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WO2016166553A1 - Balançoire - Google Patents

Balançoire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016166553A1
WO2016166553A1 PCT/GB2016/051063 GB2016051063W WO2016166553A1 WO 2016166553 A1 WO2016166553 A1 WO 2016166553A1 GB 2016051063 W GB2016051063 W GB 2016051063W WO 2016166553 A1 WO2016166553 A1 WO 2016166553A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
seat
swing
elongate
suspension element
stabilising arm
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2016/051063
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Miles Mann
Jack HAMON
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Robovision Ltd
Original Assignee
Robovision Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robovision Ltd filed Critical Robovision Ltd
Priority to GB1800687.4A priority Critical patent/GB2556253B/en
Publication of WO2016166553A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016166553A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63G—MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT
    • A63G9/00—Swings

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a children's swing, a seat for a swing, and a method of manufacture and/or assembly thereof.
  • the present invention provides a swing, or a seat for a swing, with improved safety features.
  • the present invention provides a multifunctional swing, or a multifunctional seat for a swing, with improved safety features, which may be suitable for children aged above 6 months and/or less than 10 years.
  • Many known children's swings are prone, during use, to partially or fully inverting (i.e . the seat tipping partially or fully upside down) if pushed too vigorously or to too high an angle.
  • the swing seat To attempt to improve swing stability, again especially in swings for younger children or babies, it is common for the swing seat to be suspended by linkages (e.g. ropes or chains etc.) at two points on each side of the seat instead of just one.
  • linkages e.g. ropes or chains etc.
  • the ropes typically form two sides of a triangular enclosed space on each side of the swing seat, through which the child may be able to inadvertently or deliberately insert their head, neck or other body part. This arrangement therefore presents a real risk of entrapping the child' s head, neck or other body part during use of the swing.
  • the front guard may be fully removable or else positionable such that the front of the swing can be completely opened, thereby allowing full access to place the child into the swing seat before replacing the front guard.
  • the locks to connect and remove the front guard from the swing typically require the use of two hands as they are intended to be 'child-proof connections. For a parent or guardian this again may pose health and safety issues, as the child may slide out of the front of the swing while the parent or guardian is attempting to replace/reconnect the front guard into its locked position.
  • swing seats are often less comfortable or stable than single function swings, due in part to their adjustment mechanisms and methods of assembly.
  • swing seats are generally more tailored towards younger children (e.g. babies or toddlers) and so are not at all well suited for older children, and as such they are likely to be outgrown very quickly, thereby limiting their useful operating lifetime - potentially leading to further costs for the parent or guardian.
  • a first aspect of the present invention provides a seat for a swing comprising: a seat member providing a seat surface; two stabilising arm members, the stabilising arm members extending upwardly from either side of the seat surface; wherein each stabilising arm member is configured to receive at least partially, in use, a received portion of an elongate swing suspension element, the received portion of the elongate swing suspension element running adjacent the stabilising arm member along at least a part of the length of the stabilising arm member such that the stabilising arm member acts to increase the effective rigidity of the received portion of the elongate swing suspension element.
  • the stabilising arm members have been found to improve the stability of the swing seat, thereby reducing the risk of inversion (e .g. tipping partially or fully upside down) and/or providing a straighter, smoother swinging motion, see the later section titled Experimental Testing of Prototypes.
  • the received portion of the elongate swing suspension element may comprise the entire length of the elongate swing suspension element, or alternatively just a portion of its length.
  • the seat member may be any type of seat suitable for a swing and which provides a seat surface (i.e. a surface on which a user may sit or otherwise reside).
  • the seat member may comprise just a base portion, or it may have one or more side walls, and/or a back support.
  • the elongate swing suspension element(s) is/are configured to preferably suspend the swing seat from a swing support frame or other rigid/secure support structure.
  • the stabilising arm members extend upwardly from either side of the seat surface, (e.g. either side of the user when the user is seated on the swing). Consequently, there is only one suspension point at either side of the swing seat, as opposed to two, and so neither the stabilising arm members nor the elongate swing suspension element(s) form a partially or fully enclosed space. Therefore, the swing seat of the present invention advantageously poses little or no risk of entrapment of a child' s head, neck or other body part due to insertion between the swing suspension elements. Moreover, even if the swing seat is deliberately rotated the increased rigidity due to the stabilising arm members serves to prevent or restrict the swing suspension elements from twisting around the user, thereby avoiding the potential risk of strangulation etc.
  • the stabilising arm members may or may not be straight.
  • the stabilising arm members may extend upwardly at an angle from the vertical.
  • the distance between the stabilising arm members may be greater at the top of the stabilising arm members than at the bottom of the stabilising arm members. ,
  • this may serve to improve the safety of the swing, in use, by reducing or minimising the likelihood of any contact occurring between a user and the stabilising arm members and/or the elongate swing suspension element(s).
