US3806117A

US3806117A - Spring powered swing

Info

Publication number: US3806117A
Application number: US00229652A
Authority: US
Inventors: E Foster
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-02-28
Filing date: 1972-02-28
Publication date: 1974-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 1991-04-23

Abstract

A swing incorporating a single pair of support legs having horizontal extensions of limited length at their upper end, a swing seat support suspended from said extensions, with means engaging said swing support at its upper end for effecting oscillation thereof within a plane parallel to the plane defined by said legs. Said extensions do not project over the swing seat so that the latter is accessible from over-head as well as from the front and back of the swing seat and from the side thereof opposite said legs throughout horizontal and vertical arcs of at least 180 degrees with respect to the planes of said legs and that of the swing support surface, respectively. Spring motor means and escapement, together with associated structure, are provided upon said leg extensions.

Description

United States Patent Foster Apr. 23, 1974 SPRING POWERED SWING Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle AssistantFiZiZiinerTheatrice Brown 714 l 0 [76] Inventor ggx gg g? :3 g 27578767 Attorney, Agent, or FzrmRalph W. Kalish [22] Filed: Feb. 28, 1972 57 ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 229,652 A swing incorporating a single pair of support legs having horizontal extensions of limited length at their [52] U S Cl 272/86 280/47 41 upper end, a swing seat support suspended from said [51] A63g 2 extensions, with means engaging said swing support at [58] Fieid 297/273 its upper end for effecting oscillation thereof within a 286/47 41 38 47 plane parallel to the plane defined by said legs. Said extensions do not project over the swing seat so that R the latter is accessible from over-head as well as from [56] g ga f g gg the front and back of the swing seat and from the side thereof opposite said legs throughout horizontal and 459,670 9/l89l Ba rnhart 297/273 vertical arcs f at least 1 0 degrees i respect to the 3,071,339 H1963 3 2 22 planes of said legs and that of the swing support surz gsgg 3 1; 38 face, respectively. Spring motor means and escapement, together with associated structure, are provided upon said leg extensions.

18 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR 23 m4 3.806117 SHEET 3 OF 6 Lil H Illl I I ll l 'PATENTEDAPR 2 3 I974 SHEET S [If 6 SPRING POWERED SWING BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to swings and, more particularly, to a swing powered by a spring motor, but which permits of relatively increased accessibility to the swing seat.

Heretofore, various spring powered swings have been known, but the same have consistently incorporated extensive over-head structure requiring at least two pair of legs or supports at opposite ends of such structure and with the swing being located between the leg pairs. Exemplary of these prior art structures are those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,807,309 and 3,420,523. With swings of the heretofore known type, the baby or child could only be placed in the swing, and removed therefrom, from the front of the swing by appropriate manipulation within the confining zone limited by the legs. Also, such earlier structures, supported the swing seat at four points, as by chains, tension straps, or the like so that an attendant would have but limited space within which to handle the child by virtue of the obstructions caused by the four legs and the four seat supports.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spring powered swing having a unique support structure comprehending, in essence, but three supports in lieu of the eight supports heretofore known, so that wide and easy access is available to the swing seat whereby the child or baby may be placed therein, or removed therefrom either in a vertical, side, front, or rear direction.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a swing of the character stated wherein spring motor means are located upwardly of the swing seat, but substantially to one side thereof so as to provide substantially no over-head obstruction; and with which there is incorporated a novel J-shaped swing support.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a swing of the character stated incorporating an unusual support structure allowing wide accessibility to the seat while being readily collapsible into a compact state for ease of transfer and storage of minimum space; and which support structure may be easily adapted for mobility without diminution of its collapsible qualities.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a swing of the character stated which embodies a swing seat of simple, sturdy construction which is uniquely foldable into a compact state when in disuse.

It is a furtherobject of the present invention to provide a spring powered swing of the character stated which embodies a spring motor of the constant force type having a storage drum to which the spring need not be attached.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a swing of the character stated which incorporates unique means for arresting the spring winding movement so as to prevent the development of undue stress and to maintain spring for longevity of usage.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a spring powered swing having a marked simplicity of components which latter are sturdy, and hence, wear resistant; which is designed for high volume, low cost production; which is easily moved from and to operative condition by the average individual without resort to extrinsic tools; and which is extremely durable and effecient in usage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spring powered swing constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view.

FIG. 3 is a rear view.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side view taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary side view taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 77 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a horizontal transverse sectional view taken on the line 99 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary side view taken on the line 10-10 of FIG. 6 illustrating the crank arm in partially rotated position.

FIG. 11 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 11l1 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mobile spring powered swing constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the swing illustrated in FIG. 12 but showing same in collapsed condition.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary view partially in section taken on the line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 1515 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view taken on the line 16-16 of FIG. 12 illustrating the seat in open condition.

