Patent Publication Number: US-9415317-B2

Title: Teeter-totter device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/055,182 filed on Sep. 25, 2014. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to recreational devices, including seesaws and teeter-totters. More particularly, the present invention relates to an adjustable teeter-totter device that includes one or more moveable weights that balance the weight of two riders thereon, or allow for a single rider to be counterbalanced by the movable weight. 
     Seesaw and teeter-totter devices are recreational devices that allow users to balance each other along a beam that is supported at its midpoint. Generally, users sit on opposite ends of the teeter-totter beam, and the beam pivots or rotates about the base such that one end of the beam is elevated as the opposing end is lowered. When a pair of users sits on the device, each user alternates between an elevated position and a lowered position. Devices of this type are a common and popular piece of playground equipment. 
     A known problem associated with teeter-totter devices arises when two users of different weight utilize the device. Teeter-totters are best suited for use by two users of roughly the same weight. When one user is considerably heavier than the other, the device may be harder to operate in an enjoyable manner. The user with the greater weight will cause the user of less weight to be consistently elevated, and the heavier user will control the motion of the device. Similarly, if only one user operates the device, that user will not be assisted elevating himself by an opposing weight, and moreover no weight will maintain him in an elevated position. 
     The present invention is provided to address this and other problems in the art of teeter-totters. The present invention furthermore introduces a new and novel teeter-totter device regardless of the above identifies problems. No part of this background section should be construed as limited to addressing only the cited problems. The present invention provides a recreational teeter-totter device with slidable weights. Slidable weights allow one or more users to enjoy user of the device by reducing weight imbalance on opposing ends thereof. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The following summary is intended solely for the benefit of the reader and is not intended to be limiting in any way. The present invention provides a new teeter-totter device that can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when used by one or more users. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved teeter-totter device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a teeter-totter device that can be used to balance the weight of one or more users along the device using slidable weights. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a teeter-totter device with an elongated beam having a length, a first end, a second end, and a middle. The base rotatably supports the elongated beam and acts as a fulcrum in which the beam pivots or rotates. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a teeter-totter device that comprises seats disposed along opposing ends of the elongated beam. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a teeter-totter device that comprises at least one slidable weight along the length of the elongated beam. The slidable weight is securable along the length of the elongated beam using a pin connection to operably affix the slidable weight at a desired position along the elongated beam. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a teeter-totter device whereby the fulcrum comprises a pin or revolute joint between the elongated beam and the base. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a teeter-totter device, whereby the elongated beam further comprises at least one elongated channel along the length thereof, and each slidable weight is slidable within one of the elongated channels. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a teeter-totter device, wherein each of the elongated channels may extend along the entire length of the elongated beam and each weight may be operably removable from the ends of the elongated beam. Moreover, each channel of the present invention may substantially constrain each slidable weight within the channel to accommodate sliding motion of each slidable weight along the length of the elongated beam. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a teeter-totter device, wherein the pin connection between each slidable weight and the elongated beam comprises a spring pin extending from each slidable weight, and the elongated beam includes a plurality of pin apertures adapted to receive a single spring pin. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a teeter-totter device, wherein the elongated beam may comprise a first tubular section and a second tubular section forming a first channel and a second channel, and wherein at least one slidable weight being disposed within each of the first channel and second channel. 
     Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the teeter-totter device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows an overhead perspective view of an embodiment of the base of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a view of an embodiment of one end of the teeter-totter device. 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-section view of one embodiment of the slidable weight disposed within the channel of the elongated beam, along with a view of the spring pin connection between the beam and the weight. 
         FIG. 5  shows an overhead view of another embodiment of the present invention, whereby a singular weight moves along a singular channel. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the teeter-totter device of the present invention. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for allowing one or more users to enjoy the device while seated along the ends thereof. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the teeter-totter device of the present invention. The device comprises an adjustable teeter-totter device with movable weights along the length thereof to balance one or more users seated on the ends of the device while in use. The device comprises an elongated beam  11  having a length, a first end  18 , a second end  19 , and a middle. Along the middle of the beam  11  is a base  30  that rotatably supports the central portion of the elongated beam such that the beam  11  can pivot thereabout and the ends of the device can alternate between an elevated position and a lowered position. The base  30  may connect at the midpoint of the elongated beam, or generally within the middle of the beam as defined as between the first and second end. 
