US20040198513A1 - Non-motorized object hanger - Google Patents

Abstract

A non-motorized object hanger for use with a swing having a seat hanger tube supported from a hub and a seat coupled to the seat hanger tube. The object hanger comprises a support member coupled to one of the seat hanger tube and seat. A hanger is coupled to the support member. A decorative object is coupled to the hanger, wherein motion is imparted to the support member by the motion of the swing. Another embodiment provides the support member is offset from the access of the hub.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates to a child or infant swing and more particularly to a non-motorized object hanger for use with a swing and more particularly to a mobile or toy bar type non-motorized object hanger.[0001]
• Infant or child swings have been contemplated in the past. For example, open top swings are known to include arrangements that provide decorative objects, such a toys, for a child to interact with while the child is seated in the swing. For example, the child swing seat can include a tray and the toys can be mounted on a support attached to the tray. In such a swing, the toys are positioned in front of the child when the child is seated.[0002]
• In other arrangements, child care products, such as a stroller or a crib, can include a toy suspension assembly. Motion can be imparted to the toy suspension assembly by motors that are either electrically or spring powered. When the electrical or mechanical power that is fed to the toy suspension assembly is depleted, motion of the toys ceases and the attention of the child is typically diverted and usually accompanied by the child crying. Further, such toy suspension assemblies require constant attention to maintain the motive force, such as supplying batteries or winding the motor spring.[0003]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• There is a need for an object hanger for use with a swing that does not require a motor. There is a further need for a non-motorized object hanger for toys so that a child can interact with the toys above the child while sitting back in a swing seat structure. There is also a need for a non-motorized object hanger that can be rotated to several positions with respect to the child, including a position to allow easy placement or removal of the child from the swing seat structure.[0004]
• There is provided an object hanger for use with a swing having a seat hanger tube supported from a hub and a seat coupled to the seat hanger tube. The object hanger comprises a support member coupled to one of the seat hanger tube and seat. A hanger is coupled to the support member. A decorative object is coupled to the hanger, wherein motion is imparted to the support member by the motion of the swing. In one embodiment, the support member is offset from the axis of the hub.[0005]
• There is also provided a non-motorized mobile for use with a swing having a hanger tube supported from a hub. The non-motorized mobile comprises a mounting bracket configured to engage the hanger tube. A support arm is coupled to the mounting bracket with the support arm having a distal end. A hanger attachment is coupled to the support arm at the distal end and the hanger attachment is freely movable at the distal end. A hanger is coupled to the hanger attachment. A decorative object is coupled to the hanger, wherein motion is imparted to the mobile by the motion of the swing.[0006]
• There is further provided a swing comprising a support structure having a hub. A hanger tube is coupled to the support structure at the hub. A seat structure is coupled to the hanger tube. The swing also includes a non-motorized mobile which includes a mounting bracket configured to engage the hanger tube. A support arm is coupled to the mounting bracket with the support arm having a distal end. A hanger attachment is coupled to the support arm at the distal end and freely movable at the distal end. A hanger is coupled to the hanger attachment and a decorative object is coupled to the hanger, wherein motion is imparted to the mobile by the motion of the swing.[0007]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 illustrates a child or infant swing including a mobile type non-motorized object hanger.[0008]
• FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile type non-motorized object hanger and depicts its placement on a seat hanger tube of a swing.[0009]
• FIG. 3 is an illustration of a mobile coupled to a seat hanger tube of a swing and illustrates rotational placement of the mobile over a seat structure of the swing.[0010]
• FIG. 4 is an illustration of the mobile shown in FIG. 3 and illustrates rotational placement of the mobile to a side of the swing.[0011]
• FIG. 5 is a partial sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile type non-motorized object hanger.[0012]
• FIG. 6 is a partial sectional detailed view of the proximal end of a support member coupled in a mounting bracket of the mobile type non-motorized object hanger illustrated in FIG. 5 along the line[0013]6-6.
• FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of one embodiment of a non-motorized structure to impart rotating motion to a hanger of a non-motorized object hanger.[0014]
• FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the non-motorized structure illustrated in FIG. 7 along the line[0015]8-8.
• FIG. 9 is an illustration of the non-motorized structure imparting rotational motion to the hanger of the non-motorized object hanger illustrated in FIG. 7.[0016]
• FIG. 10 is an illustration of the non-motorized structure imparting additional rotational motion to the hanger of the non-motorized object hanger illustrated in FIG. 7.[0017]
• FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a non-motorized structure to impart rotating motion to a hanger coupled to the distal end of the support member of a non-motorized object hanger and illustrates angled ribs in the socket of the support member.[0018]
• FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the non-motorized structure illustrated in FIG. 12 and illustrates a socket ball engaged by the angled ribs to impart rotating motion to the socket ball.[0019]
• FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a non-motorized structure to impart rotating motion to a hanger coupled to the distal end of the support member of a non-motorized object hanger and illustrates angled slots in the socket of the support member.[0020]
• FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the non-motorized structure illustrated in FIG. 15 and illustrates hemispherical projections on a socket ball engaging the angled slots to impart rotating motion to the socket ball.[0021]
• FIG. 15 illustrates a child swing including an exemplary embodiment of a toy bar type non-motorized object hanger.[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a[0023]child swing10 that includes a mobile type, non-motorizedobject hanger30 for suspending objects, such as toys, above the child seating area. One advantage of such arrangement is that the child seated in the seat can interact with one or more of thedecorative objects38 coupled to thehanger30.
• The[0024]swing10 includes asupport frame12, a housing13 for a swing drive mechanism, and one or moreseat hanger tubes18 supporting aseat structure20. Theseat structure20 comprises a seat back20aand aseat bottom20band may have a tray attached to the seat. Theseat structure20 may also be provided with decorative and comfort-providing materials, such as a seat cushion. Theseat structure20 can also be provided with a folding seat back that can be moved between an upright position and several reclined positions relative to the seat bottom. An actuator apparatus can be provided to facilitate movement of the seat back towards and away from the seat bottom. The actuator apparatus allows the angle between the seat bottom and seat back to be adjusted as desired.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a non-motorized[0025]object hanger30 for use with aswing10. Asupport member32 is coupled to one of theseat hanger tubes18. Thesupport member32 is offset from theaxis16 of thehub14 of theswing10 by an offset distance OS (see FIG. 3). The offset distance OS can be conveniently controlled by the configuration of thehanger tube18 as determined by the manufacturer of theswing10. The offset distance OS facilitates the motion imparted to theobject hanger30.
• A[0026]hanger36 is coupled to thesupport member32 and at least onedecorative object38 is coupled to the hanger. Motion is imparted to thesupport member32 by the motion of theswing10. The motion of thesupport member32 in turn moves the decorative object(s)38, typically in a pendulant arc.
• One embodiment of the[0027]object hanger30 configures thesupport member32 as atoy bar50 that can be coupled to theseat20. As shown in FIG. 15, thesupport member32 is configured as atoy bar50 with eachend52 of thetoy bar50 coupled to theseat20.Decorative objects38 are suspended from thetoy bar50 byhangers36.
• FIG. 2 illustrates the[0028]non-motorized object hanger30 with thesupport member32 configured as anarm40 having aproximal end42 and adistal end44. Theproximal end42 is coupled to a mountingbracket34 configured to engage aseat hanger tube18. Thedistal end44 is configured to engage thehanger36. It should be understood that thesupport member32 can be mounted on either of theseat hanger tubes18. It is also contemplated that anon-motorized object hanger30 can be coupled to eachseat hanger tube18, thereby providing a variety ofdecorative objects38 in proximity to the child in theswing10.
• The[0029]non-motorized object hanger30, such as the mobile depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, includes a mountingbracket34 configured to releasably engage thehanger tube18. Thesupport member32 is coupled to the mountingbracket34 at itsproximal end42. Ahanger attachment56 is coupled to thesupport member32 at thedistal end44 and freely movable at thedistal end44. Thehanger attachment56 is provided with asocket ball60 which engages asocket46 formed in thedistal end44 of thesupport member32. Thehanger36 is coupled to thehanger attachment56 with thesocket ball60 engaging thesocket46. See FIG. 5. Thehanger36 and thehanger attachment56 can be integrally molded together.
• The[0030]hanger36 can be provided with a plurality of radially extendingarms54. The illustratedhanger36 provides three equally spaced radially extendingarms54. As discussed above, any number of arms can be provided on thehanger36. A typical arrangement is that eacharm54 supports anobject38. It should be noted thatsuch arm54 can include asocket46 andsocket ball60 arrangement to couple adecorative object38 to thehanger36.
• The[0031]support member32 is rotatable in the mountingbracket34.
• The ability to rotate the[0032]support member32 allows a caregiver to move the support to several different positions as determined by the caregiver. FIG. 3 depicts thesupport member32 extending over theseat20, and FIG. 4 depicts thesupport member32 moved away from theseat20. In the latter position, a child can easily be moved in or out of theseat20 of theswing10.
• FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a non-motorized mobile for use with a[0033]swing10, and FIG. 6 depicts the pivot of thesupport member32 in the mountingbracket34 which allows rotation of thesupport member32. Thesupport member32 is positionable above theseat structure20 such that a child seated in the seat can interact with one or more of thedecorative objects38 coupled to thehanger36 of theobject hanger30.
• According to another aspect of the invention, the[0034]non-motorized object hanger30 can include anon-motorized structure70 to impart rotating motion to thehanger36 and thereby to thedecorative object38. One embodiment of suchnon-motorized structure70 is illustrated in FIGS. 7-10. In this embodiment, thehanger attachment56 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially placedfins74. A pair offingers72 are provided on thedistal end44 of thesupport member32. Typical placement is as shown in FIG. 8 on the under side of thesocket46. As thesupport member32 andhanger36 moves with the motion of theswing10, thesupport member32 orientation with respect to thehanger attachment56 is angular as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10. The motion of thehanger attachment56 causes thefingers72 to push against thefins74, causing thehanger attachment56 and the coupledhanger36 to rotate within thesocket46. The illustrations depict rotation in a counter-clockwise direction; however, it should be understood that clockwise rotation is also possible depending on the orientation of thefingers72 on thesupport member32.
