Patent Publication Number: US-9403098-B1

Title: Polygonal swing assembly

Description:
This application claims the 35 U.S.C. §119(e) benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/137,439, filed on Mar. 24, 2015, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all that it teaches and discloses, without exclusion of any part thereof. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to amusement assemblies and, more particularly, relates to polygonal swing assemblies and systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Amusement assemblies, such as swing sets and other assemblies found, generally, in a park or playground, are used to entertain or amuse users when the users physically interact with the assemblies. For example, playgrounds often employ, among other assemblies, swing set assemblies, climbing structures, merry-go-rounds, rocking structures, and the like, for user amusement and play for all ages. 
     The users of such equipment are generally children and youth, therefore, design of such amusement structures present unique opportunities. First, amusement equipment aims to optimize user experience and entertainment, so that the user wants to continue to use the equipment. Memorable and fun user experiences may entice the user to return to the site of the equipment for more use and/or may lead the user to suggest that their friends or family visit the park. Such popularity of the equipment may entice other entities (e.g., municipal parks, private parks, families, etc.) to purchase similar equipment to entertain users on their respective properties. 
     However, amusement is not the only aim during the design of such equipment; safety is also an important factor in design. Even if a piece of equipment provides a thrilling user experience, it may not be appropriate in amusement situations if important safety considerations are not considered reducing the likelihood of the risk of injury to the user under normal recommended operating conditions. Additionally, amusement equipment may have to pass safety standards set by federal government regulations (e.g., regulations set forth by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission), state regulations, provincial regulations, county regulations, city regulations, and/or any other government regulations. To that end, it is desired to design and create amusement equipment that optimizes user experience and enjoyment while maintaining a safe experience for the user and surrounding environment. 
     This Background section represents the inventor&#39;s thoughts and observations and is not intended to fully or accurately summarize any prior art reference or practice. As such, the observations in this section are expressly disclaimed as prior art. 
     SUMMARY 
     Based on the foregoing, the inventor has discovered that polygonal swing assemblies may provide for a unique, desirable and safe user experience. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a swing assembly is disclosed. The swing assembly may include a base having at least three sides and defining a plurality of vertices and a center point, the plurality of vertices located at points where two of the at least three sides meet. The swing assembly may further include a plurality of vertical support beams, each of the plurality of vertical support beams having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the base at one of a plurality of support beam locations, the support beam locations being in proximate alignment with one of the plurality of vertices and the center point. The swing assembly may further include a plurality of horizontal support beams, each of the plurality of horizontal support beams extending from and connected to the second end of a member of the plurality of support beams to the second end of another member of the plurality of support beams. The swing assembly may further include a plurality of swings, each of the plurality of swings being attached to one of the plurality of horizontal beams. The swing assembly may further include a plurality of outer wing structures, each of the outer wing structures associated with one of the plurality of vertical beams, each of the outer wing structures extending radially outward of its respective associated vertical beam and connected to the base at a one of a plurality of wing locations, the wing locations being in proximate alignment with one of the plurality of vertices and the center point and located radially outward of the support beam location of the respective member of the plurality of vertical beams with which each outer wing structure is associated. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, another swing assembly is disclosed. The swing assembly may include a plurality of base structures, each of the plurality of base structures connected to a ground surface and positioned radially outward of a center point at a respective radial distance from the center point, each of the respective radial distances being substantially similar, and each of the plurality of base structures positioned substantially circumferentially equidistant from one another. The swing assembly may further include a plurality of vertical beams, each of the plurality of vertical beams having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to one of the plurality of base structures. The swing assembly may further include a plurality of horizontal beams, each of the plurality of horizontal beams extending from and connected to the second end of a member of the plurality of vertical beams to the second end of another member of the plurality of vertical beams. The swing assembly may further include a plurality of swings, each of the plurality of swings being attached to one of the plurality of horizontal beams. The swing assembly may further include a plurality of outer wing structures, each of the outer wing structures associated with one of the plurality of vertical beams, each of the outer wing structures extending radially outward of its respective associated vertical beam. