Patent Abstract:
A play swing system includes a safety harness attached to each seat, as well as other features for interactive and competitive throwing and tossing games. The safety harness may incorporates various games features, and thus encourage use in activities that require at least one free hand, or otherwise increase the risk of slippage and falling from the play swing seat. Various embodiments accommodate as well as challenge the spatial perception, dexterity and reflexes of players of different ages. For examples, younger players might compete by throwing objects at a fixed target mounted on the ground. In other embodiments, the target is moving in synchronization with the oscillatory motion of the adjacent players swing by a physical coupling or attachment. Interactive play is encouraged at the higher skill levels by configuring the targets associated with adjacent seats to face each other. In this embodiment, the players oscillate in opposite directions so that they are closest to the target when the relative velocity is highest. The objects of the associated games can be building a higher score, as well as soaking the other player(s) with water supplied by an external source and actuated by instantaneous or accumulated contact of a throwing object with a target.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a Continuation of and claims the benefit of priority to the U.S. Non-provisional application having Ser. No. 10/919,623, titled “Play Swing Systems and Methods of Play”, filed on Aug. 17, 2004. The present application also claims the benefit of priority to the U.S. provisional application having Ser. No. 60/498,216, titled “Play Swing Systems and Methods of Play”, filed on Aug. 26, 2003, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to play swings, including play and safety accessories for use therewith. 
     Although swings are a favorite play pastime of young children, they are rather quickly out grown, in the sense that older children lose interest. It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide additional play activities for play swings. Yet another objective is to provide interactive and competitive play activity. In particular, a further objective is to provide for the safe conduct of activities that develop the coordination of spatial perception, dexterity and reflexes 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In the present invention, the first object is achieved by providing a swing seat, for suspension and oscillatory motion from a horizontal support, various accessible toys, games or amusements that are coupled or otherwise associated with the seat or supporting structure in a cooperative arrangement. Such games and amusements may includes a variety of interactive targets that are independent of the play structure, or attached to a fixed or oscillatory component of the play structure, such as a container, bin or basket for receiving an object thrown by a player in the swing seat. 
     Further embodiments of the swing seat may include a harness for restraining the forward motion of a player out of the seat, depending on the nature of the play or game activity. 
     A second aspect of the invention is characterized in that the seat, swing system or both in combination includes a variety of water related play attachments that enable games or simply provide relief from hot and humid weather. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention the play system and methods include the use of game targets and projectiles while swinging. Manipulation of same can be used to control a water source, via an actuator responsive to movement of the target on impact with a projectile, or the accumulated weight of objects received in the target receptacle. 
     In yet further embodiments the optional safety harness incorporates features that encourage use when wet conditions or aggressive play increase the tendency for slippage and falling from a play swing seat. Various embodiments accommodate as well as challenge the spatial perception, dexterity and reflexes of players of different ages. For examples, younger players might compete by directly spraying opponents swinging in the same or opposite direction. In other embodiments, players must aim either water or other objects at the target to score points, or can simply soak the opposing player(s) with water. The target can be positioned on the ground, hung, associated with the movement of an adjacent players swing or with any moving object on the ground of otherwise, encouraging a higher skill level of interactive play, such as where players in adjacent seats oscillate in opposite directions. 
     In yet another aspect, the play swing system may alternatively includes a variety of visual or auditory output devices responsive to swing seat movement, target impacts, and the like, for example to indicate the range of swing motion so that bystanders can avoid collisions. Another example includes lights connected to the swing seat and/or supporting structures for games and for improved safety during use at night. 
     Yet other embodiments of the invention include a soap bubble generators associated with the swing seats movement to provide a slowly dissipating curtain of bubbles that enhance safety by indicating the extent of the swing arc to external observers, while also delighting children. 
     Alternative embodiments include audio output devices that are optionally responsive to the speed of movement for games and to improve safety during play. This also adds to the interactive play dimension for children as well as alerting adults and others that the swings are in use. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, various game object and apparatus holders and controls for water, lights, guns, and sound are mounted on the side, front, back, top and bottom of the swing seat, on the swing arms, and on different areas of the play/support structure to enhance various interactive game activities. Preferably, these controls can be moved to various places on the swing set to customize and enhance games. The use of wired and wireless devices to ease installation and game customization and to allow for data transmission to a computer for game and activity feedback and interactivity. In more preferred embodiments of the invention, the safety harness includes an interlock mechanism such that its proper use is required to activate certain games or play activities. 