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view taken substantially on the line 16-16 of FIG. 12 illustrating the seat in collapsed condition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRACTICAL EMBODIMENTS Referring now by reference characters to the drawings which illustrate practical embodiments of the present invention, A designates a swing of the type designed primarily for infant usage and which incorporates a novel support structure broadly referred to as B which, as will be shown, permits of access to a swing seat s in a more open and less restricted manner than heretofore obtainable by currently known devices. Said support structure comprises a single pair of

elongated legs

1,1 as fabricated of lightweight, tubular stock, which substantially intermediate their length are respectively, pivotally engaged, as by

pins

2,2, to the outer ends of

toggle links

3,3; which latter are pivotally intercon nected at their inner ends, as at 4, and carry cooperative locking components, as indicated generally at 5, for maintaining said

links

3,3 in coaxial relationship (see FIG. 5) when in operative position; in which condition said

legs

1,1 mutually converge at their upper ends and correspondingly diverge at their lower ends; thus forming an A-shape with said

extended toggle links

3,3. As will be shown more fully hereinbelow, upon breaking of the toggle joint,

links

3,3 serve to interconnect

legs

1,1 as the latter are brought toward each other into axial parallel relationship for compact collapsing of swing A. At their lower extremities each

leg

1,1 is cut away in opposite wall portions to define a clevis-type foot, as at 6,6, respectively, for pivotally engaging, as by a

7,7, a

base member

8,8, respectively. The

pins

7,7 eccentrically engage the

respective base members

8,8 so that the major portion of the latter, as indicated at a, are presented on the same side of the

related legs

1,1, as seat s. The minor portion, as designated b, of each

leg

1,1 projects in the opposite direction laterally a short distance beyond the

associated legs

1,1. Each

base member

8,8 proximate the free end of its major portion a may be slightly bent upwardly, as at 9,9, for developing a limited arch for the purpose of causing the opposite ends of each

base member

8,8 to constitute a foot which may be rubber capped, as suggested at 10. Interconnecting each

base member

8,8 and its

related leg

1,1 is a brace member 11,1 1, respectively, which latter are pivotally engaged to the respective base member and leg and serve to stabilize support structure B in operative condition. It is to be noted that

pivot pins

7,7 are adapted for facile removal so that upon withdrawing same base member's 8,8 may be freely swung by reason of the swingable character of bases 1 1,1 1 into contiguous, axially parallel relationship to the associated

leg

1,1.

At each of their

upper ends legs

1,1 are bent through an angle of ninety degrees to form relatively

short extensions

12,12 which are disposed on the same side of the related legs as the major portions a of

base members

8,8 when swing A is in operative position (see FIG. 1). However, it will be observed that said

extensions

12,12 are considerably shorter than said base member major portions a. As will presently be described more fully,

extensions

12,12 are maintained in relatively close, axially parallel relationship by means of a bracket generally denoted 13, which though adapted to allow of limited axial rotation of said

extensions

12,12, maintains same against movement toward and away from each other with the intervening spacing therebetween being markedly less than that between the lower ends of

legs

1,1 when the latter are extended. Upon opening of

toggle links

3,3, as above described,

legs

1,1 can be brought into substantially axi-, ally parallel relationship by reason of the rotation of

extensions

12,12. Therefore, when swing A is in disuse the same may be brought into a most compact state for facilitating transfer and permitting of storage in a minimum space.

Bracket 13 is of two-part character having upper and lower

coordinating components

14, 15 being fabricated as from sheet stock. Lower bracket component 15 is relatively elongate and opening upwardly; having arcuated lateral portions, 16,16 formed on a common center with

extensions

12,12, respectively, for seated disposition of the latter against the inner faces of said

lateral portions

16,16. Extending between said

lateral portions

16,16 is an intermediate, base portion 17 of predetermined extent. Bracket upper component 14 is of greater length than lower component 15 and incorporates lateral downwardly opening arcuated

portions

18,18; the same being similarly formed on common center with

extensions

12,12, respectively, for retaining disposition upon the upper surfaces of said

extensions

12,12. Extending between

arcuated portions

18,18 is a central section 19 which may be upwardly convex and which at one end, remote from the free ends of

extensions

12,12 is continuous with a downturned flange 20, which extends between said

extensions

12,12; there being a corresponding flange 21 formed at the opposite end of said central section 19 immediately beyond the free ends of said extensions 12,12 (see FIG. 6). Substantially intermediate its length central section 19 is provided with an opening 22, there being a tab 23 upstruck therefrom in planarwise parallel relation to flange 20 and located on the same side of opening 22 as flange 20.

