 18 with the selected holes 11 and replacing the bolts 12 and nuts 20. The suspension bar or beam 1 is per se a first class lever and the adjustment of the suspension bracket 10 along the suspension bar or beam 1 adjusts for large differences in the weights of the riders or participants. However, when the device of the subject invention is put into motion, the differences in the weights of the riders or participants is of little consequence.

As noted although only one ball bearing 6 is shown in the housing or sleeve any suitable bearing arrangement may be provided. I

As can be seen the device is capable of two axial motions and the riders or participants have the capability of combining these motions as desired.

The stem or vertical axle 8 spins laterally on ball bearing 6 inside of the vertically suspended housing or tube 5'which is attached to the base 4.

The device is stable without the need of being permanently anchored. it may be used in the home on any type of floor covering. It may also be used in the yard or on a garage floor without the necessity for permanent moorings.

The following theory has been applied. Every person has a middle weight point which is normally near the waist line. The middle weight point is the centroid or center of mass. If an imaginary line is passed between the midpoints of the riders and this line is caused to intersect the horizontal pivot, then if the riders are initially balanced, as on a first class lever, the resultant forces pass vertically downward through the vertical axis and continue to do so throughout the duration of the ride. Since the resultant forces are within the stem, the device is always stable whether spinning, swinging, or dipping. As a result, the riders can maneuver freely both vertically and horizontally without toppling.

Contrary to prior art devices, the riders of the subject invention are in equilibrium at all times. The riders have to exert substantially little effort to keep the suspension bar at any chosen elevation. To raise or lower himself, a rider has merely to tilt his head forward to go up or back to go down.

in a conventional seesaw the lower the rider gets the heavier his side becomes. Also, in conventional combination seesaws and carrousels, when a rider spins, the force couple causes him to level out. Since in the subject invention the pivot or fulcrum is above the suspension bar or beam 1, when the riders spin they do not level out but remain at whatever inclination they have attained without any effect of eccentricity. The placement of the fulcrum or pivot above the suspension bar or beam 1 in the subject invention obviates the tendency to swing out or level.

To reiterate in a conventional seesaw where the fulcrum is under the suspension bar or bear, an imaginary line passing through the center of mass of each rider would not intersect the fulcrum and would pass above the fulcrum. The resultant forces are passed downward on one side of the fulcrum or pivot or the other but not at the pivot thus creating an eccentricity. In the subject invention where the fulcrum or pivot is above the suspension bar or beam an imaginary line drawn through the center of mass of each rider will intersect or cross the fulcrum or pivot and the resultant forces pass vertically downward through the central axis or stem with no eccentricity.

The distance between the point at which the resultant forces pass downward and a vertical line drawn through the fulcrum or pivot in a conventional seesaw is the eccentricity. Since the resultant forces pass downward through the center axle or stem in the subject invention, there is no eccentricity.

Before use the suspension bracket 10 is adjusted over the suspension bar or beam 1 to compensate for large differences in the weights of the riders, with the heavier rider sitting on the shorter end and the lighter rider sitting on the longer end.

The suspension or fulcrum bracket 10 has appropriate holes 13 in the prongs 17 aligned with holes 19 in the prongs 9 to adjust for the height of the riders.

By kicking and pushing with their feet, the riders get the device to spin. It is only hecessary for one rider to kick orpush while the other rider keeps his feet on the foot rest or stirrup 7. When desired spin is achieved, both riders should have their feet placed on the foot rests 7.

The riders need do nothing but tilting of the heads for slow rising and falling. By leaning the shoulders and the rest of the body above the waist a faster ascent and descent is possible.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As those skilled in the art will fully understand, such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and scope of the invention and appended claims.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States:

1. A combination seesaw and carrousel including a base; vertical sleeve means carried by the base; a vertical axle rotatable within the vertical sleeve means; two upwardly projecting prongs mounted on the top of said axle; at least one hole through one of said prongs aligned with a like hole in the other of said prongs; a suspension bar with means at its ends to carry riders; a suspension bracket; means adjustably fixing the suspension bar to said suspension bracket for adjusting the relative distance of said rider carrying means at its ends with respect to said suspension bracket for adjustment of the seesaw for balancing riders of different weights; said suspension bracket having two prongs extending upwardly therefrom with one of said suspension bracket prongs having a plurality of vertically spaced holes therethrough each aligned with one of a like plurality of vertically spaced holes through the other of said suspension bracket prongs; and adjustable fulcrum pin means extending through respective aligned holes of the vertical axle prongs with those of the suspension bracket prongs whereby the height of the seesaw can be adjusted and/or the distance of the seesaw fulcrum above the top of the suspension bar.

2. A combination seesaw and carrousel as described in claim 1 including handlebar means fixed to the suspension bar and arranged to be gripped by the riders and foot rests fixed to the suspension bar and arranged to accommodate the feet of the riders.

3. A combination seesaw and carrousel as described in claim 1 in which the vertical axle is rotatable on bearing means carried within said vertical sleeve means.

4. A combination seesaw and carrousel as described in claim 1 including further height adjustable means between said vertical sleeve means and said axle.

5. The combination seesaw and carrousel as described in claim 4 wherein the further height adjustable means includes vertically spaced holes in said axle cooperable with hole and pin means through said vertical sleeve means.