     Along each end  18 ,  19  of the beam  11  is disposed a seat  60  upon which a user can sit and enjoy the teeter-totter device. The seats  60  are preferably disposed along the outermost ends of the beam  11  such that each user&#39;s weight bears on the outermost ends of the beam  11  and the users can be operatively placed in either the elevated or lowered position. However, it is contemplated that the seats may be positioned inboard of each end, or furthermore that the seat position may be adjustable along the length of the elongated beam  11 . When a user is in each seat  60 , their weights act against one another and the base  30  forms a fulcrum around which the beam can pivot or rotate. Each seat may further include a handle  65  for the user to grasp. 
     The base  30  is a structure that supports the middle of the elongated beam above the ground and provides a pin joint  31  or revolute joint connection for the beam to pivot about. The base  30  may include a lower surface  32  that bears against the ground, while the pin joint  31  forms the beam fulcrum point and connection between the beam  11  and the base  30 . As the first end  18  of the beam is elevated, the second end  19  is lowered, and vice versa. Therefore, the beam length pivots about the pin joint  31  based on the motion of the users sitting in the seats and their relative weight. 
     To improve enjoyment of the device, slidable weights  80  are disposed along the length of the beam  11  such that one user can enjoy the device alone, or two users of different size may enjoy the device together and in a more balanced configuration across the beam length. In particular, the beam  11  further comprises at least one elongated channel  14  extending along the beam length. The at least one channel  14  may comprise a singular channel or multiple channels, and the length of the channel may extend the entire length of the beam  11  or may extend only to a given extent therealong. Additionally, the channel  14  may extend from the first end  18  to the second end  19  and may be continuous between the ends and across the base  30 , or the channels may extend only along one side of the base  30  along the beam length. 
     The one or more channels  14  each accommodate at least one slidable weight  80  therein. The channels are partially enclosed areas within the cross section of the elongated beam  11  that support a slidable weight  80  that can slide within the channel  14  length. Access to each slidable weight is provided along a portion of the beam cross section, thereby allowing a user to grasp and slide each weight  80  along the channel length and position each weight according to the needs of the user or users. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , additional views are provided that show embodiments of the elongated beam  11 , the one or more channels  14 , and the slidable weights  80 . The depicted configurations of these elements are illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the claims to a singular embodiment. In particular, the figures show a beam having a first section  12  and a second section  13  that are tubular and disposed adjacent to one another. Each tubular section  12 ,  13  supports an elongated channel  14  along its length, which may extend up to and/or through the ends  18 ,  19  of the beam. Multiple slidable weights  80  are disposed within each channel, and the weights  80  can be secured along the beam length using a pin connection. This is but one configuration falling within the scope of the claimed invention. This embodiment is not intended to limit the embodiments falling within the claims. 
     The one or more elongated channels  14  of the present invention accommodate slidable weights  80  that can slide along the channel length and be positioned therealong to act as counterbalancing weights against one or more users. This is useful when one user is enjoying the device, or alternatively, when two users of different size enjoy the device. In this manner, the number of weights  80  and their position along the beam length balances the weight of the beam across the fulcrum point such that the beam is more balanced. 
     In one embodiment, the weights  80  include a pin connection  81  that is designed to engage an aperture  100  along the beam  11  length. The beam  11  includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures  100  to secure the weights. The arrangement, number, and spacing of the apertures  100  may vary depending on the design of the device. This includes equally spaced apart apertures  100  along the entire length of the beam  11  for each channel  14 , or alternative apertures disposed adjacent to the ends and adjacent to the base to operably position the weights in the middle or along the ends of the beam only. It is not desired to limit the configuration of the weight apertures along the length of the beam, rather it is desired to contemplated apertures  100  adapted to support a pin  81  extending from the slidable weights  80  that is used to secure the weights  80  in a static position along the channel length when the beam  11  is being rotated and the teeter-totter device is in use. In a similar manner, the number of weights  80  and the mass of each weight  80  may vary depending on the design of the device. Moreover, the weights  80  may all be uniform in mass, or alternatively the plurality of weights may include different size weights that can be moved along the beam length. 