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the disclosure, yet another swing assembly is disclosed. The swing assembly may include a base having at least three sides and defining a plurality of vertices and a center point, the plurality of vertices located at points where two of the at least three sides meet. The swing assembly may further include a plurality of vertical support beams, each of the plurality of vertical support beams having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the base at one of a plurality of support beam locations, the support beam locations being in proximate alignment with one of the plurality of vertices and the center point. The swing assembly may further include a plurality of swings, each of the plurality of swings being attached to two of the plurality of vertical beams. The swing assembly may further include a plurality of outer wing structures, each of the outer wing structures associated with one of the plurality of vertical beams, each of the outer wing structures extending radially outward of its respective associated vertical beam and connected to the base at a one of a plurality of wing locations, the wing locations being in proximate alignment with one of the plurality of vertices and the center point and located radially outward of the support beam location of the respective member of the plurality of vertical beams with which each outer wing structure is associated. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an angled perspective view of a polygonal swing assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the polygonal swing assembly of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1  and the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a base of the polygonal swing assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , not showing other elements of the polygonal swing assembly, in accordance with  FIGS. 1 and 2  and the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4 . is a side view of an example swing arrangement for use with the swing assembly of  FIGS. 1-3 , wherein a horizontal beam is not present and the swing attaches to vertical beams, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the polygonal swing assembly of  FIGS. 1-3 , further including a rotating structure affixed thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a another side view of the polygonal swing assembly of  FIGS. 1-3 , further including an elastic resistance device affixed thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is an angled perspective view of the polygonal swing assembly of  FIGS. 1-3 , further including additional features, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is another angled perspective view of the polygonal swing assembly of  FIGS. 1-3 , further including additional features, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the polygonal swing assembly of  FIGS. 1-3 , further including accessibility features, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is an angled perspective view of a polygonal swing assembly including a plurality of base structures, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the polygonal swing assembly of  FIG. 10 , in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 10  and the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of the plurality of base structures of the polygonal swing assembly of  FIGS. 10-11 , in accordance with  FIGS. 10-11  and the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     While the following detailed description will be given with respect to certain illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and the disclosed embodiments are sometimes illustrated diagrammatically and in partial views. In addition, in certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed subject matter or which render other details too difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should therefore be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed and illustrated herein, but rather to a fair reading of the entire disclosure and claims, as well as any equivalents thereto. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning now to the drawings, and with specific reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a swing assembly  10  is shown. The swing assembly  10  may include swings  12  which are hung from, or otherwise attached to, a swing structure  14  which is affixed to a base  16 . While five swings  12  are shown in the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , any number of swings  12  may be used. The swing structure  14  includes vertical beams  18 , horizontal beams  20 , and outer wing structures  22 . In some examples, the swing structure  14  may include additional structures, for further structural support, such as the overhead beams  24  and center support  26 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , and with continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base  16  is shown and the depiction of  FIG. 3  shows exemplary points and locations on the base  16  to which the swing structure  14  may be affixed to the base  16 . The base  16  has a generally polygonal shape which may be defined by sides  30 . While the depiction of  FIGS. 1-3  show the base  16  having five sides  30 , the base  16  may have any number of sides  30 , so long as there are at least three sides  30  and the shape of the base  16  forms a polygon. The points on the polygonal shape of the base  16  at which two of the at least three sides  30  meet are defined as vertices  32  of the base  16 . 
     The polygonal shape of the base  16  may be centered on a center point  34 . Using alignment with one or both of the center point  34  and the vertices  32 , the swing structure  14  may be positioned atop the base  16 . Each of the vertical beams  18  may be positioned in proximate alignment with the center point  34  and one of the vertices  32 ; these positioning locations for the vertical beams  18  are depicted in  FIG. 3  by the beam locations  36 .  FIG. 3  further shows alignment lines  38 , which each extend from the center point  34  to one of the plurality of vertices  32 . As shown, each of the beam locations  36  may be proximately located along one of the lines  38 . 
     A first end  40  of each of the vertical beams  18  may each be attached to the base  16  proximate to one of the beam locations  36 . Each of the vertical beams  18  may extend vertically to a second end  42 . Horizontal beams  20  may be attached to one second end  42  of one of the vertical beams  18  and to another second end  42  of another of the vertical beams  18 . The swings  12  may each hang from one of the horizontal beams  20  and also be attached to one of the horizontal beams  20 . 