     The above and other objects, effects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a player using a swing embodying features of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a version of a ground mounted target that may optionally be used in conjunction with the swing system illustrated in  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating another version of a swing and system in which two players participate in interactive water games using alternative features of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a player using a swing embodying alternative water play features of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are orthogonal elevations of a swing seat embodying alternative features of the present invention that enable relative rotation of the swing seat for interactive play. 
         FIGS. 6A  and B illustrate the operative principles of swing motion, range and timing measuring devices. 
         FIG. 7A  is a front elevation view of a swing system, whereas  FIG. 7B  is a side elevation view showing one of the seat and the support structure thereof, whereas  FIG. 7C  is an expanded side elevation view of a different seat. 
         FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional elevation of one embodiment of a soap bubble generator disposed on play swing seat. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates in further detail a subcomponent of the soap bubble generator of  FIG. 8A  via an orthogonal section to reveal further detail. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a play system  100  wherein the player sits on a swing seat  110 , which is suspended from a horizontal frame or member  195  by support cables  112 . The upper end  112   a  of support cable  112  connects to horizontal member  195  by a coupling  113  that permits reciprocating movement about an axis parallel to horizontal member  112  such that swing seat connected at lower ends  112   b  of support cable  112  undergoes oscillatory motion below horizontal member  195 . Seat  110  can be flexible or rigid, so long as it is sufficiently sturdy to support the player. Further, the seat  110  may have a back-supporting portion similar to a conventional chair, although it is not illustrated in this FIG. As the swing seat and system is intended to permit a variety of play activities that require a free hand, for example in this FIG., the player is holding a ball  135  in his right hand; the seat preferably further comprises a safety harness  115  for restraining the forward motion of a player out of the seat. Safety harness  115  can be attached to either the suspending cable  112 , or seat  110 , or an optional seat back. Harness  115  may comprise, as illustrated, one or more flat straps that meet at or near the player&#39;s chest and connect with a snapping buckle  116 . As will be further discussed, other aspects of the invention provide for a range of additional components used in interactive play that generally require a free hand to operate or otherwise engage in. 
     When seat  110  is intended for use with target games, as will be further described below, the seat may also include a container  130  for storing balls, related throwing objects as well as related play equipment. Container  130  is optionally attached to the seat  110  directly, a seat back (not shown in this FIG.) or any portion thereof, so long as it is readily accessible to the seated player. Preferably it is designed so that it does not adversely affect swing balance, momentum or pose a safety hazard to another player or spectator. Alternatively, harness  115  may be connected to the seat through container  130 . Although container  130  is illustrated as a mesh type storage sack, it might also comprise a rigid or semi-rigid container and that could be fabricated or molded into a rigid seat  110 , particularly a rigid seat having a seat back. The mesh type presently preferred is fabricated from an elastic material to conform around the contents, thus preventing play objects from moving, shifting or escaping unintentionally during use. It should be understood that the proposed throwing objects and accessories includes soft balls, waffled or semi-rigid balls formed having a semi-perforated shell, foam balls, bean bags, “FRISBEE”-like objects, cushion tipped throwing projectiles, and the like. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention,  FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a version of a ground-mounted target that may optionally be used in conjunction with the swing system illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As will be further described targets can be mounted from the swing itself, including swing seats, laid horizontal or flat on the ground, as well as in a partly upright position, being spaced away from the swing play area, as shown in  FIG. 2 . Target  200  has a peripheral frame  210  comprising an arching segment  210   a  and a horizontal segment  210   b . Horizontal segment  210   b  connects at right angles near opposite ends of arched segment  210   a , with the remaining segments of the arch portion  210   b  extending as supporting legs  211  and  212 . Thus, the peripheral frame  210  is readily fabricated by flexing semi-rigid tubing to form the arch segment  210   a , wherein the horizontal segment  210   b  is preferably constructed of tubing that is more rigid; for restraining the flexed tubing to maintain the arch shape. The face of target  200  is fabricated from fabric, “VELCRO” type hook and loop fasteners, or fence type mesh  215  that is laid or stretched over frame  210 . The mesh  215  is marked with one or more zones  216  and  216 ′, preferably concentric circles to represent increasing different point values for competitive play. Throwing object  235  is a projectile having an aerodynamic cone shaped tip  236  at the front end. The base of the cone is slightly larger than the mesh opening such that throwing object  237  has been retained by the mesh upon contact. The retaining features of the projectile and cone facilitate the tallying of the score as the players remove the projectiles at the end of the game. Alternatively, when the throwing objects are balls, beam bags or other have otherwise regular aerodynamic shapes, the target area may simply be one or more container such that the opening is the target area. Target  200  has the advantage that it is lightweight and can be mounted at various distances from the swings by pushing legs  211  and  212  into soft ground. Further, the difficulty of hitting the central target area  116 ′ can be increased by decreasing the angle that legs  111  and  112  make with the ground. Decreasing the angle of the target encourages further physical activity, that is players will recognize that “pumping” the swing to a higher elevation increases the projected target area making it easier to aim at and hit central target area  116 ′. 