Upper bracket portions

18,18 are each provided with a relatively wide opening 24,24 for cooperation with

like openings

25,25, respectively, provided in bracket lower component 15 for movement therein of the opposite projecting ends of

rivets

26,26, respectively, fixed in

extensions

12,12. Secured on the end extremities of each rivet are enlarged heads, as at 27, for preventing undesired axially shifting of said

rivets

26,26. Thus, the opposite

side edgesof openings

24,24, 25,25 serve as limits for the axial rotation of

extensions

12,12 by'reason of the abutment thereagainst of

rivets

26,26. The extent of said openings determines the angle of rock of

extensions

12,12. Base portion 17 of bracket lower component 15 and central section 19 of upper bracket component 14, together with the confronting side surfaces of

extensions

12,12 mutually define a compartment 28, which at one end is' closed, as by flange 21, and with its other end 29 being open, communicating with a relatively enlarged spacing, as at 29 between flange 20 and the proximate end edge of bracket lower component 15 (see FIG. 6).

Flanges

20,21 of bracket component 14 are provided with aligned

bearings

30,31 for journalling therein of the ends of a shaft 32 which extends through compartment 28. Fixedly suspended from shaft 32 by means of

collars

33,34 is a swing bracket 35 comprising a flat elongated body 36 for disposition below, and axially parallel to, shaft 32 and with said

collars

33,34 being formed in upwardly turned

ears

37,38 at its opposite ends; said ears being located immediately inwardly of

bearings

30,31, respectively. Swing bracket 35 embodies in its end remote from the free ends of

extensions

12,12, a relatively wide depending tongue 39 for free extension downwardly through spacing 29. Tongue 39 is secured, as by bolts or the like, 40 within a substantially complementary socket 41 formed at the upper end of a seat support 42 fabricated preferably of tubular stock.

Seat support 42 is of generally J-shape having an inner vertical leg 43, which at its lower end, terminates spacedly above the lower ends of

legs

1,1 and is bent to form a horizontal section 44 normally axially parallel to

extensions

12,12; there being a relatively short outer vertical leg 45 bentupwardly from the outer end section 44. Seat s is suspended upon support 42 by means of a preferably metallic frame 46 formed of rod stock and being of generally rectangular form having forward and rearward

ends

47,47 and

side components

48,48; which latter, spacedly rearwardly of end 47 are pivotally connected to

legs

43, 45, as by pins 49 which establish an axis about which frame 46 and hence seat s may swing. Immediately rearwardly of

legs

43,45

side components

48,48 are each bent upwardly, as at 50, so as to dispose rearward end 47 in upwardly and rearwardly spaced relationship to forward end 47. The angle of bend is slightly greater than 90 to the horizontal as determined when seat s is in a position of rest. lnterconnecting leg 45, downwardly of pivot 49 and the proximate rearward portion of side component 48 is a brace 51 for lending stability to seat s and for limiting the degree of rock thereof for safety purposes. Supported from frame 46 is a flexible member 52 as fabricated of canvas, plastic, or the like and having its edges stitched to form tubular passageways, indicated generally at 53, for extention therethrough of end and side components of frame 46. Said flexible member 52 is contoured and adapted to provide side panels 54, a front panel 55, a rearward portion 56, and a base section 57, which may, if desired, incorporate a firm plate member (not shown). Said front panel 55 is provided with a pair of

openings

58,58 for extension therethrough of the legs of a baby, as indicated at m, disposed within seat s. Seat s is thus of relatively lightweight having a single frame component from which is suspended the flexible member 52 for holding the baby m during operation of swing A.

It will be seen that as carried upon seat support 42 seat s is substantially open for ease of accessibility in order to place the baby in seat s or to remove it therefrom. With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 it will be observed that

leg extensions

12,12 extend but a short distance over the inner portion of seat 5 so that there is substantially no overhead structure whatever, allowing for a vertical lifting of the baby from seats, as well as disposing it therein in a fully downward path.

Legs

1,1 are removed laterally from seat s so that the latter may be approached from the opposite side, front or back, of swing A without restriction or impediment. Swing A is substantially devoid of the customary structural elements which have heretofore obstructed access to a swing seat so that a user has had to maneuver within confined areas for placing and removing the baby. By means of the present novel support structure a baby can be easily handled by one arm of the adult should such be necessary which could not have been effected with current swing constructions.

Additionally, the support structure of swing A is comprised of a minimum number of parts so as to conduce to overall lightness with concomitant facility of handling as well as to require less volume for operative disposition. Furthermore, the unique character of swing A brings about a collapsibility which permits of storage in minimum space.

Swing A, through mechanical means to be now described is adapted to cause a to and fro, back and forth rocking of seat support 42 and hence seat 's over a substantial time interval so that an attendant is spared the necessity of effecting frequent rewinding. By means of the present invention a baby may be left in unattended state within swing A for a substantial period of time without requiring adult supervision and yet being subjected to a pacifying rocking movement.

