Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention generally comprises a swing set. More particularly, the invention relates to a pendular motion swing for plural occupants. 
   2. Background 
   Swings have long been a popular play apparatus for children. Certain types of swings, such as porch swings, are also enjoyed by adults. Various types of porch and garden swings are known in the prior art. Most such swings are suspended from an overhead structure by chains or the like. Others, often referred to as “gliders”, are suspended from a support structure by multiple pivoting links. These types of prior art swings do not provide a true pendular motion, which is particularly relaxing. While some pendular motion swings are known in the prior art, their designs make entry and exit awkward and they are difficult to propel. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a swing comprising a fixed support structure and a rigid subframe suspended therefrom. The subframe is suspended on a single pivot axis, thereby permitting pendular motion below the support structure. Seats are mounted on the subframe to provide side-by-side and/or face-to-face seating. The subframe is configured to arc around behind the seats rather than intrude into the space between the seats. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a swing according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a swing according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a swing according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods and devices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail. 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a swing  10  with seating for up to four persons. Swing  10  comprises a stationary support structure  100  and a movable subframe  200 . Subframe  200  is suspended from support frame  100  by means of pivot assembly  120 . Support structure  100  comprises a pair of uprights  102  attached to stabilizing legs  104 . The uprights  102  are joined together at their upper ends by transverse beam  106 . Legs  104  provide a stabilizing base for swing  10 . The legs may comprise arcuate numbers as shown or may be bent into a shape of straight segments. The legs may also comprise straight horizontal members that rest on the supporting surface. 
   Subframe  200  comprises a member  202  bent into a generally ovoid shape. A bearing  204  is disposed at the top of the subframe and is carried by pivot assembly  120 . Seats  206  are mounted on the subframe. As shown here, a pair of seats are mounted in a facing relationship. Seats  206  may be individual seats or may each be wide enough to accommodate two persons. It should be observed that the structural member  202  of subframe  200  does not encroach within the seating area. The seats are mounted such that member  202  is disposed entirely behind and entirely below the seats in the proximity thereof. The absence of structural members intruding into the seating area makes access to the seats easier and contributes to a more pleasant recreational experience. Ingress and egress are further assisted by handles  110  mounted on support uprights  102 . 
   Seats  206  are disposed on subframe  200  so that the occupants can rest their feet on the ground when the swing is stationary. This provides a more comfortable seating position when the occupants desire to remain stationary. Furthermore, such a seating position allows the swing to be easily propelled by use of the occupants&#39; feet since their feet can remain on the ground while swinging. This is important since a rigidly suspended pendular motion swing can not be easily put into motion with the “pumping” action commonly used to propel a chain-suspended swing. 
   Support structure  100  and subframe  200  are preferably constructed of steel tubing for strength, durability and economy. However, other materials, such as aluminum or fiberglass, may be used if desired. Seats  206  may be constructed as wooden benches or may be molded with a suitable plastic material. Seats  206  may be either cushioned or uncushioned. 
   A table  210  may be provided as an optional feature. Table  210  may be mounted to subframe member  202  with an appropriate fitting so that it can be easily removed by the user, if desired. A canopy frame  130  may also be included as an optional feature. 
   Another embodiment of a swing constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Swing  30  is substantially similar to the previously described swing  10 . In this case, however, only a single seat  306  is provided. Subframe  300  comprises an arcuate member  302 , which is essentially one half of the subframe member  202  in the previously described embodiment. Indeed, subframe member  302  may be designed so that two of them may be joined to a lower center section (not shown) to provide a closed loop subframe  202 . 
   Yet another embodiment of a swing constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Swing  40  differs from the previously described embodiments in that subframe  400  is oriented transversely rather than longitudinally. The support structure is identical to that previously described. Subframe  400  comprises a primary subframe  402  in the shape of a loop and a secondary, longitudinal subframe  404  that supports seats  406 . 
   It will be recognized that the above-described invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.

Technology Category: 1