  • the received portion of the elongate swing suspension element, and the stabilising arm elements may have a length of at least 300mm.
  • the received portion and stabilising arm elements may have a length of up to 600mm or at least 600mm.
  • the length of the stabilising arm elements may be adjustable to allow different lengths of the elongate swing suspension element(s) to be received. For example, it may be desirable to adjust the stabilising arms to extend above the head-height of the user in order to further increase stability and better prevent any twisting of the swing suspension elements.
  • each of the stabilising arm members may comprise a tubular member configured to surround the received portion of an elongate swing suspension element.
  • each of the stabilising arm members may comprise an elongate member comprising at least one slot, e.g. at least two slots, configured to receive the received portion of an elongate swing suspension element therethrough.
  • each stabilising arm member may comprise one, two, or three, or more slots through which the received portion of an elongate swing suspension element may be threaded or slotted, thereby increasing the effective rigidity of the suspension element.
  • the elongate swing suspension element may be slotted or threaded through the slots in the stabilising arm members such that a child (i.e. user) cannot pull the elongate swing suspension element(s) through the slots.
  • a child i.e. user
  • the elongate swing suspension element(s) may be slotted or threaded through the slots in the stabilising arm members such that a child (i.e. user) cannot pull the elongate swing suspension element(s) through the slots.
  • the stabilising arm members may be fabricated from one or more rigid materials, for example a rigid polymeric material, wood, or metal, or any combination thereof.
  • the stabilising arm members may further comprise additional structures to increase their rigidity.
  • the stabilising arm members may comprise a padded outer layer (e.g. a foam, or cushioned or partially inflatable layer) adjacent the user to absorb any contact between the user and the stabilising arm members.
  • the seat member may comprise a base portion and a bucket seat.
  • the bucket seat may be removably connectable to the base portion.
  • the base portion may comprise side portions, while the bucket seat may comprise a back portion, with two opposing side walls, and a seat base. When in use, the bucket seat may be disposed on top of the base portion, such that the base portion supports the bucket seat and the seat base provides the seat surface for the user.
  • the seat member may be alternatively configured to accommodate other arrangements.
  • the bucket seat may be disposed on top of the base portion.
  • the bucket seat has enclosed side walls and a back portion to provide more support and less opportunity for the child to fall out of the swing.
  • the back portion and the side walls may be integral (i.e. a single continuous seat), or alternatively in other embodiments they may be removably attached.
  • the seat base and/or side walls of the bucket seat may be removably connected to the base portion using any suitable removable locking means.
  • any suitable removable locking means For example, one or more latches, catches, snap-fit fasteners, or clips may be connected to or inserted through corresponding portions of the base portion.
  • the removable locking means are child-proof (i.e. designed such that they cannot be operated or released by a child).
  • the seat base of the bucket seat may comprise one or more clips which, when inserted through corresponding slots on the base portion snap into a locking position, securing the bucket seat in place .
  • pressure may be applied to the clips from the underside of the base portion and the bucket seat may then be disengaged / lifted off the base portion.
  • the seat base may be a full-size swing seat which may be suitable for children aged up to 10 years old or more.
  • the only seat surface available is generally the seat surface of the bucket seat as used by the younger children, and as such the seat surface may not be large enough to accommodate older or bigger children.
  • the base portion supports the child's weight when seated in the bucket seat, as opposed to solely the bucket seat itself. This therefore allows the bucket seat to be potentially made of a less durable or sturdy material compared to the base portion, which can reduce manufacturing costs.
  • the seat base provides a single continuous seat surface. In many multifunctional swing seats the seat for older children (i.e.
  • the seat of the present invention is therefore found to be more comfortable for the child as there are no joins in the seat surface that can dig into or pinch a child's legs.
  • the seat surface i.e. the surface of the base portion and/or of the seat base of the bucket seat
  • the seat surface(s) may be ergonomically shaped to provide contouring for a user' s legs.
  • the seat surface(s) may be moulded to fit a typical child at the recommended age. Moulding the seat in this way is found to be more comfortable to the user than a generally flat seat surface, and may also contribute to preventing the child from slipping on the seat surface .
  • the seat base may be inclined at an angle to the horizontal such that the front of the seat surface is higher than the back of the seat surface.
  • the angle of inclination may be in the range of between at least 1 degree and less than 15 degrees to the horizontal.
  • the swing seat may further comprise a harness, or seatbelt etc., to further secure the child in the seat member.
  • the harness, or seatbelt etc. may be connected to the bucket seat.
  • the stabilising arm members may be connectable to the base seat.
  • each of the stabilising arm members may be inserted into an opening at each side of the base seat.
  • the stabilising arm members may be removably locked into place using any of the above mentioned removable locking means.
  • each of the side walls of the bucket seat may comprise an aperture for receiving therethrough, in use, at least a portion of one of the stabilising arm members.
  • the swing seat may also comprise an upper back rest.
  • the upper back rest may be removably connected to the bucket seat back.
  • the upper back rest comprises a click-lock which is inserted through a corresponding opening in the bucket seat back and clicks into a locking position. To remove the upper back rest pressure may be applied to be click-lock and the upper back rest pulled upwards away from the bucket seat.