Turning now primarily to FIGS. 6 through 11, there will be described the means for imparting a swinging movement to bracket 35 about shaft 32 which in turn causes the seat support 42 to rock. Disposed upwardly of

extensions

12,12 is a hosuing 59 having

parallel side walls

60,60 which are secured in their lower end portions, as by screws 61, to bracket flange 21 and tab 23, respectively (see FIG. 6). Said housing 59 incorporates front and

rear walls

62,62, a top wall 63, and being normally opened at its lower end for closure in operative position by bracket upper component 14. Provided in

side walls

60,60 at their upper portions, are aligned

openings

64,64 forming bearings for a shaft 65 extending therethrough; said shaft being axially parallel to extensions 12,12'. Mounted on the end of shaft 65 outwardly of opening 64 is a crank arm 66, which at one end, carries a handle 67 and in its other end is bent upon itself to form an intermediate section 68 axially parallel to shaft 65 and a return section 69 incorporating an opening 70 for loosely receiving shaft 65; there being a spacer collar 71 affixed to the housing-remote side of said return section 69 disposed encirclingly about shaft 65 and for purposes presently appearing. Crank arm 66 is loosely engaged upon shaft 65 so that the same is normally movable axially thereof. In its zone between crank arm 66 and the confronting end of spacer collar 71 shaft 65 is provided with lateral milled surfaces, as at 72,72, for extension through an opening 73 formed in the web 74 of a cam 75 having upper and

lower flanges

76,77, which are planarwise perpendicular to web 74, and which project toward crank arm 66. Web 74 is compressed in its central lateral portions, as by peening, for effecting snug engagement of cam 75 upon shaft 65 to assure of joint movement. Thus, crank arm 66 is normally freely rotatable about shaft 65 as well as being shiftable axially thereof as contradistinguished from the fixed disposition of cam 75 on shaft 65.

Flanges

76, 77 on their leading edges are mutually reversely inclined (see FIG. 9) to form cam operating edges 78,79, respectively.

With crank arm 66 in the position shown in FIG. 6 the same may be freely turned without causing rotation of shaft 65. However, upon inward shifting of crank arm 66 toward cam 75 the inner face thereof upon turning will be brought into operative engagement with cam edges 78,79 to effect a coupling between crank arm 66 and shaft 65, whereby upon continued turning of same crank arm 66, shaft 65 will be rotated.

Carried upon shaft 65 within housing 59 is a power drum 80 as fabricated of suitable plastic and having a substantially slit-like, coextensive chord-wise extending recess 81 opening at one of its ends through the outer wall of drum 80 for receiving one end 82 of a spring motor 83; there being a pin 84 presented transversely of power drum 80 for anchoring spring motor free end 82 against displacement from drum 80. Spring motor 83 is of the self-coiling constant force, ribbon type and extends downwardly and slightly forwardly from power drum 80 to a storage coil 85 wound about a take-up or storage drum 86 mounted for rotation upon a shaft 87 joumalled at its ends within aligned

bearings

88,88 formed in

housing walls

60,60, respectively. Carried upon shaft 87 within housing 59 in each of its end portion is a sleeve-

spacer

89,89 for maintaining storage drum 86 in relative position upon shaft 87 for appropriate coordination with power drum 80 during movement of spring motor 83 to and from same. Storage drum 86 at its ends incorporates diametrically increased

end plates

90,90 for maintaing spring motor 83 against displacement axially of drum 86. Spring motor 83 is so set and tempered as to be biased to form itself into a tight coil having a large number of turns relative to the length of the spring and having a very flat gradient so that the torque developed thereby is of substantially constant force. A spring of this general type is set forth and described in US. Pat. No. 2,899,193.

It will be seen if power drum 80 is turned in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 7, by appropriate manipulation of crank arm 66 for effecting rotation of shaft 65, spring motor 83 will be backwound upon power drum 80 and thus be bent counter to it normal bias so that it will tend to unwind from power drum 80 for winding upon storage drum 86. The said two forces are combined to turn power drum 80 for the purposes set forth hereinbelow with a relatively high torque and maximum efficient use of the spring material. As backwound upon power drum 80, spring motor 83 will provide the energy or power for operation of swing A Secured to the inner face of housing wall 60 above, but proximate to, shaft 87 is the lower end of an angle shaped shaft controller 91 being fabricated of flat spring stock having a vertical arm 92 and a substantially horizontal, follower arm 93 at its upper end which is presented in overlying relationship to power drum 80. The securement of arm 92 to housing wall 60 is effected by a pair of horizontally spaced-apart screws r so as to providea two-point securement so as to prevent undesired swinging of arm 92 about its vertical axis. Controller 91 is sufficiently loosely engaged at its lower end so that arm 92 will be canted, that is, inclined normally away from housing wall 60 with follower arm 93 being correspondingly inclined downwardly into immediate adjacency to the upper end of power drum 80. As spring motor 83'is backwound upon drum 80, follower arm 93, will tend to be progressively lifted with consequent swinging of vertical arm 92 toward housing wall 60. Arm 92 incorporates an opening 94 through which shaft 65 freely extends and on opposite sides of opening 94 arm 92 carries a pair of

fingers

95,95 which extend along-either side of shaft 65 and project through opening 64 formed in housing wall'60. Said fingers are so spaced from shaft 65 that the same are in alignment with portions of return section 69 of crank arm 66 immediately adjacent opening 70. By virtue of the normal inward ,bias of controller9-l said

fingers

95,95 will be spaced from said return section 69. However, as fol,-

lower arm 93 is raised and vertical arm 92 is brought into abutment against housing wall 60 upon backwinding of spring motor 85,

fingers

95,95 will. be caused to exert a force against return section 69 sufficient to cause crank-arm 66 to be shifted axially of shaft 65 toward its outer end and thereby remove crank arm 66 from coupling engagement with cam 75. Thereupon further rotation of crank arm 66 will be ineffective for rotating shaft 65. Thus, controller 91 is so constructed with respect to spring motor 83 that the same will cause a disengagement of crank arm .66 when the backwinding operation has reached its limit.