     As will be illustrated in various other embodiments, alternative forms of targets are mounted in association with each swing seat for receiving an object thrown by a player in an adjacent seat swinging in the opposite direction. While target  200  is generally intended to receive and retain an object  235  thrown by a player in the swing, any of the targets described herein can also be a photoreceptor target for electronic laser tag type play (where a player uses a very low power laser gun) or otherwise controls a light or projectile source from the swing or swing movement. When the targets include laser tag sensors, which are preferably mounted on a moving part of the swing seat, such as the players the safety harness. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating two players in an interactive water game on another version of a swing system embodying different features of the present invention. Each of seats  311  and  312  has a water trough  341  and  442  mounted on the horizontal member  195  above the player. Water troughs  341  and  342  are filled via water source  330  that runs along horizontal support  195 . Water source  330  is generally a conduit that extends downward toward ground level along vertical support leg  190  where it is coupled to an ordinary garden hose  332  at port  331 . A floating valve or other fill level response switch is preferably disposed at or in the water troughs such that trough can be filled to near capacity after emptying. The object of the game is to throw an object, or otherwise activate the target, at the opposing player&#39;s target, such as  321 , and drench the player in seat  311  with water from the self-filling water trough  341  as shown. The water trough is optionally mounted on a flexible hinge, joint or gimbals such that it will normally be upright but is tipped over or otherwise releases water out of the bottom in response to the movement or other actuation of the associated target. The target  341  can be directly coupled to the trough so the water is dumped by either disturbing the balance of the trough or by releasing a latch or shutter, which normally prevents the trough from tipping under its own weight. It will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that there are many alternative types and locations for water-releasing sources, for example, the trough can be placed between the suspending cables  112 , and thus moved closer to the player. Alternatively, hitting the target can activate a self-closing aperture at the bottom of the trough so that the water is released as a slow downward shower to wet the player when they swing directly under the horizontal support  195 . In yet another embodiment the target can have multiple zones that cause either a fast or slow emptying of the trough. Alternatively, the water trough can be mounted on gimbals associated with the seat suspension members  112  that extend downward from the horizontal frame  195 . 
     It will be further recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the use of a trough or other water storage vessel above the players is not essential, as it can be replaced by spray or misting nozzles, that are either continuously on or open in response to hitting a target, movement of the swings, or manually operated as dictated by game rules and activities. 
     In a further alternative embodiment the targets motion upon projectile impact is coupled to actuate the valve that fills the trough with water. Thus, the trough mounting can be otherwise independent of the target, for example by a flexible hose, such that the trough dumps water or overflows in response to an imbalanced weight distribution upon filling. In all these embodiments, it is preferable that the timing of the release of the water can be controlled to maximize the fun. 
     Yet another alternative embodiment is to provide a container for capturing water from spray nozzles or other water outlets associated with water source, which for example can be responsive to accumulated contact of throwing objects with the target. Alternatively, the spray nozzles are optionally connected to water trough such that player can only spray water when trough is at least partly full. 