     Further, the outer wing structures  22  of the swing structure  14  are provided and are each associated with one of the vertical beams  18 . Each of the outer wing structures  22  extend radially outward of their respective vertical beams  18 . While depicted as a five sided polygon in  FIGS. 1-2 , each of the outer wing structures  22  may have any shape, so long as it extends radially outward from one of the vertical beams  18 . The outer wing structures  22  may also be connected to the base  16  at one of a plurality of wing locations  44 . The wing locations  44  may be positioned in proximate alignment with the center point  34  and one of the vertices  32  (e.g., on one of the lines  38 ) and may be positioned radially outward from one of the beam locations  36 . In other words, each of the wing locations  44  may share a line  38  with one of the beam locations  36  and the wing location  44  may be positioned radially outward, on the line  38 , of its respective beam location  36 . In some examples, the outer wing structure  22  may attach to the base  16  proximate to the beam location  36  of its respective vertical beam  18 . 
     The outer wing structures  22  may provide a variety of benefits when used as part of the swing structure  14 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , two of the outer wing structures  22  may combine to create a bay enclosure  46  for one of the swings  12 . Using the outer wing structures  22  to create one or more bay enclosures  46  may provide an enclosure for a user on one of the swings  12  that prevents other users on other swings  12  of the swing assembly  10  from colliding. Additionally, due to the radially outward extension of the outer wing structures  22 , the outer wing structures  22  may prevent non-using bystanders from being struck by a user of one of the swings  12 , while the swing assembly  10  is being used. As such, the outer wing structures  22  may create a physical barrier in front or in back of a swing  12  as it moves by designing the amount of radial protrusion of the outer wing structures  22  based on characteristics of the swings  12 . The outer wing structures  22 , in some examples, may include a netting  48  or other barrier that prevents passage through the outer wing structures  22 . 
     In some examples, one or more of the swings  12  may be arranged in accordance with the swing arrangement  49  shown in  FIG. 4 . In such examples, the swing  12  may be attached to two of the vertical beams  18 . The swings  12  may attach to the swing structure  14 , in these examples, proximate to the second ends  42  of the corresponding vertical beams  18 . By attaching the swing  12  to the vertical beams  18 , horizontal beams may not be necessary in the swing arrangement  49 . 
       FIGS. 5-9  show a variety of different features that may be included, in conjunction with the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , with the swing assembly  10 .  FIG. 5  shows the swing assembly  10  further including a rotating assembly  50  attached to both the base  16  and a ground surface  52 . The rotating assembly  50  may attach to the base  16  at a top end  54  of the rotating assembly  50  and may attach to the ground surface  52  at a bottom end  56  of the rotating assembly  50 . The rotating assembly  50  may be any means for rotating the base  16  and, in turn, rotating the swing assembly  10  and the users when in use. The rotating assembly  50  may cause the base  16  to rotate similar to a conventional playground merry-go-round, but while users are on the swings  12 . Rotation of the rotating assembly  50  may be performed about a center axis  35 , which may be defined as a vertical axis through the center point  34  and substantially perpendicular to the ground surface  52 . The rotating assembly  50  may provide a unique user experience, because it enables the swing assembly  10  to rotate while users swing on the swings  12 . Further, to limit the rotational speed of the rotating assembly  50  to safe speeds, the swing assembly  10  may include a speed governor, gear assembly, or similar  58  associated with the rotating assembly  50 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , and with continued reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , an example of the swing assembly  10  is shown that further includes an elastic resistance device  60  disposed between the base  16  and the ground surface  52 . The elastic resistance device  60  may be any elastic mechanical device that stores mechanical energy (e.g., a spring, hydraulic action, or the like that exerts a force approximately proportional to changes in its length). The elastic resistance device  60  may be attached to the base  16  at a top end  62  of the elastic resistance device  60  and may be attached to the ground surface  52  at a bottom end  64  of the elastic resistance device  60 . The elastic resistance device  60  may be attached to the base  16  at a location proximate to the center point  34 . In alternative examples, the elastic resistance device  60  may include a plurality of elastic resistance devices  60 , which may each be attached to the base  16 . The locations in which such a plurality of elastic resistance device  60  may be attached to the base  16  may be locations in alignment with one of the plurality of vertices  32  and the center point  34 . 