Integrally formed with power drum 80 at the end thereof proximate housing wall 69 is an enlarged, toothed ratchet wheel 97.

Presented for engagement with the lower teeth of ratchet wheel 97 is a driver pawl 98, pivotally engaged at its lower end upon a boss 99, which latter projects planarwise perpendicularly from a finger-like projection 100, provided substantially centrally of swing bracket 35 and beingintegral with body 36 thereof; said projection 100 passes upwardly through opening 22, and central section 19 of bracket upper component 14 (see FIG. 7). Laterally of driver pawl 98, between same and housing wall 62' is a keeper pawl101 engagable with lower teeth of ratchet wheel 97 at a point slightly advanced clockwise with respect to the engagement therewith by driver pawl 98, and being intermediate inner and outer flat leaf springs 102,103, whice latter together with pawl 101, may be integrally formed of suitable plastic and with the integrated structure being mounted at its lower end as by a pin 104 secured in wall 60. It will thus be seen that outer spring 103 is directed at its upper end toward wall 62 and that spring 102, being relatively shorter, is biased toward pawl 98.

In operation, the user by appropriate action of crank arm 66, as above described, will effect a backwinding of spring motor 83 upon power drum during which operation seat support 42 will be stationary in its center position. In this condition, as illustrated in FIG. 7, driver pawl 98 will not be in engagement with the teeth of ratchet wheel 97, which latter may be assured by presenting projection 100 in slightly inclined relationship to the plane of tongue 39. Keeper pawl 101 will be.

in engagement with ratchet wheel 97 and restrain same against counterclockwise motor unwinding movement through bias of spring motor 83. With the backwinding completed, the operator will then give seat support 42 or seat s, as desired, a slight starting push as toward the right hand side of FIGS. 2 and 7, which will cause driver pawl 98 to be moved downwardly, away from ratchet wheel 97 retaining contact with spring 102, along the end edge portion of said pawl 98. As such for ward action continues, keeper pawl 101 will maintain engagement with ratchet wheel 97 and thus hold'same against escapement. As the seat support swings rea'rwardly under gravity, that is,in a direction toward the left hand side ofFIG. 7, driver pawl 98 will be rocked upwardly into engagement with ratchet wheel 97, while stressing spring 102 as the same isforced in a direction toward housing wall62'; with driver pawl 98 applying a clockwise directed force against ratchet wheel 97 causing a limited movement thereof. Such movement of ratchet wheel 97 is of adequate extent to cause keeper pawl 101 to loose engagement with ratchet wheel 97 and thereby free same for movement in counterclockwise direction underthe releasing or unwinding force of spring motor 83. Thus, during the interval of such loss of engagement with keeper pawl 101 and upon the commencement of the forward course of swing of. the swing seat support, ratchet wheel'97 will effect a driving force upon driver pawl 98 and thus give the same requisite impetus which translated to swing seat support will provide adequate energy for the next arc of swing. As driver pawl 98 looses contact with ratchet wheel 97, keeper pawl 101 under release vof stress upon spring 103 will bebiased returningly into engagement with ratchet wheel 97 for limiting the increment of 'movement thereof. The relationship of

pawls

98 and 101 allows for controlled escapement' of ratchet wheel 97 for release of a predetermined increment of energy or power from the backwound spring motor 83 to assure of continued swinging action. Thus, the swinging action will continue until spring motor is returned to fully stored condition upon drum 86 as illustrated in FIG. 7. By the unique pawl-ratchet arrangement, together with the character of spring 83, the swinging motion may be continued for extended periods of time withoutrequriing spring backwinding.