     Alternatively the flat target shown in  FIG. 3  can be replaced with an open container for receiving throwing objects or water whereby the accumulated weight of throwing objects captured by the target receptacle provides a force that releases any of the previously described actuation mechanisms to release, dump, shower, spray or mist water onto at least one of the players. The target need not be suspended from horizontal member  195 , but can also be attached to the adjacent swing seat, as is further described with respect to  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a player in another version of the swing embodying alternative water play features of the present invention. As in  FIG. 4 , swing seat  110  is designed for suspension from a horizontal frame  195  (not shown) via cables  112  for oscillatory motion. Water from source  340  (not shown) flows down toward the seat  110  via a pipeline  430  wrapped around suspending cables  112 . A water pistol  415 , held in the right hand of the seated player is in fluid connection with pipeline  430  via flexible tubing  431 . The flexible tubing  431  is preferably stress relieved by a secure attached to suspending cable  112 . By water pistol we mean to include any type of spray or squirt nozzle a player can aim at another player, spectator or target either by hand or otherwise. Accordingly, the water gun need not resemble an actual weapon, but can be any form of a squirt or spray orifice mounted to a wand, flexible hose wand or attached or integrated with the seat. A hand held water pistol  415  is preferably tethered to seat  110  on an optionally retractable leash or a supporting strap or mount that stress relieves tubing connection and/or tether when the player does not hold the pistol. 
     Alternatively, the water pistol can be of the conventional type, drawing water from a closed reservoir, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,361, which is incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, the seat  110  may include provisions for storing water, or mounting a detachable reservoir, squirt gun or pistol. For example, the water pistol may be in the form of spray nozzles  425  mounted on the seat. The spray nozzles in this case would be controlled manually by release lever  428 . Fixing the spray nozzle to the seat could increase the difficultly in hitting the adjacent player, as exposure to the water spray or stream is limited to the portion of the oscillatory motion that depends on the players relative speed. 
     Release lever  428  optionally opens and rotates to direct a higher velocity water jet through tube  426  having a larger diameter opening than the orifice of spray nozzle  425  or  425 ′. Thus, release lever  428  enables the player to release a high volume of water as a jet to modify or modulate the swing velocity. Specifically, by rotating tube  426  using the handle or release lever  428  the jet can be directed opposite the direction of the swings current movement to increase the speed and height, or into the direction of motion to slow the swing. 
     Alternative targets include those that accumulate water sprayed or squirted directly therein, and optionally include a weight or balance responsive actuator that dumps, sprays, streams or otherwise releases the accumulated water in target container onto the player in the seat. In addition to providing fixed spray nozzle  425  for shooting another player or spectator, or demountable spray gun for aiming at a target, additional spray nozzles are also optionally mounted above seat of opposing player for control by a player in another seat, independent of the target use or location. For example, in  FIG. 4  an optional target  420  is disposed above the player sitting in seat  110 . Target  420  can be used in conjunction with other accessories for either wet recreation or scored game play. For wet play, spray nozzles  425 ′ is connected to the water source via a valve actuated by impact or other actuation of target  420 , which can include the force from water sprayed onto target  420  by another player. 
     Many of the play activities enabled by various features and embodiments of the instant invention are interactive and require at least adjacent players to see each other during at least a portion of the swings oscillatory motion. Thus,  FIG. 5  illustrates yet another embodiment wherein the players can alternative orientation with respect to the plane of the oscillatory motion depending on the play activity. More specifically, as shown for play system  500  in  FIG. 5C , it is desirable to configure adjacent seats  511  and  512  so that players are transverse to the direction of swing oscillation and facing each other, in contrast to seat  510 , in which the player faces forward, in the direction of swing oscillation. Accordingly, players in swings  511  and  512  can more readily engage in interactive play that involves targeting the other player, for example using the squirt gun or targets illustrated in  FIG. 3  or  4 . 
     Another embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  provides for the conversion of swing seats from the configuration of seat  501  to  503  by rotation during interactive play.  FIG. 5A  corresponds to section A-A′ through seat  510  of  FIG. 5C , whereas  FIG. 5B  is the corresponding orthogonal elevation. As the swing seats in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  may also include targets of the types previously described or illustrated, the player&#39;s ability to rotate the seat during oscillation creates a further play challenge wherein players may perturb the target position by rotating the seat as the player releases a projectile, water, or activates a light or laser gun. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are intended to illustrate another alternative embodiment for mounting a safety harness  515  to the swing seat  510 . Harness  515  is secured to support cable  516  and  516 ′ but is at least releasable to translate along the support cable length so that players lift the harness up for egress and entry, as shown in  FIG. 5B , lowering it toward the seat bottom  510   b  after the player enters seat  510 . 
     It should be recognized that principle of harness movement or engagement to protect the player is equally applicable to the other games and activities that might require the player&#39;s movement or removal of at least one hand that would otherwise be used to grasp the seat or a related supporting structure. 
     It should also be appreciated that in any of the aforementioned embodiments, the description of a seat or seat bottom for sitting is intended to encompass alternative shapes and structure that permit or encourage safe play while standing, lying in a prone position, and the like. 