  • the upper back rest may be particularly advantageous in swing seats for younger children, as the upper back rest may provide further support to the back, neck and head of a user.
  • the swing seat may further comprise a guard removably connected to the front of the seat member.
  • the guard may be configured to prevent the child from slipping/falling from the front of the seat member.
  • the guard may comprise a front wall, or a grid member, comprising at least one opening through which a child's legs may be disposed.
  • the guard may be pivotably connected to the front of the seat member. This may allow the guard to be pivotally moved away from the seat member to allow a child to be placed more easily onto the seat surface.
  • the guard may be a T-bar.
  • the T-bar may have a vertical portion and a horizontal portion, such that in use a child' s legs may be disposed either side of the vertical portion of the T-bar.
  • the base of the vertical portion of the T-bar may be pivotably connected to the seat base of the bucket seat.
  • the T-bar may comprise at least one removable locking means operable to couple at least one end of the horizontal portion of the T-bar to one of the bucket seat side walls, such that when the horizontal portion of the T-bar is uncoupled from the side wall(s) the T-bar may pivot away from the seat member.
  • the pivoting motion may be an arcuate motion away from the normal to the seat surface (i.e. away from the vertical).
  • the maximum pivot angle of the T-bar, or other type of guard is less than 90 degrees from the vertical.
  • the maximum pivot angle may be at least 20 degrees from the vertical and/or no more than 60 degrees from the vertical.
  • the at least one removable locking means may be adapted to require only one hand to undo / release, for example a press-release locking means. In this way, it is found that it is easier for a single person to safely lift and secure a child into the swing.
  • the at least one removable locking means comprises a child- proof locking mechanism.
  • a second aspect of the present invention provides a kit of parts arranged to be assembled into the seat for a swing according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention.
  • the swing seat may be provided in a flat packed kit of parts which is easy to transport and store, and can then be assembled by the user.
  • the kit may comprise a manual of instructions informing the user how to correctly assemble the swing seat for safe use and operation.
  • the kit of parts may comprise at least one elongate swing suspension element configured to pivotably suspend the seat member of the swing seat from a swing support frame .
  • the at least one elongate swing suspension element may comprise webbing.
  • the swing seat may be suitable for use with any standard swing support frame (e.g. A-frame), thereby avoiding the need to buy a new or a specialist frame.
  • A-frame any standard swing support frame
  • the kit may also comprise at least two connecting means operable to connect the at least one elongate swing suspension element to a swing support frame .
  • the connecting means may be a type of lock, hook or clip.
  • the connecting means may comprise carabineer clips, or other spring-loaded clips.
  • the at least one elongate swing suspension element may not be directly connected to a swing support frame . Instead, the elongate swing suspension element(s) may be connected to two additional elongate suspension elements that are coupled to a swing support frame . This may allow the swing seat to be safely and securely suspended from a higher swing frame .
  • the kit of parts may comprise a pair of bottom connecting means operable to connect each end of the elongate swing suspension element coupled to the swing seat to the additional elongate swing suspension elements.
  • a pair of top connecting means may connect each end of the additional elongate swing suspension elements to the swing support frame.
  • the stabilising arm members may be provided in the kit of parts with the received portion of the elongate swing suspension element(s) already received. For example, the elongate swing suspension element(s) may already be threaded through the slots in the stabilising arm members. This is found to typically reduce the amount of assembly required to set-up the swing seat, making it more convenient and/or user-friendly to put together.
  • only one elongate swing suspension element may be provided in the kit of parts.
  • the elongate swing suspension element may be arranged to pass underneath the base portion of the seat member.
  • a single elongate swing suspension element may be received by one stabilising arm, pass underneath the base portion, and then be received on the other side of the base portion by the second stabilising arm. Both ends of the elongate swing suspension element may then be connected to a swing support frame .
  • this is found to improve the stability of the swing seat and/or the straightness and/or smoothness of the swing motion.
  • the length of the elongate swing suspension element(s) may be adjustable. Conveniently, this can allow the user to alter the height of the swing seat from the ground dependent upon the age and/or size of the child or else may be dependent upon the height of the swing frame being used.
  • the elongate swing suspension element(s) may comprise one or more of: webbing; rope; chain or chain-mail material; and/or strong flexible polymeric or fibrous material. It may be advantageous to use webbing instead of rope as webbing is generally less expensive, which may lower the manufacturing costs associated with the swing. Moreover, as webbing is a substantially flat material this may be more easily threaded through the slots in the stabilising arm members and/or disposed flat against the underneath of the base portion, unlike rope which has a typically cylindrical cross-section.
  • a third aspect of the present invention provides a swing comprising: a swing seat according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention; a swing support frame comprising at least two swing suspension points; at least one elongate swing suspension element configured to pivotably suspend the swing seat according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention from two swing suspension points on the support frame; and at least two connecting means operable to connect the at least one swing suspension element to the two swing suspension points.