• Another embodiment of a[0035]non-motorized structure70 for rotation is depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 illustrates thedistal end44 of thesupport member32. Thesocket46 at the distal end of thesupport member32 has a plurality ofangled ribs76. The tops of theribs76 are configured to match the circumference of thesocket ball60 and are also angled relative to the longitudinal axis of thesupport member32. Theribs76 can be composed of plastic and molded in the socket, or they can be composed of plastic or metal as separate members inserted into the socket or attached with an adhesive. An alternative configuration for theribs76 is to provide a spring steel wire positioned in thesocket46. In these configurations, theribs76 catch on the surface texture of thesocket ball60. Due to the angular position of theribs76 and the swaying motion of thesocket ball60 within thesocket46 of thesupport member32, a rotation is imparted to thesocket ball60, which in turn rotates thehanger36. The rotation motion is governed by the orientation of theribs76. FIG. 12 illustrates a counter-clockwise rotation, but a clock-wise rotation can be obtained based on therib76 orientation. It is also contemplated that thesocket ball60 can be provided with theangled ribs76, with theribs76 engaging the surface texture of thesocket46.
• Another embodiment of a[0036]non-motorized structure70 for rotation is depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14. A plurality ofslots78 are provided in thesocket46 at thedistal end44 of thesupport member32. Theslots78 are angled relative to the longitudinal axis of thesupport member32. Theslots78 can pierce all the way through the hanger arm, or they may be configured to a non-piercing depth in thesocket46. One edge of theslot78 is sharp, while the other edge is radiused to facilitate the rotary motion in one direction. In this embodiment, thesocket ball60 is provided withhemispherical projections80 evenly spaced around its lower surface to engage with theslots78. See FIG. 14. As thenon-motorized object hanger30 moves with the motion of theswing10, thesupport member32 swings back and forth. Such motion tilts thesocket46, which allows thehemispherical projections80 on thesocket ball60 to engage theslots78. This engagement rotates thesocket ball60 and thehanger36. As the swing motion continues, thehemispherical projections80 enter and exit theslots78. Because of the angled orientation of theslots78, a rotation to thesocket ball60 is provided. The orientation of theslots78 determine the direction of rotation and, as depicted in FIG. 14, the rotation is in a counter-clockwise direction. It should be understood that a different orientation of the slots would impart a clockwise rotation to thesocket ball60. It is also contemplated that thesocket ball60 can be provided with theslots78 that are configured to engage raisedprojections80 on the surface of thesocket46.
• The[0037]non-motorized object hanger30 is typically positioned such that thedecorative objects38 are at a height above the child seating area such that the child may readily interact with the decorative objects38. In this application, interact means that the child can at least touch thedecorative objects38 when seated back in theseat structure20. In other words, the child need not sit forward from the seat back in order to touch the decorative objects38. Thedecorative objects38 may include, for example, a string or clip where the decorative objects can be tied or clipped to thehanger36.
• Another embodiment provides the[0038]decorative object38 with thenon-motorized structure70, the non-motorized structure including asocket ball60 and asocket46, with thesocket46 formed in thehanger36. The operation of such embodiment is similar to that described above for thehanger36 rotation in thesocket46 of thesupport member32.
• After describing above several exemplary embodiments of a non-motorized object hanger for use with a swing in accordance with the invention, there are several general comments. The non-motorized object hanger illustrated in the several figures includes decorative objects that are covered by soft goods, such as fabric or cushioning material. It should be understood that the decorative objects can be made of other conventional and convenient material such as plastic, wood or metal. The decorative objects can also be three-dimensional or relatively flat and they can also include sound effect elements and lighting elements.[0039]
• The non-motorized object hanger components can be composed of any suitable material that is appropriate and compatible for use as a object hanger with a child swing. For example, it can be composed of plastic, such as a polyvinylchloride or polyurethane, that can be injection molded, blow molded or vacuum molded. The support components can also be composed of metal that is formed, for example, by stamping or rolling. It should also be understood that the several support components can be of any convenient or suitable shape. The illustrated support member is curved; however, it can be of any other appropriate shape such as straight or stepped, or the like. The hanger from which the decorative objects are suspended includes arms and can have any number of arms. The illustrated hanger shows three radially extending arms; however, any number of arms can be utilized. It is preferred that the arms facilitate a balanced display which is also accomplished by controlling the weight of the various decorative objects coupled to the hanger. The aesthetics of the non-motorized object hanger and the fabricating processes are determined by the manufacturer of the object hanger.[0040]
• Thus, there is provided a[0041]non-motorized object hanger30 for use with aswing10. There is also provided anon-motorized structure70 to impart rotation motion to thehanger36. While the embodiments illustrated in the figures and described above are presently preferred, it should be understood that these embodiments are offered by way of example only. The invention is not intended to be limited to any particular embodiment but is intended to extend to various modifications that nevertheless fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is contemplated that a timing mechanism to change the period of motion of the swing can be provided, and it is also contemplated that the swing may be provided with an electric or mechanical motor. It is also contemplated that the seat structure of the swing may be removable and function in other configurations. In this application, child is intended to include an infant. Additional modifications such as those described at the beginning of and in the body of the description above will be evident to those with ordinary skill in the art.