     It should be further appreciated that the embodiments encompassing a rotating seat do not preclude combinations with targets previously described, particularly those that are operatively coupled to a water source or water source actuator, as well as the propulsion water source, nozzles or squirt gun. The water source or point of release can be connected to any of the structure above the rotary coupling  545 . Alternatively, a continuous water source can be disposed co-axial with the rotary couplings axis of rotation, using a rotary fluid fitting. Alternatively, the rotary coupling can be suitably limiting in the range of rotary motion such that a flexible conduit or pipe that traverses between the fixed platform  545  and rotary platform  540  would not be tangled or severed from repeated rotation in the same direction. Accordingly, the optional positions for the terminus or outlets of a water source include the seat back  511 , seat bottom,  510   b , suspending cables  516  and safety harness  515 . Preferably, the water actuator or targeting control is disposed on a common component or actuator with release lever  514 , for example, a component that emulates an aviator&#39;s joystick, a steering wheel, and arm support console, and the like. 
     It should be appreciated that alternative embodiments for competitive game play include utilizing a target that rotates, or otherwise move, at the players control or independent of seat rotation controlled by player. For example, the seat might remain fixed, while the only the target is cable of independent rotation or other movement apart from the oscillatory motion of the swing seat. 
     In yet other embodiments, target activation, by an opposing player, optionally engages seat rotation, for example by de-latching the stop or release mechanism associated with rotary coupling  525 . 
     Alternative embodiments of the invention utilize lights, sound or other types of information displays that are responsive to the motion of the swings themselves, thus suitable for interactive play by younger players, or educational games as will be further described below. Accordingly,  FIG. 6  illustrates the operative principles of a sensing device  600  for determining at least one of the height, frequency or speed of the swing during oscillation. The purpose of the sensing device is to record the time at which the swing seat reaches the maximum of height during the oscillatory motion and record the height. It should be appreciated motion and position-sensing devices are known in the art field of factory automation, robotics and material handling, therefore  FIG. 6  should be understood to be merely illustrative of the operational requirements of such device as they relate to providing the inventive functions described herein. 
     As illustrated by the plan view in  FIG. 6B  sensing device  600  is preferably mounted in association with horizontal member  195  and disposed adjacent to suspending cables  112  associated with each seat. Sensing device  600  includes one or more light emitting devices  610  and associated photodetectors  615  spaced apart there from such that a free space optical path, indicated by straight arrays from emitters  610  to associated detectors  615 , will be interrupted by the oscillatory motion of the swings seat suspending cable  112 .  FIG. 6A  is an elevation of detector  600  taken through section A-A′ in  FIG. 6B  to illustrate the array of photodetectors  614  as viewed from the light emitter director with intervening swing suspension cable  112 . Sensing device  600  preferably includes an array of photodetectors  614  co-mounted on a plate or support  615  to span the potential range of motion of suspending cable  112 . Plate  615  is disposed on a support bracket  611  such that it extends out from horizontal member  195  to encompass the free range of motion of suspending cable  112 . Accordingly, one or more light emitting devices  610  provides a beam that extends to include the detector array  614  such that the time sequence of adjacent photodetectors in group  614  receiving a null signal, caused by the blocking of the light beam from emitter  610 , will indicate the passage of the suspension cable as the swing oscillates. The position of the suspending cable  112  at the greatest height of the swing oscillation corresponds to a position between the last photodetector in array  614  to be interrupted (which in this figure is detector  614   b ) and the first photodetector not to be interrupted ( 614   c ) during a repeating sequence of interruptions. Specifically, detectors  614   a  to  614   e  null signals will be detected in the temporal sequence a-b-a. The detector array  614  is optionally symmetrically disposed about horizontal member  195  to cover the full range of oscillatory motion; however, for most purposes the non-symmetric array illustrated will be sufficient, as the momentum or height change between is not expected to be significant during a single oscillation cycle. Accordingly, by providing a timing and logic circuit responsive to the variations of photo detector signals, and using a geometric correction to account for the total length of suspending cable  112 , the maximum height of the swing is readily determined by a microprocessor for communication to players and/or spectators by various methods, as will be further described. Further, the same logic circuit can be configured to determine the elapsed time between each instance of reaching the maximum height during the swing oscillation, for determination of the instantaneous or maximum swing velocity, as well as to count the number of oscillation cycles. 