  • the swing support frame may comprise four, or six or more swing suspension points to accommodate two, or three or more swing seats of the present invention, as well as providing space for other types of swing seat to be used in conjunction with the swing seats of the present invention - all conveniently connected to the same swing support frame .
  • the swing support frame may be any type of standard swing support frame, for example an A-frame.
  • the swing support frame may be a specialist support frame comprising additional activity features, e.g. a slide, a climbing wall, or rope ladder etc.
  • the height of the swing support frame may be adjustable to allow the user to alter the height at which the swing seat is suspended above the ground.
  • the swing support frame may comprise two or more legs, wherein the two or more legs may be telescopically extendible or retractable .
  • a fourth aspect of the present invention provides a kit of parts arranged to be assembled into the swing according to any embodiment of the third aspect of the invention.
  • the swing may be provided in a flat packed kit of parts which is easy to transport and store, and can then be assembled by the user.
  • the kit may comprise a manual of instructions informing the user how to correctly assemble the swing.
  • a fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing or assembling a seat for a swing, the seat having features according to any preceding embodiment.
  • only one elongate swing suspension element may be provided, wherein a portion of the elongate swing suspension element is received by both stabilising arm members.
  • two elongate swing suspension elements may be provided, wherein a portion of each of the suspension elements is received by one of the stabilising arm members.
  • a sixth aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing or assembling a swing for use, comprising: the method for assembling a seat for a swing according to the fifth aspect of the present invention or providing a seat for a swing according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention; and connecting the at least one elongate swing suspension element to two swing suspension points on a swing support frame .
  • the method may also comprise the step of adjusting the height of the seat member from the ground. This may include adjusting the length of the at least one elongate swing suspension element, and/or adjusting the height of the swing support frame.
  • adjusting the height of the swing support frame may comprise telescopically extending or retracting two or more legs of the swing support frame.
  • Figure l a shows an approximate front perspective view of a seat for a swing according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure lb shows a side perspective view of the swing seat of Figure la;
  • Figure 2a shows an approximate rear perspective view of the swing seat of the preceding figures
  • Figure 2b shows an underside perspective view of the same swing seat
  • Figure 3a shows a top view of the same swing seat
  • Figure 3b shows a bottom view of the same swing seat
  • Figure 3c shows a rear view of the same swing seat
  • Figure 4a shows a side view of the swing seat of the preceding figures
  • Figure 4b shows the same swing seat from the front;
  • Figure 4c shows an opposite side view of the same swing seat
  • Figure 5a is a schematic illustration of two experimental test rigs of example embodiments of a swing seat according to the invention.
  • Figure 5b is a schematic illustration of different configurations of example prototype swing seats according to embodiments of the invention which were included in the experimental testing procedure;
  • Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are side views of three of the example prototype swing seats according to example embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 7a shows a front view of a swing seat, or a kit of parts assembled into a swing seat, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
  • Figure 7b is a back perspective view of the swing seat of Figure 7a;
  • Figure 7c shows a front perspective view of the swing seat of Figure 7a;
  • Figure 7d shows a side view of the same swing seat
  • Figure 7e is a bottom view of the same swing seat
  • Figure 7f shows a top view of the same swing seat
  • Figure 8a is a front view of a bottom connecting means of the present invention
  • Figure 8b is a back view of the bottom connecting means of Figure 8a;
  • Figure 9a shows a front view of a top connecting means of the present invention
  • Figure 9b is a back view of the top connecting means of Figure 9a
  • Figure 10 is an exploded view of the bottom connecting means of Figure 8a;
  • FIG 11 is an exploded view of the top connecting means of Figure 9a.
  • An exemplary embodiment of a seat 100 for a swing according to the present invention is shown in Figures la to 4c.
  • the swing seat 100 comprises a seat member comprising a base portion 1 1 and a bucket seat 12 removably connected on top of the base portion 1 1.
  • the bucket seat 12 comprises two opposing side walls 13, a seat base 14, and a back portion 15.
  • the side walls 13 , seat base 14 and back portion 15 form a continuous integral bucket seat 12.
  • the bucket seat 12 may not be an integral structure (i.e. one or more of the side walls 13, seat base 14 or back portion 15 may be formed separately and subsequently connected together).
  • the seat base 14 is removably connected to the base portion 1 1 via two releasable clips 16 (see Figure 2b).
  • To remove the bucket seat 12 pressure may be applied to the clips 16 from the underside of the base portion 1 1 , and the bucket seat 12 may then be lifted away from the base portion 1 1.
  • more than two releasable clips 16 may be provided, or alternatively one or more other releasable locking means may be provided (e.g. latches etc.).
  • the seat base 14 of the bucket seat 12 is inclined at an angle to the horizontal (i.e . the seat surface is not level), such that the back of the seat base 14 is lower than the front of the seat base 14. It is found that such an arrangement encourages the child to sit back in the bucket seat and lean against the back portion 15. As a result, the child adopts a much safer seated position for swinging, as the back portion 15 provides support for the child's neck and/or head. This arrangement also minimises the risk of the child being jolted backwards when being swung, which in severe cases may lead to neck and/or head injuries. This feature is especially advantageous in swings for younger children (e.g.