Claims (11)

1-8. (Canceled)

9. A non-motorized mobile for use with a swing having a hanger tube supported from a hub, the non-motorized mobile comprising:

a mounting bracket configured to engage the hanger tube;

a support arm coupled to the mounting bracket, the support arm having a distal end;

a hanger attachment coupled to the support arm at the distal end, the hanger attachment being freely movable at the distal end;

a hanger coupled to the hanger attachment; and

a decorative object coupled to the hanger, wherein motion is imparted to the mobile by the motion of the swing.

10. The non-motorized mobile ofclaim 9, wherein the hanger includes a plurality of radially extending arms.

11. The non-motorized mobile ofclaim 10, wherein each arm supports a respective decorative object.

12. The non-motorized mobile ofclaim 9, wherein the support arm is rotatable in the mounting bracket.

13. The non-motorized mobile ofclaim 9, wherein the mounting bracket is offset from the axis of the hub.

14. The non-motorized mobile ofclaim 9, wherein the hanger attachment includes a non-motorized structure to impart rotating motion to the hanger.

15. The non-motorized mobile ofclaim 9 wherein the hanger includes a non-motorized structure to impart rotating motion to the decorative object.

16. The non-motorized mobile ofclaim 9, wherein the support arm is positionable above a seat such that a child seated in the seat can interact with the decorative object.

17-24. (Canceled)

25. An object hanger for use with a swing having a seat hanger and a seat coupled to the seat hanger, the object hanger comprising:

a support member configured to be coupled to one of the seat hanger and seat such that motion is imparted to the support member by the motion of the swing;

a hanger coupled to the support member, the hanger including a plurality of radially extending arms and being freely movable relative to the support member; and

a decorative object coupled to the hanger.

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