     Thus, the several parameters that reflect movement of the swing can be communicated to the players as well as observers by additional electronic methods and output devices, including lights and visuals displays that provide an analog output, digital displays or auditory output using loudspeakers, which are further described with reference to  FIGS. 7A , B and C. 
       FIG. 7A  is a front elevation view of swing system  700  having a variety of optional lighting devices, power sources and control systems associated with the supporting structure or the swing seats. For example, light emitting devices  715  can be an array on a flexible cable that extends along swing seat suspending members. Alternatively, fiber optic lights can be deployed in the same manner, for example with lighting cable or fiber bundle  710  wrapped around horizontal and vertical support members. Light emitting devices  716  are optionally integrated into the swing seat structure  710 , as well as external or detachable device  718 . As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B  lights or light array  716  can be associated with one or more of the front, back, or side of seat  710 . Thus, light emitting device  716  as mounted on the side of seat  710  in  FIG. 7B , will indicate the range of the seat oscillation to an external observer at night. As swing system  700  comprises a large number of linear elements, such as the horizontal or vertical support frames and suspending cable, a preferred light emitting device is a fiber optic cable designed for continuous side emission. As the fiber optic lighting fixture is end coupled to a light source, the light source is not generally limited by the considerations of having an electrical power supply near wet play areas. 
     As previously mentioned light sources include Laser or focused lights for aiming at targets, such as for laser tag type play. Accordingly, such hand held devices are preferred attached to the seats by a retractable tether, as described for the water pistol. Alternatively, either Laser or focused lights  719  on seat  710   b  can be fixed to the side or bottom of a seat to illuminate the ground alternatively display the range of seat movement during oscillation. 
     Alternative lighting devices include incandescent sources, fluorescent sources, black lights, as well as light emitting diodes, electro-luminescent lights and the like. 
     Light power sources optionally include solar cells  706 , shown in a preferred location mounted on horizontal swing support member  195 , it being understood that the energy generated by photovoltaic solar cell recharges a battery that can operate any alternative electronic device disclosed herein. 
     Alternative light, speaker or motor power sources include low voltage via transformer  705  connected to power mains, as well as battery, regular line voltage, but can also include power generated by a piezoelectric transducer coupled to the oscillating motion of the swing. 
     The form of light output may include changes in selection, power or pattern of lights triggered for challenging players by indicating a maximum height or velocity, as well as absolute position during the swing. Analog displays include any method of triggering or varying the spatial or temporal output of lighting fixtures that might be arranged on the fixed or moving structures of the swing, such as device  715  and  716 . For example, a light pattern might be purely temporal, that is a one or more flashing lights, or a time sequenced illumination of a series of adjacent lights, i.e. to display a moving bar or object. 
     Digital output might include a numeric display, for example a score display board  755 , which is shown in one of many alternative locations being mounted on suspending cable  112 . However, a digital output might also include icons having a size, color or shape to represent a number, a relative quantity or a progressive change. 
     Further, the output of the logic circuit, associated with device  600  in  FIG. 6 , might include control of safety lights that point to positions on the ground thus warning spectators to avoid colliding with the moving swing by staying outside a marked area. Alternatively, the logic circuit output might simply trigger general light or output speaker to signify that the swings are being used, thus alerting adults whose attention and supervision of smaller children might be required. 
     Various forms of auditory output device may be used with or substitute for at least some of the entertainment and safety functions of visual lighting. For example, the auditory output may include changes in volume, pitch or continuity to reflect the player&#39;s maximum height or velocity, as well as absolute position during the swing. For example, as logic circuitry can also maintain a record of the previous height reached, with the pitch, volume or continuity of the signal changing as the swing position approaches this height. If the play reaches a higher level than the previous cycle one or more additional indicators might be provide a distinct output to distinguish between decay of oscillation.  FIG. 7C  illustrates one embodiment for locating such lighting output control devices, speakers or control circuits associated therewith. Thus, output speaker  718  is mounted below the seat. Further, the various lighting fixtures and features described above can optionally operate manually, by the player from a seat-mounted console  717 , or by a spectator at a distance, such as to provide sufficient light that encourages or extends the hours available for safe play. 
     Alternatively, the output might include a synthesized or recorded voice announcing a numeric score or outcome, or to change players after fixed number of cycles, time of use, or a competitive criteria. Further, the synthesizer-recorded voice might be combined with a digital or pictorial display that reinforces counting of numbers, the alphabet, addition or subtraction or other elementary school activities. 