  • the angle of inclination is about 10 degrees to the horizontal. In some embodiments the angle of inclination may be at least 1 degree and/or less than 15 degrees to the horizontal.
  • the seat base 14 of the bucket seat 12 provides a continuous seat surface (i.e. there are no joints or connections) which is found to be much more comfortable, while also eliminating the risk of any pinching of the child's skin in any joints or interfaces, which can occur in swings with a discontinuous seat surface.
  • the seat base 14 is also contoured (i.e. shaped or moulded) to provide ergonomic indentations for the child' s leg . This not only reduces the risk of the child slipping in the swing seat, but also increases the comfort of the seat over that of a flat surfaced seat.
  • a safety harness can also be provided in the swing seat (not shown) to further secure the child into the swing seat.
  • the harness may be connected to the back portion 15 and/or seat base 14.
  • a removable upper back rest 40 is removably connected to the back portion 15 using a click-lock 42.
  • the upper back rest is configured to provide additional back, neck or head support for younger children.
  • the click-lock 42 is inserted through a corresponding opening in the back portion 15, whereupon it clicks into a locked position.
  • To remove the upper back rest 40 pressure can be applied to the portion of the click-lock 42 visible from the rear of the seat (see Figure 3c) and the upper back rest 40 can then be pulled away from the back portion 15.
  • the swing seat 100 further comprises a T-bar 30 connected to the front of the bucket seat 12. This further reduces the risk of the child falling out of the front of the swing seat during use.
  • other types of guard may be used (e.g. a front wall or door or grid) .
  • the T-bar 30 comprises a vertical portion 32 and a horizontal portion 34. In use, the child's legs are located either side of the vertical portion 32 of the T-bar.
  • the vertical portion 32 of the T-bar 30 is removably pivotably connected to the middle portion of the front of the seat base 14 via a hinge joint 36 (see Figures 2b or 4c) .
  • the ends of the horizontal portion 34 are connected using child-proof removable locks to the corresponding side wall 13 of the bucket seat 12.
  • the child-proof removable locks 35 may be released by applying a pressure to the outer portion of the lock 35 and pulling the T- bar 30 away from the bucket seat 12. The T-bar 30 will then be pivoted away from the bucket seat 12, providing a larger opening to position the child.
  • the maximum angle to which the T-bar 30 can be pivoted is less than 90 degrees from the vertical.
  • the maximum pivot angle may be at least 20 degrees from the vertical and/or less than 60 degrees from the vertical.
  • the swing seat 100 also comprises a pair of stabilising arm members 22, 24 configured to improve the stability of the swing seat by increasing the effective rigidity of a received portion of an elongate swing suspension element (not shown).
  • the stabilising arm members are formed from a rigid polymeric material (i.e. a plastic), with reinforcing structures 26 on the inside of the arms 22, 24 to increase their structural integrity and rigidity.
  • Each of the stabilising arm members 22, 24 are inserted through an aperture 17 in both of the side walls 13.
  • the stabilising arm members 22, 24 are then connected to the base portion 1 1. This further improves the stability of the swing seat 100.
  • a single elongate swing suspension element is used.
  • the elongate swing suspension element is a length of webbing.
  • one or more ropes, or chains or other suspending elements may alternatively and/or additionally be used.
  • the webbing may be threaded through each of the slots 25 in one of the stabilising arms 22, 24.
  • the webbing then passes underneath the base portion 1 1 and is retained in position by channel 55 on the underside of the base portion 1 1 (see Figure 2b) .
  • the webbing may then be threaded through each of the slots 25 on the other stabilising arm member 22, 24.
  • Each of the ends of the webbing can then be connected to a swing support frame via any suitable connecting means, e.g. a spring-loaded clip.
  • webbing is particularly advantageous as, not only is it often much cheaper than conventional rope, but it also has a generally flat profile (e.g. not cylindrical like rope), which makes it ideal for threading through the stabilising arm members and underneath the base portion 1 1.
  • a generally flat profile e.g. not cylindrical like rope
  • the swing seat 100 is shown in a first mode corresponding to a fully assembled form (i.e. with all removable features attached) which is suitable for the youngest children (e.g. aged at least 6 months and/or less than 18 months depending on the size and development of the child) .
  • the upper back rest 40 may be removed as previously described.
  • the swing seat is then more suited for slightly older children of around at least 18 months old and/or less than 3 years old depending on the size and development of the child, who require less head/neck support.
  • the T-bar 30 may be removed in addition to the upper back-rest 40.
  • the horizontal portion 34 is uncoupled as described and the vertical portion 32 is slidably disengaged from the seat base 14.
  • the swing seat is then suitable for older children of around at least 3 years old and/or less than 5 years old, depending on the size and development of the child.
  • the bucket seat 12 may also be removed from the base portion 1 1 as described, leaving the base portion 1 1 as the seat surface for the swing. This configuration is suitable for the oldest children who are unlikely to fall off the swing or require any additional support. This may be suitable for children aged at least 5 years old and/or less than 10 years old.
  • the upper age limit for the swing in the fourth mode is larger than for many known multi-functional swings as the base portion 1 1 is a full-size swing seat.
  • the base portion 1 1 forms part of the seat surface of the bucket seat 12 and so must be inherently smaller as otherwise the bucket seat 12 would be too large for younger children.