       FIG. 3  shows one embodiment of the slidable weights  80  disposed within the volume of the channel  14 . In this view, the slidable weights  80  include a tab  81  that can be grasped and used to move the weight along the channel  14  length. The channels  14  extend along the beam  11  length and extend through the ends  18  thereof such that the weights can be removed from the beam  11 . Further illustrated in  FIG. 3  is a smooth upper surface to the beam length, whereby the pin connections between the weights  80  and the beam  11  are disposed along the underside of the beam  11 . Finally,  FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of the seat  60 , whereby the seat may include a seat back  64 , a seat base  63 , and a seat handle  65 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a cross-section view of another embodiment of the connection between the channel  14  and the slidable weights  80 . In this embodiment, each of the slidable weights  80  includes a spring pin connection that can be used to secure the weight  80  to an aperture  100  along the length of the beam  11 . Each weight  80  includes a body, a cavity  86  therein, a spring  85  or similar biased member, and a pin  81 . The cavity  86  supports the spring  85  within its interior as the pin  81  extends from the cavity opening beyond the extent of the weight body such that the pin  81  is biased outward from the cavity  86 . When the pin  81  is aligned with an aperture  100 , the spring  86  biases the pin  81  into the aperture  100  and statically secures the weight  80  within the channel  14 . The pin  81  extends from the cavity  86  of the weight  80  and into the aperture  100  to prevent sliding motion of the weight  80 . The apertures  100  may be disposed within the channel sidewalls, upper surface  18 , or lower surface  19 . 
     Finally,  FIG. 5  illustrates a view of an embodiment of the teeter-totter device from an overhead perspective. In this embodiment, a singular weight  90  is disposed within a channel  14  and is slidable therealong. A pin connection  91  secures the weight  90  within apertures  100  therealong. In this embodiment, a singular channel  14  is provided along the beam  11 , and the weight  90  can slide along the entire length of the beam  11 . Consistent with other embodiments, the teeter-totter includes seats  60 , a base  30 , and an elongated beam  11 . 
     The present invention provides a teeter-totter or seesaw device having movable weights thereon. The teeter-totter comprises an elongated beam or shaft that is pivotally mounted on a base. The base includes a pin joint that functions as a fulcrum or pivot point along the middle of the beam, and each end of the beam includes a seat thereon. Thus, users can sit on opposite ends of the see-saw facing one another and can alternate moving up and down. The beam includes a number of slidable weights thereon, wherein the weights can slide towards one end of the beam for the purpose of balancing the weight of one or more riders. 
     The elongated beam is pivotally mounted on the base in a substantially horizontal orientation when the beam is balanced. The elongated beam can pivot to various angles relative to a horizontal plane such that users on each end of the beam can move up and down. The pivot point may be located along the middle the elongated beam so that each end of the beam is of approximately the same length. The elongated beam further includes one or more channels in which a number of weights are positioned. The weights can slide along the length of the channels towards an end of the beam for the purpose of counterbalancing a single rider, or for compensating for the weight of a heavier rider. In this way, the teeter-totter allows a single user to ride a see-saw by himself or herself. Further, the weights can be shifted so as to compensate for the weight differential between two users. Each weight includes a pin thereon and can be locked in a desired position located on the elongated beam. Alternatives to the pin connection are contemplated, including various clips, clamps, and other fasteners for securing a slidable member within an elongated shaft. 
     Also provided on the teeter-totter may be a chalkboard  37 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The chalkboard  37  can be used as an additional play surface for drawing and the like. Alternatively, users may use the chalkboard to calculate the weight required to balance the teeter-totter riders. Additionally, a calculator can be supplied for helping the users to determine the weight required to balance two users. 
     It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.