     Further, the auditory output need not be an electronic speaker, but may alternatively comprise a whistle or other device that produces a sound in response to the high air velocity with respect the moving seat. Accordingly, the sound generating device may be incorporated into the seat or any other moving fixtures associated, such as a whistle or speaker output  718  mounted below the seat. A whistle preferably includes a horn or cone shaped entrance orifice to collect and increase the velocity of air in front of the swings path without creating turbulent flow, which might adversely affect the output. Accordingly, such manual devices may function as musical instruments, and also include baffles, holes or other sound or pitch modulating mechanisms that controlled by the seated player. Sound generating device such as air whistle or related wind instrument are optionally responsive to movement and velocity of the swing seat such that pitch and/or volume changes with speed. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which a soap bubble generator  800  is coupled to at least a portion of the swing seat  110  to produce bubbles during swing movement. In a preferred embodiment, the bubble generator provide a visual indicator of the range of seat swing motion as it releases bubbles along the path of the swing to form a constantly dissipating curtain that visible to both players and observers. The curtain boundaries provide an indication of the range of the player swing during the previous cycles of oscillation. 
     The bubble generator  800  represents an embodiment that operates in response to swinging motion of seat  110  to produce a continuous stream of bubbles  801 . As shown in the cross sectional elevation through generator  800  in  FIG. 8A , incoming air moves in the relative direction of arrow A with respect to the seat, while the seat moves in the direction of arrow B with respect to the ground. A funnel or cone shape orifice  810  at the forward side of generator  800  collects air in front of the swing seat path to provide a higher velocity air stream as the cone narrows to channel  811 . The higher velocity air in channel  811  is directed to a bubble-generating chamber  812 . Bubble generating chamber  812  has an outlet orifice  813  and a bubble-generating frame  820  disposed between the air inlet channel  811  and the outlet orifice  813 . The bubble generating frame  815  can be either stationary, responsive to the oscillatory motion of the swing, or under the control of the player, provided it continuously encounters a sufficient quantity of soap bubble solution. In this embodiment, soap solution is provided by reservoir  830  disposed at the bottom of chamber  812 .  FIG. 8B  is a detail elevation showing the front of bubble generating frame  820 . The frame  820  is a disc comprising at least two panels  821  and  822  disposed on opposing sides of a central spindle  816  for rotation about axis  815  in  FIG. 8A . Each of frame panels  821  and  822  is submerged in the soap solution reservoir  830  during each rotation cycle about the rotary axis  815 , such that they are subsequently exposed to the air stream entering chamber  812  from channel  811 . As a soap film will become suspended across frame panels  821  and  822  upon their removal and draining of excess solution (back into reservoir  830 ), the air jet emerging from channel  811  will deforms the suspending soap film causing the formation of a plurality of soap bubbles, which then exit with the air jet, through the outlet orifice  813 . Frame  820  in  FIG. 8B  also includes propeller blades  850  disposed between frames panels  821  and  822  such that the incoming air urges a continuous rotary motion about axis  815  creating a relatively continuous stream of bubbles. The reservoir  830  is manually filled or optionally constantly replenished by gravity or pump fed source. It will be recognized that two or more generators can be combined to produces bubbles as the seat oscillates in both direction, or a second cone can be provided in the opposite direction that connects to channel  811  or another opening into chamber  812 . 
     Thus, the bubble generator  800  provides entertaining and challenging play activity for younger children, as the quantity, type or size of bubbles is optionally responsive to the swing velocity or alternative controls available to the player. 
     The soap bubble generator can alternatively be independent of swing movement; for example, it might include a manual lock of moving components, like frame  820 , to conserve soap solution, as well as other controls to vary the quantity and quality of bubbles for competitive play as well as entertainment. Further, the soap bubble generator is optionally powered by a motor to control either a fan, for blowing air against a soap film-forming frame, moving the frame to replenish the bubble film, or operating a pump to supply soap solution to the frame directly, or fills generator from a remote reservoir. Alternatively, a pump may be deployed to force soap solution through an orifice in combination with an air stream to generate soap bubbles. Power for a non-swing operated bubble generator includes hand power or any electric power source previously taught for lighting purposes. 
     It will be recognized that the bubble generating device can be an accessory for attachment to various parts of the seat, or integrated with the seat structure, that is below the seat or in a side console. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0