     By using the elastic resistance device  60 , the swing assembly  10  may be able to rock, shift, sway, bounce, or otherwise move with respect to the ground surface  52 . In providing this additional movement while users also use the swings  12 , the swing assembly  10  may provide yet another unique user experience. Both the rotational capabilities of the rotating assembly  50  of  FIG. 5  and the motion capabilities of the elastic resistance device  60  of  FIG. 6  may provide amusement for a user and as a new, unique user experience. 
     Further still,  FIG. 6  shows additional features that may be used in conjunction with any of the preceding examples of the swing assembly  10  and associated features of  FIGS. 1-5 . The example of  FIG. 7  includes a ceiling structure  70  disposed above and attached to second ends  42  of the vertical beams  18 . Additionally, the swing assembly  10  may include a plurality of steps  72  associated with one of the outer wing structures  22  which may form an accessibility structure (e.g., a ladder) to provide access to the ceiling structure  70 . In some examples, a barrier structure  74  may be provided, which extends vertically upward from a perimeter  76  of the ceiling structure  70 . By providing access to the ceiling structure  70 , users may be able to climb to the top of the swing assembly  10  and reside atop the ceiling structure  70 . This may provide a unique user experience for users, as they may be able to safely look down upon users swinging below or observe other surroundings from an elevated perch. Additionally, if used in conjunction with the features of  FIG. 5 or 6 , users atop the ceiling structure  70  may be amused due to experiencing the rotation of the rotating assembly  50  or the motion provided by the elastic resistance device  60 . By including the barrier structure  74 , a safe experience may be provided for the users atop the ceiling structure  70 . 
       FIG. 8  shows an example of the swing assembly  10  that further includes one or more standing platforms  80 , protruding from the perimeter of the base  16  at a location proximate to one of the vertices  32 . The standing platforms  80  may allow additional users to stand on the swing assembly  10  while other users use the swings  12 . For example, if used in conjunction with the features of  FIG. 5 or 6 , users standing on the standing platforms  80  may be amused due to experiencing the rotation of the rotating assembly  50  or the motion provided by the elastic resistance device  60 . Handles  82  may additionally be provided on the outer wing structures  22  so that users standing on the standing platforms  80  have something to hold on to. Use of one or both of the standing platforms  80  and/or the handles  82  may give a user a place to push or pull the swing assembly  10  (e.g., pushing or pulling the swing assembly  10  to spin the swing assembly ( 0  when the rotating assembly  50  is included). 
     To provide an even more inclusive amusement experience, the swing assembly  10  may include accessibility features for persons with disabilities as shown in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 9  shows the swing assembly  10  further including an accessibility ramp  84  associated with one of the sides  30  of the based  16 . The accessibility ramp  84  may be a foldable ramp or ramp shelf that can fold down or slide outward to the ground surface  52  for a user to access the top of the base  16 . Additionally, the swing assembly  10  may include a restraint system  86  that is configured to lock a wheelchair in a static position with respect to the base  16 . For example, the restraint system  86  may include grooves on the base  16  that lock in wheels of a wheel chair. Additionally or alternatively, the restraint system  86  may include any combination of belts, chains, straps, or other means for restraining a wheelchair with respect to the base  16 . If used in conjunction with the features of  FIG. 5 or 6 , the accessibility features of  FIG. 9  may allow disabled persons to experience the rotation of the rotating assembly  50  or the motion provided by the elastic resistance device  60 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a swing assembly  110  is shown in another embodiment of the disclosure. The swing assembly  110  may include swings  112  which are hung from, or otherwise attached to, a swing structure  114  which is affixed to a ground surface  115  via a plurality of base structures  116 . While five swings  112  are shown in the example embodiment of  FIG. 9 , any number of swings  112  may be used. The swing structure  114  includes vertical beams  118 , horizontal beams  120 , and outer wing structures  122 . In some examples, the swing structure  114  may include additional structures for further structural support, such as the overhead beams  124  and center support  126 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12  and with continued reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the base structures  116  are shown and the depiction of  FIG. 12  shows exemplary alignment and locations on the base structures  116 . The swing structure  114  may be affixed to the ground surface  115  via the base structures  116  by, for example, connecting a first end  140  of each of the vertical beams  118  to one of the base structures  116 . The base structures  116  may be positioned such that it allows the horizontal beams  120  to form a top polygonal shape  123 . While the depictions of  FIGS. 10-12  show five base structures  116 , there may be any number of base structures  116 , so long as there are at least three so that the top polygonal shape  123  has at least 3 sides. 