If desired the swing of the present invention may be adapted for mobility as distinguished from the stationary disposition of the support structure B of swing A above described. Reference is made to FIGS. 12 to 17, inclusive, wherein A indicates a mobile swing incorporating a support structure B having a pair of elongated legs 11 1,11 1' having short axially perpendicular extensions 1 12,1 12 at their upper ends for receiving thereon a housing 59, all of which components are similar structurally to the corresponding components of swing A above described. At their lower ends each leg 111,111 is bent to form a base extension 113,113 in axial parallel relationship to extensions 112,112, respectively, but being of slightly relatively increased length. Said base extensions 113,113 are engaged upon the central portions of front and rear transverse members 114,114, respectively; the former mounting casters 115,116 at its outer ends and the latter supporting diametrically relatively increased wheels 117,118 at its ends. Said extensions 113,113 are secured to members 114,114, as by bolts 119, which pass through opposite portions of surrounding brackets 120. As shown in FIG. 12 transverse member 114 is turned downward at its ends to provide legs 121,122, which are axially parallel to the major axis of leg 111 so as to, in effect, form an extension thereof for conducing to compact collapsing of swing A when in disuse, as will be shown hereinbelow. Said

rearward wheels

117, 118 are thus carried at the lower extremities of

legs

121, 122, respectively.

Provided for maintaining legs 111,111 in extended condition and thus present swing A in operative, mobile state, there is an elongated control bar 123 fabricated preferably of tubular stock, and located laterally of legs 111,111 on the side thereof remote from extensions 112,112 and normally extending in an upwardly and rearwardly inclined manner, terminating spacedly rearwardly and upwardly of rear transverse member 114, at which end said bar 123 is bent at a right angle to form a push rod portion 124. At its lower forward end control bar 123 is turned in parallel relationship to push rod 124 to form an extension 125 which is axially parallel to leg base extension 113 and front transverse member 114; being maintained in contiguity therewith by means of said brackets 120 and stop screws 126 which are fixed within bracket 120 for extension through an arcuate opening provided within wall of extension 125 so that said extension 125 may be turned within brackets 120 through an angle equivalent to the extent of opening 127 thereby allowing for commensurate swinging of bar 123 as swing A is moved into collapsed inoperative condition (see FIG. 13). Bar 123 is slidably received at its generally rearward portion within a relatively elongated sleeve 128 which is of U- shape in cross section, opening downwardly, and being pivotally secured, as by a bolt 129, upon leg 111 upwardly of transverse member 114. Thus, bar 123 will be slidably retained within sleeve 128 so that as legs 111 and 111 are moved toward and away from each other, from and into operative position, sleeve 128 will commensurately pivot about bolt 129, to accommodate the rocking of bar 123 as well as permit of requisite slidable movement with respect thereto. Mounted on the normally under side of bar 123 spacedly from push rod 124 is a latch arm 130 adapted for pivotal movement about a pin 131 extending through said bar 128 and aligned openings in ears 132 formed on said latch arm 130 for embracing said bar 123. Bearing against the end of latch arm 130 rearwardly of ears 132 is one end of a leaf spring 133 suitably mounted upon bar 123 and affixed at its other end thereto as by a screw 134. Thus, spring 133 will urge the forward end of latch arm toward bar 123. At such forward end latch arm 130 is provided with a hook 135 which embodies an inclined cam surface 136 on its inner portion. With reference being made to FIG. 14, it will be seen that when legs 111,111 are in extended condition, latch hook 135 will engage the stem of bolt 129 and thereby serve to stablize support structure B in operative condition. In order to release support structure B for collapsing, pressure is applied as by the user's hand, upon the rearward end of latch arm 130 for stressing spring 133 and causing a rocking of hook 135 away from bolt 129 so that bar 123 is then freed to move with respect to sleeve 128. correspondingly when legs 111,111 are swung away from each other into operative condition, bar 123 will be moved relatively with respect to bolt 129 until the same is brought into contact with cam surface 136 whereupon continued movement will exert an outward force upon latch arm 130 with concomitant stressing of spring 133 until hook 135 is engaged upon bolt 129.

Thus, from the foregoing, swing A is easily manipulated for movement away from, and into, operating state.

Swing A embodies a seat support identical with that described hereinabove in conjunction with swing A wherein like numerals are used to indicate like parts. Carried upon the seat support 42 in swing A is a seat or baby support indicated generally s.

Swing seat s comprises a rectangular frame 137 fabricated as of suitable lightweight, sturdy rod stock, which frame is disposed between said

support legs

43, 45 and pivotally engaged to each as by pins, indicated at 138, at points intermediate the sides of said frame 137 so that the latter will be swingable within a vertical plane about an axis passing through pins 138 (see FIGS. 16 and 17). lnterconnecting support leg 45 proximate its lower end and the rearward end portion of the adjacent side of frame 137 are cooperating