  • FIG 5a is an illustration of two of the test swings (or test rigs), set-up B and set-up C, constructed for the experimental testing of the prototype swing seats 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the swing seat 200 comprises a base portion 1 1 1 and a bucket seat 1 12 connected on top of the base portion 1 1 1.
  • the bucket seat 1 12 comprises side walls 1 13, a seat base 1 14, and a back portion 1 15.
  • each of the base portion 1 1 1 and the bucket seat 1 12 are made of wood, however in the final product or in other embodiments different materials e.g. plastic or polymeric materials may alternatively be used, as in Figures la to 4c.
  • the swing seat 200 further comprises a T-bar 130 having a vertical portion 132 and a horizontal portion 134, equivalent to the T-bar 30 of Figures la to 4c.
  • an upper back rest 140 is also connected to the back portion 1 15 of the bucket seat.
  • the stabilising arm members 122, 124 are tubular members configured to surround and increase the effective rigidity of at least a portion of an elongate swing suspension element 150.
  • two separate elongate swing suspension elements 150 are provided, one end of each element being attached, e.g. tethered to the base portion 1 1 1.
  • the elongate swing suspension elements are, in this embodiment, a length of rope as opposed to webbing.
  • connection members 160 can be connected to each of the free ends of the elongate swing suspension elements 150.
  • the connecting members 160 can then be coupled to the swing support frame 170 at the swing suspension points 172.
  • the connecting members 160 are spring-loaded clips or hooks.
  • a distance h was defined as the distance between the top of the stabilising arm member and the bottom of the swing seat (i.e. to the base of the base portion 1 1 1), wherein the stabilising arm member is always disposed the same distance from the base portion. It was found that from a distance h of around 300 mm to upwards towards 600mm the stability of the swing seat continually improved, with the optimum distance being towards the upper end of this range
  • the distance h can be more than 600mm, depending on the particular arrangement and implementation.
  • the swing seat of the present invention is inherently scalable and can be adapted for use by children over a range of ages and sizes.
  • Figures 6a to 6c illustrate how increasing the length of the stabilising arm members 122, 124 results in an improvement of the stability of the swing seat, thereby reducing the risk of the swing seat inverting.
  • the swing seat is suspended at 350mm above the ground.
  • the ring H represents the position of the child' s head (i.e. the test dummy A's head) when sat on the swing with no forces applied (i.e. the swing seat is at rest).
  • the solid circle G indicates the centre of gravity of the swing seat when the test dummy A is placed on the swing seat.
  • the overlaid triangle is an effective triangle with a height equal to the distance h of the top of the stabilising arm member to the base of the swing, and a base equal to the width of the side wall 1 13 ' .
  • the width of the side wall 1 13 ' is about 320mm.
  • Figure 6a shows a side view of prototype swing seat 200' having tubular stabilising arm members 122', 124' extending 600mm above the base seat 1 1 1 ' (i.e. this corresponds to prototype 1 in Figure 5b).
  • the effective triangle is large and the centre of gravity G is located well within the lower quarter of the triangle . This means that the effective mass of the swing seat and child is located towards the bottom centre of the swing seat.
  • the head position H is intersected by the upper edge of the triangle and is at least partially contained within the triangle.
  • FIG. 6b shows a side view of prototype swing seat 200' where the distance h between the top of the stabilising arm members 122' , 124' and the bottom of the base seat 1 1 1 ' is 300mm (i.e. which corresponds to prototype 07 in Figure 5b).
  • the effective triangle is truncated in height compared to the triangle in Figure 6a. Consequently, the centre of gravity G is located slightly off-centre and is displaced towards the back of the swing seat, being nearly halfway up the triangle instead of being in the lower quarter.
  • the head position H is also now located completely outside of the effective triangle and above the apex.
  • Figure 6b shows a side view of prototype swing seat 200' where the distance h between the top of the stabilising arm members 122' , 124' and the bottom of the base seat 1 1 1 ' is 200mm (i.e. this corresponds to prototype 09 in Figure 5b). This shows that, with the swing seat still at rest, the swing seat is already tilted much further backwards than the seat in Figure 6a, which is not a desired arrangement as tipping of the seat may occur quite easily.
  • the head position H is a large distance outside and away from the apex of the effective triangle.
  • the centre of gravity G is again off-centred, displaced towards the back of the swing seat, and is also now located within the upper half of the triangle. Therefore, even when a small force is applied to swing the seat it will be prone to tipping upside down, i.e. inverting.
  • the centre of gravity is in a much more stable position and so, unlike the seat in Figure 6b, this swing seat would not be expected to automatically return to the original position (i.e. will not right itself) .
  • Figures 7a to 7f show a swing seat according to another embodiment of the present invention, or a kit of parts assembled into a swing seat ready to be connected to a swing support frame .
  • Features which are common to earlier embodiments are labelled accordingly where possible.
  • the swing seat in Figures 7a to 7f is shown in a first mode corresponding to a fully assembled form (i.e. with all removable features attached) which is suitable for the youngest children (e.g. aged at least 6 months and/or less than 18 months depending on the size and development of the child) .
  • the method of assembling the swing seat of Figures 7a to 7f, and changing the swing between the four modes, is the same as described above in connection with Figures la to 4c.
  • the swing seat 300 comprises a seat member comprising a base portion 21 1 and a bucket seat 212 removably connected on top of the base portion 21 1.
  • the bucket seat 212 comprises two opposing side walls 213, a seat base 214, and a back portion 215.
  • the seat base 214 is removably connected to the base portion 21 1 via two releasable clips 216 (see Figure 7e) .