     The base structures  116  may be positioned radially outward of a center point  134  of the swing assembly  110 . Each base structure  116  may be positioned at a radial distance  117  away from the center point  134 , wherein each of the radial distances  117  is substantially similar in length. Additionally, as shown, the base structures  116  may be positioned substantially circumferentially equidistant from one another. 
     The first end  140  of each of the vertical beams  118  may each be attached to one of the base structures  116 . Each of the vertical beams  118  may extend vertically to a second end  142 . Horizontal beams  120  may be attached to one second end  142  of one of the vertical beams  118  and to another second end  142  of another of the vertical beams  118 . The swings  112  may each hang from one of the horizontal beams  120  and also be attached to one of the horizontal beams  120 . 
     Further, the outer wing structures  122  of the swing structure  114  are provided and are each associated with one of the vertical beams  118 . Each of the outer wing structures  122  extend radially outward of their respective vertical beams  118 . While depicted as triangles in  FIG. 9 , each of the outer wing structures  122  may have any shape, so long as it extends radially outward from one of the vertical beams  118 . The outer wing structures  122  may also be connected to the same base structure  116  that its respective vertical beam  118  extends from. The outer wing structures  122 , in some examples, may include netting or other barrier that prevents passage through the outer wing structures  122 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 10 , an example of the swing assembly  110  may include one or more elastic resistance devices  160  disposed between the base structures  116  and the ground surface  115 . The elastic resistance devices  160  may be any elastic mechanical device that stores mechanical energy (e.g., a spring that exerts a force approximately proportional to changes in its length, a hydraulic resistance device, or any other elastic resistance device). The elastic resistance devices  160  may be attached to the base structures  116  at a top end  162  of each of the elastic resistance devices  160  and may be attached to the ground surface  115  at a bottom end  164  of each of the elastic resistance devices  160 . 
     By using the elastic resistance devices  160 , the swing assembly  110  may be able to rock, shift, sway, bounce, or otherwise move with respect to the ground surface  115 . In providing this additional movement while users also use the swings  112 , the swing assembly  110  may provide yet another unique user experience. Further, the swing assembly  110  may also employ similar standing platforms, ceiling structures, and the like, as those shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , so that other users may enjoy the motion produced by the elastic resistance devices  160   
     It will be appreciated that the present disclosure provides polygonal swing assemblies. While only certain embodiments have been set forth, alternatives and modifications will be apparent from the above description to those skilled in the art. These and other alternatives are considered equivalents and within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present disclosure relates generally to amusement assemblies and, more particularly, relates to polygonal swing assemblies. The foregoing is applicable to, but not limited to being applicable to commercial, municipal, or residential amusement equipment. 
     As detailed above, the swing assemblies  10 ,  110  may provide for unique user experiences with enhanced safety characteristics. As it is always an aim to provide the most entertainment to users of amusement assemblies, like playground equipment, such advances in amusement are always necessary. By having such polygonal swing assemblies  10 ,  110  users can have a unique experience by, for example, having all users swing inward towards the center point  34 , without ever colliding with one another. Additionally, when additional features like the rotating assembly  50  and/or the elastic resistance devices  60 ,  160  are employed, additional forces can be applied to the swing assemblies  10 ,  110 , thus, creating unique amusement experiences. Further, features like the ceiling structure  70 , the standing platforms  80 , and/or the restraint system  86 , further inclusivity for more users can be achieved, even inclusivity for persons with disabilities. 
     Of course, safety is always considered when using amusement assemblies. The disclosed swing assemblies  10 ,  110  may provide even greater safety by blocking the paths of swings  12  between users via the outer wing structures  22 ,  122 . The outer wing structures  22 ,  122  may also prevent non-using people from entering the path of the swing. Further, as the outer wing structures  22  may provide bay enclosures for swing  12  users, they may further prevent swing collisions. 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that while only certain embodiments have been set forth for the purposes of illustration, alternatives and modifications will be apparent from the above description to those skilled in the art. These and other alternatives are considered equivalents and within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and the appended claims.