toggle links

139, 140; which latter are pivotally engaged at their mutually remote ends to said leg 45 and frame 137 and at their adjacent ends are pivotally connected, as at 141, and embody interengageable locking components 142 so that when in axial aligned relationship said toggle links 139, 140 will be securely maintained for presenting seat s in operative, extended condition. Engaged about the opposite sides of said frame 137 are the upper tubular formed ends 143 of a flexible member 144 which extends downwardly of said frame 137 on opposite sides thereof and contains an interconnecting base panel 145 which latter has secred thereon, by any suitable means, a relatively rigid plate 146 made of cardboard and the like. Plate 146 is maintained in position as by reception within a pocket (not shown) provided in base panel 145 of flexible member 144, said plate 146 thus forming a support for the received baby. Along its forward central portion flexible member 144 incorporates a wing 147 which may be led upwardly about the forward end section of frame 137; there being snap fasteners or the like, as at 148, for detachably securing said wing in position. By its relative narrowness, wing 147 creates openings 149 on either of its sides through which the babys legs may protrude. A back support 150 is provided for seat 5 and comprises a relatively rigid, lightweight, panel 151, also made of cardboard or the like, which at its lower end may be continuous with plate 144 as along a line of folding at 152 or, if desired, may be independent thereof but secured to flexible member 144. Said panel 151 is unconnected to frame 137 merely resting against the rearward portion thereof when seat s is in use; and in such latter position presents an upper portion 153 having a cushion-like member 154 affixed to its babyconfronting face.

By reference to FIG. 17 the novel construction of seat s becomes most apparent in view of its unique capacity for collapsing. This latter condition is simply effected by breaking the latch between toggle links 139,140 permitting frame 137 to swing about its pivot axis with its normally forward end moving upwardly and its rearward end moving downwardly in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 16. Due to the flexibility of member 144 and the incorporation of but a single frame component, namely frame 137, said seat s is brought closely within the plane passing through

legs

43,45 of seat support 42. It is thus'to be seen that the entire weight of the baby is supported from frame 137 and with flexible member 144 forming, in essence,

a sling.

In view of the foregoing the uniqueness, as well as simplicity of construction, of swings A and A should be apparent. In addition to providing the substantial accessibility to the swing seats s, s, said swing is also easily manipulated for extension into stable operative state as well as return to collapsed compact storable condition.

In connection with the controller 91, it is to be noted that the same obviates necessity of fixing spring motor 83 to storage drum 86 since the backwinding operation will be terminated prior to loss of connection between said spring motor 83 and drum 86. Accordingly, said controller 91 markedly reduces problems of assembly which have heretofore been encountered.

If desired, a music box may be easily attached to housing 59.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to obtain Letters Patent for is:

1. A swing comprising a frame having first and sec-. ond legs, said legs having upper and lower end portions having relatively short extensions at their upper end portions, said extensions being free at their leg-remote ends and projecting to the same side of a plane defined by said legs, a mounting bracket engaged to said first and second leg extensions and maintaining same in axially parallel relationship, means provided with said mounting bracket permitting axial rotation of said leg extensions whereby the associated first and second legs may be moved toward each other into substantially axially parallel swing-collapsed condition and away from each other for divergence at their extension-remote ends into swing operative condition, rockable means provided on said mounting bracket, a swing seat support depending downwardly from said mounting bracket on the same side of said plane as said leg extensions, means interengaging said rockable means and said swing seat support, and means for effecting rocking motion of said rockable means.

2. A swing as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by base members provided at the lower end of each of said legs, each of said base members having portions substantially axially parallel with the related extension when said swing is in operative position and said portions being located on the same side of said legs as said extensions.

3. A swing as defined in claim 2 and further characrelated legs so that the same are swingable between operative disposition wherein said base members are substantially axially paralell with the related leg extensions, and inoperative disposition wherein the same are in substantially axially parallel relationship with the related leg. 7

4. Aswing as defined in claim 2 and further characterized by means secured to each of said base members for rendering said frame mobile.

5. A swing as defined in claim 4 and further characterized by said mobile means comprising a transverse member engaged to each of said base members, and wheel members carried at the ends of each of said transverse members.

6. A swing as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said swing support being of relative J-shape having an inner vertical leg, a relatively shorter outer vertical leg and a transverse member therebetween, said inner and outer legs defining a plane substantially perpendicular to said plane, and a seat supported from said inner and outer legs and located therebetween.

7. A swing as defined in claim 6 and further characterized by said seat comprising a frame swingably engaged to said outer and inner swing seat support legs for rockable movement about an axis within the plane defined by said legs, and a flexible member supported from said frame and having a seat, side, front, and back portions.

8.- A swing as defined in claim 7 and further characterized bysaid swing seat back portion being hingedly engaged at its lower end to said flexible member seat, said back portion presented for resting engagement against the-confronting portion of said frame, said back portion extending upwardly of said frame. 9. A swing as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by first and second toggle links pivotally engaged at one of their ends to said first and second frame legs, respectively, and means interengaging the opposite ends of said toggle links.

10. A swing as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by a control barlocated on the side of said first and second legs opposite fromthe side adjacent said swing seat support, means for detachably engaging said control bar to said first leg when said swing is in operative condition, and a push rod portion provided at one end of said control bar being disposed rearwardly of said swing seat support. 4

1 l. A swing as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by a seat carried on said swing seat support downwardly of said leg extensions, said seat projecting laterally beyond a point beneath the free ends of said leg extensions. j

12. A swing as defined in claim 1 and further characterized wherein said rockable means comprises ashaft, said mounting bracket having bearings journalling said shaft, said interengaging means having a swing bracket fixed on said shaft and secured to said swing seat support. 1

13. A swing as defined in claim 12 and'further characterized wherein said shaft is axially parallel with said leg extensions and located the'rebetween, said mounting bracket having an opening between said leg extensions and said swing bracket extending downwardly through said mounting bracket opening.