  • the seat base 214 is also contoured (i.e. shaped or moulded) to provide ergonomic indentations for the child's leg and also comprises a textured or gripping upper surface. This reduces the risk of the child slipping in the swing seat due to friction and increases the comfort of the seat over that of a flat and/or smooth surfaced seat.
  • the swing seat 300 comprises a removable upper back rest 240 removably connected to the back portion 215 of the bucket seat 212 using a click-lock 242.
  • a T-bar 230 is also connected to the front of the seat.
  • the T-bar 230 comprises a vertical portion 232 and a horizontal portion 234 and may be the same as T-bar 30 in Figures 1 to 4c.
  • the child's legs are located either side of the vertical portion 232 of the T-bar.
  • the vertical portion 232 of the T-bar 230 is removably pivotably connected to the middle portion of the front of the seat base 214 via a hinge joint 236 (see Figures 7e).
  • the ends of the horizontal portion 234 are connected using childproof removable locks 235 to the corresponding side wall 213 of the bucket seat 212.
  • a safety harness 220 is attached to the back portion 215 and the base 214 of the bucket seat 212 (see Figures 7c and 7f) .
  • the safety harness 220 can be used to secure a child into the swing seat.
  • a pair of the stabilising arm members 222, 224 are inserted through an aperture in both of the side walls 213.
  • the stabilising arm members 222, 224 are then connected to the base portion 21 1. This improves the stability of the swing seat 300, as explained above.
  • seat 300 In comparison to the swing seat 100, seat 300 has higher side walls 213 bounding the stabilising arm members 222, 224 and higher side portions on the removable upper back rest 240. Consequently, user support and comfort may be improved. In addition, user safety and security may be improved. For instance, the risk of a user getting a body part caught, in use, between one of the stabilising arm members 222, 224 and the removable upper back rest 240 may be reduced, or even eliminated.
  • each of the stabilising arm members 222, 224 comprises only a single slot 225.
  • a length of webbing 227 is threaded through the slot 225 in one of the stabilising arm members 222, 224.
  • the webbing 227 passes underneath the base portion 21 1 and is retained in position by a channel on the underside of the base portion 21 1 (see Figure 7e).
  • the webbing may then be threaded through the slot 225 on the other stabilising arm member 222, 224.
  • This is done by the user following instructions in an instruction manual provided in the kit of parts of the present invention.
  • Each of the ends of the webbing 227 is attached to a connecting means.
  • the connecting means 260' is a spring-loaded top connector according to an embodiment of the present invention (see Figures 9a, 9b and 1 1) .
  • the top connector 260' is configured to attach the swing seat 300 directly to a suitable bracket on a low swing support frame (i.e. a frame designed for younger children or babies, due to its smaller height).
  • top connectors 260' may be replaced by a pair of bottom connectors 260 (e.g. as shown in Figures 8a, 8b and 10).
  • the bottom connectors may be configured to attach the ends of the webbing 227 to two additional elongate suspension elements (such as lengths of webbing, rope or chains) which are attached (either by a top connector 260' or otherwise) to a swing support frame . This may allow the swing seat 300 to be suspended from a higher swing frame, designed for older children (as in Figure 5a).
  • the bottom and top connectors of the present invention are shown in more detail in Figures 8 to 1 1.
  • FIGS 8a and 8b show front and back views respectively of a bottom connector 260.
  • the bottom connector 260 comprises a housing 261 , preferably made of plastic.
  • the housing 261 comprises a front portion and a back portion which clip together and are connected using screws 268.
  • a length of an additional elongate suspension element which is connected to a swing support frame is threaded through aperture 265.
  • Aperture 266 is arranged to receive a loop in the end of the suspension element coupled to the swing seat, e.g. webbing 227.
  • To access the aperture 266 the user must push projection 263 upwards to align a hole in a ring 262 with aperture 266.
  • the internal mechanism of the connector 260 is shown in Figure 10.
  • FIGS 9a and 9b show front and back views respectively of a top connector 260'.
  • the top connector 260' also comprises a housing 26 ⁇ , preferably made of plastic.
  • the housing 26 ⁇ comprises a front portion and a back portion which clip together and are connected using screws 268' .
  • Aperture 265' is arranged to receive a bracket (or other suitable mounting apparatus) of a swing support frame (e.g. swing suspension points 172 in Figure 5a).
  • Aperture 266' is arranged to receive the upper end of the additional elongate suspension element (e.g. the upper length of webbing which is not directly coupled to the swing seat).
  • the internal mechanism of the connector 260' is shown in Figure 1 1.
  • the connectors 260, 260' each comprise a ring 262, 262' (see Figures 10 and 1 1 respectively), preferably made of metal, disposed in a recess within the housing 261 , 26 ⁇ .
  • the ring 262, 262' is both the locking mechanism for the connector and the load bearing component.
  • the ring 262, 262' is biased towards the closed position (i.e. wherein the ring 262, 262' blocks aperture 266, 266') by a spring 264, 264' (i.e . the rings are spring-loaded).
  • the projection 263, 263' extends from the ring 262, 262' and protrudes from the housing 261 , 26 ⁇ .
  • the connectors 260, 260' lock automatically such that the webbing (or other suspension element) cannot be released from aperture 266, 266' during use, misuse or by force, thereby satisfying the European safety standard EN71 test criteria.
  • the construction of the connectors 260, 260' also advantageously avoids metal-to- metal contact with a swing support frame without the need for a separate bushing or insert. Such metal-to-metal contact may be avoided, in use, since one or more portions of the housing 261 , 26 ⁇ may provide a bearing surface made of plastic. The provision of a plastic bearing surface may result in reduced friction and enable smoother operation of the swing.
  • the connectors may therefore be safer and/or more user friendly and/or convenient than traditional spring-loaded carabiner clips or other known connectors.

Landscapes

  • Chairs Characterized By Structure (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un siège (100) pour une balançoire comprenant un élément de siège (11, 2) fournissant une surface de siège, deux éléments de bras de stabilisation (22, 24), les éléments de bras de stabilisation s'étendant vers le haut depuis chaque côté de la surface de siège, chaque élément de bras de stabilisation (22, 24) étant configuré pour recevoir au moins partiellement, en utilisation, une partie reçue d'un élément de suspension de balançoire allongé, la partie reçue de l'élément de suspension de balançoire allongé s'étendant de manière adjacente à l'élément de bras de stabilisation (22, 10 24) le long d'au moins une partie de la longueur de l'élément de bras de stabilisation (22, 24) de telle sorte que l'élément de bras de stabilisation (22, 24) agit pour augmenter la rigidité effective de la partie reçue de l'élément de suspension de balançoire allongé.
PCT/GB2016/051063 2015-04-16 2016-04-15 Balançoire Ceased WO2016166553A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1800687.4A GB2556253B (en) 2015-04-16 2016-04-15 A swing

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1506487.6A GB201506487D0 (en) 2015-04-16 2015-04-16 A swing
GB1506487.6 2015-04-16

Publications (1)

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WO2016166553A1 true WO2016166553A1 (fr) 2016-10-20

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PCT/GB2016/051063 Ceased WO2016166553A1 (fr) 2015-04-16 2016-04-15 Balançoire

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GB (2) GB201506487D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2016166553A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10478736B1 (en) 2018-06-20 2019-11-19 Shade Swing, LLC Child's swing seat with cover
USD885069S1 (en) 2018-04-18 2020-05-26 Shade Swing, LLC Swing seat
USD885070S1 (en) 2018-04-18 2020-05-26 Shade Swing, LLC Swing seat
WO2024236067A1 (fr) * 2023-05-17 2024-11-21 Mamas & Papas (Holdings) Limited Chaise pour enfant

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110623478B (zh) * 2019-09-02 2023-05-23 全优贝贝(广州)婴幼儿照护服务有限公司 一种儿童智能安全秋千架

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US1573357A (en) * 1924-08-11 1926-02-16 Phoenix Joseph Swing
US4382595A (en) * 1980-11-14 1983-05-10 Tolar Barbara D Swing seat adapter
EP1208889A1 (fr) * 2000-10-13 2002-05-29 Kukutoys Co., Ltd. Dispositif destiné à empêcher la flexion des cordes d'une balançoire
US20020074846A1 (en) * 2000-12-20 2002-06-20 Norton John J. Swing seat
US7175535B1 (en) * 2005-01-25 2007-02-13 Marmentini Peter A Portable playground swing seat
KR100835693B1 (ko) * 2007-01-19 2008-06-05 이윤 유아용 그네 안전좌대 및 이를 이용한 유아용 그네
US20140252826A1 (en) * 2013-03-11 2014-09-11 Peter Smith Swing seat adaptors

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1573357A (en) * 1924-08-11 1926-02-16 Phoenix Joseph Swing
US4382595A (en) * 1980-11-14 1983-05-10 Tolar Barbara D Swing seat adapter
EP1208889A1 (fr) * 2000-10-13 2002-05-29 Kukutoys Co., Ltd. Dispositif destiné à empêcher la flexion des cordes d'une balançoire
US20020074846A1 (en) * 2000-12-20 2002-06-20 Norton John J. Swing seat
US7175535B1 (en) * 2005-01-25 2007-02-13 Marmentini Peter A Portable playground swing seat
KR100835693B1 (ko) * 2007-01-19 2008-06-05 이윤 유아용 그네 안전좌대 및 이를 이용한 유아용 그네
US20140252826A1 (en) * 2013-03-11 2014-09-11 Peter Smith Swing seat adaptors

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD885069S1 (en) 2018-04-18 2020-05-26 Shade Swing, LLC Swing seat
USD885070S1 (en) 2018-04-18 2020-05-26 Shade Swing, LLC Swing seat
US10478736B1 (en) 2018-06-20 2019-11-19 Shade Swing, LLC Child's swing seat with cover
WO2024236067A1 (fr) * 2023-05-17 2024-11-21 Mamas & Papas (Holdings) Limited Chaise pour enfant

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201800687D0 (en) 2018-02-28
GB2556253A (en) 2018-05-23
GB2556253B (en) 2021-03-17
GB201506487D0 (en) 2015-06-03

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