14. A swing as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by said means for effecting rocking motion of said rockable means comprising spring motor means provided upwardly of said mounting bracket, a ratchet wheel operatively connected to said spring motor means, and a driver pawl provided on said swing bracket engageable with said ratchet wheel.

15. A swing as defined in claim 14 and further characterized by means defining a housing disposed upwardly of said mounting bracket, said spring motor means comprising a spring motor formed from flat ribbon stock and biased into a tightly wound storage coil located within said housing, a power drum provided in said housing upwardly of said storage coil, means mounting said power drum for rotation, one end of said spring motor being engaged to said power drum, and means for effecting rotation of said power drum for backwinding of said spring motor thereon, and means for permitting incremental rotative movement of said power drum for unwinding of said spring to permit rocking of said swing seat support.

16. A swing as defined in claim 15 and further characterized by ratchet wheel being mounted on said means for rotating said power drum, a keeper pawl engageable with said ratchet wheel and mounted on said housing, and first and second spring means engageable with said keeper pawl, said first spring means biasing said driver pawl from engagement with said ratchet wheel, said second spring means urging said keeper pawl into engagement with said ratchet wheel.

17. A swing as defined in claim 15 and further characterized by said means for rotating said power drum comprising a shaft, means for journalling of said power drum shaft in said housing, said shaft extending at one of its ends beyond said housing, a crank arm provided on said shaft extended end, and being adapted for movement axially thereof, and cam means for effecting coupling of said crank arm and said shaft for turning said power drum into spring-backwinding direction.

18. A swing as defined in claim 17 and further characterized by control means provided in said housing and engagable with said spring as the same is backwound upon said power drum for rockable movement in a direction toward the projecting end of said power drum shaft, and means operatively interengaging said control means and said crank arm for effecting uncoupling of same from said cam means after the predetermined portion of said spring motor has been backwound upon said power drum.

I UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent NO. Dated 3 Edwin E. Foster '[t is certified that error appears in the above-ldentlf led patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 1\, Claim 1, line M, delete said legs"; same line, after "portions" insert said legs---.

Signed and sealed this 1st day of October 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY M. GIBSON JR. 0. MARSIMLL mum .kttesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM po'wso USCOMM-DC wan-Pea U S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 869- 93 o

Claims

1. A swing comprising a frame having first and second legs, said legs having upper and lower end portions having relatively short extensions at their upper end portions, said extensions being free at their leg-remote ends and projecting to the same side of a plane defined by said legs, a mounting bracket engaged to said first and second leg extensions and maintaining same in axially parallel relationship, means provided with said mounting bracket permitting axial rotation of said leg extensions whereby the associated first and second legs may be moved toward each other into substantially axially parallel swing-collapsed condition and away from each other for divergence at their extension-remote ends into swing operative condition, rockable means provided on said mounting bracket, a swing seat support depending downwardly from said mounting bracket on the same side of said plane as said leg extensions, means interengaging said rockable means and said swing seat support, and means for effecting rocking motion of said rockable means.

3. A swing as defined in claim 2 and further Characterized by means mounting said base members on the related legs so that the same are swingable between operative disposition wherein said base members are substantially axially paralell with the related leg extensions, and inoperative disposition wherein the same are in substantially axially parallel relationship with the related leg.

4. A swing as defined in claim 2 and further characterized by means secured to each of said base members for rendering said frame mobile.

8. A swing as defined in claim 7 and further characterized by said swing seat back portion being hingedly engaged at its lower end to said flexible member seat, said back portion presented for resting engagement against the confronting portion of said frame, said back portion extending upwardly of said frame.

9. A swing as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by first and second toggle links pivotally engaged at one of their ends to said first and second frame legs, respectively, and means interengaging the opposite ends of said toggle links.

10. A swing as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by a control bar located on the side of said first and second legs opposite from the side adjacent said swing seat support, means for detachably engaging said control bar to said first leg when said swing is in operative condition, and a push rod portion provided at one end of said control bar being disposed rearwardly of said swing seat support.

11. A swing as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by a seat carried on said swing seat support downwardly of said leg extensions, said seat projecting laterally beyond a point beneath the free ends of said leg extensions.

12. A swing as defined in claim 1 and further characterized wherein said rockable means comprises a shaft, said mounting bracket having bearings journalling said shaft, said interengaging means having a swing bracket fixed on said shaft and secured to said swing seat support.

13. A swing as defined in claim 12 and further characterized wherein said shaft is axially parallel with said leg extensions and located therebetween, said mounting bracket having an opening between said leg extensions and said swing bracket extending downwardly through said mounting bracket opening.